When you’re eloping, the last thing you want is a rigid, minute-by-minute schedule that makes the day feel rushed or stressful. One of the best things about eloping is the freedom to create a day that feels like you—whether that means hiking to a secluded mountaintop at sunrise, exchanging vows by the ocean at sunset, or having an exciting day together before saying “I do” under the stars.
That said, having a well-thought-out timeline ensures that your elopement flows smoothly, allowing plenty of time for all the moments that matter most—without feeling rushed. A good timeline helps you make the most of the best lighting for photos, factor in travel time between locations, and leave space for spontaneity and adventure.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to build an elopement timeline that feels intentional and stress-free. Plus, I’ll share sample timelines for both 5-hour and 10-hour elopement days to give you a solid starting point for planning your own unforgettable experience.
Step 1: Consider Your Priorities
What moments matter most to you? (e.g., first look, private vows, hiking to a scenic spot, a celebratory dinner) You can build the day around your priorities and what you'd like to include in the day. Everything is optional when it comes to elopements!
Are there any activities you want to include? (hiking, kayaking, helicopter ride, exploring a new city, etc.)
Do you prefer your day to start early or late? If you'd like to include other activities in the day then you may want to consider how that might affect your timeline. For example - if you'd like to do any water-based activities then you may want to do them after your ceremony in case you get a little wet (or a lot!). You might also be sweaty after the activity so if you'd like to be picture perfect for the ceremony you'll want to do that early on in the day.
Step 2: Factor in Logistics
Travel time between locations (trailheads, lookouts, lodging, dinner spots) Travel times can take up a lot of the day so don't forget to factor more time than needed just in case you run into a road block or in case the trail is tougher than anticipated.
Seasonal considerations (sunrise/sunset times, weather conditions) Check local sunrise and sunset times and be sure to factor in time changes if needed. If it's a colder time of year in that location, be mindful that snowy conditions can affect travel times. You may also want to schedule warming breaks or cool-down breaks if you're looking at environments with extreme temperatures.
Permits & restrictions (if needed for parks or public lands). Many parks restrict weddings from occuring during certain times of year, days of the week, and during peak hours of the day. Before you many any time commitments, be sure to speak with a park manager and ask if any restrictions exsist in their park.
Buffer time for spontaneity, breaks, and in case things run late. It's better to have more time than not enough time. Giving yourself an extra 5 or 10 minutes throughout the day can help make up for lost time somewhere else. It's also helpful if you know that you or certain guests are prone to running late.
Step 3: Be Flexible
Things won't always go according to plan so it's important to keep a flexible mentality and understand that things may need to shift for a number of reasons. The weather plays a huge factor in this. If it's calling for rain while your ceremony is supposed to be happening, it's ok to pivot and move things around to avoid that. But you may also want to ensure that the vendors you're working with that day are ok with being flexible too.
Step 4: What to include
Getting ready. Whether you're hiring someone for hair & makeup or you're doing it yourself, be sure to plan at least 1.5 hours for this + 20 minutes to get your outfits on
First Look. If you're doing a first look before your ceremony, plan around 10 minutes just for that so you have time to take it all in together and chat. I always let my couples have a few moments together here to just be together and not worry about anything else.
Private Vow Exchange. Many couples choose to have a private vow exchange -vs- just their ceremony so they can be unfiltered with their feelings.
Hiking/Walking Time. Take into consideration how long it will take your slowest guest to get to your ceremony location if there's a hike/walk included.
Driving Time. Like I mentioned before, you can't forget how long it will take to pack up everything in the vehicles, drive, find parking, etc. The little moments add up. I always add in extra time here too in case a guest gets lost or something is forgotten and someone needs to turn around for it.
Ceremony. Each ceremony is very different, so it will depend on what your officiant prepares and if there are any unity ceremonies you'd like to include too. You can generally expect an elopement ceremony to take around 15-20 minutes though.
Guest Photos. Of course this depends on if you have any guests, but if you do, I usually tell people to expect 1-3 minutes per person or grouping. Especially for me because I like to let them have a one-on-one moment with these people too.
Post-ceremony time with guests. Your family and/or friends will want a moment to chat with you to discuss the day, give you well wishes, and talk about what's to come. I usually plan for 15-20 minutes for mingling with guests.
Adventure/Portrait Time. We'll walk around the park, sight see, and get great photos! Drive and hiking time can be involved here too so plan accordingly.
Time for activities. Self-explanitory but talk to the experts or your activity guide to see what they estimate your time here will be. You'll also want to check business hours if you're not planning to book in advance.
Food & Drinks. You can plan a picnic, reservations at a restaurant, catering at your place, a private chef - whatever you'd like! But whatever route you choose, make sure you're considering when and where this will take place and if you're having guests, consdering appropriate times for them to eat too. If you're outside of the US, meal times may be earlier or later than you're used to.
Stargazing. A fun way to end the day! But you'll need to plan well after dark for this to ensure that the night is dark enough.
Sample Elopement Timelines
4-Hour Elopement Timeline Example (Best for short hikes, local elopements, or urban settings)
Example: Mountain Elopement
2:00 PM – Getting ready photos & details
3:00 PM – First look
3:30 PM – Drive to ceremony location
4:00 PM – Ceremony
4:20 PM – Portraits with guests
4:30 PM – Say goodbye to guests / explore the area together and take great photos along the way
5:30 PM – Sunset champagne toast & celebratory dinner
8-Hour Elopement Timeline Example (Ideal for adventure elopements, longer hikes, or multiple locations)
Example: National Park Adventure
4:30 AM – Getting ready
5:30 AM – Drive to trailhead
6:00 AM – Hike to overlook
6:30 AM – Sunrise ceremony + portraits
7:30 AM – Hike back down
8:00 AM – Leave for breakfast
8:40 AM – Breakfast together
9:40 AM – Drive to second location for another activity (kayaking, off-roading, etc.)
12:30 PM – Head back to your accomodations for a relaxing afternoon
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Elopement Day
Prioritize what feels right for you. This is your day and you're eloping to avoid all of the stressors that a traditional wedding timeline can cause. You're also doing this so that you can spend quality time with the person you're marrying. The beauty of elopements is that you can be selfish for you and the person you're marrying and do whatever you want!
The best thing you can do to set yourself up for success is find a planner or photographer who specializes in planning elopements and/or micro-weddings. The ones with experience have helped couples navigate planning an elopement day for years, in many different circumstances, and in a number of different environments. Their biggest values are in their knowledge and that their ability to set you up for success!
Ready to begin planning your dream wedding?
I'm Carly, a destination wedding and elopement photographer + planning guide who's documented weddings from Hawaii to Scotland. My top priority on elopement days is to help you create an experience, not just deliver great photos. I want to tell your wedding story, share the emotions you felt that day and the fun you shared together, and provide you with memories that you'll love forever. And in addition to photography, I'll also provide:
✓ Location Scouting & Research
✓ Vendor Recommendations
✓ Customized Timeline Building
✓ Activity Recommendations
✓ Assistance with Permits
✓ An exclusive elopement planning guide
If you're ready to take the first step towards your best day ever, fill out the contact form on my site! We'll talk about all of the possibilities, ease your mind of any hesitations you may still have about eloping, and get planning!
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