Bride holding a lantern while wearing hiking boots beneath her wedding dress at night — Good shoes and a reliable light source make a big difference when the adventure continues after sunset.

Adventure Elopement Packing Guide

Packing for the Mountains

Mountain weather rewards a little preparation.

Being prepared for your adventure elopement is key to fully enjoying your big day. In western North Carolina, temperatures and precipitation can fluctuate wildly any month of the year. Even in the summertime, higher elevations can experience unseasonably cold temperatures.

So what’s the weather have to do with your adventure elopement and photography session? Everything. No matter how dapper you’re looking for your special day, there’s no amount of Photoshopping that can hide the misery of being cold and wet. Having adequate gear will not only keep you comfortable, it’ll also allow you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating love. You don’t need much, but having the following items during your adventure elopement can make or break your big day in the mountains.

01 / Weather Prep

Clear Umbrellas + Rain Gear

Pack for rain, even when the forecast looks good.

Even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain, always pack an umbrella or some form of rain gear (think jacket and pants or a poncho to cover most of your outfit).

Couple hiking with clear umbrellas during light rain in the mountains of western North Carolina — Clear umbrellas keep you moving through light rain without hiding the two of you — or the view.

Rain is not a deal breaker for elopements! Passing afternoon thunderstorms are common in western North Carolina, so don’t let a little rain keep you from tying the knot. There is something serene and beautiful about watching a storm roll in, then break up in a dazzling display of light and clouds. For the couples who are prepared and willing to wait out the rain, you may even be rewarded with the best golden hour of your life.

02 / After Sunset

Headlamps, Lanterns…or Both!

Sunset is worth planning around.

For 99% of my sessions, sunset is something to plan your wedding day around. It’s that amazing!

Put simply, golden hour happens first during the first hour of light after the sun rises, and again during the last hour of light before the sun sets. During these two times, and on days when the forecast calls for some sun, it produces a warm, natural light that’s perfect for photography.

Newly married couple sitting together by lantern light on a mountain overlook after sunset — Sunset doesn’t have to mean the end of the experience. A lantern can add light, warmth, and a reason to linger a little longer.

So, if sunset is part of your wedding timeline, just make sure and bring some headlamps along. You can always use your phone’s flashlight, but I don’t recommend anything you need to carry in your hands to light your way. Couple’s are almost always carrying something - whether it’s layers for warmth; food; bags with supplies, etc. Being able to hike with your hands free is super nice - and a little safer.

Not only are they super functional on the trails, headlamps also add a unique element to portraits too.

Two headlamps resting on moss and pine needles before a mountain elopement hike — Headlamps aren’t glamorous gear, but having both hands free on the hike out is hard to beat.

03 / Trail Footwear

Approach Shoes or Hiking Boots

Good trail shoes are worth it.

You know what really spoils an adventure elopement? A sprained ankle. Also blisters.

Bride hiking a foggy mountain trail in her wedding dress and hiking shoes — Wedding clothes and trail shoes get along just fine. The fancy shoes can come out when you actually need them.

Save the heels or fancy loafers for the ceremony and photo shoot itself. Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes with good traction (Pro Tip: Look for shoes featuring a Vibram sole) for the hike in. Your feet will thank you.

Bride changing from dress shoes into hiking boots beside a car before heading onto the trail — A quick shoe change at the trailhead is usually a much better plan than hiking in wedding shoes.

04 / Staying Warm

Warm Layers

Bring a layer for the higher elevations.

Temperatures are often 10 degrees cooler in the mountains than they are in Asheville.

Bride and groom wrapped together in a purple shawl in a mountain forest — A shawl or blanket can keep you warm without feeling out of place in the photos.

Depending on the season, I recommend packing an extra layer or two just in case. A tasteful shawl or scarf will not only keep you warm but also can naturally be incorporated as a nice prop for portraits. I would also pack a lightweight jacket too. A packable and windproof jacket can be a life-saver on those brisk days.

If you’re still figuring out what makes sense with your wedding clothes, I have a separate guide on what to wear for your mountain elopement.

Bride wrapped in a warm blanket beside her groom during a fall mountain sunset — It can feel completely different on a summit than it did when you left Asheville.

05 / Food + Water

Picnic and/or Snacks

Don’t forget to actually eat.

I always recommend bringing your favorite snacks and some celebratory beverages to round out your adventure elopement pack list.

Newly married couple sharing drinks and a picnic in the mountains after sunset — A simple picnic can be part celebration, part refuel, and a good reason to slow down for a few minutes.

You can go all out with a picnic blanket and cheese board spread or keep it simple. Whether or not you want a picnic incorporated into your elopement photoshoot, it’s important to bring at least some snacks and water for your adventure elopement. Even if it rains and the skies are moody, at least you won’t be hangry.

If you want to make food a bigger part of the day, I put together a full guide with picnic ideas for adventure elopements, including what travels well, how to carry it, and where a picnic can fit naturally into the timeline.

06 / Meaningful Details

Personal Touches

Bring the small things that mean something.

If you and your partner have any items that are particularly meaningful or emblematic of your union, bring them!

Groom wearing an embroidered heirloom handkerchief in the pocket of his grey suit — Small heirlooms are easy to carry and can bring someone important into the day in a really personal way.

Bride showing an embroidered family heirloom sewn into the inside of her wedding dress — Meaningful details don’t need to be elaborate. Sometimes they’re literally stitched into what you’re already wearing.

It’s fun to photograph couples who incorporate sentimental touches or other mementos into their elopement. Small items that can be easily carried or integrated in some way can add a unique touch to your photos and be a great way to remember or to include loved ones.

Adventure Elopement FAQ

A Few Quick Packing Questions

You don’t need specialized expedition gear for most mountain elopements, but a handful of practical choices can make the day considerably more comfortable.

What should we carry in our elopement backpack?

Start with water, snacks, an extra layer, rain protection, and a headlamp if there’s any chance you’ll be hiking near or after sunset. From there, what you bring depends on the season, trail, weather, and how long you’ll be outside.

Do we really need rain gear?

I recommend having something with you even when the forecast looks good. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, particularly at higher elevations. Clear umbrellas, a lightweight rain jacket, or a packable poncho can be enough for many days.

Should we hike in our wedding shoes?

Usually not. Comfortable trail shoes or hiking boots with good traction are a much better choice for the hike. You can change into dress shoes once you reach the ceremony or portrait location if you want them in the photographs.

How should we dress for changing mountain temperatures?

Layers are your friend. Temperatures at higher elevations can feel considerably cooler than they do in Asheville, especially once the sun drops or the wind picks up. My mountain elopement clothing guide goes deeper into what works well.

Do we need headlamps if we’re planning for sunset?

If you’ll be walking a trail after sunset, yes. Headlamps leave both hands free for carrying layers, flowers, food, or other gear and make the hike out much easier than relying on a phone flashlight.

Planning an Asheville Elopement?

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Location ideas, weather, timing, trail logistics, what to bring, backup plans — all of that is part of planning an adventure elopement that actually works in the mountains.

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What to Pack for Your Adventure Elopement