Holy guacamole, you’re eloping in the great outdoors! But hold up adventurous lovebirds – before you sprint off into the sunset, let’s talk shop about the adventure elopement gear that’ll make or break your wild wedding day.

I’m here to be your gear guru! Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on a misty mountaintop or sealing the deal on a secluded beach, I’ve got the inside scoop on everything you need to pack.

Adventure Elopement Gear Packing List

• Marriage license and pen with black ink
• Printed permit if required
• Vows
• Rings
• Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s)
• Wedding attire
• Jewelry
• Picnic blanket
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Toiletry bag
  • Pocket mirror
  • Hair brush
  • Deodorant
  • Makeup for touchups
  • Bobby pins and/or hair ties
  • Tide stick for stains
  • Mini lint roller
  • Bathroom necessities
• Portable speaker
• Backpacks
• Hydration System
• Rain gear
• Warm jacket
• Base Layers
• Hiking Boots
• Socks
• Camping Gear ( for multi-day trips)
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bags
  • Sleeping Pads
  • Backpacking Pillow
  • Extra clothes
  • Camp shoes
  • Multi-tool
  • Bear spray
  • Headlamp
  • Extra batteries
  • Cooking equipment
    • Jetboil
    • Food
    • Dishwear and cook set
    • Utensils
    • Extra water
    • Lighter
    • Water filter
    • Trash Bag
  • Satelite communicator
  • GPS device
  • Portable charger

Adventure Elopement gear recommendations

I legally have to tell you that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I get a small commission if you buy products from them. But more than anything, I want to share what products my couples and I have used and loved!

Attire for the Adventurous Couple

Who says you can’t look fabulous while scaling a mountain? Here’s how to dress for success (and comfort):

Bases Layers:

Depending on the time of year and the location of where you are planning to elope, base layers might be a good idea. Regular wedding attire is not made for extreme weather and adding bulky layers isn’t really an option either. Consider adding nude color fleece leggings under your dress or a wool base layer under your suit!

Adventure wedding dress:

Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics. Designers like Rue De Seine and Willow by Watters have some gorgeous, adventure-friendly options. Make sure to take a look at the iconic veils that Rue De Seine have on their website, it could be the perfect addition to your unique elopement.

If you plan on hiking to your ceremony location and you don’t want to hike in your dress, you can either choose to fold your dress and put it in your backpack, or place it into a dress bag and hang it on the outside of your backpack.

Tuxedo:

You can do the same thing with a tuxedo! Remember to bring all of the layers of your suit!

Jackets:

Pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket as well as something that will go with your outfits and will look good in pictures. Removing your jacket for every photo will get annoying fast and it wont keep you warm.

Adventure Elopement Footwear:

Your choice in footwear is an extremely important decision to make. You want to make sure that the type of shoes you pick are comfortable, durable and have traction. You also want them to look good! Keep in mind the type of terrain you’ll be hiking in and how far you will be going. That can make a difference in the type of footwear you choose.

Pro tip: Whatever you choose, make sure to break in your shoes before the big day. Trust me, blisters are not on anyone’s wedding wish list! The quality of socks will also help to prevent blisters. My favorite socks for hiking in are the Darn Tough socks.

Backpacks:

You’re not just carrying your love – you’ve got gear to haul too! I wrote another blog post on my top 5 favorite elopement gear backpacks that I recommend for your hiking elopement, so if your searching for a more in-depth guide for just backpacks make sure to check it out! Here is the bag that I currently use for all of my Day hikes and can’t stop recommending to everyone I meet. If you plan on doing a multi day hike for your elopement, you may want to consider a larger bag. At least 50 L or more.

Hydration systems:

Depending on the location and duration of your hike, your hydration system will vary. For longer hikes, you may want to consider throwing out the hydration bladder and replacing it with a water filter and a normal water bottle. Trying to carry all the water you think you’ll need for the whole hike isn’t feasible and the chances of running out of water are high. it’s much easier to filter your water along the way. it lightens your pack as well! For water filters I use a sawyer mini

However, for shorter hikes, a water bladder would be ideal! You won’t have to locate water sources and not having to reach for a water bottle anytime you are thirsty is nice.

Camping and Outdoor Essentials

If you’re making a night (or more) of it, don’t forget these camping must-haves:

Tent:

This tent is a dupe for the Zpacks duplex tent. It’s ultralight and super durable just like the Zpacks tent but it’s about a 1/6th of the price which is pretty great! This tent doesn’t come with poles because it utilizes your hiking poles for set up which reduces the size and weight you’ll have to carry by quite a bit!

If you want to cut down the weight of your pack and you are not worried about rain, I bring my Sea to Summit Pyramid Net Shelter It’s a million times easier to set up than a tent and barely weighs anything. if I know there is a super low chance of rain on any of my trips, I always opt to take my bug net with me instead of my tent.

Sleeping bags:

Go for a double sleeping bag like the Big Agnes Dream Island 15 – because cuddling is mandatory, right?

Or if you’re more like me, your own sleeping bag is a must to be able roll around all you want without disturbing your partner. In that case I recommend

Cooking equipment:

The Jetboil MiniMo cooking system is compact and efficient for whipping up a celebratory meal.

First-aid kit:

My favorite first-aid kit is from Adventure Medical Kits. They have great options for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tech and Navigation Tools

Satellite communicator:

Portable Charger:

GPS Device:

Phew! We’ve covered more ground than your average mountain goat, haven’t we? From capturing those Instagram-worthy shots to ensuring you’re comfier than a bear in hibernation, this gear guide has you prepped for the adventure elopement of your dreams.

Remember, lovebirds, the key to a successful adventure elopement is balancing preparation with spontaneity. Pack smart, but don’t forget to leave room for those magical, unplanned moments – they’re often the ones you’ll cherish most.

So, what are you waiting for? Start packing (don’t forget the rings!), and get ready for the most incredible day of your life. The mountains are calling, the beaches are beckoning, and the forests are… um, forestalling?

Go forth, be wild, be in love, and most importantly, be yourselves. Your adventure awaits, and it’s going to be epic! Happy trails and even happier ever after!