Hiking elopements are filled with natural beauty, relaxing walks, and a bit of adventure. As an avid hiker and outdoor lover, this sounds like the perfect wedding day to me.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or not, knowing what to bring to your hiking wedding is a lot to think about! To help prepare my couples, I always provide a personalized packing list, but here is everything that could be on it. You’ll be able to find these items online or at your local REI.

Disclosure: I’ve included affiliate links with recommended hiking gear in this post. If you click through and buy something, I’ll receive a small portion of that sale. You won’t be charged more, and I haven’t been paid by any of these retailers to share their information. These are all my genuine preferences.

The 10 Essentials

First, whenever you’re hiking you should always bring the 10 essentials. These are items that would help you if you had any sort of accident while on the trail.

Navigation: This includes maps, compasses, altimeters, GPS devices, personal locator beacons, or satellite messengers.
Headlamps and extra batteries: Headlamps are especially useful when hiking before sunrise or after sunset.
First aid: This should include basic medications for pain, allergies, bandages or blisters, as well as any personal medications, such as epi-pens or asthma inhalers.
Sun protection: Don’t forget your sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, hats, or sunscreen.
Knife: For emergency use only.
Fire: Used in an emergency, bring matches, a lighter, tinder, and/or a stove.
Shelter: I recommend carrying a lightweight bivy.
Extra food: Always carry more food than you expect to consume. I find it easiest to throw in a few extra protein bars and other snack items.
Extra water: Again, always carry more water than you expect to consume. If your hike is longer and you’ll have water sources along the way, consider bringing a water filter.
Extra clothes: This one is especially necessary in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Always carry a rain jacket or poncho and bring extra layers with you. If you’re eloping in the rainy season, I advise leaving a change of clothes and shoes in the car as well.

Attire

Hiking backpack: Backpacks fit everyone differently, so I recommend trying them on in person with added weight. Look for a pack that distributes the weight on your hips.
Backpack rain cover: If your pack doesn’t come with a rain fly, bring an extra poncho or garbage bag to cover it with in case of rain.
Hiking boots: I highly recommend buying comfortable boots and breaking them in before your wedding day. If you find your boots give you blisters, visit REI or an outdoor store to see how you can tie them differently to fix the spots that rub.
Hiking socks: Wool hiking socks are my favorite! You can find thick ones for winter, or thin for summer.
Traction or snowshoes: Whether you need these or not will depend on the season or trail you’re hiking. If you’ll be traversing through deep snow, I recommend snowshoes. If you’ll be hiking on packed down snow and ice, microspikes would be best.
Trekking poles: Trekking poles are used based on personal preference, but they can help ease the impact on your knees on steep trails and help you balance across uneven or slippery terrain.
Wedding attire: Will you be wearing your wedding attire while hiking or packing it with you to change upon reaching the destination?
- Check out this blog for advice on what type of dress to buy, when to wear it, and when to pack it.
- Check out this blog for advice on what type of suit to buy, when to wear it, and when to pack it.
Layers: Aside from a raincoat or poncho, if you’re worried about being cold during your elopement, consider wearing nude fleece-lined leggings under your dress or pants and bringing a jacket or fur wrap, gloves, and hats. If you elope at sunset, be prepared for the temperature to drop after the sun goes down.
Hand, feet, and stick-on body warmers
Rings

Toiletries

Makeup for touchups
Strong makeup setting spray: This one by Urban Decay does great!
Dry shampoo
Bobby pins, hair clips, accessories
Comb
Deodorant

Other items

Wedding license
A BLACK pen for legal paperwork
Wedding vows: Wedding vows written down on paper or in a notebook always looks better than reading off a phone and gives you a keepsake.
Memorabilia: Letters, gifts, personal mementos, etc.
Permit information: Some locations require a special use permit to be married on their land. This should be purchased ahead of time and the paperwork brought with you.
Parking pass: Some locations require parking passes, and often have to be purchased off site.
Blanket: A waterproof blanket is best if you plan on picnicking or would like a dry spot to change clothes and get ready.
Something to celebrate with: There are so many ways to celebrate! Pop champagne, toast with a thermos of your favorite warm drink for the cooler months, or share ice cream from an insulated mug during the warmer months.
Get creative and celebrate in a way that is meaningful to both of you.

For kids

Extra snacks: Make them easily accessible.
Hiking carrier bag: For the littles that are too small to hike.

For pets

Food
Water and bowl
Dog boots or paw wax: Protect your dog’s paws if they aren’t used to hiking, you’ll be walking on a rough trail, or in snow.
Leashes: Following leash laws is part of the leave no trace principles. Most trails and outdoor spaces require dogs to be on a leash at all times.
Doggie bags: For clean up

Start planning your hiking elopement

What to Pack for a Hiking Elopement