How to Plan a Full-Day Elopement: A Timeline for Your Perfect Day

When you decide to elope, it’s not about skipping out on the wedding experience—it’s about creating an intentional and intimate day that’s uniquely yours. A full-day elopement allows you to savor each moment, and ensures that your day reflects your personality and love story. Here’s how to structure a full-day elopement timeline to maximize your time from sunrise to sunset.

Why Choose a Full-Day Elopement?

Full-day elopements allow you to:

• Experience your wedding day with no time constraints.
• Embark on adventures that align with your personalities (hiking, kayaking, or an intimate picnic).
• Create a meaningful day where every moment counts, from getting ready to celebrating under the stars.

Here’s how your day could unfold:

Example Full-Day Elopement Timeline

7:00 AM – Sunrise First Look

Start your day early with a sunrise moment. Whether it’s a first look on a mountaintop or a quiet moment together before getting ready the soft morning light creates a magical atmosphere. This is a peaceful time to share some intimate moments before the day begins.

8:00 AM – Getting Ready Together (or Separately)

Head back to your cozy cabin or secluded Airbnb to get ready.

Photography Tip: These behind-the-scenes moments are often some of the most intimate and beautiful to capture.

9:30 AM – Breakfast or Brunch Picnic

Before heading to your ceremony, fuel up with a breakfast or brunch picnic. This can be as simple as sipping coffee together on the porch or sharing a hand-packed meal by a lakeside.

11:00 AM – Travel to Ceremony Location

Allow extra time for travel if you’re heading to a remote or adventurous location like a mountaintop, desert, or secluded forest. This is also a great time to capture more candid, in-between moments—holding hands, laughing, or enjoying the drive together.

12:00 PM – Vow Exchange

Choose a meaningful, scenic location for your vow exchange. Whether it’s a cliffside overlooking the ocean or deep in the woods, this is the heart of your day. Take your time, share your vows, and enjoy the quiet and intimacy of the moment.

Pro Tip: Depending on the season, midday sun can be harsh for photos. Try to find spots with shade or save the most epic photography for earlier or later in the day.

1:00 PM – Post-Ceremony Adventure

After exchanging your vows, take time for an adventure. Whether it’s hiking to a waterfall, kayaking, or simply strolling through your chosen location, enjoy this time together. This is where the magic of elopement truly shines—you have the freedom to do what makes you happiest.

3:00 PM – Celebratory Picnic or Lunch

Break for a celebratory meal. This could be a picnic with champagne and charcuterie or a small, intimate meal at a local café or restaurant. It’s a great way to pause, reflect, and recharge before the rest of your day unfolds.

5:00 PM – Golden Hour Portraits

Golden hour is prime time for stunning photos! Plan your portraits around this beautiful, soft light—usually 1-2 hours before sunset, depending on your location. Capture some epic shots with scenic backdrops, whether you’re in the mountains, on a beach, or in a forest.

6:30 PM – Sunset Ceremony/Continued Golden Hour (Optional)

If your vision includes a second, more symbolic ceremony, sunset is a perfect time. This could be a vow renewal, a unity ceremony, or simply a chance to reflect on the day. The golden light adds a magical, dreamlike quality to these moments.

7:00 PM – Dinner Under the Stars

As night falls, set up a romantic dinner under the stars. This could be a private meal with just the two of you, or you could invite a few close family members or friends to join. Fairy lights, a fire pit, and candles can add a cozy touch to the evening.

8:30 PM – Stargazing & Final Moments

End your day with some quiet, reflective time together—whether that’s stargazing, cozying up by a fire, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of your surroundings. The best part about a full-day elopement is that you can savor these moments without feeling rushed or hurried.

Customizing Your Elopement Day

Every couple’s elopement day will look a little different. Here are a few ways to customize your timeline:

• Adventure Add-Ons: If you’re in a national park or scenic area, add in an afternoon hike, a boat ride, or a scenic drive.
• Cultural Traditions: Include meaningful traditions that speak to your relationship, whether that’s handfasting, a unity candle, or a favorite family tradition.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Remember, timelines will change with the seasons! In summer, sunrise is earlier and sunset is later; in winter, you’ll want to adjust accordingly for shorter daylight hours.

Final Tips for Your Full-Day Elopement

• Plan for Flexibility: Weather, lighting, and location conditions can change, so build in extra time to be flexible.
• Pack Smart: If you’re eloping outdoors, pack essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and any permits you might need for your location.
• Work With Your Photographer: A full-day elopement gives your photographer time to capture every little detail, from candid moments to breathtaking portraits, so make the most of your time and do what will be most fulfilling for you.

If you’re ready to start planning alongside a photographer who specializes in full-day elopements, I’d love to chat with you! Contact me to get started. Let’s make your dream day come true!