Telluride Elopement Packing Checklist

Planning Your Dream
Mountain Elopement

A well-planned packing checklist is the key to a stress-free and unforgettable elopement day. When you prepare ahead of time, you can focus on the adventure, the views, and the moments that matter most, rather than worrying about forgotten shoes, layers, or essentials. From practical gear to wedding-day touches, having everything you need ensures your day flows smoothly, your photos look amazing, and you can fully enjoy every part of your mountain elopement without a hitch. That’s why I’ve created this essential elopement packing checklist, to help couples feel prepared, confident, and ready to embrace every moment of their special day.

You can also check out my complete guide to How to Elope in Telluride, covering everything you need to plan your dream mountain elopement.

Essential Elopement Packing Checklist

Wedding Essentials

Your attire is the heart of the day, and it deserves a little extra thought — especially for an outdoor elopement. From wind to uneven terrain, planning ahead ensures you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to move freely while still looking incredible.

• Wedding attire: dress, suit, or separates (in a breathable garment bag)
• Vow books / handwritten vows
• Rings
• Marriage license
• Veil, accessories, jewelry
• Comfortable shoes
• Shawl, jacket, or stylish outer layer for changing weather

Pro tip: If you’re eloping in the mountains, layers are your best friend. Even in the summer, temperatures can drop once the sun goes down

Essential Elopement Packing Checklist

Self-Care

Outdoor adventures, happy tears, and changing weather can all call for quick touch-ups. A small, thoughtfully packed beauty kit keeps you feeling fresh and photo-ready without taking away from the experience.

• Makeup for quick touch-ups
• Mini hairbrush
• Blotting papers
• Chapstick
• Tissues
• Deodorant

Essential Elopement Packing Checklist

Hiking Essentials

Elopements often mean stepping into nature, and bringing practical gear ensures you stay comfortable, safe, and fully present no matter what the environment brings.

• Water & snacks
• Backpack for carrying essentials (and for cute photos)
• Snacks or a packed picnic
• Blanket (great for sitting + cozy photos)
• Headlamps (if staying for sunset or blue hour, great for photos!)
• Layering: jacket, shawl, sweater, or thermal layers
• Cute umbrella (weather-proof and photo-friendly)
• Hand warmers (for colder seasons)
• Sunscreen, bug spray, chapstick, tissues
• Map, compass, or GPS device
• Trash bags (leave no trace)
• Umbrella in case it rains

If you’re hiking, consider trekking poles and a small first-aid kit too.

Essential Elopement Packing Checklist

Personal Touches

The little details are what transform your elopement from a simple ceremony into a meaningful, personalized experience. These items help you slow down, celebrate intentionally, and create moments you’ll never forget.

• Champagne or celebratory drinks
• Cake or dessert
• Letters \ heirlooms from loved ones
• Flowers
• Portable speaker for your first dance
• Custom signage – “Just Eloped” “Permanent Dibs”
• Blow-up raft for epic photos
• Flameless candles or lanterns
• Vintage rug or throw – perfect for ceremonies
• Pet-friendly ink pads for witness signatures

What it’s like working with a Telluride elopement photographer

Specializing in Telluride elopements, I am an expert in guiding couples through every step of their adventurous mountain day.

Stress-Free Planning Process
Hiring a local photographer takes the guesswork out of your day, making the planning process easier and completely stress-free.

Knowledge of the Area
Guiding you to the perfect locations and timing for sunrise or sunset, while navigating trails, hidden spots, and sharing local expertise.

Trails and Weather Expertise
I plan for the best conditions so you get optimal light, access, and safety for your adventure-filled day.

Help with Travel & Accommodations
From travel logistics to choosing the perfect accommodations, I make sure your planning process is smooth and worry-free.

Telluride Elopement Photographer

Specializing in planning and documenting adventurous, heartfelt elopements, ensuring every breathtaking moment of your day is beautifully captured.

Includes everything in my Elopement Experience
• Full planning and expert support
• Unlimited guidance and resources
• Personalized list of amazing locations
• Curated vendor recommendations
• Fun activity recommendations
• Custom timeline for your day
• Professionally hand-edited images by me
• Secure online gallery

Based in Telluride. No travel costs or hidden fees of any kind.

Packages & Pricing

Photographer, Planner + Guide

Hey lovers!

I’m Amy Bluestar –
Your Telluride Elopement Photographer

I’m Amy Bluestar, your Colorado elopement photographer creating one-of-a-kind, adventure-driven elopements for couples around the world.

At every step, my goal is the same, to create a day that’s completely yours, full of adventure, and one you’ll never forget.

Based in Telluride, I’ve traveled to 18 countries and counting.

About
Colorado Elopement Photographer

“Amy is so much more than your elopement photographer!”

