How Long Do You Really Need for Your Elopement?
One of the most common questions I get as a Colorado adventure elopement photographer is: "How much time do we really need for our elopement?" The truth is, elopement days can be as simple or as epic as you want them to be! Whether you're planning a sunrise hike, a cozy cabin ceremony, or a full-day adventure in the mountains, the amount of time you set aside can make all the difference in creating a stress-free, unforgettable experience. The one thing I like to tell my couples is that if they want real, authentic, candid moments, they need a day with enough time to allow those moments to unfold organically.
Here’s a breakdown of how to structure your elopement timeline and how much photography coverage you should consider to ensure every magical moment is captured.
1. Getting Ready: 1-2 Hours
Getting ready is a beautiful part of your elopement story—it’s where the day begins. Whether you’re zipping up your dress in a rustic cabin or tying your hiking boots at a trailhead, this part of the day sets the tone.
What happens here?
Details: capturing your rings, dress, florals, vows, or accessories
Final touches: hair, makeup, and putting on your elopement attire
A few candid moments: solo portraits or quiet moments with your partner/family
Pro tip: Allow at least an hour to relax, breathe, and soak in the excitement of the day, especially if a big part of your wedding day was waking up slowly and enjoying coffee and relaxing! If you have two locations (e.g., your lodging and a trailhead), factor in drive time as well!
Time needed: 1-2 hours
2. Drive Times: Variable (30 Minutes - 2 Hours+)
If you’re eloping in Colorado (or any epic destination), drive times between locations are something to plan for. Mountain roads, unexpected traffic, and winding routes can take longer than you expect. And if you have multiple locations you want to see throughout your day or want off-road driving included in your activities, you want to know just how much driving to expect. Many couples are visiting Colorado from out of town, and for some it’s their first time so they want to see and do it all!
Why include drive times?
Transitioning from getting ready to your ceremony spot
Moving between multiple photo locations
Traveling to your post-ceremony adventure or celebration
Pro tip: I always add a buffer of 15-30 minutes into your timeline to account for delays. Enjoy the drive—it’s part of the adventure!
Time needed: 30 minutes - 2+ hours
3. Ceremony: 20-45 Minutes
While the ceremony is generally the shortest part of your day, it sets the tone for how the rest of your wedding day goes! Whether it’s an intimate vow exchange on a mountain peak or a small gathering with family at a scenic overlook, you want time to be present and not feel rushed.
What happens here?
Setting up (if needed)
The walk to your ceremony spot
Reading your vows, sharing rings, and enjoying the moment
Any traditions—religious or otherwise—you’d like to include
A few post-ceremony hugs, cheers, and celebratory photos
Pro tip: Build in time to soak up the view and celebrate your commitment to each other.
Time needed: 20-45 minutes
4. Exploring Multiple Locations: 1-3 Hours
One of the best parts about eloping is the freedom to explore multiple locations! This can mean driving to a second epic viewpoint, hiking a short trail, or chasing golden hour light for portraits. You never want to feel rushed at a particular location, so I try and add as much time as I think you’ll need there, but keep in mind if you’re having a great time somewhere, we absolutely have the flexibility to stay longer and soak it all in!
Why explore?
You get a variety of stunning backdrops for your photos
It feels like a true adventure—just the two of you experiencing new places
Pro tip: Even short hikes or location changes take time. Between walking, setting up, and capturing the perfect shot, plan for at least 45 minutes per new location.
Time needed: 1-3 hours
5. Activities: 1-3 Hours
Elopements are about creating a day that feels like YOU. I don’t want your elopement to feel like an all-day photo shoot, which is why I really push to include activities into your timeline. Whether that means popping champagne, canoeing on an alpine lake, hiking, off-roading to somewhere scenic, or sharing a picnic, make time for those meaningful experiences. Activities also lend to more organic and candid photos! Here is a full list of activities I love to include in elopement days.
Activity ideas:
Hiking, paddle boarding, or climbing
Sharing a meal or cake-cutting picnic
Stargazing, campfire s'mores, or dancing under the stars
Pro tip: Don’t pack too much into your timeline. Choose 1-2 meaningful activities that truly reflect your relationship.
Time needed: 1-3 hours
6. Sunset or Sunrise Photos: 1-2 Hours
Lighting is key to getting those incredible elopement photos you see online. If you want that soft, golden light for your portraits, plan for the bulk of your portraits at either sunrise or sunset. Golden hour is about one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset, and is the best lighting for photos!
Why golden hour?
The lighting is soft, romantic, and ideal for capturing breathtaking shots
It creates a calm, intimate vibe that adds to your elopement experience
Pro tip: If you book my 8-hour package, you can split up photo coverage into two parts of the same day so you get both sunrise and sunset lighting, with a break in between!
Time needed: 1-2 hours
7. Posed Portraits: 45 minutes-1 Hour
Although I love capturing documentary-style candid photos on your elopement day, that doesn’t mean we’re going to skip over the posed photos, or “family framers” as I like to call them! If it’s just the two of you, I think 3o minutes-45 minutes should be enough time for the posed portraits, but if you have guests, plan for at least an hour to make sure we get photos with everyone!
Tips for portraits
If you have guests, be sure to send a list with combinations ahead of time so we can move through things quickly
Let your guests know when portraits will happen and ensure they’re ready and where they should be at the time
Send your photographer any must-have shots or poses
Time needed: 45 mins-1 hour
8. Celebratory Moments: 1-2 Hours
Even with an intimate elopement, you’ll want time to celebrate! Whether it’s popping champagne, cutting a cake, or enjoying a quiet dinner, give yourselves space to reflect on the day. For celebrations with just the two of you, I recommend about an hour, but if you plan to have a few guests for an intimate wedding, you’ll want to set aside more time for celebrations including things like cocktail hour, cake cutting, first dances, etc.
Ideas for celebrating:
Toasting with a bottle of champagne
Cooking dinner at a cozy cabin or dining at a local restaurant
Sharing first dances or quiet moments under the stars
Time needed: 1-3 hours
How Much Photography Coverage Do You Need?
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on coverage:
4 Hours: Perfect for a simple 2-person elopement with one location, a short ceremony, one activity, and some portraits (ideal for couples who want a minimal, stress-free experience). 4 hours is a great amount of coverage for winter elopements when you might not want to be outside for 7-8 hours!
8+ Hours: Ideal for full-day adventures, multiple locations, hikes, golden hour portraits, activities, and all the candid moments in between. I recommend 8 hours for any couples who have guests in attendance to make sure that we have enough time for celebrations and portraits with your guests while also setting aside time for a solo adventure for the couple!
Multi-Day Coverage: Perfect for adventurous couples who want to explore multiple destinations, include pre-wedding adventures, or even plan a post-elopement day celebration. Multi-day coverage is also great for intimate weddings where you may want a rehearsal or welcome party covered the night before your wedding!
Your elopement day deserves to be just as intentional and special as any traditional wedding day. Whether you’re planning a half-day adventure or a full-day epic experience, the key is to create space for every moment—without feeling rushed.
Want help building the perfect timeline for your adventure elopement? I’d love to guide you through the process so you can soak in every second and have the photos to remember it forever.
Ready to plan your perfect elopement day? Let’s chat!