a bride and groom huge in front of a giant wooden teepee during their backcountry camping elopement

If you’re here because you’re planning a camping elopement, my biggest kudos to you. Camping elopements are some of the most intimate, immersive and close-to-nature ways you can elope. However, they don’t come without some compromises, specific gear, and skills, so let’s talk details.

Below is everything you need to consider before running away into the woods together.

What is a backcountry camping elopement?

A backcountry camping elopement is a way to say your vows deep in nature, outside of designated or public camping areas, while on an overnight or multi-night trek.

This is different from a glamping or camping elopement, where you might be on public, state, or private land in designated camping areas with nearby amenities like water and electricity.

A backcountry camping elopement requires knowledge and experience trekking, and setting up sustainable camps. You have to be comfortable outdoors multiple hours away from civilization, and have the gear to protect you from the elements. Therefore, it’s best for couples who aren’t too fussed about perfect hair, makeup and extra “stuff.”

What kind of gear is needed for a camping elopement?

A lot of this will depend on where you’re eloping, how far you’re trekking, the season, elevation, duration of trek, and available water sources.

Here are the basics:

A light, two person tent with rain cover
Sleeping bags and mats
Properly fitting trekking packs
Hiking poles and hiking boots
Headlamps
Solar charger
Water filtration system
Dehydrated food
Sunscreen
First aid kit
Waterproof garment bag
Emergency beacon

Backcountry camping location

As mentioned above, the location you pick can affect what kind of gear you need. The US is a really big country with a diverse range of climates and topographies. You can camp in areas like Colorado, where summers are warm and dry, or the Pacific Northwest where you’ll likely get rained on. There is also the southwest, which can have hot days, cold nights and few water sources. Then there are midwest locations, like the great lakes and the boundary waters, and the Northeast, like the Adirondacks and Poconos.

Consider what type of camping you want to do and how far you want to travel from home to get there. If you’re in the midwest, don’t pass up some of the hidden gems here!

You might find some of these locations as beautiful as anywhere - and much closer to home.

Check out my blog post on the best locations to elope in Michigan!

How much does a backcountry camping elopement cost?

Generally, a backcountry camping elopement is going to be a massive cost saver. The biggest expense you have is your photographer. Everything else is gear (likely stuff you already own) and your outfits.

Whether you plan your elopement around a bigger trip is up to you. You can easily do this while on a longer road trip, or work it into a honeymoon trip. You can also just do it close to home!

The low costs mean you can really invest in a photographer who knows how to handle these types of elopements, and is prepared with the right gear, skills and fitness - just like you.

You can easily keep this under $5k if you stay close to home, or under $10k if you make an entire 2 week trip across the country with it.

You can check out my elopement photography packages here!

Permits and backcountry safety while wild camping

Two things you absolutely must consider are safety, and necessary permits.

The “nature” of backcountry camping is that you are remote. If something happens, you have to be self reliant and have plans for any issues or injuries which may come up. In certain areas, you’ll need to be aware of wildlife as well. Bear country comes with its own precautions!

A basic first aid kit is a must, and so is reading up or consulting the local park rangers about the area. They’ll let you know of any dangerous wildlife, bacteria growths in the water, fire risks and other dangers to be aware of.

You’ll also need to look at each area you want to camp and trek, and determine who the land is managed by. Many state and national parks, as well as BLM lands require backcountry permits. These are important because they help offset the impact of people going into the backcountry, as well as alert the authorities of when you’re leaving and when you’re coming back, in case something happens.

Permits are generally not expensive, but sometimes they are limited in number. You’ll want to reach out early for really popular areas to make sure you can secure one.

Lastly, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Being prepared in the backcountry can prevent a little issue from becoming a really big one.

Most likely, nothing will happen and your camping elopement will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life!

What skills are needed for a camping elopement?

Fitness Levels & Comfort With Camping

These are critical. Backcountry camping is not for beginner campers or hikers. You need to be able to carry heavy packs for a long time and be comfortable outside deep in nature, alone, in the dark, overnight, no matter what the weather does.

Leave No Trace

Backcountry camping comes with added responsibilities to the land. You’re going off trail and into areas that aren’t maintained. These areas are home to entire ecosystems, and you’re their guests.

Follow leave no trace principles, especially around water sources and on delicate soils.

For the newest education resources on LeaveNoTrace.org, go here and here.

First Aid

You need a basic first aid kit and the skills to use it. Disinfection spray, sunscreen healing salve, medical tape, blister bandages, iodide, tweezers and ibuprofen go a LONG way in preventing a minor injury from becoming a massive infection. Something as slight as a sunburn or a blister on your heel can turn into a huge pain that prevents you from enjoying your elopement.

Alternatives to a camping elopement that feel almost the same

By now, you’ve probably decided a camping elopement is totally you - or you’ve realized you’re in over your head. Either way - good for you! Being realistic about what you truly want on your elopement day is crucial.

If you think it might be too much, here are some really amazing alternatives to backcountry camping elopements that still speak to your values.

Rent a camper and do some short day hikes
Glamp or camp in designated/private areas instead
Rent a cabin, hut or A-frame deep in the woods for the same immersive feeling
Do a long day hike instead. You’ll save on weight and still get to read your vows somewhere incredible, far from people.
Hire an additional guide, who can help porter gear and take you to the right areas the right way