When eloping in Colorado’s rugged mountains or remote national parks, one of the challenges couples face is how to safely and practically carry their wedding attire while hiking to your ceremony location. Whether you’re trekking up to a mountaintop or wandering through wildflower meadows, you’ll want to ensure that your dress stays in pristine condition for the big moment, while also ensuring that your gear is packed efficiently for a comfortable hike. Here are some tips on how to pack your hiking pack with your wedding attire so that it remains wrinkle-free, protected, and ready for your ceremony.

1. Choose the Right Pack and Bag for the Job

While you can technically fit your dress into a regular hiking backpack, a smaller, dedicated bag might work better for this specific task. Consider these options for packing your wedding attire:

Lightweight Day Pack: A smaller daypack (15-25 liters) can easily hold a lightweight dress, shoes, and a few essentials for your ceremony. Look for one with good padding and adjustable straps, as you’ll want the weight to be evenly distributed on your back.
Compression Sacks: These are great for packing delicate items like a wedding dress without taking up too much space. You can use a compression sack (or bag) for your dress to minimize the volume while protecting it from dirt and rain.
Dry Bags or Waterproof Pouches: To keep your dress protected from the elements (rain, dirt, or snow), consider packing it in a waterproof dry bag. These are often used for camping or hiking gear and can provide extra protection against unexpected weather.

2. Fold and Pack Your Wedding Dress Properly

Proper folding is key to minimizing wrinkles and ensuring your dress remains pristine throughout your hike. Here’s how to pack it carefully:

Step-by-Step Folding Guide for Dresses:

Lay the Dress Flat: Find a clean surface to lay your dress flat. If your dress is long, you’ll want to fold it carefully to reduce creases.
Roll Your Dress: Instead of folding your dress in sharp lines (which can create hard wrinkles), roll your dressloosely. Roll it from the hem upward to the bodice, leaving any delicate details (like lace or beads) on top to avoid crushing them.
Use Tissue Paper: To help minimize wrinkles and protect the fabric, you can place a few sheets of acid-free tissue paper inside the rolled dress. This will cushion the fabric and help it retain its shape.
Pack with Care: Place the rolled dress in a compression bag or dry bag, and ensure that it fits comfortably but without being stuffed too tightly. The less pressure you put on the fabric, the fewer wrinkles you’ll have when you unpack it.

3. Keep Your Dress Separate from Other Gear

You’ll want to avoid packing anything in your hiking pack that might cause your wedding attire to get damaged. Here are some tips for keeping your dress separate from your gear:

Create a Dedicated Pocket or Compartment: Some hiking packs come with a dedicated pocket or compartment for delicate items. If your pack doesn’t have one, you can use a packing cube or small dry sack to keep your dress separate from your hiking gear.
Avoid Overpacking: Only pack the essentials for your hike, leaving space to ensure your dress stays in good condition. Overstuffing your pack can create unnecessary pressure on your dress, causing wrinkles or damage.

4. Pack Shoes, Accessories, and Other Essentials

Along with your dress, you’ll need to pack any accessories, shoes, and necessities for your ceremony and celebration. Here’s how to pack them efficiently:

Wedding Shoes: Choose shoes that are lightweight and comfortable for hiking, like wedding boots, flat sandals, or hiking shoes. If you plan to change into dressier shoes at the ceremony site, pack them separately in a small, lightweight shoe bag to keep them clean and protected.
Accessories: Pack any accessories like a veil, jewelry, or hair pieces in small pouches or ziploc bags. If you’re bringing along any more delicate pieces, such as a flower crown or headpiece, ensure these are carefully cushioned with tissue paper to avoid crushing.
Layering Items: If you’re eloping in cooler weather, don’t forget about any additional layers or jackets you’ll need. Lightweight jackets or shawls can be packed into your daypack and can double as a way to add warmth and style to your elopement look.

5. Use a Garment Bag for Extra Protection

For a more formal or luxurious wedding dress, consider using a garment bag. This can be a simple, foldable travel garment bag or an overflow dry bag designed to hold dresses while keeping them protected from the elements. Here’s how to pack a dress with a garment bag:

Fold the Dress in the Garment Bag: Hang your dress (or fold it carefully) inside the garment bag, allowing it to drape freely.
Roll the Garment Bag: If you have a shorter dress or one that’s less prone to wrinkling, rolling the garment bag into a loose bundle can help conserve space. Just make sure not to roll it too tightly.
Pack Carefully: Use the garment bag as your primary packing item, and slide it into the main compartment of your daypack or a separate backpack. It will keep your dress from getting squashed or contaminated by other items in your pack.

6. Consider Packing Your Dress to Unpack It Easily

When you’re ready to unpack your dress for the ceremony, the last thing you want is a wrinkled or crumpled mess. Here are some tips for easy unpacking:

Unroll Your Dress in a Clean Spot: When you reach your ceremony location, find a clean, flat surface to gently unroll your dress. If you’re at a campsite or hiking trailhead, look for a soft area of grass or a clean blanket where you can safely lay it out.
Use a Wrinkle-Release Method: If you notice a few wrinkles after unpacking, don’t worry! Lightly steam the fabric using a portable garment steamer or by holding it over a pot of boiling water for a few seconds. If you’re outdoors, the humidity or dampness in the air can also help release wrinkles.

7. Pack Backup Essentials

In case of emergencies or unexpected challenges, it’s always a good idea to pack a few backup essentials:

Stain Remover Wipes: If the terrain is particularly muddy or you accidentally get dirt on your dress, packing some stain remover wipes or a small cleaning kit can help take care of small marks without needing to fully clean your dress.
Extra Layers: Make sure you have extra layers or an additional jacket, especially in case the weather changes unexpectedly. It’s better to be over-prepared than to be caught off guard by a chilly wind or rainstorm.

Conclusion

Packing your wedding dress for an outdoor elopement in the Colorado mountains or national parks requires a balance between protecting the dress and ensuring it remains easy to carry. With the right bag, folding technique, and protective measures, you can keep your attire in perfect condition while still enjoying the adventure of your hike. Focus on lightweight, breathable fabrics, a compact packing method, and smart layering to ensure both comfort and beauty on your big day. With a little planning, you’ll be ready to say “I do” in the stunning wilderness, feeling both stylish and comfortable.