I remember thinking of elopements as the spur of the moment plan going to a chapel in Vegas type of a thing, do you? Or did I just age myself? Over the years eloping has evolved into this entire new way of celebrating your wedding day outdoors on adventures all around the world. 

What all goes into planning an elopement? Most couples have never eloped before so let’s chat about what goes into the elopement timeline. 

Getting Ready

An elopement morning looks a lot different than a traditional wedding day morning. On this day you can get up and enjoy coffee and pancakes together, perhaps sit on the porch watching the sunrise at your cabin in the woods while you share in your excitement of the adventurous day you are about to experience. 

Some couples choose to get ready together while others prefer to do this separately and that is 100% up to you… nobody else’s opinion matters. If you have hired a hair or makeup artist allow for around 2 hours to get ready. If you are getting into your dress right away allow around 15-20 minutes for that. 

First Look

This is again up to you if you wish to do so. If you got ready separately this moment really takes away any nerves especially if you will have guests attending. Another bonus is it will be a moment for just the two of you. These take about 15-30 minutes depending on location, the emotions, the need for makeup touch ups, etc. 

Ceremony

Most elopement ceremonies consist of vows and ring exchanges depending on what you have planned out with your marriage commissioner. Most ceremonies take around 15-20 minutes, short and sweet. 

Photos with Guests

If you will be having any guests be sure to allow around 20-30 minutes to get some group and individual photos with them. 

Bride and Groom Photos

Communicate with your photographer on the location preferences for your photos. If you are getting married on a mountain top but also have a location you saw on the hike up let them know. Plan for 20-30 minutes of photo time in each location. 

Adventures and Activities

This day is one that should be as adventurous as you two are. If you want to hike, go kayaking, paddle boarding, or anything else you dream up together plan time for that and have it documented. 

Buffer Times

Don’t forget to calculate extra time for traffic delays, weather, set up if you plan to bring anything for your ceremony decor. Always leave a bit of wiggle room to make sure you get to relax and enjoy the moments of the day so you don’t feel like you’re rushing through it all! 

Sample of Elopement Timeline Ideas

Half Day Elopement Small Hike

11am-1pm- Hair and Makeup

1pm – drive to parking lot for hike

2:30pm – start hike to lookout 

3pm – Change into wedding attire at top in pop up change room

3:30pm – Ceremony

4pm – Photos with friends and champagne toasts

4:30-5:30pm – Couples photos and hike down

6:15pm – dinner and champagne 

Full Day Elopement Multiple Locations

4am – Hair and Makeup

6am – drive to location

7am – first look at sunrise

7:30am – Ceremony

8am – Couple’s photos at location 1

9am – Drive to location 2 

9:30am – being hiking

1pm – Arrive at hiking summit, photos

3pm – Hike down

5pm- Drive to lake front location

6pm – Sunset photos

7pm – Dinner

I would highly recommend getting your entire day captured whatever type of timeline you choose to go with. This is still your wedding day and a day that should be remember for all the moments big and small.