Bride and groom eloping in washington state walking through forest together

Planning an Elopement Timeline: A How-To Guide

Planning an elopement timeline

Any wedding, no matter the size, can benefit from a well thought out timeline. But, planning an elopement timeline can be trickier than you think. From sunset times to hiking time, we’ve got your covered in this blog post with our detailed elopement timeline planning tips!

Rainy Olympic National Park Wedding
Rainy Olympic National Park Wedding

Why do I need an elopement timeline?

You might think that because you aren’t having a big wedding, you don’t need the detailed timeline that goes along with it. While you can absolutely leave most big wedding details behind, a general elopement timeline is still helpful for both you and your photographer.

Planning an elopement in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a paradise for adventurous couples dreaming of eloping in wild, scenic beauty. From the peaks of the North Cascades to the misty beaches of Olympic National Park, there is no shortage of breathtaking backdrops.

It should be noted that there are a number of logistics involved in planning an outdoor or adventure elopement in the Pacific Northwest. Knowing how long it will take you to hike to your ceremony location or how long it will take for your guests to shower you in hugs and toast after your vows ensures you make it to your epic sunset photos on time. And importantly, that your experience remains stress-free.

Learn more about how to plan an elopement in Washington state in 2025.

Smith Rock Wedding Photos
Bend Oregon Elopement Smith Rock

What should my elopement timeline include?

Timing is a critical factor for all wedding days – elopements included! Sunset is one of the best times for elopement photography, and most couples planning an elopement are motivated by epic photos. We suggest planning your ceremony or couples photos at an epic PNW viewpoint during golden hour – about an hour before sunset.

However, reaching those epic photo locations often requires a hike or drive. Be sure to account for any hiking time when crafting your timeline, keeping in mind that steeper trails or larger groups may need extra time to reach the perfect spot.

For couples with accessibility concerns or less mobile guests, consider locations with drive-up vistas or paved walking paths. In the PNW you do not have to sacrifice views for accessibility! However, mountain roads often take longer to drive than you’d expect. So, account for buffer time in driving as well.

Mount Rainier Fall Elopement
Mount Rainier Fall Elopement

Questions to ask before creating an elopement timeline:

  • What activities do we want our elopement day to include?
  • How long will it take us to drive from our lodging to our destination?
  • If a hike is involved, how long will the hike take us/our guests?
  • How many guests will we invite?
  • Do we want to stop at multiple photo locations?
  • What time is sunset?
  • Will we see true sunset or will it set early behind a mountain?
  • How many hours do I have my photographer for?

You may want to check out our Elopement Activity Ideas blog post to discover ways to add to your elopement day!

Mistakes to avoid when planning an elopement timeline

Unfortunately, there are some common snags that can effect how smoothly your elopement plans go. We’re going to be honest – most of them stem from underestimating transition times. More guests means more transition time needed. And remember – you can’t hike as fast in wedding attire as you normally can!

North Cascades Adventure Elopement
North Cascades Adventure Elopement
mountain top wedding
Deer Park Elopement Olympic National Park Wedding Photographers

How to create an elopement timeline

Creating an elopement timeline is about balancing logistics with moments of joy and spontaneity. You can customize your elopement day in infinite ways, but planning up-front allows you plenty of time to enjoy the activities you have planned – instead of being stressed that the sun is about to set.

Start by choosing your location and researching (or asking your photographer) how long it takes to reach by car or on foot. Be sure to buffer for the number of guests, slower hikers, and unfamiliar roads.

Next, find out sunset time on your elopement day. Your photographer may know if you are in a location where the sun disappears behind a tree line or another mountain earlier than actual sunset. Using a map program (we love Google maps) navigate between your lodging and chosen location(s).

Finally, work backwards from sunset, including all these logistics and any other activities you have planned, and you have yourself a timeline!

