Your Ultimate Elopement Checklist || What to pack
Your elopement day is just around the corner (yay!). As your resident elopement photography & planning team who've seen it ALL when it comes to luxury elopements, we’re sharing our ultimate elopement checklist. After helping countless couples plan their perfect day, we've put together everything you need so nothing gets left behind (because nobody wants that last-minute "I forgot the rings!" panic). This guide is all about making your day feel completely effortless while ensuring nothing gets left behind or forgotten!
At the end of the day, nothing matters more than the two of you having the best time and creating memories that'll last a lifetime. But a little preparation goes a long way!
First Things First: The Absolute Must-Have
Let's be real for a sec—the absolute most important thing you're packing for this celebration is YOU TWO! At the end of the day, nothing matters more than the two of you having the best time ever and making memories that'll last a lifetime.
Second most important? A dream team of vendors who you can totally trust (hi, that's us!). When you have the right people behind you, you can lean all the way in and just enjoy every moment without the stress. So pack your favorite person, your sense of adventure, and let us handle the rest.
Okay now let’s get to what you’re really here for, our elopement checklist!! Let’s first break it down into parts of your day & what you should pack to make it an effortless day.
Getting Ready Essentials
The morning of your elopement sets the tone for your entire day. Create a dedicated space for all your getting-ready items so everything's easy to find when you need it. Pro Tip: Get a cute tote bag dedicated just for your morning-of items. Having everything in one spot means one less thing to worry about!
A-Frame Cabin Vibes: Need a stunning spot to store all your elopement goodies && get ready in style? Check out our Best Colorado A-Frames for your Elopement blog! These dreamy spaces have the perfect natural light for those getting-ready photos.
Getting Ready Checklist:
✓ Detail box or bag (the one we just chatted about, duh)
A jewelry organizer case can be helpful too to keep all your necklaces and bracelets from tangling.
Here are a few options we love for detail bags: Beige Tote Bag, Cream Tote Bag, Faux Leather Bag
✓ Personalized hanger with your new last name
Check out these classic white ones & these ~fancier~ ones.
✓ Vow books (make time to transfer your vows to pen and paper, you’ll thank me later)
We’re obsessed with these ones and they come in a ton of color options! Or go for these ones if you’re looking for something more personalized.
✓ Cozy, chic getting-ready outfit
Need inspo? We gotcha. Head here for a ton of different options no matter hat your vibe is!
✓ Slippers or slip-ons for warm toes (or just go barefoot, no judgement here!)
We love these xo, Fetti ones or these super fuzzy ones!
✓ Water bottle (hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!)
Doesn’t have to be curated for photos, but if you’re looking for a cute one!
✓ Makeup bag with touch-up essentials (hiring a professional who provides a touch-up kit is a game-changer!)
✓ Something borrowed, something blue (if that's your vibe)
✓ A playlist that gets you in the perfect mood
& be sure to download to your phone so that there’s no fuss with WiFi
If you’d rather have an easily shoppable list, head here for everything above linked!
Ceremony Magic
This is THE moment you've been dreaming about! Let's talk ceremony must-haves. This is when you'll be officially tying the knot (cue the happy tears!). Whether you're exchanging vows at sunrise with epic mountain views, in a dreamy forest setting as the light filters through the trees, or soaking up the sun in the middle of the desert, these items will ensure you're fully prepared to enjoy every second of becoming MARRIED!
Ceremony Checklist:
✓ Your & your lover’s attire (dress(es), suit, whatever feels true to you)
For wrinkle free clothes grab this handheld steamer or even just pack some wrinkle release spray + hang your attire ASAP upon arrival
✓ Accessories & Jewelry (veil, scarf, hat, tie, necklace, watch, earrings)
You know we love a custom hat. This is our favorite brand! For inspo on the perfect accessories to add, head here!
✓ Shoes that let you MOVE! (We'll have you running, twirling, and dancing in nature)
Pro Tip: Pack heels for photos before the ceremony, then switch to boots or comfy shoes for the actual celebration
Think chunky heels, cowgirl boots, or casual options like white Doc Martens or Blundstones. Here are some of our favorites!
✓ Marriage license (super easy to get—we'll help you through this during planning)
And of course, a pen to sign!
