How to Plan an Elopement Timeline

If you need tips on creating an elopement timeline - you have come to the right place.

Before you start planning think about what you want your wedding day to look like.
What feels special to you? What do you see when you envision your wedding day?

You have the opportunity to create a day that is meaningful to you.

Do you want your day to feel relaxed or would you rather have it be action-packed?

Take time to reflect together. Then let’s create the wedding day you actually want.
Here is my how-to guide on crafting your own elopement timeline.

Tips on Creating an Elopement Timeline

Yes, you’re eloping. You are forgoing tradition to have a wedding that means something to you.

Your entire wedding day matters.

You’ve come this far - so don’t compromise when it comes to your timeline.

Eloping isn’t a letdown. It’s a magical and intimate day that deserves to be documented.

Booking a photographer for only a few hours is a disservice to yourself and to your wedding day.

The getting ready shots, first look, reading vows, celebrating, adventuring - it is all worth remembering.

Your entire wedding day matters.

Schedule Time Blocks

Once you know what you want your wedding day to look like you can start crafting a timeline.

I find it easiest to schedule elopement timelines using time blocks.

For example: Typically I tell couples to allow one hour per mile during a hiking elopement.

Getting ready (hair, makeup, dressing) could take you 30 minutes or two hours.

Think of each individual event in time blocks. Then map it out accordingly.

Pro tip: always give yourself more time than you think you need.

Time Blocks to Consider

• getting ready

• first look

• transportation to ceremony location

• family photos

• elopement activity

• ceremony

• time alone together

• couple photos

• food and celebration

• sunset photoshoot

• time with family

Sunset Hiking Elopement Timeline

8:30 wake up

9:30 brunch at a favorite restaurant

11:00 get ready

1:30 first look

1:45 drive to trailhead

2:00 start hiking / take pictures as we go

4:00 reach ceremony location

4:15 freshen up + quick snack

4:45 ceremony begins

5:00 you’re married!

5:05 take some time alone together

5:30 celebrate with food and drinks

6:00 sunset photoshoot on a mountaintop

7:00 start hiking back

9:00 arrive at trailhead

9:15 drive back to airbnb

Multi-Day Elopements

Multi-day elopements work great when couples want to include their friends and family.

Especially when some of your guests may not be physically able to hike or participate in your adventurous activity.

You can enjoy a relaxing day with the ones you love. Then have an epic adventure together the very next day.

On the first day enjoy a relaxing morning getting ready, read vows during your first look, and have an intimate ceremony with loved ones.

A playful photoshoot with your friends and family followed by a celebration including dinner, drinks, and dancing.

This day closely resembles a typical wedding timeline but with an intention to still have an intimate wedding that means something to you.

Now let’s dream about day two.

The second part of your multi-day elopement can include hiking, helicopters, or a hot air balloon. Let your imagination run wild.

Put your wedding dress back on and get epic pictures in an amazing outdoor location.

Whatever adventure you choose is completely up to you.