10 Must-Pack Essentials For your Sequoia National Park Elopement
What You Need for Your Elopement
Alright adventurers… you are about to say “I do” in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Whether you are planning a Sequoia National Park elopement, an intimate forest wedding, or a sunrise ceremony under the giant trees, this packing list will make your day smoother, more intentional, and way more fun.
As your go to Sequoia elopement and wedding photographer, I’m here to help you prep for the adventure so your photos look effortless and you can fully enjoy the day. These are the top ten must pack items I recommend to every couple eloping in Sequoia. Think comfort, safety, and those little things that make your photos feel natural and magazine worthy.
From layers for the unpredictable mountain weather to vow books, rings, and details that look stunning in photos, this guide covers everything you’ll want for a stress free Sequoia elopement experience. Let’s get you ready for magic under the giant trees. Here are 10 must pack items!
1. Comfy Hiking Shoes or Boots
Yes, even if you are wearing the most gorgeous dress or a perfectly tailored suit, trust me… your feet will thank you for bringing real shoes. When you are eloping in Sequoia National Park, we will be wandering through giant sequoias, stepping across granite slabs, dirt trails, and maybe even a little forest floor magic.
Bring the fancy shoes for a quick swap if you want those classic, elegant wedding portraits, but always pack sturdy, comfortable footwear for the actual exploring. The last thing you want on your Sequoia elopement day is blisters or sore feet slowing you down.
And honestly… hiking boots with a wedding dress or suit might be one of my favorite Sequoia elopement aesthetics ever. There is something about that mix of adventure, personality, and natural beauty that photographs like a dream. It is the definition of an authentic adventure wedding moment, and it always makes the gallery feel so true to you.
2. Letters from Family and Friends
Even if you are eloping just the two of you, bringing handwritten letters from family and friends adds a powerful emotional layer to your Sequoia elopement day. These notes are such a meaningful way to include loved ones who are not physically present. Couples often read them during a quiet moment under the giant trees, and it becomes one of the most heartfelt parts of the entire day.
They photograph beautifully, too. Whether you tuck them into your vow books, read them together on a granite overlook, or save them for a peaceful moment after your ceremony, these letters add depth and storytelling to your Sequoia National Park elopement gallery. It is a sweet way to feel supported and surrounded by love, even in the middle of the forest.
3. Water & Snacks
A reusable water bottle is a total must. Hydrated couples equal glowing photos, especially when you are exploring at elevation during your Sequoia National Park elopement. The dry mountain air sneaks up fast, so keeping water on hand helps you feel your best and keeps your photos looking fresh.
Pack a few easy snacks too. Think granola bars, trail mix, fruit, or even a simple sandwich to keep your energy up as we wander through the giant trees. I’ve had couples turn their snack break into a mini forest picnic, and it always makes for the sweetest, most natural photos. It is such a perfect way to slow down and take in the moment during your Sequoia elopement.
This little tip goes a long way for adventure weddings, elopements in Sequoia, and sunrise or sunset sessions where you’ll be on your feet for a while. Small things like staying fueled make the entire experience smoother and way more enjoyable.
4. Marriage License
If you are legally getting married in California during your Sequoia National Park elopement, don’t forget your marriage license. This is one of the easiest things to overlook in the excitement, but it is absolutely essential for making your ceremony official.
Most couples pick up their license in their home county or in Fresno County on the way up to Sequoia. Just make sure it is safely packed and easy to access during the ceremony. After your vows, you will need your officiant and one witness to sign it.
And truly, it is always such an honor when couples ask me to sign as their witness. Being part of that moment during a Sequoia elopement feels incredibly special and adds another layer of connection to your day.
A few quick tips:
• California marriage licenses are valid for 90 days
• No waiting period after you receive it
• You only need one witness, and I am always happy to sign.
5. Your Wedding Rings (Safely Packed!)
It sounds obvious, but with travel bags, getting ready on the go, and hiking to your ceremony spot, your wedding rings are one of the easiest things to accidentally misplace. Pack them securely in a small ring box or pouch that fits easily into your backpack.
Your rings also play a huge role in your Sequoia elopement detail photos. A ring box, a wooden dish, or even a simple linen pouch can elevate your ring shots when paired with your vow books, bouquet, or a Sequoia map. These little touches help tell the story of your day and add a polished, intentional feel to your gallery.
