Be sure to check out our companion article: How to Elope in Oregon!
The Pacific Northwest has such magic to it. Moss covered trees, rugged coastlines, the Cascades' prominent mountain peaks rising up from misty forests. Oregon is the perfect backdrop for an adventure elopement!
Planning for an elopement from out of state can sometimes be overwhelming. From plane tickets, to ensuring your marriage license information is ready to go...you have a lot on your mind!
Remember, we have done this before. Taking our knowledge from helping so many beautifully unique couples make their elopement dreams come true, we have allll the tips on what to pack for your Oregon elopement.
Our goal is to alleviate as much stress as possible when it comes to your Oregon elopement. After all, the main focus on your elopement day should be each other!
Maybe this is your first time visiting Oregon or the Pacific Northwest, or perhaps you want to make sure you have all the right things in mind when planning for your Oregon trip. We've got you!
First thing's first: getting to the PNW! For many couples, this involves traveling by plane. Here are some items and ideas to keep in mind:
-Earbuds, Airpods, Headphones. Staring out the airplane window, getting hyped for your elopement with you + your partner's song playing in your ears?! Bliss!
-Hand Sanitizers and Wipes. Even without the perpetual worry of COVID, you definitely want to stay healthy during your Oregon elopement trip.
-Neck Pillow. "Airplane seats are so comfy!" said no one ever. Sleep deprivation during your elopement adventure? No thanks. If you are able to nap on the plane, a neck pillow will definitely offer comfy support.
-Slip On Shoes. We all know the panic that stems from being in line for TSA, rushing to get all of your items through security. Wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off as needed is an easy way to combat pre-elopement stress.
-Books or Downloaded Movies and Shows. On the plane, the anticipation of your upcoming elopement is palpable. Books can help pass the time, and so can downloading your fave shows or movies onto your phone or laptop!
Oregon gains its rich green color palette from the plethora of rain the Pacific Northwest gives. With summer weather usually being favorable, it's important to note that weather can often be unpredictable.
Oregon is home to thousands of miles of trails, and chances are, your adventure elopement will take place among one of Oregon's stunning hiking trails. Some trails are located closer to cities like Portland or Bend, while others offer little to no cell service and are more remote. Our recommendation? Play it safe. Assuming that every trail is isolated and has limited accessibility is a great way to be prepared.
Adventuring in Oregon has its own set of rules. Bringing the following items along will have you ready for any adventure your elopement day provides.
-Hiking Boots. A total must-have for conquering rocky, muddy, rainy Oregon trails. We also adore the juxtaposition of a wedding dress + hiking boots; so fun! Stores like REI and Dick's Sporting Goods are good places to start when looking for elopement hiking boots.
-Thick Socks. Wearing thick socks will help combat blisters and keep your feet both warm and dry. You can usually find durable hiking socks in the same places you'll find your boots!
-Bear Spray. Uhh, what?! Bears on your elopement day? Well, you never know! It is always better to err on the side of caution, and bear spray is an essential in our hiking backpack.
-Umbrellas. Oh, patented Oregon rain. Rain makes for super romantic photos, but umbrellas come in handy in between to avoid being completely soaked. If you're thinking of including an umbrella in your elopement photos, a clear umbrella is a fun choice!
-Flashlight or Headlamp. My couples eloping at sunrise or sunset, this is for you. Most outdoor supply retailers will carry flashlights and headlamps for hiking when it's dark out!
-Portable Phone Charger. Our phones are necessary, let's be real. Taking photos, navigating a trail...so keeping them charged up is imperative.
-Waterproof Jacket. Here's another item for that Oregon rain we adore! Waterproof jackets are usually lightweight, so we recommend layers too if your Oregon elopement is taking place during the colder months.
-First Aid Kit. While I definitely keep one of these on me at all times [providing bandaids to my brides to prevent blisters has become a part of my repertoire] it totally helps to have one of your own, just in case!
-Downloaded Offline Maps. There are still many areas of Oregon that don't have cell phone service. Getting lost on your elopement day isn't much fun! Google Maps provides the option to download offline maps for a certain area, which can be helpful for both driving directions and exploring on the trail.
-Compass or Map. Forget to download offline maps? Leave your portable phone charger in the car? When all else fails, a map or compass will be your BFF.
-Water. We love stainless steel water bottles because they are reusable, eco-friendly, and keep liquids at their desired temperature for hours. Warm tea while you hike up snow-covered Mount Hood? Refreshing ice water during your summer Smith Rock elopement? Yes and yes.
-Marriage License. If you are making your marriage legal in Oregon, you can't go without your marriage license!
-Rings. Keep these in a safe place in your luggage when traveling.
-Vows. Whether you have customized vow books, notebooks, or have your vows on your phone, these are a must for your elopement ceremony.
-Wedding Attire. Picked the perfect hiking elopement dress? Now is the time!
-Emergency Makeup Bag. Little touch ups here and there can't hurt while out on the trails!
-Snacks. Because getting married while hangry is not the business.
-A Laidback, "Go With The Flow" Attitude. Eloping outdoors means sometimes things don't always go according to plan. We often have to contend with the weather, seasonal closures, the elements, and last minute changes. Keeping your end goal in mind [getting married to the love of your life! Hell yes!] is what it is all about.
Freeing up some valuable real estate in your mind by not having to worry about what to pack for your Oregon elopement allows you + your partner to show up as unapologetically YOU and 100% present.
If you're ready to get started on your elopement:
Send Us A Message!