Sunrise/Sunset

Make note of what time the sun rises and sets on your elopement day. Do you want to watch sunrise or sunset? Sunrise and sunset also create some of the best light for photos! 

Recommended about of time: about 1 hour for photos at sunrise or sunset or both! 

Getting Ready

Details

First Look

Do you want to have a first look with your partner? A "first look" is when the couple chooses to see each other before the ceremony at a planned time during the day. Usually, this is a private time for the couple to share a special moment together before the ceremony. You don't have to do a first look, but it's something to consider when planning your timeline. You can find more info about first looks here. 

Recommended amount of time: About 30 minutes

Travel Time/Transition Time

Think about how much time it is going to take to travel between locations, whether that is via driving, hiking, or another mode of transportation. I also recommend adding some buffer time for transportation in case of unexpected delays. 

Recommended amount of time: About 10 minutes more than what the drive time is supposed to be. If hiking, most people average about 2-3 miles/hour.

Ceremony + Vows

How much time do you want for your ceremony or vow exchange? Definitely don't rush this part of the day! Give yourself time to pick the perfect spot to say your vows, explore the area a little bit, exchange vows, and spend some time together just the two of you or with your guests. 

Recommended amount of time: About 15-30 minutes

Actvities

Leave plenty of time for activities on your elopement day! Depending on the types of activities you want to include in your elopement day, this time can vary greatly. At the minimum, give yourselves time to relax and explore the location where you chose to elope. Check out this page of the guide for activity ideas. 

Recommended amount of time: About 1-3 hours

Family/Friends Portrait Time

This time is used for portraits of the couple with any family or guests that are in attendance.  I can also take professional portraits of all the couples and groups in attendance, which I recommend. For example, a photo of just your parents together. The time needed for portraits can vary depending on how many guests are in attendance. Check out this page for more info on family/friend portraits. 

Recommended amount of time: About 30 minutes

Time with Family & Guests

If you are inviting any family members or guests, you'll want to spend time with them! You don't have to have designated time in your timeline to spend with them, but think about how you want to spend the day and what you want to do with your guests throughout the day. 

Meals

Don't forget meals! Make sure you include time to eat and think about how you want to have meals throughout the day. You can have a private chef, catering, take out, picnic, or anything in between. 

In general, details for a wedding day are the small, intentional elements that go into the day. Every elopement is different and details may vary.  You don't have to have your details photographed, but think about whether or not you want photographs of your details, as that will need to be built into the timeline. Details may include: 

Recommended amount of photography time: About 30 minutes

Couple Photo Time

I separated the couple's photo time from the portrait time, because they really are two different things. The couple's photo time is time for just that, photos of the couple together. This time is less structured, less posed, and less directed. We will explore the area, I'll give you some prompts to encourage you to interact with each other, and you'll get to enjoy the location together. This is the time for you to spend time with just your partner while also taking photos. 

Recommended amount of time: About 60 minutes