Mount Rainier Elopement Seattle Wedding Photographers
Mount Rainier Elopement Wildflowers

Example elopement timelines

Below we have outlined some example timelines for our most common elopement package lengths; 3 hours, half day, and a multi-day option. These timelines are extremely generalized. The best thing about elopements is the ability to craft your day however you want.

Our hope is these timelines will give you a good starting spot for planning your own adventure!

Sample 3 hour elopement timeline

A 3 hour elopement works best for a single location and a minimal number of guests. It may allow for a short hike.

5:30pm First look
5:45pm Short walk to ceremony site
6:00pm Set up and perform ceremony
6:30pm Sign paperwork and celebrate
7:00pm Photos with guests
7:15pm Golden hour photo adventure
8:00pm Sunset time
8:30pm End photography coverage

This rainy elopement at Lake Crescent is a good example of a 3 hour timeline.

Sample half day elopement timeline

A 5 to 6 hour elopement typically allows for multiple locations, a larger number of guests, or a longer hike.

5:00pm First look
5:15pm Photos with guests
5:45pm Hike to ceremony site
6:15pm Set up and perform ceremony
6:45pm Sign paperwork and celebrate
7:15pm Drive and/or hike to sunset photo location
8:15pm Golden hour photo adventure
8:00pm Sunset time, exchange private vows as the sun goes down
9:45pm Star photos
10:00pm End photography coverage

Check out this Artist Point elopement which follows a similar timeline.

Intimate Wedding in the Mountains
Artist Point Adventure Wedding Mt Baker
North Cascades Adventure Elopement
North Cascades Adventure Elopement

Sample all day/multi day elopement timeline

An all day or multi day elopement is a canvas for you to plan to your heart’s content! Two days of coverage means capturing 2 sunsets in different locations, without sacrificing time with your guests or other activities on your elopement day.

Often, our couples (especially those eloping in Olympic National Park) wish they didn’t have to choose between spending the sunset at the beach or at the mountains. Consider an additional evening of coverage if you can’t decide between two locations (and don’t want to get up at sunrise).

Longer elopement coverage also allows for a larger number of guests, and a more reception-like celebration, if desired. This is great for larger elopements as well as true micro-weddings (all the wedding festivities planned with more intention and fewer guests).

Alternatively, you could spend all day exploring and hiking together over multiple locations and making the most out of the diverse scenery the PNW has to offer. A true Adventure Elopement!

Day before elopement:
5:00pm Meet up and begin hiking
6:30pm Arrive at location, change into wedding attire
6:45pm First look
7:00pm Exchange private vows
7:15pm Golden hour photo adventure
8:00pm Sunset
8:45pm Star photos
9:00pm Begin return hike

Day of elopement/micro wedding:
12:30pm Getting ready photos
2:00pm Drive to first location
2:30pm First look and portraits
3:00pm Group photos
3:45pm Drive to ceremony location
4:15pm Hike to ceremony site
4:45pm Set up for ceremony
5:00pm Ceremony
5:30pm Sign paperwork and celebrate
5:45pm Couples photos (while hiking back)
6:30pm Drive to reception location
7:15pm Cocktails and small bites
7:45pm Couple sneaks out for sunset
8:00pm Sunset time
8:15pm Be seated for dinner
8:30pm Dinner, toasts, dessert and general merriment
9:45pm Champagne spray celebration
10:00pm Bonfire
10:30pm End photography coverage

We love this mountain lodge micro wedding as an example of on way all day coverage can look with a small group.

Intimate mountain lodge elopement
Intimate mountain lodge elopement

Will our elopement photographer help us create a timeline?

In short – Yes! We have multiple planning meetings with our elopement couples to help you plan an ideal timeline for your elopement. An elopement photographer should tailor your plan to your hiking speed, exact lodging location, number of guests, and activities you have planned. The best thing about elopements is they are endlessly customizable!

Ready to plan your dream elopement in the Pacific Northwest? Send us a message via our contact form. We would be honored to invest our time and expertise into the best experience (and photos) possible for you.

Rainy Olympic National Park Wedding
Rainy Olympic National Park Wedding

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