The Ultimate Elopement Timeline
First off, the title of this blog post is completely misleading. Because there is no “Ultimate Timeline”. There is no standard you need to follow- every elopement is different. Coming up with an elopement timeline with my couples is literally one of the most fun things. Why? Because there are absolutely no rules. It is really all about designing a day that is perfect for the two of you and your relationship. Here are some things I generally encourage you to think about when dreaming up your elopement:
What does your DREAM DAY look like?
What is one thing that you love to do everyday?
What is your favorite weather?
Where is your favorite place to wake up in the morning?
What are some things you enjoy doing together?
What is one of your favorite views? Where is a dream location of yours?
What type of adventure do you want to go on together?
These questions should get you thinking about your day in detail. What it looks like and things you want to incorporate- and things you don’t want to include your day.
Here’s what’s truly important: this is your day. This is your time. This is one time for the two of you to look at each other and truly think about what’s important. You are not “just” eloping. This is an awesome and amazing day- go all out from beginning to end! Making this the best day ever.
I want you to be open minded. To have ideas. EPIC IDEAS. To want to go on the adventure that will start the ultimate adventure of the rest of your lives together. But don’t worry- I’m here to help. Whether you need help dreaming it up or figuring out the logistics, I’m on your team with this. From locations to vendors to timelines and ideas- I got you.
Here is an example of a full day elopement timeline!
Morning: Spent enjoying your time together. Wake up slow, eat breakfast, do some yoga, hang out wherever you are at!
1:30 getting ready, whatever that looks like for the two of you- it can be getting ready together or separately, maybe you have someone doing your hair and make up and they join us during this time.
3:00pm: You’re both ready! If you got ready together than we won’t do a first look. If you got ready in separate rooms maybe we do a little first look together
3:30pm: head to ceremony location
5:30pm: arrive at ceremony general location, explore and adventure around, find the perfect ceremony spot
6:30pm: Do some portraits, have some drinks and snacks!
7:00pm-ish: ceremony + vows, champagne or tequila!
8:30pm-ish: Catch the sunset and take our final photos!
8:45 - 9:00pm: We will head back to your AirBNB
10:00pm: Celebrate back at AirBnb for late night drinks, pizza, hot tub of a bonfire with s’mores
Many people think “oh it’s just a few hours” and while it can be- it should be so much more than that. You’re eloping for a reason–to be able to have the day that you truly want and is incredibly special for the two of you.
Design a day that allows you to enjoy each other from beginning to end
One thing about enjoying your day (and what truly makes these different from a wedding day) is NOT having to feel RUSHED. I don’t want us feeling like we need to rush from point a to point b. This should be a day we can take slow and enjoy every moment of it. Breathe. Take it in. Remember it.
Looking at a timeline, it may seem like you don’t need that much time. But remember, it does take time getting in and out of cars, walking and hiking, getting dressed, changing shoes, etc. We also want to plan around big crowds at the location, as well as when the lighting is best. These are details that are often overlooked but important for creating a timeline that doesn’t make you feel rushed.
THERE ARE NO RULES TO ELOPING!
There are no rules to eloping. Don’t forget that.
So things like order of events, traditions, not seeing each other, etc. don’t have to apply here. Do you want to get ready together? Do you want to go on a helicopter ride? Or wear bathing suits at the bottom of a waterfall? Do you want to go skiing or snowboarding on your elopement day? Do you want to take a sunset boat ride? Do you want to climb? Or just spend it in a cabin with your dog?
