The Importance of your Elopement Timeline

Why it’s Important to Have a Timeline for your Elopement + Sample Timelines

Southern California Elopement Photographer | Summit and Sur Photography

Making the decision to elope or have a small intimate wedding is a big one. You are having the wedding day that speaks to you and your partner’s way of life, values, and interests. It’s a big deal, truly. So what comes after that monumental decision?

While there is likely a lot on your list to do in planning your big day, there is one thing that should be front and center: your timeline. To some, this may not seem as exciting as planning florals or picking out what you’ll wear for your elopement; however, your timeline is the heart of your day and should get all the attention it deserves. With that said, if timing and schedules stress you out, fear not! As an elopement photographer, helping my couples with their timeline is something that I not only offer, but actually enjoy doing. Why? Because your timeline is where all the fun happens…all the ideas on things you can do that truly break the mold from a traditional wedding day and make it unique.

So what are some things to consider when putting together an elopement timeline? Keep reading to find out…

The first thing to consider when thinking about your timeline is how much time you are allocating to your day. For many people, this will directly play into how much time you booked your photographer and any other vendors. So whether you booked for four hours, eight, or a multi-day package, your timeline will help determine what you do with those hours as well as what time of day.

Once you know how many hours you are working with, it’s important to consider what part of the day you want to spend exchanging vows and doing other fun things (we will get to that soon). Are you and your partner morning people who like to see the sun rise? Or are you both more into a leisurely morning followed by fun activities in the afternoon? If you have a full day of coverage or a multi day package, maybe you want both. However, if you are operating on a shorter timeline, this is usually a pretty important decision as it will determine how we organize your timeline.

Probably the most fun thing to do in regards to your timeline comes after you have determined hours of coverage and time of day. This part is called: brainstorming! What does this mean? It means that between you, your partner, and anyone else helping with planning (ahem, your photographer), you get to think up all the wild, fun, crazy things you could do on your elopement day. Whether your dream is a lazy morning with coffee on the porch overlooking the ocean or a sunrise hot air balloon ride followed by mimosas, this is the time to dream big and get creative. If there is anything you have ever wanted to experience, this is the time to make it happen! Once you nail down what is possible for your location, date, and budget, it’s time to put that into your timeline.

Another thing to consider with regards to your elopement timeline is how much you actually want to do. Sure, you may have brainstormed a whole list of ideas that sound epic; however, you want to make sure you leave time to be in the moment and really soak it all in. It’s also worth considering that you probably don’t want to feel like you are “tied” to your timeline, without any wiggle room for adventures or opportunities that pop up. While your photographer and/or planner can help you navigate this balance, it’s ultimately up to you and your partner to know how much you really want to squeeze in that day!

Sample TimelIne: 12 Hour Elopement

9:15 am: Make breakfast together at Airbnb

10:15 am: Enjoy coffee + food while writing vows together

11:15 am: Start getting ready together

1:00 pm: Help each other with final touches (jewelry, tie, etc.)

1:30 pm: Drive to heliport for helicopter tour

1:45 pm: Helicopter take-off to first landing spot

2:45 pm: Arrive at first landing spot, explore + hike

4:00 pm: Helicopter take-off to second landing spot

4:50 pm: Arrive at second landing spot, walk to ceremony location

5:00 pm: Ceremony + exchange vows

5:15 pm: First dance + explore + charcuterie snack

6:00 pm: Portraits

7:00 pm: Helicopter take-off to heliport

7: 45 pm: Arrive at heliport, drive back to Airbnb

8:00 pm: Catered dinner at Airbnb

9:00 pm: Hot tub

9:15 pm: The end!

Sample TimelIne: Four Hour Elopement

4:30 pm: Arrive at Airbnb for cocktails and getting ready

5:30 pm: First look + hike to waterfall

6:45 pm: Drive to ceremony location

7:00 pm: Ceremony

7:30 pm: Sunset portraits + first dance

8:30 pm: The end!

As shown in the two sample timelines, it’s clear that there is a big difference in what is possible when it comes to timing. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with a shorter day, it’s important to keep in mind that some of the bigger things (helicopter tours, skydiving, multiple locations, etc.) may not be as feasible on a shorter timeline. The great thing is that even if you have a shorter timeline planned, there is no doubt your day will be spectacular and amazing. Your elopement day is about you and your partner being together and doing things that make you happy. That’s it! And of course, if you are reading this and saying “I want to do ALL the things” but have a shorter day planned at the moment…don’t fear. Reach out today to ask about upgrading your package to give you a little more wiggle room for more adventures!

Ready to plan your dream elopement? Reach out today to get started!