The way we view elopements has changed!

Something that is kind of funny to me is that a lot of people are very confused about what it looks like to elope. But to be fair, it seems like the wedding world has drastically changed in the last 10-15 years. When I share content from elopements on social media, I still get so many questions from my friends and family. Sometimes they are confused by how beautiful and planned out the event seems to be and other times they want to elope but are not sure how to start preparing for it. "Eloping" used to mean that two people ran away in secret together to get married. People thought of Vegas, drunkenness, or pregnancies. It had some pretty negative and outlandish connotations, but now as an industry, we are changing all of that. Elopements are beautiful, they are freeing, and they are full of an extraordinary amount of love! Couples spend time planning and preparing for the perfect elopement and I am here to make it easier for them.

Adventure Elopements in Utah:

Roy and I have based our business off of beautiful landscapes and there are few more beautiful places in the United States than what Utah has to offer. Around here we have sand dunes, salt flats, mountains, prairies, red rocks, deep canyons, forests, flower fields, and just about any other beautiful scene that your heart can desire. Inquire with us here if you want to hear more about what type of location your elopement could take place in. An adventure elopement in nature is a unique and memorable way to celebrate your love and commitment to each other, and Utah is home to many stunning locations that are perfect for this type of event. It's important to properly plan and prepare for your special day to ensure both safety and enjoyment. In our time photographing in Utah, we have come to prepare recommendations on items to help you prepare. With hundreds of thousands of acres of public land, there is no shortage of scenes, backdrops, or adventure to add to your wedding day. But how does one plan for a successful, comfortable, and safe elopement? What are the tools and items you need to make your wedding day full of romance, love, and memories and avoid any discomfort, stress, or even danger? We are going to explore that together. We have photographed outdoor weddings and elopements for over 6 years and have come up with a great list of things you need to bring to your elopement.

Essential Elopement Packing List:

1. Anything you will wear on the wedding day - Wedding Attire, shoes, jewelry, perfume, and wedding rings!
2. Vows
3. Safety Gear: Some basics to always have in your bag, or backpack is a first aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water. No matter where you get married outdoors, chances are the resources available to you will be slim to none. Think about things you would want to have with you if you were camping or recreating outdoors. Those same items could be incredibly useful should any issues arise. If you are driving or off-roading, make sure you have a spare tire, a self-jumper battery, and other car safety supplies such as blankets, extra water, etc. Safety preparation is all about planning for the worst. Your vendors are a great resource when it comes to specific information for your elopement. They have probably worked in these areas many times in many different conditions and can help point you in the right direction to being prepared. Annie and I are more than happy to help and make sure to inform each couple we work with on what they need to have the safest wedding in their beautiful outdoor location.
4. Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: You'll want to wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for the weather and activities you have planned. Utah can have a wide range of temperatures, so be sure to bring plenty of layers that can be easily added or removed. A hat and gloves may also be necessary, depending on the location and time of year. And don't forget to bring a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes for any hiking or outdoor activities. There are lots of different options for comfortable clothing and footwear, even for eloping.
5. Food and Snacks: If you'll be in a remote location, it's a good idea to bring enough food and snacks to sustain you throughout the day. This could include energy bars, trail mixes, and other non-perishable items. If you'll be near a town or village, you may be able to buy food and supplies locally. However, it's always a good idea to bring extra food and water, just in case. An elopement is an event that you will want to enjoy to the fullest! So keeping up with your energy is a sure way to enjoy it better.
6. Personal Items: Don't forget to bring any personal items you'll need, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries. You may also want to bring a change of clothes, especially if you'll be doing any activities that may get you dirty or wet. Think about possible wardrobe emergencies and how you could prepare for them. Having more than one option for makeup, hairstyle or attire can vastly increase the likelihood of a successful elopement!
7. A full tank of gas - the last thing we would want is for you to get stranded somewhere on your wedding day!

Or start planning your elopement with our guide! Find it here.

Decorations and Back Drops for Your Elopement:

Deciding on whether or not to bring any decorations or backdrops for your elopement can entirely depend upon the location. I wanted to add this to the blog because these elements could take up a lot of room on your "To Pack" list, but it is a tricky subject to talk about in broad terms. It is tricky because especially in Utah, every location has different rules and regulations that we need to be aware of. For example, when eloping in a National Park, you can not bring anything that would require set up and you cannot introduce any new vegetation to the land. So in National Parks, even wedding flowers are not allowed. We can always get around these stipulations by choosing a location that does not need a backdrop because it is already incredibly beautiful! I can suggest florists that work with artificial flowers. With all of that being said, here are some things that I would encourage you to research before finalizing your location plans.

1. What does it look like to get to your location? Would there be easy access and set up to the area or would someone need to pack everything in?
2. Does the area allow you to set up arches, chairs, or aisles?
3. Are you allowed to have real flowers there?
4. Do you need a permit to get married there?
5. Could the environment or weather play a role in affecting your wedding or any decorations you bring?
6. What kind of concerns (if any) would we need to watch out for when it comes to wildlife safety? (For example, in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park we would have to be aware of grizzly bears and wouldn't be able to safely leave food out)
7. Is it a highly trafficked area? How would we need to prepare if other people are in the area?

All of these thoughts and more can be found in our free elopement planning guide that we give to our couples when they book an elopement with us!

If you do the research and we do not have to worry about any of those factors listed above, then I think it is a great idea to bring decorations and backdrops! One of our most accessible locations in Utah is the Bonneville Salt Flats! Couples who elope out there can bring entire wedding setups. Details like flower arrangements, arches, rugs, candles, chairs, and aisle runners can enhance your elopement and give it the perfect ambiance and vibe that you envision.

You Got This!

Adventure elopements are truly one of a kind. This guide helps you think about the elements needed to make this special and memorable for you. Its important to pick vendors who are well renowned and trustworthy. If you lean into their expertise and use them as a resource, I know you elopement will be a huge success!

Elopements are expressive and they are a great way to ensure that the day will be fully dedicated to you and your love for one another. Eloping is incredibly unique compared to classic weddings, and as such, takes special care and thought to plan for. With a little preparation, your special day can be one of the most peaceful and iconic times in your life. We love helping our couples prepare and in our opinion, these are the best things you can bring along to your elopement.