Tips for Traveling to Your Elopement Location

So, you’ve planned your travel elopement, chosen the perfect location, and everything’s in place for the wedding of your dreams. There’s just one thing left to do — actually get there! Traveling to your elopement location can seem daunting, but if you take everything step by step and do a bit of planning, it can be a total breeze. Here are some essential tips for traveling to your elopement location.

couple eloping in Yosemite National Park in California

How To Pack For Your Elopement When Traveling

While some items you’ll need for your trip will depend on the specific location you’ve chosen, there are some essential items you’ll need to pack no matter where you’re going.

The rings (seriously, do not forget these!)
Your attire for the day, including accessories.
Your marriage license, if you’ve already obtained it. If you haven’t obtained your marriage license yet, be sure to bring all the documentation you’ll need to obtain your marriage license once you reach your elopement location.
Your vows.
Your ID and your passport if you’re flying overseas.
A reusable water bottle — staying hydrated is essential, especially if you’re planning a very active adventure elopement!
Appropriate footwear, which includes both the shoes that you want to wear during the ceremony and for your elopement photography, as well as a good pair of hiking shoes that are appropriate for the level of activity you’ll be doing during the day.
Any toiletry items you’ll need for the day of your wedding or for the trip in general.
Phone chargers.
A backpack.

Pro tip: Pack the most essential items like your rings and attire in your carry-on bag — you don't want them in your checked luggage in case they get lost!

If you’re traveling somewhere cold, be sure to bring these items:

Extra layers.
Gloves.
Hats.
Nude tights for wearing under your dress.
Peel and stick body warmers.

And if you’re traveling somewhere warm and coastal, be sure to bring these items:

A bathing suit.
Light, breathable clothing.

Also, be sure to pack any items you’ll need for the activities you’ll be doing on the trip. For instance, if you’re planning on having a picnic, make sure you pack a blanket. If you’re going glacier roaming, don’t forget to bring your ice spikes.

Finally, you should be sure to pack some things that you might not necessarily need, but which will be important to have just in case. These items can be absolutely game-changing if the need arises:

A first aid kit.
Medicine for headaches, altitude sickness, or an unexpected cold.
A small sewing kit.
Tweezers.

For more details on how to pack for your elopement location, you can check out my ultimate packing list!

couple eloping in Redwoods National Park in California

Handling Airfare For Your Elopement Location

Here are some key pointers for handling all the ins and outs of air travel:

If you’re traveling more than 3 hours to your elopement location, I’d recommend planning to arrive at your destination no later than 24 hours before your elopement. This will give you time to get settled in.

If you’re traveling somewhere further, like overseas, then I’d recommend giving yourself even more time to get settled in. Remember — there’s going to be a time difference and you’ll need a bit of time to adjust. I’d recommend arriving no later than a day and a half or two days before your elopement day.

For the best deals, use Skyscanner and Google Flights.

Try to book your flight no later than 35 days in advance. However, if you want the absolute best deals, the sweet spot is about three months advance.

Be aware of any fees the airline might charge for luggage or any other added-on expenses.

Be aware of items that are not permitted on planes, such as safety razors, Swiss Army knives, and liquid in large containers.

If you’re traveling with a pet, be sure to gather all the information from the airline in advance regarding what they’ll require from you to safely travel with your animal pal. You’ll also want to make sure that you check with your vet that your pet is ready to travel. The airline will typically need some paperwork from the vet, so make sure you obtain the necessary documents and bring them with you to the airport.

Remember that summers, weekends, and holidays are all heavy travel times, and the airport will be very crowded and hectic during those times. So avoid traveling during those times if you find large crowds stressful!

As a bonus eco-friendly flight hack, pack a reusable water bottle like a Nalgene or Hydroflask. You’ll need to have them empty when you pass through security, but you can refill before boarding the plane!

Tips For Your Elopement Accommodations

You have lots of great options when it comes to finding lodging for your destination elopement. Which one you choose is all about what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here are some key tips for planning your elopement accommodations.

If you’re planning on camping:

You can find great campsites using apps like Campendium or websites like FreeCampsites.net.
If you’d like a dash of creature comforts in the middle of the wilderness, consider Glamping (“glamorous camping”). Glamping sites like Autocamp in Yosemite or Under Canvas near Moab allow you to get into the heart of nature while still maintaining the feel of a vacation getaway.
Use HipCamp to discover unique camping options all over the U.S.
If you’re traveling to a location like Iceland where you plan on doing a lot of moving around from place to place, consider renting a van you can stay in.

If you’re looking for an Airbnb:

Airbnb and Vrbo both offer really unique and beautiful places to stay in a wide variety of locations, from cute, cozy A-Frame cabins in the heart of the Pacific Northwest wilderness to epic, clean-cut modern mansions.
If you’re planning to have any sort of small reception on the property, be sure to verify with the owner to get permission.

For more info and tips for booking an Airbnb for your elopement, check out my blog post all about finding the perfect Airbnb!

couple exploring Joshua Tree in their Jeep before their elopement

Some Final Tips For Choosing An Elopement Spot

Make sure wherever you choose to stay fits the experience and atmosphere you’re looking for you and your guests.
Choose accommodations that are reasonably close to your elopement spot — nobody wants to spend their entire elopement day driving from their Airbnb to their ceremony location!
Be sure to read reviews before choosing any lodging!

couple eloping on the cliffsides of the Columbia River Gorge

Environmental Tips For Destination Elopements

It never hurts to be mindful while traveling to reduce our impact on the environment. Here are some quick and convenient ways to travel that are kinder to the environment:

Shop local to the area.
Pack reusable bags you can use while shopping.
Bring reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.
Avoid packing too many unnecessary items in order to reduce luggage weight.

couple eloping on the Oregon Coast cliffsides

Let The Journey Begin!

If you’re planning a destination elopement and are looking for an elopement photographer on the West Coast — Washington, Oregon, California or beyond — then let’s chat!

Get in touch and we’ll start planning the destination elopement of your dreams, from traveling to your elopement location to planning a day that’s absolutely perfect for you — complete with timeless wedding photos that will preserve your joyful memories forever!