If you’re thinking I’m having an elopement in our lovely state, you might be wondering what to pack for your Oregon elopement. I’ve been an elopement photographer for a few years and have a good handle on the essentials for what you might need for different types of elopement days.

Did you know that when you hire me as your elopement photographer you get a packing checklist? You also get a customized location guide, timeline creation, and I assist in helping you obtain permit for your elopement location. Wanna chat? Contact me! Now, without further adieu, let’s talk about what to pack for your Oregon elopement.

What to Pack for a Hiking Elopement

When planning for a hiking elopement, there might be a lot you want to bring. Especially if you plan on hiking in regular attire and possibly getting ready at your destination.

Hiking boots – Hiking boots are essential to most trails in Oregon unless you plan on doing some thing very short, simple, and flat.

Hiking socks – once again, if you’re planning on doing a decent hike, don’t skip out on hiking socks. Cheap cotton socks could have you in a lot of pain. You definitely don’t want that on your wedding day. These are important on the list of what to pack for your Oregon elopement.

Portable charger – bringing a portable charger could be a good idea if you plan on trying to document a lot of videos on your phone, or plan on live streaming your ceremony. It’s also a decent idea just in case you get lost.

Maps – downloading an off-line map for your drive is crucial. Especially if you’re meeting vendors. You definitely don’t want to be late to your own wedding day if you’re working with a timeline. If you’re hiking, downloading AllTrails and downloading your hike map is also a great idea.

Makeup – sometimes after a decent hike you can have a tendency to get a bit sweaty. That or have some make up smudge. If you’re not wearing make up, feel free to disregard. Although, if you are, some small things to be able to touch up it’s a safe bet. I would recommend concealer, powder, lipstick, whatever you’re wearing and want to be able to touch up.

Flashlight – this is another one that I absolutely recommend no matter what. Things happen, and hopefully they don’t. But if they do, having light in the dark is definitely a necessity.

Head lamp – similar to the flashlight, I highly recommend a headlamp. Headlamps are great for couples who are doing a long hike and aren’t totally sure what time they will be back to their cars. It’s not safe to hike in the dark without a headlamp, especially if you’re wearing your bridal gear.

Umbrellas – This is Oregon. We definitely get rain. I would advise bringing umbrellas for you and any possible guests just in case. There are a lot of clear umbrellas that you can purchase that are beautiful for wedding days. These are a great thing to pack for your Oregon elopement.

Rain coat – while we are on the topic of rain, I would suggest bringing a raincoat. We generally only get light rain here in Oregon, so a raincoat will be able to keep you nice and dry.

Water – Dont forget water! You might think it’s just a short hike, or you might not need it with all the busyness of a wedding day, but please remember to pack water for your Oregon elopement.

Backpack – you are going to need some thing to pack all of this in. I would highly suggest getting an actual backpacking backpack. Even if it’s just a small one, but being able to have waist straps and chest straps will make everything a lot more comfortable. You really don’t want to be uncomfortable on your wedding day!

Snacks – always bring snacks, you can bring whatever you want. Whether you want to plan an entire picnic, or just bring some things simple to eat while on the trail.

Sunscreen – wearing sunscreen in the summer is definitely going to be important. It would be wise to pack some if you end up spending more time outside than you originally planned.

Bug spray – we have bugs! Bring bug spray!

Small speaker – maybe you want to have a first dance during your hiking elopement. If not, I always play music for my clients during the bride and groom portraits. It makes the mood a lot more fun and it’s easier to get into the groove of taking pictures. If you don’t go with me as your photographer, I would suggest bringing a speaker!

Flower holder – if you would like to bring a bouquet of flowers, you should have something to carry them in. I recently discovered these new waterproof flower holder, things. You can put a damp paper towel around the base of your flowers to keep them alive, and then placed them within the waterproof pouch. Then, put them directly in your backpack while you’re hiking!

Rings – don’t forget your wedding rings!

Marriage license – Bring this too

Vow books – if you’re planning on sayinig your vows to one another, don’t forget to pack your vow books.

Other Things to Pack for your Oregon Elopement

If you’re traveling by plane, there’s definitely a few other things you’re going to want to remember to pack for your Oregon elopement. Alternatively, if you are already well-versed in traveling, then feel free to skip this. If you don’t travel often go ahead and give it a read!

Headphones – to listen to music or watch a movie together

Ipad, tablet, ect – download some of your favorite shows and movies so that you guys have something to do together on the plane.

Documents – thing that you need to travel and get your marriage license!

Neck Pillow – Long flight? Don’t forget the neck pillow.

These are just some of the main things that should be brought with you. This is one of those scenarios where overpacking isn’t a big deal. Make sure to bring everything that makes you comfortable. If you need things like umbrellas, decorations, florals, and don’t want to travel with them, you can of course get them shipped to wherever you’re staying in Oregon.