How Many Hours Should an Elopement Be?

When it comes to planning an elopement, creating a timeline is a huge part of the process.

One of the top questions I get during calls with my couples is how many hours an elopement should be. First off, I put together an elopement timeline for all my couples so they don’t have to stress about it. When you book me as your Colorado elopement photographer, we’ll work together to design a package that is the right amount of time for you and bae.

Three Hours

A three-hour elopement is the shortest package I offer. It works really well for couples who want something super simple and private, whether it’s an elopement or intimate wedding. It might not sound like a lot of time, but we can pack a lot into only three hours!

Example of a three-hour elopement timeline:

• 4 p.m. – I meet you at the ceremony location
• 4:15 p.m. – Ceremony begins
• 4:25 p.m. – Group/family photos (if you have guests)
• 4:40 p.m. – Portraits of couple at ceremony location
• 5 p.m. – Leave for additional photo spot
• 5:15 p.m. – Arrive at additional photo spot
• 5:20 p.m. – Portraits (or private vows/picnic time to hangout)
• 6:20 p.m. – Sunset time
• 7 p.m. – End

Pros: Plenty of time for vows, multiple photo locations, and a celebratory activity (picnic, drinks, unity joint, etc.)

Cons: A three-hour elopement does not allow enough time to capture any getting ready photos or late-night celebrations, like an intimate dinner or game night

Inspo: Frisco Lake intimate wedding

Five Hours

This package is one of my most popular. It’s like if a three-hour elopement and five-hour elopement had a baby. It gives you time for all the things I mentioned above, but allows a little more breathing room so you don’t feel rushed. Something super important to me is making sure all my couples can be present and take in the beauty of Colorado, and five hours definitely gives us plenty of time for that!

Example five-hour elopement timeline:

• 2 p.m. – I meet you at your Airbnb/hotel/lodging
• 2:10 p.m. – Detail photos
• 2:30 p.m. – Getting ready photos
• 3 p.m. – First look or getting ready together
• 3:20 p.m. – Portraits
• 3:45 p.m. – Prepare to leave for private vows
• 4 p.m. – Arrive at private vows
• 4:30 p.m. – Leave for guest ceremony
• 5 p.m. – Guest ceremony begins
• 5:20 p.m. – Family/group photos (if you have guests)
• 5:40 p.m. – Leave for dinner
• 6 p.m. – Arrive at dinner
• 7 p.m. – End

Pros: Everything listed above plus time for me to cover the majority of your day, including getting ready photos and any fun ways you want to celebrate after saying “I do,” like tattoos! This is the most popular package for clients wanting to share private vows before the ceremony with their guests.

Cons: If you plan to do something fun with your guests earlier in the day, this won’t allow time for coverage of this. Depending on the location of your celebration and how far your ceremony location and getting ready location are, I may not have enough time to stick around for late-night celebrations

Inspo: Breckenridge elopement

Seven Hours

Spend your whole-ass day with me! A seven-hour elopement means we get to hang out most of the day, so you’ll have photos to document all the big and little moments. If you have a lot of different interests or ceremonies you want to incorporate into your day, this is a great option for you.

Pros: We become best friends 🙂 Plenty of time to relax and have down time throughout the day, while still getting photos of all the moments that matter. There is no such thing as rushing with this package. Perfect for couples with guests who seem to drag their feet when there’s a plan OR for couples who are worried your guests will be the reason things run late. It’s impossible for that to happen with this package.

Cons: Maybe you’ll get sick of me? But I doubt it.

Inspo: Airbnb elopement

Adventure Sessions

Want to make the most of your time in Colorado? Undecided on how many hours your elopement should be? My adventure sessions are a great option! They don’t have to be adventurous – they’re basically just an additional photo session you and bae can choose to add while you’re out in Colorado. I do have a wedding package that includes an adventure session, but it can be added to any package you choose.

Pros: We can get pictures in a completely different location and capture a completely different vibe from your elopement. Sessions don’t have to be scheduled directly following your elopement day either. It can be during a different time of year than when you elope – I’m flexible!

Cons: Not really a con, but some of my couples don’t always feel comfy in front of the camera or enjoy being the center of attention, so anything “extra” may sound like their personal nightmare. These are optional!

Inspo: Loveland Pass intimate wedding

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These are just some general guidelines for my different timelines, but none of this is a hard and fast rule. I can pack a lot into any time frame! Click the link below and let’s start planning.

Plan my Colorado elopement, Kenzie.