When it comes to planning your Colorado elopement, I want to be there for you every step of the way from choosing a location to packing your bag the night before. Knowing that this is likely your first adventure elopement, there are a lot of things to think about. Lucky for you though, I have been a part of SO many elopements throughout the course of my career and can walk you through the planning step by step. In this blog we will go over what you need to pack for your Colorado elopement, and things to think about leading up to the day.

Planning for Your Adventure Elopement

As you begin planning your Colorado elopement you will want to think about the experience you plan to have. Variables such as how far do you plan to hike throughout your elopement, how steep is said hike, what time of year you plan to elope and how experienced you are in doing that kind of hike are all important variables. When deciding what to pack for your elopement you will want to think about how long your hike is, how experienced you are in hiking this type of terrain and what you will need to make sure you’re comfortable, safe and happy throughout your elopement.

Things to Do Before Packing for Your Elopement

Leading up to your elopement day, there are a handful of things you will want to do to prep your gear. Here are a few of the more important tasks to keep in mind as you are packing for your elopement.

Break in Your Shoes

No matter how challenging your hike is, it is important to make sure you’re wearing shoes that are comfortable. If you plan to wear new shoes for your elopement, you will want to break them in throughout the weeks leading up to your elopement. Even with your shoes fully broken in, be sure to pack band-aids just in case.

Test Your Wedding Outfit

If you plan to dress up in wedding attire for your elopement, you will want to make sure your attire fits you well and can be worn while walking for extended periods of time. When trying on your pants, be sure to squat in them, walk around quite a bit and make sure they feel comfortable. When it comes to dresses, always check to make sure straps are strong and secure, and zippers are strong. Accidents happen but you can make sure you’re prepared by testing out your attire and making sure you’re comfortable before your day.

Make Sure to Have a Permit if Needed

Before your elopement, be sure to research the location you plan to elope in thoroughly. Check out the trails you can take to get to your destination and be sure to check what kind of permits you might need to elope at this location. On top of this be sure to research what the conditions are like in the area at the time of year you hope to elope!

Obtain Your Marriage License

One of the best parts about getting married in Colorado is that you can apply for your marriage license and take home said license the same day! To make sure you’re prepared, I do suggest getting your marriage license a week or so before your elopement just in case anything comes up. For more information on obtaining your marriage license check out my blog on how to get your marriage license.

The second best part about getting married in Colorado is that you can self-solemnize! In other words, you do not need an officiant present to get married in Colorado. You and your partner can get legally married just the two of you (and me! ;) ) surrounded by nature.

Your Colorado Packing List

Over the years after documenting SO many elopements, I have put together THE list of everything you could possibly need to have your elopement run smoothly. When planning an elopement in Colorado, it’s important to know that there are a LOT of variables that are out of your control and that’s okay! Those variables, namely, the weather, the nature, and the adventure are why you decided to elope in the first place! So when packing you want to be prepared, but also make sure to remember that no matter what the adventure brings, you’re still going to have the best time marrying the love of your life surrounded by Colorado nature.

I’ve split this list into three categories, the list of items everyone should bring, the list of items that are a little more weather dependent, and last but not least, items that are a little more specific to your wedding day!

Things that Everyone Should Pack for Their Colorado Elopement

Reusable Water Bottles *STAY HYDRATED*
Sunscreen
Chapstick and lotion (it's dry af here, and you don't want chapped skin for pics)
Band-aids
Multiple layers for quickly changing weather; specifically I recommend the combo of wool base layers, a fleece for warmth, a rain jacket/waterproof layer, and a winter jacket.
Sunscreen *The sun is no joke!!! Please don't get sunburned before your wedding day lol*
Multiple pairs of socks (wet socks suck)
Umbrellas (I have some also but if you have guests, bring more)
Snacks to help keep you fueled and keep altitude sickness at bay
Pain relievers (helps with altitude sickness and dehydration if you are getting muscle aches and headaches)
A tote back or backpack for carrying things around to different locations
A good attitude :)

Weather Dependent Packing List

Colorado weather can vary a LOT even over the course of a day! When packing for your Colorado elopement, you want to make sure you are prepared for all types of weather no matter what season you're in.

Hat, scarf, gloves
Hand warmers and toe warmers
Good shoes based on what you're planning on doing
Crampons/Yak Traks for slick conditions, especially in spring/fall/winter but I keep these in my hiking pack year round

Specifically for Your Wedding

Attire (duh)
Vow books (looks a lot better than reading off of your phone)
Marriage License
Safe Place for Marriage License
Flowers
Other details (rings, jewelry, cologne, perfume, etc) I can still take detail photos even if you are eloping!
Touch-up kit for makeup (ask your makeup artist if you are hiring one)
Tide pen
Nice pen for signing marriage license

Well there you have it! My complete packing list for your Colorado elopement. One of my favorite parts of working with my couples as they plan their dream elopement is helping them to pack and plan along the way. I have SO many resources I send over to my couples as we are planning their elopement and once you’ve booked me as your photographer, I am an open book when it comes to my personal experiences with eloping! If you’re ready to take the next steps and begin planning your Colorado elopement, fill out my contact form and we can start planning your day!