PLANNING & PACKING // ELOPEMENT GUIDE
Planning your dream elopement is all about the experience that reflects your love story, and having the right packing and planning elopement guide can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking to a mountaintop or exchanging vows by an alpine lake, being prepared with the necessities and personal touches makes for an unforgettable day. From essential gear like comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate layers to sentimental details like vow books and personal mementos, a well-thought-out packing list keeps you focused on the moment rather than what you may have forgotten. SO! guide is here to help you navigate the logistics, pack with intention, and feel confident that your elopement day is as magical as you’ve envisioned it would be.
What Season Are You Eloping
SPRING
If you’re eloping in April, May June, you’re in for a true Colorado Spring. While Spring technically starts in March, it tends to be one of our snowiest months. Sometimes snow lingers in April and one last hoorah into May. Expect the trails to be muddy from melting snow and 70 with sun or a snowstorm. June is a beautiful time to elope in Colorado, because the trees are starting to turn green and it’s warming up, but the mountains are still covered in snow.
SUMMER
One of the most beautiful and popular times to elope in Colorado. All of the trails are easily accessible, passes that are typically seasonal are open and mountain temps are comfy. We also can’t forget the days are long and we get the most sunlight to work with. Colorado is really popular these months with wildflower festivals and sporting events, so I try to be mindful in the planning process with you. We also have to keep in mind that afternoon storms roll over the mountains just about every day and while they pass fairly quickly, we try to avoid them in general by having sunrise and sunset ceremonies.
FALL
If you’re eloping in Colorado during the fall, you’re most likely looking to elope near aspens, maybe a light dusting of snow. The fall can be a little tricky trying to get the perfectly yellow leaves that tend to last a little longer down here in the front range, but usually mid-September to beginning of October would be best. I can’t look into our crystal ball and predict the perfect time, but I sure try as Mother Nature calls the shots!
A couple of other things to put into consideration… Some roads and passes close down at the beginning to mid October. Some seasonal roads will temporarily close down if a freak snowstorm comes about, so a backup plan may need to be in place. Also, mountain towns are more expensive near holidays, popular leaf peeping seasons and events like Leadville ultra races, Oktoberfest in Breck, wildflower festival in Crested Butte, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, etc..
WINTER
Winter elopements are dreamy and often a little more low-key for the reason that you can only be in the cold for so long. At least I try to limit the cold, because you turn red and it doesn’t make for the best photos. The front range warmth lasts a little longer, but higher elevations, winter can start usually in November and will last into March or so.
If you’re planning a winter elopement, just be prepared for beautiful views, but potentially wind and snow. Winter wonderlands are often worth it!
LET’S GET TO THE DEETS!
VENDORS
VIDEOGRAPHER – It’s not always in a couples budget, but a great way to show loved ones your special day.
FLORALS – Not a must, but a bouquet and boutonnieres are a nice way to add color and also helps when you feel uncomfortable with empty hands for posing. They can even be DIY.
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST – Some want to do their own. They each have their perks. It’s nice to have a professional touch and long lasting, while if you do it yourself, you don’t have a specific timeline. But also, don’t forget chapstick!
BAKERY – You can pick a sweet treat up from the store or go to a bakery for a more personalized cake and a nice touch after your ceremony.
THE LEGAL STUFF
MARRIAGE LICENSE – Depending on where you’re eloping, some locations require you to make an appointment. While other counties allow you to walk in and get your marriage license. Make sure you call ahead and bring all of the necessary paperwork, especially if you’re coming from out of town.
LOCATION PERMITS – National forests are free and all National Parks do not require a single use photography permit. If you’re having an intimate wedding, you may be required to reserve a spot or timed entry.
OFFICIANTS + WITNESSES – This is not required in Colorado unless you’d like to include loved ones. Depending on the state you’re getting married, you may be required to have a witness.
