No matter where you are going for your elopement, this blog post goes over all the basics that you need to pack for to be prepared! Whether you’re getting married in the city (like DC) or will go on a hike in the mountains, there is an elopement packing list for you. When you’re fully prepared for your elopement, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your day without worrying about the little details. Check out the packing lists that would be helpful for you!
What to Expect for an East Coast Elopement
You’re not running away or getting hitched in a tacky church in Vegas. You are having a beautiful, intimate elopement on the East Coast! An elopement is simply a different kind of wedding – one that captures who you are as a couple and starts your marriage off in the most authentic way possible. During your East Coast elopement, you can expect incredible views (especially during an all-day elopement with hiking) and endless opportunities to craft a unique elopement experience.
Whether you want to be in a city or surrounded by the great outdoors, there’s a place for you. You can elope in a city like Washington DC with beautiful architecture and countless activity options, or you can have an intimate ceremony in the Blue Ridge Mountains by a waterfall with a romantic picnic to celebrate. Your East Coast elopement doesn’t just have to be just signing a paper, you can turn it into an all-day adventure you won’t ever forget!
Why You Need This Ultimate Elopement Packing List
As an East Coast wedding photographer, I have seen too many couples wish that they had packed a certain item during their elopement! And I certainly don’t want that to happen to you. I always send a personalized packing list along with each couple’s customized timeline, but these packing lists below are a great place to start. You deserve to be prepared and excited for your elopement!
If you want your own customized packing list and elopement timeline, you can connect with me here!
Basic Essentials List
This elopement packing list is for ALL COUPLES who are eloping! These basic essentials are truly essential, so make sure you write these down or save this blog post to your Pinterest to not forget!
- Documents
- Marriage license and pen to sign
- Essential travel documents (ID’s & passports if needed)
- Special use wedding permit/photography permit (if needed for locations)
- Printed elopement day timeline (I can create your elopement day timeline here!)
Wedding Details List
After photographing many East Coast elopements, this list includes all of the wedding related items I suggest that you pack or bring to your elopement! Whether you’re local to the area or traveling in, triple check that you have all of these items before you head out.
- Rings and boxes (engagement ring(s) & wedding bands)
- Wedding attire for both partners (dress, suit, tie/bowtie, etc.)
- Garment bag for wedding attire during travel
- Wedding shoes (for both partners)
- Portable steamer
- Accessories for both partners (watch, jewelry, hair pieces, necklace, bracelet, cufflinks, pocket square, veil, etc.)
- Perfume & cologne (if you want wedding day scent & for photos)
- Elopement invitations or announcement card
- Family heirlooms
- Vow books (better for photos to handwrite your vows)
- Florals (bouquet, boutonniere)
- Gifts or letters to exchange with each other
- Letters from family and friends
- Any items needed for a unity ceremony
Essential Gear Elopement Packing List
This essential gear elopement list is here to support you in enjoying your wedding experience. With these items packed, you’ll be able to relax knowing you have exactly what you need throughout the day. You will feel confident and comfortable!
- Change of shoes for walking / hiking
- Makeup for touch-ups & compact mirror
- Snacks and water (and more extra water!)
- Deodorant
- Backpack or tote bag to carry everything (including phone, wallet, and keys because you’ll want to make sure your pockets are empty for photos)
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Oil wipes for face & sweat
- Tissues
- Extra bobby pins, hair spray, comb
- Tide-To-Go pen
- Lint Roller
- Portable Phone Battery Pack
- Umbrellas (ideally clear umbrellas for photos but don’t worry, I have a set you can use)
- Warm coats in the fall and winter
- Rain jackets (light or heavy)
- Basic meds (Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, motion-sickness meds)
- Toiletries if you’re staying in an Airbnb or Hotel
Extra clothes
- Small speaker for music
BONUS: If you’re planning a picnic anywhere, make sure to have those items too!
- Picnic blanket and basket
- Snacks and drinks
Safety Items List
Your elopement day is going to be an incredible experience celebrating your marriage, but just in case, you’ll want these on hand.
- Printed Map (if you can)
- Travel first aid kit
- Safety whistle
- Compact warming blanket
City Packing List
For the city lovers, this elopement packing list is for you! While many of the couples I get to work with choose an all day elopement in Washington DC, this packing list also works for other cities on the East Coast! These are the items you should have prepared to have a smooth, enjoyable experience as you explore the city together.
- Good Walking Shoes
- Metro Card/Money for a Metro Card
- Uber or Lyft downloaded to your phone
- Small backpack or tote bag to carry belongings
- Extra money / credit card for souvenirs or food
- Hand warmers
- Fake flowers (please note that some art museums don’t allow real flowers!)
Outdoors / Hiking Elopement Packing List
I know you’re ready for an adventure, so let’s make sure you are prepared! While you can use this list for any outdoor elopement, this packing list is often used for couples eloping in Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Seneca Creek State Park, and Raven’s Roost Overlook and other outdoor locations. For more tips on planning your hiking elopement, I have resources to help guide you through! You can check them out here.
- Hiking boots (break them in BEFORE the elopement day!)
- Extra socks
- Backpack
- Warm layers (ex: fleece legging, gloves, scarf)
- Bag for trash (Leave No Trace!)
- Toilet paper
- Hand Sanitizer
- Flashlights / Headlamps
- Lanterns for photos (optional)
- Windbreaker (mountains can get very windy!)
- Hand Warmers
Want More Support Planning Your East Coast Elopement?
I am more than just a photographer, and I will help you plan your elopement! We dream big and then plan ALL of the logistics for your elopement to make sure you’re fully prepared. Locations, permits, timelines, and more. You’ll get to go on your wedding adventure and receive images back to enjoy forever!
Ready to say yes to your adventure? Get in touch!
Looking for more elopement planning resources? Visit my blog for elopement photography inspiration and free elopement planning tips and guides!
