I’m so glad you decided to elope in Washington!! You picked the most beautiful state (though I might be biased having grown up here). Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, I’ve got some tips for what to pack specifically for a Washington elopement.

Hi, I’m Cherlyn, a Washington Adventure Elopement Photographer who also loves to travel! I’ve hiked through all seasons in the Washington mountains and I can’t wait to share with you how I would pack my bag for anyone traveling to Washington for their elopement from travel items to hiking items to elopement-specific things!

Let’s get into the juicy tips!

If you are flying…

I would highly recommend checking a bag. Personally, I’m also someone who doesn’t want to wait at the baggage claim, but when traveling somewhere with multiple outfit changes, it’s a relief to make sure there’s enough room for everything and feel refreshed when boarding the plane! Minimizing stress on your elopement day starts with a stress-free, relaxed travel day! That means wearing comfy clothes, giving yourself ample time at the airport, wearing noise canceling headphones and bringing those extra comforts that you might skimp out on. 

For your carry-on, I would pack the most important items, like your wedding attire, rings, accessories etc. Ask a flight attendant if you can hang your garment bag up in a closet space. Otherwise, gently keep it packed loosely in a carry-on suitcase. 

If you’re planning any sort of hiking for your elopement, bring a medium to large backpack. If it’s not packed tightly, it can be brought carry-on. I’ve never had issues with my 65L as a carry-on unless I flew on something smaller than a 737, then the airline will probably check it for free. Make sure all the straps are buckled and tightened so that extra straps don’t get tugged on while being handled.

If you are driving to Washington…

You can bring the world with you! Well, not quite, but at least you don’t have to worry about packing everything perfectly. However, I would still recommend to travel lighter so you can keep everything organized in your car. Make sure to keep your car cool and hang your garment bags up. I would highly suggest bringing a cooler with you for cold drinks and snacks for your drive. You might as well make it fun and enjoyable because the next couple days are celebrating your love! Enjoy the time together even leading up to the ceremony itself. 

New to Washington? Allow me, a local Washingtonian elopement photographer, to help you plan your dream elopement!

 

Activity specific packing…

Let’s start with the big one — hiking! Whether or not your activity involves hiking, though, my number one item for traveling to Washington is to bring a rain jacket! It is great for any inclement weather as a rain and wind protective layer. Depending on the season you are visiting, you might want extra mid layers or a puffy jacket to keep warm. If you have matching layers, even better! For hiking, pack extra socks in case they get wet from stepping in a puddle, rain, or even sweat. I’ve never regretted extra socks. Bring a good pair of hiking shoes and if you want, another pair of fancy shoes to change into for your ceremony. If you are eloping in a colder season, don’t forget warm layers like hats, gloves, scarves and extra layers.

While I might carry some extra items to share, you might prefer your own sunscreen, bug repellant, toilet paper and other toiletries. Wet wipes are a lifesaver for feeling a bit cleaner after a hike. Bring snacks and water in addition to any food items that you plan to enjoy (i.e. picnic) during your hiking elopement. 

If you’re also backpacking, remember all your overnight items too! Think: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp kitchen, water filter and headlamp. But maybe also consider fairy lights, camp chairs, hammock, coffee maker, camp mugs, camp shoes and other luxury items to make your elopement extra memorable.

If your activity is water-related like canoeing or paddling, remember to bring extra change of clothes to change into afterwards. If you’ve planned more activities after, such as a dinner or sunset portraits, consider wearing a different set of activity clothes that are still somewhat formal but can also get wet like a short, white sundress and semi-formal slacks. Oh and bring sandals and sun protection!

For a picnic, bring a picnic blanket and a cute basket, if you’re not hiking far. Make sure to have utensils, plates, napkins, and drinkware. Bring a bottle opener if you’re bringing wine. Bring a knife to cut the cake. Extra florals add a cute vibe to the setting.

Ready to start planning your Washington adventure elopement? Find out more about my elopement photography packages

Elopement-specific items…

Obviously pack all the things you would need for your elopement! Your photographer should be able to help curate the list for you, but here’s a quick run down! Key items would include your wedding attire such as clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and make up. Make sure you have all the parts to your attire too – detachable train, veil, suit jacket, undershirt, tie, cufflinks. Jewelry could include earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, anklets, watches, and duh rings! If you’ve picked out florals, they should still be wrapped in a wet towel if traveling with them in a container of water isn’t possible.

For ceremony specific items, don’t forget vow books, your ring boxes and wedding bands. Pick up your marriage license in the county you applied for. Check out my blog on eloping legally in Washington to find out more about logistics of licenses here. Have your officiant (could be me!!) carry the license and a blue/black ink pen to sign with. If you’ll be doing a unity ceremony, bring those items too. It might be rope for handfasting or knot tying, vials for unity sand/soil, glass in a bag for stomping.

Lastly, here’s a list of last minute items that might be helpful!

Fixing garments: safety pins, hem tape, tide-to-go pen, sewing kit, scissors, tweezers

Toiletries: Light makeup for touch ups like lipstick, hair spray, hair brush, bobby pins, compact mirror

And don’t stress too much because as your elopement photographer, I’ll help you in all the planning stages so you’ll be completely prepared on your elopement day!

 

Let’s get this elopement started! Check out my Washington Elopement Packages

 

Bonus: Here’s the short list of it all

Travel items: Comfy travel clothes, noise-canceling headphones, travel identification (passport/driver’s license), toiletries

Wedding suit: Jacket, shirt, vest, tie, cuff links, pants, belt, socks

Wedding dress: The dress, veil, train, sleeves, other accessories

Wedding attire accessories: Jewelry, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, anklets, watches, shoes

Wedding details and essentials: Rings, ring boxes, unity ceremony items, save-the-dates

Florals: Bouquet, boutonniere, hair florals

Legal things: Marriage license, black/blue ink pens (officiant will be responsible)

Fix-ups: Safety pins, hem tape, tide-to-go pen, sewing kit, scissors, tweezers, hair and make up touchup set, lipstick, hair spray, hair brush, bobby pins, compact mirror

Unique fun things to bring: Polaroid, disposable film camera, speaker for a first dance, cake or dessert

Hiking essentials: Backpack, water, food, first aid, headlamp, wind/rain jacket, warm layers, extra socks, hiking shoes

Winter weather: Hat, gloves/mittens, scarf

Backpacking essentials: Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp kitchen, water filter

Hiking luxuries: Fairy lights, camp chairs, hammock, coffee maker, camp mugs, camp shoes

Other potential items: Extra clothes for post-elopement, picnic items including silverware, plates, glasses, bottle opener