Elopement Day!
The elopement day has finally arrived! Here are a few things I recommend bringing with you that you may forget, and some tips on what to expect.
Elopement Day Checklist: What to Bring with You
Your elopement attire for what you're going to wear for the ceremony! This is obvious, but it needs to be on the checklist. :)
Both wedding bands + the engagement ring
Water: This is super important for an elopement day! Bring some water bottles to make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you will be doing any kind of activity.
If you have a gown and will have photos of you getting ready, consider bringing a thoughtful hanger for the wedding gown. A wooden hanger or a personalized hanger for the gown will look way better than a plastic one. I always bring wooden hangers with me to hang the gown on for photos, but if you want something more personalized, think about bringing your own.
Shoes to walk through varied terrain in, even if not for the ceremony or photos. If we will be walking at all, bring shoes you can walk comfortably in.
Makeup for touch-ups if you'd like
Accessories like belts, hats, socks, jackets, etc.
Food: You are going to need to eat throughout the day. Plan to have some easily accessible snacks with you that are easy to eat and unlikely to make a mess. Dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, chocolate, crackers, and cheese cubes all make great elopement day snacks.
Deodorant. I recommend a clear kind.
Chapstick
If you are doing an activity, bring the gear and items you will need for that activity. I'll give some recommendations of what to bring for your specific activity, but think it through for what is going to make you the most comfortable.
Breath mints
Extra bobby pins, safety pins, etc. A small pair of scissors can come in handy too.
What to Expect on the Elopement Day
- I always plan to arrive a little earlier than our agreed meeting time. If the elopement is in Colorado or within driving distance, I'll most likely be driving a blue Subaru Forester.
- Throughout the day, I'll be taking candid, documentary-style photos, but I also may ask you to do certain things. I'll also direct/offer suggestions for certain parts of the day that are most photo-heavy. I want the day to feel as authentic to you as possible, so I will do my best to be in the background for most of the time, and direct when necessary.
- During photo time, I'll give you directions and prompts to get you to interact with each other.
- If at any point you want a photo of something or you want to try something for a photo, let me know!
- The day is about YOU. Whatever I can do to make your day better, just let me know.
- I want you to be comfortable for your elopement, not freezing. I recommend bringing warm clothes to wear, even if not for the photos themselves. You can always take jackets and gloves off when you're ready, and then put them on again to warm up.
- Your hands will get cold faster than the rest of your body. Bring gloves, even if you think you won't need them. I also recommend bringing hand warmers. I can't stress this enough!
- Bringing a thermos (think HydroFlask or Yeti) with a hot beverage can be amazing. Trust me.
- Ladies, if you're worried about wearing a dress in the cold, here are a few tips. You can wear leggings, tights, or even fleece-lined tights under your dress. A dress with a fuller, more flowy skirt is going to allow you to layer underneath and stay warm. You can also consider dresses with sleeves or get a shawl to go over your upper body.
- Remember, the higher in elevation we go, the colder it will be! Check the weather forecast for the town closest to where we will be, NOT just the weather for somewhere like Boulder or Denver (unless we are shooting there).
- Check out this page of the guide for more tips on weather and preparing for cold weather.
- If you have questions about weather and how to prepare, please ask!
Final Notes
In general, RELAX and just focus on spending time with your partner. Have fun, be yourselves, and let your emotions show. If you forget something or a detail isn't perfect, it's ok.
Copyright Abby Shepard Photography