Pro tip:
If you are hiking to your ceremony location, keep the rings in a secure inner pocket so nothing falls out while we are exploring the giant forest.
6. Vow Books
A sweet detail shot with your rings, vow books, a Sequoia map, and your bouquet always makes your gallery feel complete. These little pieces tell the story of your day and add so much personality to your Sequoia elopement photos.
And yes, you can read your vows from your phone… but there is something undeniably meaningful about handwritten vows in a vow book you can keep forever. It feels more intimate, more intentional, and way more photogenic among the giant trees. Your future selves will be so grateful to have those words preserved, not just typed into a notes app.
Vow books photograph beautifully during detail photos, your ceremony, and even during quiet moments when you are reading them side by side. They fit perfectly into the adventure elopement aesthetic and elevate your Sequoia National Park wedding gallery in the best way.
7. Small Backpack to Carry It All
A lightweight backpack is the unsung hero of every Sequoia elopement. It keeps your hands free for exploring, holding each other, and soaking in those quiet moments between the giant trees. Plus, it makes it super easy to carry all the essentials you will want throughout the day without feeling weighed down.
Choose a small, comfortable pack that fits water, snacks, vow books, touch up items, your marriage license, and any little details you want photographed. A backpack also makes it easy to swap shoes, grab your headlamp, or pull out layers as the mountain weather changes.
If we hike to locations in Sequoia National Park like Crescent Meadow, Beetle Rock, or the Giant Forest, having a backpack keeps everything organized and accessible so you can relax and enjoy the adventure.
8. A Pop of Personality
Bring something that feels uniquely you to your Sequoia elopement. This is your day, your story, and your chance to weave in the little details that make your relationship special. A family heirloom, a funky jacket, a signature hat, a vintage map, or even a bottle of champagne to pop at sunset can turn simple moments into unforgettable memories.
These personal touches photograph beautifully and help your Sequoia National Park elopement gallery feel authentic and full of personality. Think of items that reflect your relationship, maybe a patch from a place you traveled together, a blanket from your first camping trip, handwritten letters, or even matching jackets that show off your style.
The more personal, the better. These tiny details bring warmth, intention, and depth to your photos, especially in the quiet moments among the giant sequoias. Your future selves will love looking back at the little things that made your day so “you.”
9.A Decorative Blanket
A cozy, decorative blanket is one of the most underrated items you can bring to your Sequoia National Park elopement. It is perfect for sitting together on granite overlooks, warming up between locations, and adding texture and personality to your photos. Earthy colors, neutral tones, or patterns that feel true to you photograph beautifully against the giant trees and forest backdrops.
Blankets also make candid moments feel even more intimate, whether you are sharing a warm hug, enjoying a quick snack break, or having a quiet moment after your vows. They elevate your gallery while keeping you comfortable, especially during sunrise, sunset, or cooler seasons.
10. “We Eloped” Sign
Bringing a “We Eloped” or “Just Married” sign is such a fun way to add personality to your Sequoia elopement photos. These little signs photograph beautifully and instantly tell the story of your day. You can hold it during your sunset portraits, hang it from your backpack while we wander through the giant trees, or even use it for your announcement photos after your ceremony.
I’ve seen couples choose signs inspired by the national park they are eloping in, and it always adds the sweetest touch to their gallery. Imagine a custom Sequoia National Park sign with the date you said “I do” among the giant sequoias. It becomes a keepsake you can display at home next to your elopement photos so you can relive that moment every time you see it.
There are endless styles, from wooden engraved signs to small backpack tags that say “we eloped.” A quick search on Etsy will give you tons of unique options that match your vibe, whether you want something rustic, minimal, or adventure themed.
Ready to Start Planning Your Sequoia Elopement?
Packing the right essentials is just the beginning. Your Sequoia National Park elopement is not just a checklist, it is an adventure, a feeling, and a story you get to create together. With the giant trees, dramatic granite, and quiet forest trails around you, your day will already be unforgettable. These items simply help make the experience smoother, more intentional, and way more fun.
If you are dreaming of an elopement day that feels personal, stress free, and full of those real, candid moments, I would love to help you bring it to life. As a local Sequoia elopement photographer, I know the hidden spots, the best lighting, and exactly how to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera so your photos actually feel like you.
If you are ready to start planning or want to see what your Sequoia elopement could look like, reach out and let’s get your date locked in. Your adventure in the giant trees is waiting, and I cannot wait to help you create something unforgettable.
