Wedding dress hangs on window from the cabin she's getting ready in for her Montana elopement

There’s a widely held (and totally false) belief that elopements are just for couples who want to make things quick, cheap, and easy. This myth has been carried over from the days when eloping was something scandalous and rushed that happened in a Vegas chapel. But, that’s not what eloping is anymore - not at all!

Now, an elopement is all about making sure your wedding day is true to who you are as a couple, and how you actually want to start your lives together. Big, traditional weddings aren’t for everyone, but a ton of couples feel pressured to make it work - even when it just doesn’t.

Eloping is more than just a ceremony and “a few photos.” This is still the day you get married, and that’s a big deal! So let’s look at what actually happens on an elopement day, and how you can build your incredible, totally you, elopement timeline.

Couple walks hand-in-hand during their rainy Washington elopement

What Goes into an Elopement Timeline?

If you don’t know anyone who’s eloped, it can be hard to imagine how you can fill an entire elopement day - but I promise, it’s easier than it seems! Here’s what actually goes into an elopement timeline, and what happens on an elopement day.

Getting Ready

A lot of couples are tempted to skip the getting ready photos, but this often ends up being one of my favorite parts of the day! If you get ready separately, the only way you’ll get to see your partner and how excited they were to marry you is through your photos. Even if you do get ready together, the beginning of your elopement day holds so much anticipation, excitement, and moments of “it’s happening!” Schedule enough time in your elopement timeline to grab coffee and breakfast and get ready without feeling rushed!

Two wedding dress and two backpacks hang on a sign reading, "Life is better at the Cabin"

Groom uses Jeep Rubicon side-view mirror to adjust his tie as he gets ready for his intimate California mountain elopement

Bride pulls her Danner shoestrings tight as she gets ready for her Asheville Mountain elopement

First Look

A lot of eloping couples wonder if they should do a first look, and my answer is always a yes! A first look is the moment when you see each other for the first time - and it not only creates super meaningful photos, but it also gives you a moment to yourselves before the ceremony (especially important if you have elopement guests). So many couples say that the stress and anticipation completely melted away after they saw each other for the first time.

Bride twirling in her white, flowy wedding dress for her groom at Yosemite National Park

Grooms spins around to see his bride during First Look on their Mount Rainier National Park forest elopement

Ceremony

The moment you’ve been waiting for - time to tie the knot and make things official! Most ceremonies only last about 10 - 30 minutes, but if you have any traditions or things you’d like to include in your ceremony, make sure to schedule time for those.

Bride's father officiating for her Colorado elopement, with alpine lake surrounding them

Photos with Guests

Candids will happen throughout the day, but it’s important to schedule some time for formal photos too! The amount of time you’ll need depends on how many people you’ve invited, but usually this takes about thirty minutes.

I always recommend that couples write a list of different photo combinations they’d like - this helps ensure that we don’t miss anybody!

Bride and Groom pose in their snowshoes, with friends, in front of Mount Rainier during their Washington elopement

Couple’s Photos

As a rule of thumb, anything we do during the elopement day will take more time than usual because you’ll be stopping for photos! Scheduling some time for couples photos after your ceremony gives you a chance to step away from your guests and take some time for yourselves to enjoy the “we just got married!” feeling.

Groom carries bride through wheat field in Montana as she throws her head back laughing

Bride and Groom go in for a kiss in Montana as the bride's veil flows with the wind

Adventures

The best thing about eloping is that it can be anything you want it to be! Which is why elopement timelines typically include an adventure or activity of some sort. This can be hiking to your ceremony spot, taking a helicopter ride to a glacier, kayaking/paddleboarding, or ending the day relaxing by the campfire. Whatever would make your day the best day ever, put it on the timeline!

Bride and groom pose with self-made elopement sign on their Jeep Rubicon during off-road California mountain elopement

Bride and Groom walk hand in hand along Colorado trail with 'Just Eloped' signs on their backpacks

Travel Time

There are two things that people often forget when it comes to their elopement timeline - travel and food! If you’re moving locations between getting ready and your ceremony, or you’re going to explore after you’ve said your vows, make sure to include the time it takes to get there in your timeline. And, you’ll need food throughout the day - so plan ahead and schedule enough time for snack breaks!

Groom attempts to catch a tossed grape in his mouth, while surrounded by close friends and family during Colorado mountain elopement

Sample Timelines

Now that you know what goes into a timeline, let’s look at a few samples!

Mount Rainier Elopement

7:30 Pancake breakfast together

9:00 Hair and makeup begins

11:00 Bride puts on dress, groom puts on suit

11:30 First look

12:00 Drive to Fremont Lookout trailhead

1:00 Begin hiking

4:00 Ceremony

4:30 Couples photos

5:30 Begin hiking down

6:30 Drive back to Airbnb

7:30 Dinner and cake

Bride throws snowball at Groom while snowshoeing in Mount Rainier National Park for their Washington elopement

Glacier National Park Elopement

3:00 Hair and makeup begins

5:00 Bride puts on dress, groom puts on suit

5:30 First look

6:00 Drive to Lake McDonald

7:00 Sunrise ceremony

7:30 Photos with guests

8:30 Couples photos

9:30 Picnic

10:30 Guests return to Airbnb, couple drives to helicopter tour

11:30 Helicopter tour begins

2:30 Helicopter tour ends

3:00 Meet guests for lunch

Bride and Groom kiss in front of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park on their Montana elopement day

Elopement Timeline Tips

When you create your elopement timeline, keep these tips in mind!

Leave Some Buffer Time

Things always tend to take longer than you think they will! Whether it’s because it takes a long time to get your family out the door, or you ran into traffic, or the hike was a little harder than expected, it’s important to include some extra time in your timeline so that you’re not feeling rushed! And remember, things like loading into the car or getting your backpack packed take time too.

Roll with the Punches

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan - and with an elopement, that’s totally okay! Unlike a traditional wedding, your elopement plans should allow you to be flexible and spontaneous. If you drive past a gorgeous spot and want to stop to explore, let’s do it! Your timeline is an outline of the day, but it’s not set in stone.

Two brides in white wedding dress standing on a rock cliff overlooking the Linville Gorge for their Asheville mountain elopement

Hire an Elopement Photographer

Your entire elopement day deserves to be documented! And while most wedding vendors also take on elopements, hiring someone who specializes in elopement photography has some distinct advantages.

They’ll be the expert on all things elopement, and will be able to help you along the way! I’m an elopement photographer, but my job is so much more than that. I give location recommendations, elopement tips, and yes, I create elopement timelines! So if you’re ready to start planning your own adventure, contact me!