Not sure how to plan your elopement day? This guide includes important elements to consider when creating your elopement timeline as well as examples! I’m excited to see what you come up with!

 

 

TIME OF DAY 

Lighting is the number one most important element in creating breathtaking photos! It’s an important element to keep in mind when creating your elopement timeline.

• The best light is usually at sunrise or sunset.
  • The sun is at its lowest, immersing the world in a warm, soft light that looks incredible in photographs.
• Keep in mind that the middle of the day is less than ideal for photos.
  • At that time the sun is very high in the sky, creating a bright light with harsh shadows.
  • You’ll either be squinting or needing to wear sunglasses, neither of which make for great photos.

 

Even so, it is absolutely possible to get great shots during the day and an experienced photographer will be able to adjust to this situation. Just note that the overall vibe and ambiance of these images will be different than those captured in the early or late hours of the day.

 

 

SUNRISE

• Sunrise elopements are usually more secluded. Not as many people tend to wake up early in the morning so you’ll most likely have the location all to yourself!
• Sunrise tends to have cooler colors such as pinks, blues, and purples.
• The temperature is also cooler which keeps you from getting too sweaty.
• Sunrise elopements also give you plenty of time to spend the day reveling in your love. You have the whole day to celebrate your union however you see fit!

 

 

SUNSET

• The best part of sunset elopements is being able to sleep in. If you’re a night owl this might be the option for you. This will also give you more time to get your hair and make-up done by a professional.
• The temperature tends to be a bit warmer and so are the colors. You’ll witness soft oranges and reds which can create an alpine glow over the mountains.
• You can also spend the rest of the night dancing under the stars or enjoying a warm campfire with snores!

 

 

LEAVE WIGGLE ROOM

Make sure there is enough time scheduled in your day. I STRONGLY encourage adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes after each activity. I also add extra time when creating my clients’ elopement timeline. Not only will this ensure you have enough time for each event you have planned, but it will also give you time to relax and enjoy yourself rather than feeling rushed and hurried. The last thing you want to do during your elopement is to feel stressed or anxious about fitting everything you have planned into a specific time.

 

 

2 DAY ELOPEMENT TIMELINE EXAMPLE

Day 1

8:00 am – Meet at the cabin – getting ready and detail shots (handwritten vows, shoes, flowers, cabin shots)

9:00 am – First look!

9:30 am – Hike to the beautiful canyon for the ceremony

12:00 pm – Ceremony

12:30 pm – Celebrate with family and friends, group/individual portraits

1:00 pm – Couples portraits

1:30 pm – Hike back to the cabin

4:00 pm – Return to the cabin and relax until tomorrow’s adventures!

 

Day 2

5:00 am – Head to the mountain top in a 4×4 with just you and your partner

6:00 am – Stunning sunrise photos

7:00 am – Picnic breakfast

8:00 pm – Adventure to hot spring for more beautiful photos

9:30 pm – Photos enjoy the warmth of the water and the love for each other

10:30 pm – Return back to the cabin

11:30 pm – Photographer leaves

 

 

FULL DAY ELOPEMENT TIMELINE EXAMPLE

10:00 am – Getting ready photos at a treehouse Airbnb

11:00 am – First look

11:30 am – Hike to the epic ceremony location

1:00 pm – Ceremony

1:30 pm – Champagne celebration

2:00 pm – Road trip to the waterfall for portraits

4:00 pm – Amazing portraits

6:30 pm – Return to Airbnb and have dinner for two prepared by a private chef

7:30 pm – Sunset photos

8:30 pm – Campfire photos

9:30 pm – Photos slow dancing under the stars

10:00 pm – Photographer leaves