What to Pack For Your Elopement or Micro Wedding

Packing for your elopement or micro wedding can be overwhelming! You may find your mind overwhelmed by every contingency that may arise on your big day. The endless possibilities and potential mishaps can easily overwhelm even the most organized couples. As someone dedicated to ensuring a stress-free wedding experience, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to simplify the packing process.  Keep reading for packing tips and my ultimate micro wedding and elopement packing list to quickly move this task from a wedding day to-do to to-done.

What to Pack for Your Elopement or Micro Wedding

Packing for your elopement or micro wedding is a personal experience, unique to each couple’s vision, needs, and preferences. While the essentials may vary, here’s an in-depth list of must-haves to ensure your special day is both seamless and memorable. Here are my top recommendations for your micro wedding or elopement adventure:

A Bag or Box Containing Your Wedding Day Details Such as:

(Note: As part of my micro wedding and elopement photography packages, I always provide my couples with a branded tote bag to use. This tote bag serves as a convenient place for all your wedding day essentials and items for your detail photos, ensuring they stay organized and easily accessible throughout the day.)

Jewelry:

Ensure your precious jewelry is packed securely to prevent damage or tangles, especially if your items hold sentimental value. Use a jewelry box or pouch to keep them safe during transit.

Hair Accessories:

Pack your hair accessories with care to avoid any damage, especially if they include delicate floral elements. I always like the idea of bringing a few different backup options, just in case.

Perfume/Cologne:

If you’re bringing glass bottles of perfume or cologne, take precautions to prevent breakage. Also, remember to comply with airline regulations if you’re flying to Colorado with your scent stowed in your carry-on.

Cufflinks:

Keep your cufflinks together as a pair in a secure container to avoid misplacement. If they don’t have their own box, consider using a small pouch or case to keep them organized.

Tie:

If you’re wearing a tie for your big day, consider bringing an extra one just in case, as it’s surprisingly easy to overlook amidst the excitement of your special day.

Handkerchief:

If you have one of these to complete your ‘wedding attire’ look, don’t forget it! And also don’t forget that you can add extra sentiment to your handkerchief through custom embroidery or the use of a sentimental piece of cloth. 

Extra Blooms from Your Florist:

Save some additional blooms and greenery from your wedding florist to use for various purposes, such as detail photos and decor. Pack them extra carefully to preserve their freshness and beauty.

Wedding Vow Books:

Even if you’ve memorized your vows, having your words and promises written in dedicated vow books adds a special touch to your ceremony. They also serve as cherished keepsakes, allowing you to relive your promises and emotions for years to come.

Invitation Suite/Stationery:

Bring along your wedding invitation suite or any personalized stationery items made for your wedding to include in your wedding detail photos. This includes items like wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, and programs.

Marriage License and Pen:

This is extra important if you plan on signing your marriage license during your elopement. If you’ve already obtained your marriage certificate in your home state or at a different time, it’s still a great idea to bring it along for memorable detail shots. If you’re traveling with your marriage license, ensure it’s packed securely in a very safe spot to prevent any mishaps. For more details about obtaining your Colorado marriage certificate, use the button below to navigate to my other blog post.

Emergency Kit with “Oh Snap” Essentials:

Advil/Tylenol:

Altitude sickness and grand adventures can leave you with headaches and muscle soreness. Always keep these on hand in case any symptoms threaten to crash your party.

Mints:

Did you know that you salivate less when anxiously excited? Not only are mints great for an *extra fresh* first kiss, but they also help prevent that cotton mouthed feeling during your ceremony.

Deodorant:

Deodorant is an easy item to forget because you tend to use it the day of your departure! Ensure you pack a dedicated travel deodorant so you don’t have to worry about leaving it behind. Because scent is so integrally linked to memory, you may even want to consider purchasing a stick that coordinates with your wedding day fragrance.

Snacks:

Who doesn’t love snacks? Pack items that will make you happy, feel good, and give you energy throughout the day. Consider options like dried fruit, jerky, trail mix, peanut butter, granola, homemade goods, and of course, your favorite candies or family snacks.

Water:

Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate – especially in Colorado’s mountainous regions. Drinking adequate water is the best way to combat altitude sickness and replenish hydration lost if drinking alcohol.

Hydration Packets:

H2O and tasty hydration packets – the perfect pair. Pack a few of these to bring along for an extra boost of electrolytes and hydration. Brands like Ultima offer great options to enhance your water intake.

Tissues:

Tissues are a must-have for the inevitable tears of joy shed on your wedding day. Worried about smudging your makeup with a tissue? Pack a few q-tips to gracefully dab away those tears without compromising your wedding day look.

Band-aids:

Band-aids should be in your emergency kit as a general rule of thumb for covering cuts or even preventing blisters.

Stain Removal Pen:

Accidents happen! Be prepared with a stain removal pen for spills or scuffs on your wedding attire.

Tweezers:

Tweezers are handy not just for your eyebrows but also for dress buttons or removing burrs and splinters.

Travel Sewing Kit:

I’ve seen lots of things happen. Sometimes it’s a rip in a dress, and sometimes it’s a last-minute wardrobe adjustment. Hopefully you won’t need it, but a travel sewing kit is great to have just in case!

Garment Steamer:

Your wedding attire can get wrinkled during travel, whether from the other side of the world or just a short drive into the mountains. Having a steamer on hand can ensure that your wedding attire is exactly how you envisioned it.