She’s your planner, advice giver, officiant, supporter and friend on the most important day of your lives. Amy is so down to earth and is truly the sweetest soul ever.

– Stehanie & Zach

Helping Couples Create Their
dream elopement experience

Choosing to elope is an exciting step, and it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, not knowing exactly where to start, what will be the right fit for you, or how to figure out all the details. That’s why I’m here! My goal is to make the entire process not just stress-free, but fun, adventurous, and unforgettable, crafting a day you’ll never want to end.

With personalized guidance, intentional planning, and an emphasis on meaningful experiences, your elopement becomes more than a day, it becomes a deeply personal adventure, tailored to who you are as a couple and the love story you’re living.

View Real stories I’ve had the honor of planning and documenting

Adventure Elopement Guide

FAQ

Questions About Eloping in Telluride

Yes—you do need a marriage license to get married in Telluride, but the process super easy! Couples can obtain a license from any county clerk’s office in the state with no waiting period. Even better, Colorado allows self-solemnization, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant, making your elopement truly intimate. You can even have your dog “sign” as your witness!

Yes! With a carefully planned timeline, we can visit multiple locations in a single day. You’ll get to experience a variety of scenic backdrops without feeling rushed, while I capture every special moment along the way.

Colorado is full of breathtaking elopement locations, each offering its own unique magic. Rocky Mountain National Park delivers sweeping alpine vistas and serene wildflower meadows. For something truly otherworldly, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers towering dunes against a backdrop of mountains, a gorgeous one of a kind setting. Central Colorado offers iconic spots like Maroon Bells, Breckenridge, and Loveland Pass, while still being just a short drive from Denver International Airport. And of course, my home, the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, boasts rugged peaks, pristine wilderness, and truly intimate spots that feel tucked away from the world. No matter where you choose, Colorado’s landscapes make every elopement feel extraordinary.

While eloping allows you to focus entirely on each other, some couples invite a few close friends or family to share in the joy of the day. I photograph elopements with up to 25 people.

Each season brings its own charm: summer wildflowers, golden fall leaves, and winter’s snowy wonderland. The best time to elope in Colorado depends on the experience you’re looking for. From June through October, Colorado enjoys its warmest weather bringing long, sunlit days. June can still have snow to the high-mountain peaks, with temperatures starting to begin to cool in October. Fall reaches its peak color during the last week of September and the first week of October.

I personally love when couples bring their pups along! Including your dog in your elopement can bring a lighthearted, joyful energy to your day. In Colorado, you can even have your dog “sign” as your witness turning your elopement into a truly personal, unforgettable experience.

Nope! You don’t need to be an avid hiker to reach a stunning location in Telluride. There are plenty of breathtaking locations that are easy to reach, as well as spots accessible by Jeep or short drives, making it simple to find the perfect backdrop without strenuous effort. Whether you want sweeping mountain views, waterfalls, or golden aspen groves, Telluride offers a variety of accessible options that let you focus on your day and your love, not the hike. Unless you’re into that ;)

Absolutely! I welcome couples who want to include cannabis as part of their day. Whether it’s for relaxation, celebration, or just a personal touch to enhance your laid-back elopement experience.

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Contact me

Fill out my quick contact form and I will get back within 2 business days.

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Free Consult

We will get in touch and chat about your dream elopement.

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plan your dream day

I’ll take care of every detail, crafting a day that’s entirely yours.

Get in touch

Thinking about eloping in Telluride? Reach out, I’d love to help!

Your photographer, planner & guide.
xo Amy Bluestar

Telluride Elopement Photographer

Specializing in planning and documenting adventurous, heartfelt elopements, ensuring every breathtaking moment of your day is beautifully captured.

Includes everything in my Adventure Elopement Experience
• Full planning and expert support
• Unlimited guidance and resources
• Personalized list of amazing locations
• Curated vendor recommendations
• Fun activity recommendations
• Custom timeline for your day
• Professionally hand-edited images
• Secure online gallery

Based in Telluride. No travel costs or hidden fees of any kind.

Packages & Pricing
Colorado Elopement Photographer

Your Colorado Elopement Photographer

Hey lovers!

I’m Amy Bluestar- your Colorado elopement photographer specializing in crafting one-of-a-kind elopements for couples who love adventure.

Every step of the way, my goal is the same: to create a day that feels completely yours and a story you’ll remember forever.

About

Crafting Dream Elopements

Choosing to elope is an exciting step, and it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, not knowing exactly where to start, what will be the right fit for you, or how to figure out all the details. That’s why I’m here! My goal is to make the entire process not just stress-free, but fun, adventurous, and unforgettable, crafting a day you’ll never want to end.

With personalized guidance, intentional planning, and an emphasis on meaningful experiences, your elopement becomes a deeply personal adventure, tailored to who you are as a couple and the love story you’re living.

View Real love stories I’ve had the honor of planning and documenting