You booked your first MOUNTAIN ELOPEMENT!! Congratulations, friend! As you begin to search Pinterest for some epic shot inspiration (or check out fellow elopement photographer blogs), you’re probably wondering what you need to pack. As a full-time intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I know firsthand how stressful it can be to prepare. With that being said, I’ve put together my holy grail list of “What to Pack for a Mountain Elopement – Photographer Edition.”

It goes without saying, but when packing for an elopement (or an adventure session), you have to plan for the worst. Although your clients will bring supplies, make sure to pack enough for yourself and your clients. The best thing you can do is be prepared, and be prepared to serve your clients above and beyond their expectations. And hey, if your clients aren’t sure where to begin with their own packing list, be sure to direct them to my “What to Pack for a Mountain Elopement” couple’s blog!

What to Pack for a Mountain Elopement:

First Aid Kit Supplies

1. Medication:
   • Advil
   • Tylenol
   • Dramamine
   • Benadryl
2. Ginger Chews – Great for altitude sickness.
3. Standard First Aid Kit – REI and Cabela’s offer pre-made first aid kits, but you can really find them anywhere. Be sure to bring extras to replenish supplies that will be used frequently 
   • Bandaids
   • Antibiotic ointment
   • Alcohol wipes
   • Moleskin & blister pads
   • Chapstick
4. Bear spray (if you’re in bear country)

Emergency “Fix-it Kit”

This one is typically for emergencies that your couple might come across with their wardrobe, but you never know when it could come in handy!

• Safety pins
• Travel size sewing kit
• Dry shampoo/hairspray
• Bobbypins
• Comb/travel brush
• Tweezers (usually in a First Aid Kit)
• Sunscreen
• Tissues
• Tide-to-Go pen
• Wipes or Toilet Paper for bathroom breaks

Misc. Vehicle Gear Bag

1. Lens cleaning cloths (keep some in your camera bag, too)
2. Hand sanitizer
3. Extra snacks
4. Multitool/pocket knife
5. Yaktrax/Traction wear
6. Extra warm clothing and layers for clients
   • Hats
   • Mittens
   • Leggings
   • Handwarmers
   • Coats
   • Rain layers

Camera Gear

1. 2 bodies (I use 2 Sony A7III)
2. 2+ lenses
   • My favorites – 35mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 28-70mm 2.4)
3. Camera harness or backpack rig – Check out Maddie Mae’s tutorial here!
4. Extra batteries (especially in the cold)
5. Lens cloths
6. Rain protector
7. Extra lens cap
8. Memory cards & waterproof memory card holder

Clothing for Yourself

1. Base layer
2. Puffy or warm layer
3. Rain protection (including a cover for your pack if not waterproof)
4. Wool socks (and extras!) 
5. Hat, gloves, mittens, hand warmers
6. Good hiking boots or shoes
7. Traction
8. Headlamp
9. Snacks & Water
10. Map and/or downloaded maps on phone without service needed
11. Garmin InReach – if you’re going into the backcountry

There ya have it, folks! The ultimate “What to Pack for a Mountain Elopement – Photographer Edition”. If your couples are searching for more elopement tips in Montana, make sure they check out my “Best Elopement Vacation Rentals in Montana” blog. As always, i’d love to be friends over on instagram @sydneybreannphoto. Are you ready to wander?