Lint Brush/Roller:

A practical item to have, even beyond your wedding day. Plus, if furry friends are part of your household, you know they will be present in spirit… and hair.

Safety Pins:

Include a few in your wedding day bag to assist with florals, secure a boutonniere, or address any wardrobe mishaps.

Double-Stick Tape:

Double-stick tape is invaluable in keeping your wedding attire and other details securely in place throughout the day.

Attire & Accessories to Pack for Your Micro Wedding or Elopement:

Wedding Attire + Hangers:

Don’t forget your dress, suit, jumpsuit—whatever you’re wearing for your big day. And remember to bring hangers to keep your attire crease-free and wrinkle-free during travel.

Veil:

If you’re wearing a veil to complete your look, make sure to pack it with care, especially if it has intricate details.

Undergarments:

Your wedding day look may require specific undergarments to complement a low back, strapless neckline, etc. Don’t forget to pack what you need to complete your look!

Purse:

One of our household rules growing up was to never leave home without keys, ID, and a bit of emergency money. Don’t forget to pack your purse or wallet to ensure you have these essentials on hand.

Getting Ready Outfit:

If you’ve chosen a special getting-ready outfit, make sure to pack it. Feeling pampered and comfortable in your outfit can set the tone for your day.

Appropriate Layers:

Colorado’s weather is unpredictable. Yes, Colorado gets 300 days of sunshine a year, but even a sunny day can come accompanied by bouts of snow, rain, or hail. The temperature also changes drastically depending on wind patterns, your elevation, and whether you’re in direct sunshine. Be prepared for anything by packing layers that you can easily add or remove as the temperature fluctuates throughout the day.

Watch:

If you can’t imagine your wedding day without your cherished timepiece, make sure it makes it into your bag.

Shoes:

Pack your wedding shoes and a backup pair if needed for more adventurous conditions. You may decide to wear your heels during your Airbnb ceremony and then switch to your boots to hike up a mountain for sunset photos.

Engagement Ring + Wedding Bands:

Make sure to pack your rings as close to you as possible and keep them safe! Remember not to put them in a checked bag that could get lost. Wear them during travel or be diligent about knowing which bag and pocket they’re in to prevent them from falling out unnoticed.

Items to Pack for Your Micro Wedding or Elopement Reception Decor:

Cake Knife:

It would be disappointing to realize you have nothing to cut your cake with. While you could always dig in, a cake knife definitely makes the job easier.

Cake Topper:

Many couples opt for a customized or personal cake topper. If you have one, ensure it’s packed securely to prevent breakage during travel.

Sentimental Photos:

Incorporating old photos of yourselves or loved ones adds a personal touch to your celebration. Childhood photos, snapshots from past dates, or images of family members can all evoke cherished memories and make for beautiful wedding detail photos.

Memorial Table Decor:

Planning a celebration while mourning the absence of a loved one is never easy. Setting up a memorial table with sentimental items such as old photos, jewelry, or candles can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and include them in your special day. If you are planning a wedding while grieving, gain additional insights from my other blog post.

Family Heirlooms or Sentimental Items:

Including family heirlooms or sentimental items in your wedding decor can add emotion and significance to your celebration. Whether it’s a cherished family relic or a sentimental trinket, incorporating these items into your decor can create a connection to your loved ones and are precious to look back on in your wedding photos.

Other Essentials to Bring to Your Micro Wedding or Elopement:

Portable Speaker:

Music is essential for setting the vibe, filling quiet moments, and sharing a first dance. Whether you’re hosting an Airbnb micro wedding or a mountain elopement, a small portable speaker allows you to bring your favorite tunes wherever you go. Imagine the romance of sharing a private dance on a mountaintop to your favorite song.

Cell Phone Charger:

Pack a separate travel charger to ensure your phone stays charged throughout the day. This eliminates the stress of relying solely on your home charger and reduces the risk of leaving it behind. If you need to FaceTime or call loved ones, you’ll need a full battery to do so. Alternatively, consider bringing a portable phone power bank for added convenience.

Gifts for Your Partner or Family:

Some couples opt to exchange special gifts with their partner or family on their wedding day. If you’ve planned to do so, ensure these gifts are packed securely to prevent loss or damage. Keep all related items together, including letters, wrapping, and bags, for easy access when the time comes.

Tips for Packing for Your Elopement or Micro Wedding:

Organize Your Details:

Gather all the special wedding items you want photographed and place them in one bag or box. This makes it easy for your photographer to identify, capture, and return them without any last-minute scrambling on your wedding day. Ensuring your cherished and sentimental items are carefully packed will prevent them from being missed.

Start Early:

Begin creating your packing list well in advance. Whether you keep a running note on your phone or designate a specific location to collect items, starting early allows you to add any additional items that may arise. This ensures you don’t forget anything crucial on your big day.

Pack Ahead:

Try to pack as much as you can the night before your wedding. With the fast pace of events on your wedding day, the last thing you want is to feel stressed out. Packing ahead of time helps alleviate any last-minute rushing and ensures you’re prepared for a smooth, stress-free celebration.

Let’s Plan Your Micro Wedding or Elopement 

As you begin your micro wedding or elopement journey, remember that thoughtful preparation can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and memorable experience. From packing essential items to organizing meaningful details, every step taken beforehand contributes to a stress-free celebration on your special day. 

By following the comprehensive packing guide and tips provided, you can approach your micro wedding or elopement with confidence, knowing that you have everything you need to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re ready to start planning your micro wedding or elopement, get in touch, and I’ll help you begin this unforgettable adventure.