Would it surprise you that most of the elopements I photograph include six to ten hours of photography coverage? There’s so much more to eloping than a ceremony, and you have endless possibilities of what to make of your day!

Since there are no rules to eloping, use your imagination, dream your craziest dreams, and let’s get planning!

Starting your day

First, think of how you’d like to start your day. Typically, with the exception of sunrise hikes and harder hiking or backpacking elopements, you’ll likely be getting ready in a cozy cabin or Airbnb. It could be just the two of you, or you could have friends or family there for support.

Take into consideration if you’d like to get ready with your partner, or if you’d rather get ready separately and do a first look. Both are very intimate and special moments that will create beautiful memories. Depending on your plans, first looks can take place at your Airbnb, wherever you’d like to take portraits, or at your ceremony location.

The ceremony

Next, imagine your ceremony. What is the scenery like? Do you envision it being just the two of you, or will you have guests there as well? What would be the perfect way to declare your love for each other?

If you’re desiring intimate vows, but also want guests at your ceremony, consider doing a private vow reading beforehand.

You can hire an officiant, write your own vows, or self-solemnize to make it official.

Transportation

Now that you’ve started thinking about the area you could elope in, how do you plan on getting there? Will it be easily accessible for your guests, or would it require a hike, driving on 4x4 roads, a helicopter ride, or something else?

Celebrate

Finally, round out your plans with a celebration! This could mean anything from having a picnic together after your ceremony to a reception with guests back at your Airbnb. Get creative here!

If you could do anything on your wedding day, what else would you do? Rock climb to a spot suitable for a first dance, kayak to a private island, or cliff jump even? I love a good champagne pop and all, but there are so many more possibilities to celebrate and personalize your day! Check out this list for some creative ideas.

After the ceremony is also a great time to express yourselves through your love languages. Think about the possibility of exchanging gifts, letters (from each other, family, or friends), or video calling loved ones.

Build in extra time

This is super important! Expect things to take longer than you’d think throughout the day because they often will. The last thing you want to feel is rushed. Giving yourself extra time relieves stress and keeps your day spontaneous and fun!

Don’t forget to plan time for transportation between locations too.

Stay true to yourselves

The most important piece of advice I tell all my couples is to be true to themselves. Although everyone loves hearing about your wedding plans, most people love sharing their own opinions about them as well.

If you’re wondering how to let your family and friends know that you’re eloping, check out this blog. Know that others may not understand your reasons for eloping until you share your photos and amazing experiences with them afterward. Regardless, your elopement day is about you both, so don’t let others sway your heart’s desires.

Timeline examples

9-hour hiking elopement at Mount Rainier

2:00 am — We meet at the trailhead to begin hiking in the dark with headlamps.
5:30 am — We arrive at the perfect ceremony location, you change clothes, and freshen up.
6:00 am — Time for your first look! Just in time for some epic alpenglow on Mount Rainier!
6:00 am – 8:00 am — This time is reserved for your first look, photos together, ceremony, and some alone time for yourselves. You’ll choose when to have the ceremony when it feels right to you.
8:00 am — Begin hiking back to the cars.
10:30 am — Get back to the trailhead and sign the legal marriage documents.
10:40 am — Drive to a restaurant for a reception.
11:30 am – 4:00 pm — Lunch reception and celebration with friends and family.

8-hour helicopter elopement

1:30 pm — I arrive at your Airbnb to capture you getting ready together.
2:30 pm — We drive through mountain roads and take a few detours for photos.
4:00 pm — Meet your family and friends at the ceremony location.
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm — This time is reserved for your ceremony, and photos of the two of you and your guests.
6:00 pm — Drive to the airport.
7:00 pm — Hop in a helicopter!
7:30 pm — Land in a secluded spot in the North Cascades.
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm — Have a picnic dinner on a secluded mountain and end your night with the most romantic first dance.
9:00 pm — Helicopter back to the airport, seeing the best views at sunset!
9:30 pm — We say our goodbyes at the airport and end an incredible day.

Two-day Iceland elopement

Day one

8:00 am — I arrive at your Airbnb/guesthouse to photograph both of you getting ready in separate rooms.
9:30 am — You do a first look outside the guesthouse at a waterfall on the property. Yep. Iceland is incredibly gorgeous everywhere.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm — We go for a drive, stopping anywhere we like to explore and take photos. We had a few places chosen for potential photo and ceremony locations and you choose when and where to have your ceremony when it feels right.
12:00 pm — Make our way back to a local hot spring.
12:30 pm — Walk to the hot spring.
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm — Soak in all the details of the day, relax and enjoy the hot springs!
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm — I hike back to the cars, leaving you with the option to soak more.

Day two

8:00 am — Meet in Reykjavik for a private natural ice cave tour.
8:00 am – 9:00 am — Off-road in a super jeep to the ice cave.
9:00 am – 10:00 am — Walk through the caves with the guide, taking incredible photos along the way.
10:00 am – 11:00 am — Ride back to Reykjavik and you get to finish out your vacation as a honeymoon!

You don't have to plan your elopement all on your own — contact me for help!