Elopements aren’t a quick ceremony. They’re a full-on experience. One that deserves to be lived slowly, fully, and on your terms. And that experience? It starts with the elopement timeline.

Now, before you start thinking “Whoa, 10 to 16 hours of being photographed? We aren’t models. Do we really need to be in front of a camera that long? Isn’t that… a lot?“

I want you to pause.

This isn’t a 10-hour photoshoot. It’s your wedding day.

You won’t be posing nonstop, trust me, that would be exhausting for both of us. And I don’t want you pretending to be someone you’re not either. I want you to live your wedding day, not feel like you’re in a production.

I want you to be making pancakes, hiking a trail, exchanging vows under redwoods, crying happy tears, and snuggling by a fire. And I’m there documenting the entire journey as it unfolds, like a friend with a camera (who just happens to know how to catch the good light).

Most couples tell me by the end, “We forgot we were even being photographed.” And that’s exactly how it should feel.

Full-Day Elopements Give You Room To Breathe

A full-day elopement is about giving yourself time and space to soak in the best day of your life. To breathe, not rush, and create an unforgettable experience. It’s not about the hours, it’s about what those hours make possible.

There is a wide range of elopements available. Some couples want a quick, private ceremony that lasts an hour or two. Other couples dream of multi-day experiences full of intention, meaning, and memories. There’s no wrong way to do it. It all depends on what you’re looking for.

But here’s what I believe: full-day elopements deserve to be seen as just as valuable as traditional weddings because they are.

When I was photographing big weddings, couples would go for 8 to 10 hours of photography coverage without question. You’re not “just eloping.” You’re choosing to craft an intentional experience your way. And that deserves the time and space to feel like your day, not just a quick photo op.

Why Have A Full-Day Elopement?

Eloping doesn’t mean your day matters less. It means you’re choosing a different experience. One that allows you to be more present, more intentional, and all about the two of you. A full-day elopement gives you the space to breathe and live your day instead of rushing through it.

You can wake up slowly with coffee on the porch. Walk next to the Oregon coast. Take a midday break at your Airbnb and share tacos on the floor. Explore somewhere new. Say “I do” again at sunset just because you want to. Dance under the stars. Whatever feels like you.

This isn’t about filling a timeline. It’s about creating room to breathe, feel real, honest moments. The kind that doesn’t happen when you’re watching the clock or being rushed around to talk to guests.

So, what does a full-day elopement look like? I’ve got a few examples below that show just how relaxed and intentional this kind of day can be.

Sample Elopement Timelines

Example 10-Hour Silverton, Colorado Elopement Timeline

10:00 AM: Photographer arrives

10:15 AM: Enjoy your favorite morning drink while I photograph you handwriting your vows

11:15 AM: Make breakfast together

12:15 PM: I photograph details of attire, sentimental items, and Airbnb while you eat

1:15 PM: Getting ready and putting on attire

2:15 PM: First look outside

2:35 PM: Get ready to leave for the waterfall location

3:20 PM: Ceremony + couple portraits

4:50 PM: Travel from waterfall to the alpine lake location

6:20 PM: Picnic at lake

6:50 PM: Couples portraits

8:15 PM: Photography coverage ends

Example 10-Hour Oregon Coast Elopement Timeline

8:45 PM: Photographer arrives

9:00 AM: Photography details of attire, jewelry, shoes, and Airbnb

10:00 AM: Getting ready together

11:00 AM: Head out to a nearby redwood grove

11:30 AM: Portraits while you experience the redwoods

1:00 PM: Midday break where you can eat, hydrate, nap, etc.

3:00 PM: Ceremony near cliffside overlook on the Oregon Coast

4:00 PM: Champagne pop and celebratory picnic

5:00 PM: Drive to the third location for golden hour and hike down to a secret beach

6:30 PM: First dance on the beach and sunset photos

7:30 PM: Dinner back at Airbnb with a private chef for the two of you

8:00 PM: Photography coverage ends

Example 2-Day Crested Butte, Colorado Elopement Timeline With Family

Day 1 (8 hours)

11:45 AM: Photographer arrives

12:00 PM: Getting ready and detail photos

1:30 PM: First look and private vows in an aspen grove

2:30 PM: Exploring wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and secret spots off the beaten path

5:00 PM: Picnic dinner and relaxing in a hammock

6:30 PM: Sunset photos in the high alpine

8:00 PM: Photography coverage ends day 1 

Day 2 (8 hours)

10:45 AM: Photographer arrives

11:00 AM: Getting ready again together

12:30 PM: Ceremony with guests in the mountains

1:30 PM: Family and friend photos with celebratory snacks

3:00 PM: Explore another scenic location for a different view

5:00 PM: Intimate dinner with friends and family and toasts

7:00 PM: Photography coverage ends day 2

Are You Ready To Dream Up Your Own Elopement Timeline?

There’s definitely no one-size-fits-all timeline. Your elopement can be quiet and slow, or full of movement and adventure. It can start before sunrise or end under the stars. It can include guests or just the two of you.

However it looks, it should feel like you.

That’s where I come in. I help you build a timeline that makes space for the things you care about, the little moments, the big ones, and everything in between. If you’re thinking, “Wait… can we really do all of that?” You absolutely can. Let’s map out a day that makes space for everything you love. I’ll help you build a timeline that fits your story.