Your elopement can look a million different ways! We really do mean it when we say there are no rules – which can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. If you can do anything at all, how are you supposed to decide WHAT to do?! We have some example elopement timelines to share.
It’s time to plan your elopement! One of the most frequent questions we get is: “what should we do with our time?” We always answer that it’s totally up to you, but talk about decision paralysis, right? When possibilities are endless, it can feel incredibly daunting to hone it on what you actually want. Sunrise or sunset? Summer or winter? Or maybe fall? Hiking or snowshoeing? And on and on and on.
We’re here to help ya out. Here are four vague example elopement timelines to think about, just to get ya started! Keep in mind – things like driving distance, traffic, weather, etc will vary greatly and can change the details of your own day.
1. Winter Hike & Private Vows (4 hours)
12:30 – arrive to Airbnb for prep (last part of HMU, getting into dress, etc)
1:30 – first look & portraits at Airbnb
around 2 – leave for ceremony location
2:15 – arrive at ceremony location, strap on snow shoes & do the short hike to mountaintop for vows & views
3:00 – head to second location, additional portraits w/ views & the woods
3:45 – head back to Airbnb for cake, champagne & dance
4:30 – end!
2. Simple Portraits & Vows (2 hours)
4:00 – meet at mountain meadow location
4:15 – couple helps each other get dressed
4:30 – portraits in the meadow!
5:00 – short & sweet private vows by the creek
5:15 – more portraits & first dance
6:15 – end!
Here’s what this day looked like!
3. Family Ceremony + Private Vows & Full Day of Portraits (8 hours)
10:30 – arrival! capture all final prep + details (dress, jewelry, etc)
11:30 – First look w/ family members
12:00 – everyone leaves for ceremony location
12:40 – ceremony start time (sees each other for the first time!)
1:00 – family photos
1:30 – family leaves
1:30 – begin couples portraits & private vows! Multiple beautiful mountain locations, a hike, a picnic, vows, first dance – YAY!)
6:30 – end!
4. First Look with Family + Private Vows (6 hours)
1pm – arrival at salon for HMU with partner 1
1:30 – arrival at rental for prep with partner 2
2:15 – getting dressed!
2:45 – First look at rental
by 3 – leave for ceremony in separate vehicles *allows for some extra drive time, just in case*
3:30 – arrive at ceremony location; first look with family present
3:45 – private vows + portraits
4:15 – group portraits w/ family; family leaves
4:30 – couples portraits at same location!
5:20 – leave for restaurant
5:45 – arrival at restaurant for simple reception events
6:00 – first dance & champagne toast with family
7 – end!
Here’s what this day looked like!
If your head is still spinning’ (and not in a good way), you can add our customized planning package onto any elopement photo and/or video collection! Kick up your feet and let us do the hard part. We’re pretty good at it.
Crafting really beautiful films + photos for the wild at heart, Basecamp Visual is a Breckenridge, Colorado based videography and photography husband and wife duo, Dave & Shanna. Are you on the hunt for a creative storytelling team for your upcoming Breckenridge, Colorado intimate wedding or elopement? Interested in a session just because? Let’s talk about it! Contact us today to learn more.