ATTIRE & ACCESSORIES
OUTFITS + WEATHER PREP
WEDDING ATTIRE – Wedding attire (dress, suit). Go for style, but practicality and comfort. Your materials should be easy to move in that flow and give. If you choose any jewelry or accessories, consider a family heirloom, watch, tie, veil, fun socks, necklace that isn’t too dainty. Otherwise, wind can just whip it around and you’ll be fixing it all the time.
FOOTWEAR – Your shoes should be stylish, but mostly comfortable and sturdy. Even if we aren’t hiking a distance, we’re still walking a distance. You’ll barely see or notice your shoes. Don’t put too much thought into it. If we happen to be hiking at a time that it’s snowing or slippery, I’d recommend getting taktraks or crampons to go on your shoes. It’s an easy Amazon purchase.
STAY WARM – If we’re in the Rockies, it’s still going to be cold at certain times of day. You can wear skin colored undershirt, leggings or even white fleece lined leggings. I’ve had brides get a white puffer jacket just to stay warm. You can also never go wrong with cozy socks and hand/foot warmers
HIKING BACKPACK – It will carry your extra layers, water (hydrate) and any other personal items you bring along. Also, be sure your pack distributes weight evenly for any kind of trek we’re making.
HEADLAMPS + FLASHLIGHTS – We’ll most likely be hiking at sunrise or finishing in the dark. Bring a reliable headlamp or compact flashlight. If we have any other plans with lamps, I’ll bring them.
PERSONAL TOUCHES
HOW TO KEEP THE HYPE GOING
MAKE A PLAYLIST – Create a playlist together leading up to your day. You can be your own personal DJ and find a song that you want to have for your first dance. Don’t forget to download your playlist. Most places we’ll venture to won’t have reception.
STATIONARY – Sometimes couples will send out post-elopement announcements or an invitation to a celebration at a later a date as a way to keep family and friends involved. Bringing an invitation along is a detail that can be nice to add to those detail shots.
KEEPSAKES – A family heirloom, small sentimental items, jewelry or a framed photo can sometimes be a nice touch to add to add to your day to those that can’t be there or keep a tradition in the family.
LETTERS FROM LOVED ONES – This is probably one of my favorites! If your elopement is a kept secret, asking friends and family to write heartfelt letters for you to read on your wedding day can be so special and emotional.
PICNIC
MAKE IT WHAT YOU WANT
BLANKET AND PICNIC BASKET – Bring along a basket that can carry all of the essentials. If you decide against a basket and opt for a pack, you can still keep your cups and other small details packed away. As for a blanket, pick something neutral that can go well with any setting. Whether it’s in the rockies or a meadow.
SNACKS ON SNACKS – Keep the food simple and something that can last without being cold. Whether you’re bringing meats, cheeses and fruits or a few pastries to indulge, it’s a great, no fuss way to celebrate.
DRINKS – You bring champagne or sparkling water to drink and I’ll bring the champagne to spray. If it’s sunrise, bring some coffee in a thermos with a few fun mugs to sit, relax and enjoy the scenery.
DAY OF ESSENTIALS
IF YOU FORGET EVERYTHING ELSE, DON’T FORGET THIS!
RINGS, VOW BOOKS, FLORALS – These are the most important pieces of the day along with your attire. Make sure your vows, rings and any florals are packed away in and on your pack.
WATER AND SNACKS – This might seem obvious and it doesn’t matter if you live in CO and are used to the elevation or not. Staying hydrated and having some snacks on hand will keep you going for the day.
TOUCH-UP KIT AND BRUSH – Hikes can get hot and they can get windy. It’s a good idea to have a few touch up items put aside. A brush and bobby pins can also be great items to put in the bag in case we need to pin your hair back.
BACKUP PLANS AND WEATHER WATCHING – Weather can be unpredictable in the great outdoors. I’ll keep track of the weather leading up to your day, but making sure you have extra layers is always helpful and being flexible in case we need to work around any weather coming our way. Sometimes you have to wait it out or find lower ground.
