Updated May 3rd, 2024
Adventure Elopement Packing Guide
If you are wondering what to pack for your adventure elopement in the mountains then this guide is for you! We put together this essential list for anyone planning an Adventure Elopement with us in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It’s important to be prepared for the weather and climate of the area, especially if you have never visited before so we have put together this packing guide to make sure you are prepared for your experience in the mountains!
Here is a list of gear we recommend bringing on any adventure in the mountains:
• Good Hiking Boots
We always recommend having good footwear in the mountains. The terrain can be rocky and if you choose us as your photographers you can almost guarantee we’ll be walking a little to find the amazing views! This is why we recommend having good quality hiking boots/shoes for your adventure.
We love the look of hiking boots under a wedding dress. If you have a longer dress with a train you often can’t see them anyway! If you can see your shoes and prefer to have a different look its totally possible to pack another pair of shoes and change them for photos. For those choosing to wear a suit and want to wear dress shoes we recommend hiking in hiking boots and changing into dress shoes at the top for your photos. Just make sure you bring extra socks to match!
Tip: Make sure to hem your wedding dress with your hiking boots on! Your seamstress may give you a funny look but this makes sure that your dress hangs perfectly to the ground so you don’t trip on it while hiking around, or so it isn’t too short and you can see your boots.
Tip: Make sure you break in your boots before your elopement day. Walk around the house in them to make sure they are the right fit before testing them on a longer hike outside. Depending on the boot, it may take a few wears break them in. Often the first few times you wear new boots you get blisters and you don’t want to be uncomfortable while hiking on your wedding day.
• Warm Layers
Dressing in the mountains is all about proper layering. When heading up into the mountains the temperature can fluctuate 20 degrees or more depending on time of day. Especially early in the mornings and later in the evenings when the sun is lower in the sky. By preparing for cold temperatures will insure a comfortable adventure as the weather can change quickly!
We suggest bringing a few layers so you can regulate your temperature throughout the adventure. You will want to wear a breathable base layer to hike up in such as a lightweight t-shirt and hiking pants or leggings. Then bring more layers to add as you need. We like to bring a fleece layer, a down layer and a rain/windproof jacket. It will be warm while moving, but once you get to the top and your heart rate slows down it, your body will get cold and it’s nice to have those layers to keep you warm.
Tip: You will be sweaty by the time to get to the top so we always bring an extra t-shirt or base layer to change into right away after you finish hiking. That wet layer is what will make you cold, even if you put extra layers on top so always bring an extra base layer.
Tip: If you can we always recommend wearing a thermal layer under your dress clothes, especially for our sunrise sessions where the temperatures are cooler. This is easier to get away with when wearing a suit and for our friends wearing dresses, you can find skin coloured leggings to wear under your dress and you won’t even notice them in the photos!
• A Backpack
I don’t know if there’s anything sweeter than a bride with her flowers and dress tucked into their hiking backpack ready for adventure. You’ll also need to fill this with delicious treats and warm things for the day. Make sure all of your clothing layers, water and food fit into your backpack. We recommend bringing a bag that’s no smaller than a 35L each.
• A Good Jacket
We’ve heard it before ‘it’s only one day, I can handle the cold’ If you are wearing a dress, you will be cold and it’s important to bring a warm jacket to keep you warm in between photos. Bring something that you can put on and off easily and that warms you up fast. We also always pack a warm blanket to wrap you up in.
• Rain Gear
A good raincoat is essential when hiking. Whether you have to use it if an unexpected rain cloud comes past or just as a windbreaker, you’ll be glad to have this layer in the mountains. We also always carry umbrellas for locations that you can drive up to.
• Gloves and a Toque
Don’t forget about your head and hands! Even in the summer the temperatures can get quite cold, especially if you are hiking for sunrise or sunset. You will be so happy to have something to keep your hands and ears warm. We always bring big winter mits, hand-warmers and on the cooler mornings earmuffs for in-between photos.
• Food and Water
Remember you need to eat throughout the day. Bring some snacks to keep you going and lots of water. It’s also a day to celebrate so bring some beers, champagne, cake, or whatever you want to share with your loved one to go along with the view!
Tip: Make sure you eat before you hike! Sometimes we leave for our sunrise sessions very early and you may not feel hungry but we always recommend eating beforehand. We like to make a full breakfast and have a coffee to give our body’s energy to get up the mountain.
• Rings
Write it down so you don’t forget them and make sure you pack them in a reliable pocket or section of your bag so they can’t fall out!
• Vow Books
One thing we always recommend is picking up some vow books, even if it’s just something simple. There is something so beautiful about the process of writing your vows out in a book and reading them out loud. You don’t want to have your phone in your hand or risk your battery dying! You can also keep the books as memories of the day and read them to each other on your anniversary!
• Dress Clothes
Make sure to pack your dress clothes carefully to minimize creasing the fabric when hiking. We suggest packing them in their garment bags on hangers and then we will help you to attach them to your backpack so they are hanging rather than inside.
• Touch Up Bag
We always recommend doing your hair and makeup before you hike, then touching it up at the top. We are often hiking up for sunrise which means its much cooler and you wont sweat as much. Also, it is often dark when we arrive at the top making it hard to see to apply your makeup.
When you hike, your hair and makeup might get a little out of place so having a little bag with some touch up items might be nice.
Every adventure/couple is unique so some of these things are definitely not necessary for all elopements. We will help you during the planning process but thought we would share this list as a starting point to ensure an enjoyable day in the mountains.
We always supply headlamps for sunrise and sunset hikes and micro spikes for winter hikes!
Get inspired by reading some of our favourite adventure elopement stories in the mountains:
Hope this helped you plan for the day and we can’t wait to help you plan your dream adventure elopement in the mountains!
