3 Full-day Elopement Timeline Ideas

Wondering what an elopement timeline might look like? Struggling to really see how you could fill an 8-hour day when the ceremony itself only takes a few minutes. 

These three full-day elopement timeline ideas will show you how to squeeze the most fun, adventure, and daylight out of your super-special, bad-ass day— and help you plan like a pro!

Option 1: Just The Two Of You

This hiking elopement timeline works backwards from sunset, putting you in the best place at the most romantic time. For the purposes of this example timeline, let’s say sunset is at 7 pm.

Morning: Start your wedding day together however you like. Sleep in, go out for breakfast, or sip coffee on the deck.

Noon: We’ll meet at the trailhead.

12:30 pm: Meet the officiant to make it legal!

1:00 pm: Begin your hike early, giving yourselves tons of time to stop along the way to take photos, sip and snack, and enjoy the view. This will make up the largest “chunk” of your wedding day, so there’s no need to rush. (Note: This doesn’t mean the hike has to be intense or long; we can just go at our own pace.

4:00 pm: Arrive at the peak

5:00 pm: Oggle at the views. Take it all in together.

5:30 pm: Exchange private vows + rings. 

6:00 pm: Pop some bubbly, enjoy some bevvies, and have a few snacky snacks to celebrate.

7:00 pm: Take stunna sunset pics.

7:30 pm: Hike back down!

Option 2: With The Must-Have Crew

This day starts the same way as Option 1, but we keep the hike shorter and time it so that you’re back down and with your crew 2-3 hours before sunset.

Morning: Start your day together doing whatever puts you in your happiest place.

11:30 am: I’ll meet up with you, congratulate you, and we’ll set off!

12:00 pm: Begin your hike early, giving yourselves time to stop along the way to take photos, sip and snack, and enjoy the view. This elopement timeline is perfect for a lighter, shorter hike— think 1 hour (ish) each way.
1:00 pm: Arrive at the

1:30 pm: Oggle at the views. Take it all in together.

2:00 pm: Say I Do’s.

2:30 pm: Pop some bubbly, enjoy some bevvies, and have a few snacky snacks to celebrate.

3:00 pm: Hike back down!

4:30 pm: Meet with the officiant to make it legal.

5:00 pm: Have your must-have guests join you for a formal meal or keep things light with some snacky snacks and bevvies. Location ideas: a backyard, a restaurant patio, a park, or at the base of the hike tailgate-style!

7:00 pm: Steal away for some sunset photos

Option 3: Adding An Adventure To Your Elopement

Some couples love the idea of a quaint day-in-the-life style elopement that takes them to their favourite beach or trail. Others want to shake things the eff up! If you guys are dreaming about doing something super unique you’d never normally do — whether you live nearby or plan to travel here for the day — I say let’s do it!

Here are some adventure elopement ideas that you crazy kids might like:

Adventures like these can easily take up half a day— leaving the other half for you to make it legal and raise a glass on your own or with your VIPs.

Morning: Wake up, gear up, and get ready for the best day of your life so far!

10:00 am: I’ll come to meet up with you and we’ll kick off the day (maybe with a mimosa?!)

10:30 am: The adventure begins! We’ll spend a few hours doing whatever you guys have your sights set on for the day. As we adventure, we’ll take our time, stop for photos, sip and snack, and, of course, find the perfect time and place for you to make it official!

3:30 pm: Enjoy some bevvies, have a few snacky snacks, snap some more pics, and take a few moments to either change, get ready, or just breathe before the rest of the day.

5:00 pm: Make your way to your romantic dinner spot for two, or to the place where you’ll meet up with your friends and family.

6:00 pm: Eat, drink, and be merry!

7:00 pm: Sneak away for those last few sunset photos.

couple enjoying sunset

Full-Day Elopement Photography: The Perfect Pairing

Here’s how I see it: you already went for it. You’re planning the wedding day of your dreams. So let’s make your photos one more thing that you do for yourselves.

My full-day elopement photography packages are here to do your story justice! Because you and I both know your elopement isn’t about being quick or cheap (although those things don’t hurt!). It’s about putting you and your values first. And documenting your day? That’s priority numero uno! (Well, okay, it’s right behind actually getting married and having a blast!)

Book a complimentary consultation to chat with me about the how, why, when, and where of it all! We’ll grab a virtual bevvy (alcoholic or caffeinated) and talk all about your day.

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15 Ideas for What To Do on Your Elopement Day

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3 Myths About Hiking Elopements