What I love about the ultralight backpacking community is that it feels like more of a philosophy instead of an arbitrary pack weight.  You just decide you can get by with less, and rely highly on your own judgment of how best to stay safe, healthy and comfortable.  Trusting yourself looks great on you, by the way!

While my roots are in traditional weddings, my heart is in adventure elopements. I relocated from the bustling east coast to the remote and expansive Pacific Northwest. I’ve been blessed with serving couples who opt for adventure elopements and have changed my speciality to serve eloping couples along their adventures together.

As one of Southern Oregon’s most sought after elopement hair and makeup artists’ I’m a little glam and a little granola, and I’ve got the goods on getting you equipped to look ‘special occasion ready’, while carrying only the essentials to do it.

While I’ll be heartbroken to miss the chance to accompany you on your adventurous love story-I’ve got all the tips and tricks to make sure you look hot, and pack as light as you can.

PREPARATION IS KEY.  Let’s start with the essentials.

YOUR ELOPEMENT DRESS

Chances are, if you’re taking on a multi-day section hike for your adventure elopement, you’ll be packing your elopement dress for getting ready when you discover your ceremony location.  The average wedding dress will add 7 to 11 pounds to your baseweight depending on style and material, so think light and breezy when selecting material. Another consideration is, whether or not your partner will help you get zipped in.  If you’re aiming for that ‘first look’ moment be sure you can get yourself secured into the style you choose.  In my experience, dresses do really well folded over in a cheapie, lightweight garment bag that can secure over your backpack.  Lightweight lace dresses can roll up into your pack really well too. 

YOUR HAIR

This will sound super counterintuitive, but hear me out.  Wash, blowdry and heat style your hair before you head out-the magic here is to generously apply dry shampoo to freshly blow dried hair.  You’re buying some time before it starts to look obviously dirty.  If you want to bring dry shampoo on trail with you, opt for a small travel size shaker jar style-not an aerosol can.  

PRO TIP:  Loosely french braiding clean hair will keep its volume and add heatless wave texture.  Using claw style clips will secure your waves or curls without leaving creases or wrecking volume.  

After all that work, the last thing you’ll want to do is put on a snug fitting baseball cap, so opt for other sun protection like a visor and sunnies, or a lightweight UV shirt with a loose fitting hood.  

YOUR SKINCARE & MAKEUP

Let’s prep a ditty bag.  First thing, make sure we have a designated mini trash bag as we are going to be making ready-to-use disposables and LNT, always.  I know, I know.  Not ideal, but it’s worth it.  

In a snack size ziploc type bag, presoak some cotton rounds with a generous amount of micellar water, and for good measure another one with a good detoxifying toner solution. This will be so key in removing your end of day dirt, sweat and sunscreen.  The cleaner your skin can be when you go to sleep at night, the better it will look as you adventure on-and not look too crusty under makeup.  

Another good idea is to pack a few small individually wrapped makeup wipes.  You’ll need at least one or two to get your makeup off after your ceremony, and then follow with micellar water.  

You’ll want to pack the least amount of makeup and tools possible, so I suggest really small, double ended,  travel size makeup brushes and makeup products that can multitask for you.  A small tube of concealer can be foundation when mixed or blended out with moisturizer.  Your favorite bronzer or blush can become your best eyeshadow choice.  Darker eyeshadows can be used for filling in brows or as eyeliner.  Mascara choice may vary.  Tubing mascara is the only kind guaranteed to not smudge.  That’s my go to.  

PRO TIP:  Invest in a lash lift and tint ahead of your elopement to minimize the need for mascara altogether.  

WHEN YOU GET HOME

Upon returning to civilization and on demand hot water, baby your skin.  Lots of sunscreen, makeup, sweat, dirt, and borderline criminal cleansing on trail will leave your skin in need of some extra love.  A good exfoliation, and lots of moisture rich masks will return its barrier function and ease any unintentional sunburn and irritation.  

PRO TIP:  Treat yourself to a hydrafacial when you return for some immediate repair and relief. 

Good luck out there, be safe, and congratulations. 

If you’d like to chat about your BackCounty Elopement

If you’d like to chat about hair and makeup for your adventure elopement hit me here:).

A huge shoutout and thank you to Dana Maruna Photography for these stunning images in the Grand Tetons!