Chances are you’ve decided to elope because you value your wedding experience day even more, not because it means less to you. Eloping is choosing to celebrate the beginning of your marriage to the fullest by spending the day in a way you love instead of stressing over a a tight timeline and traditions that don’t mean anything to you.
At the same time, maybe you’re not sure how much time you need for this day. After all, isn’t an elopement a simple ceremony, taking some pretty photos together, and maybe eating some cake?
Yes, but it can be so much more than that!
I’m an elopement photographer who helps couples plan extraordinary elopement experiences in nature. Because this isn’t just any other day, this is your wedding day!
Real quick, let’s define what an elopement is
Elopements are quickly evolving, and everyone has a slightly different definition. As an elopement photographer, I define an elopement as an intentional wedding with few or no guests.
Eloping is about keeping the focus on the true meaning of this day, your commitment to each other and celebrating the beginning of this new life you’re starting together. This can look different for each couple, but often looks like celebrating outdoors, incorporating your favorite activities into the day, and spending quality time together, making beautiful memories.
Learn more about the modern definition of eloping!
6 reasons why you should have a full-day elopement
Now that we’re on the same page about what an elopement is, here are my top reasons for dedicating a whole day to your elopement instead of just a couple of hours.
More time equals less stress
You know how you feel when you’re rushing to get out the door and you have a full day of back-to-back errands to run with just enough time in between to eat? You know how stressful that is? It’s the same thing with your elopement day.
One of the main reasons you may have chosen to elope is to avoid the stress of a strict timeline that comes from a big wedding.
You wanna know a little secret? You wedding doesn’t have to be stressful! Having more time is the best way to alleviate stress on your elopement day.
Let me give you an example. What sounds like a more enjoyable elopement experience?
A two-hour elopement where you skip getting ready photos because you’re rushed to get dressed, leaving you with just enough time to arrive at your ceremony location, immediately jump into your vows, and have a few minutes for portraits in the midday sun.
Or…
A full day, beginning with casually getting ready for the day over coffee and doughnuts at your cabin, with your photographer there to capture the details, having time to do a first look with your partner, exchange gifts, then drive to your ceremony location with time to spare exploring to find the perfect viewpoint to share your vows.
More time gives you time to live in the moment without stressing over staying on a tight schedule.
You don’t have to choose just one location for your day
One of the most alluring parts of eloping is sharing your vows with incredible views that no wedding venue could ever hope to compete with.
No matter where you are with planning your elopement, I bet you’ve already found some pretty spectacular locations and might be having a hard time narrowing down to one spot.
What if I told you you don’t have to choose just one location?
With a full-day elopement, you can explore two or three locations during your experience, which is perfect for anyone with FOMO over choosing the perfect spot.
This is an especially great option if you’ll be eloping in a National Park, because there is so much to explore there!
You can go on a bigger adventure
It sure can be fun to add a little adventure to your elopement experience. With more time, you can include a bigger adventure, whether hiking, taking a 4×4 to a remote location, a helicopter ride, or a guided boat ride during your elopement experience.
Check out my guide to 50+ elopement day activity ideas for inspiration!
With more time, you can explore deeper into the wilderness to avoid crowds, get spectacular views, and relax during your elopement.
Time to celebrate alone and with family
If you’re torn between an adventurous elopement and wanting to have your family by your side, you can still have both! Eloping doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get married alone, and there are several ways you can include family in your elopement experience.
One way is to have a full-day elopement and spend part of the day together and part of the day alone. Another option is to have a multi-day elopement to spend one day with family and the other on your own intimate adventure.
More time gives you more flexibility to organize your day, however makes the most sense for you.
Check out my full guide to planning an elopement with family!
You can have every detail photographed
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of a full-day elopement is that you can have every moment captured in photos. It may not seem like it now, but this day is going to come and go faster than you could imagine, and your photos will be how you remember this day.
From the look on your partner’s face as you’re sharing your vows to laughing together during your day to the landscapes you’re surrounded by, having more time with your photographer will help you to never forget a single magical moment of this day.
Get photos with the best lighting
There are certain times of day when the lighting is just better. Having more time offers the flexibility to capture those beautiful portraits when the lighting is most ideal to give you those Pinterest-worthy elopement photos.
Plus, it’ll also allow you flexibility to go to popular locations at a time of day when the crowds will be the least.
What does a full-day elopement look like?
This really depends on the individuals because elopements all look so different! One of the draws for many couples towards an elopement is that their wedding experience is tailored to them, so no two elopement experiences look the same.
Your elopement day can be packed with exciting activities like hiking, horseback riding, or skiing, or it can be a relaxed day spent at your Airbnb, forest bathing, or lying on the beach. It can be spent with family or with just the two of you or anything else that will make this day memorable for you.
You get to control what your day looks like!
Learn how to plan an elopement!
I’ve put together some example timelines to help you get a better vision of a full-day elopement.
Full-Day adventure elopement timelines
8-Hour Adventure Elopement Timeline
1:00pm – Photographer arrives at lodging. Couple finishes getting ready.
2:00pm – First look together and wedding gift exchange.
2:30pm – Drive to the ceremony location in the woods.
3:00pm – Hike to the perfect spot.
3:30pm – Vow and ring exchange.
4:00pm – Celebrate being married! Pop some champagne and take some “just-married” portraits.
4:30pm – Walk back to the trailhead and drive to the picnic area.
5:00pm – Set up a romantic charcuterie picnic. Relax and play a favorite board game.
7:00pm – Pack up and head to the sunset viewpoint.
8:15pm – Arrive at the sunset viewpoint. Watch the sunset.
9:00pm – Sunset – Photography coverage ends
12-Hour Adventure Elopement with Family
4:15am – Photographer meets up with the couple at the trailhead. Begin hiking to the alpine lake.
5:15am – Arrive at the alpine lake. Explore to find the perfect ceremony spot.
5:30am – Get dressed and ready for the ceremony.
6:00am – Sunrise vow and ring exchange.
6:30am – Celebrate being married!! Take some gorgeous sunrise photos together.
7:30am – First dance together.
8:00am – Romantic picnic breakfast.
10:00am – Jump in the lake.
11:00am – Hike back to the trailhead.
12:00pm – Arrive at the trailhead. Drive to the reception venue.
1:00pm – Arrive at the reception, where family and friends are waiting to welcome the couple.
1:30pm – Take photos with family and friends.
2:00pm – Dinner and cake.
3:00pm – Dancing
4:15pm – Send off – Photography coverage ends.
So, have I convinced you to have an all-day elopement?
I hope you can see now why an all-day elopement is the best way for you to prioritize a personal and relaxed wedding experience. This day will only happen once, and you won’t regret going all in on this day!
Happy eloping!