For more info on how to get a marriage license, head to our How to Elope blog!
✓ Permits and park passes, if needed (don’t worry, we’ll help you figure this out too!)
✓ Rings and special ring boxes
We’re obsessed with this ring box.
✓ Veuve Clicquot (because, duhh!)
✓ Plastic champagne flutes (let’s not do glass in nature)
Don’t worry, they can still be cute and plastic! (like these && these!)
✓ Florals (bouquet, boutonniere)
Pro Tip: Hire one of our fav florists so you don’t have to worry about this part!!
✓ Clear umbrella (just in case Mother Nature has her own plans)
We always recommend these ones to our couples.
✓ Sunglasses
These Tory Burch sunnies are way cuter than squinting into the sun while reading your vows, obviously ;)
If you’d rather have an easily shoppable list, head here for everything above linked!
Post-Ceremony & Reception Vibes
After you say "I do," it's time to celebrate! Whether you're planning a private chef experience or a sunset picnic, this is where you get to soak in your first moments as newlyweds.
Reception Checklist:
The beautiful thing? When you hire the right team, there's nothing to remember here! But just in case you need some inspo for what to do after saying “I Do”:
✓ A private chef experience at your mountain rental
✓ Restaurant buyout at spots like Radicato or Aurum
✓ Sunset luxury picnic by Mountain Lux Events
✓ First dance song downloaded on your phone (service can be spotty in the mountains!)
✓ Your favorite dessert (cupcakes, cookies, or a small cake)
✓ A cozy layer for when the sun sets and mountain temperatures drop
Special Extras That Make All The Difference
These little touches truly elevate the whole experience:
✓ Handwritten letters to exchange with each other
These cards are super cute for day of love notes. Or go the more extravagant route and write your partner a bunch of love letters with this kit.
✓ Letters from family and friends who couldn't join (pictured above, so sweet)
Pro Tip: If your friends and family aren’t joining us for your elopement, there are still ways to include them in your big day. Having your loved ones write letters to you and your lover to read before or after your ceremony is a great way to do that! Just make sure to give them at least two months to get it written and mailed to you.If you want to give a few letter-writing prompts to your peeps, here are some ideas:
“Why do you think my partner and I are perfect for each other?”
“What marriage advice would you give my partner and I?”
“What unique traits have you observed in our relationship?”
“How did you play a part in my journey here today?”
“What special memories do we have together that you think fondly of?”
✓ Family heirlooms to incorporate (these make for the sweetest detail photos!)
✓ Your fur babies with cute accessories (check out our blog on including your dog in your wedding!)
If you’re bring your doggo(s) along, bring this inkless print pad with you. Then they can sign your marriage license too!!
✓ Custom gifts for each other
✓ Portable phone charger (for all-day adventures)
Our fav is linked here!
✓ Special perfume/cologne to associate with this day forever
Here are a few of our favorites for eloping!
✓ A secret playlist for just the two of you (downloaded because service can be spotty!)
Use this bluetooth speaker that attaches to your bag for easy carrying/access && it’s waterproof!
And Lastly...
The final thing to pack? Us! Your dream elopement planning and photography team! When you bring us along, you're not just getting gorgeous photos—you're getting a completely done-for-you experience from start to finish.
Our process is intentionally designed so you can share your vision, then we make it happen. From scouting secret ceremony spots to crafting custom timelines that prioritize quality time together, we handle all the details so your day feels completely effortless yet elevated.
So while this elopement checklist is an amazing starting point, there are countless hours of experience and knowledge that we’ll bring to your planning process that just can’t be put into a checklist on a blog! That's the beauty of working with a team who knows these details inside and out—we’re here to anticipate needs before you even realize you have them. So whenever you’re ready, reach out. We can’t wait to hear all about your love story!
Want more elopement guidance? Check out our How to Elope guide and download our Free Planning Checklist to make sure you don't miss a single detail.
Remember, we've got your back every step of the way. That's why our couples choose us—so they can lean in, trust the process, and focus on what really matters: celebrating their love in the most authentic way.
Tell Us Your Wedding Vision—watch us Make It Happen
We can’t wait to hear all that you’ve been dreaming up! Our couples invest an average of $8,000 in a seamless, all-in-one photography and planning experience. Fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch within 48 business hours to start planning!
