Full Day Elopements: How to Plan an Unrushed Wedding Day

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You’ve heard of weddings lasting all day, but have you heard of full day elopements?

Just because you’re choosing to marry your person in a more private way, maybe just the two of you or with a small handful of guests, doesn’t mean your wedding day has to feel any less special.

In fact, full day elopements are the best way to make your wedding experience to feel even more special.

And as a photographer who has photographed hundreds of all day elopements and micro weddings, here’s everything I would plan for if I were in your shoes.

My Best Wedding Planning Advice?

Don’t. Rush.

A full day elopement doesn’t necessarily have to be about doing more, it’s also about slowing down enough to actually experience your wedding day.

Ya know how the most exciting days of your life fly by way too fast? Well, I can promise your wedding day is going to feel like that too.

By planning a spacious wedding day timeline, you give yourselves room for spontaneity, presence, and connection. You’re able to savor each part of the day as it unfolds, without watching the clock or feeling rushed to move on to what’s next.

It’s about romanticizing each moment, setting a beautiful scene for each part of the day, and fully being in the story you’re creating together.

Couple dancing on elopement day in Moab, Utah

How to Spend a Full Day Elopement (Ideas Beyond Just the Ceremony + Photos)

Enjoy a Slow, Intentional Morning

Enjoy a calm, unrushed morning together. Take your time getting ready, savor a cup of coffee, or go for a morning hike. Pamper yourselves and enjoy quality moments together before the day really begins. This is your chance to soak in anticipation, excitement, and reflection.

Enjoy a Pre-Wedding Adventure

Instead of having a calm and relaxing morning, you could instead go off on a sunrise adventure! Wear your wedding clothes (or an alternative outfit) and kick off your day with a bang.

Plan a Special First Look

Whether it’s just the two of you, your dog, or the lucky few joining your day, a first look is always a magical moment. Seeing each other all dressed up for the first time lets you soak in the excitement, share a few laughs or happy tears, and kick off your day with intentional connection.

Build in Time to Do Something You Love Together

Choose an activity that feels personal and fun for the two of you. Maybe you go horseback riding, paddleboarding, or even just wander a favorite trail. Doing something you love together gives your day special meaning and creates natural memories to capture.

Check out more way more Elopement Activity Ideas here!

Choose a Meaningful Location for Your Ceremony

Whether it’s just the two of you or a few guests, pick a meaningful location for your ceremony. Make it slow and intentional. Take time to read your vows aloud, really look at each other, and savor the moment.

Looking for more elopement ceremony ideas? This blog post has tons of ideas for you!

Plan Thoughtful Meals

Plan a picnic or a private meal to connect and celebrate. Bring favorite foods, write little notes to each other, or hire a private chef for a dinner in a unique setting. This is your moment to enjoy conversation, toasts, dances, or just enjoy the newly married feels.

Celebrate in a Way That Feels Like You

End the day with something that feels like you. Maybe it’s music, dancing, a campfire, stargazing, or a quiet moment under the stars. Whatever feels meaningful to you!

Couple shares a first look at sunrise in the mountains

Romantic first look during full day elopement

How Much Photography Coverage Do You Need for a Full Day Elopement?

It’s very common for eloping couples to book 8 to 10 hours of coverage for their day, and sometimes even 12 hours. Most photography packages cover consecutive hours, but if your photographer is flexible like me, you might be able to split coverage into two parts to focus on the moments that matter most to you.

And hey! Depending on the time of year, you may even be able to fit both sunrise and sunset into your timeline too.

Meet Your Elopement Photographer

Hey, I’m Amber!

An Estes Park-based micro wedding and elopement photographer, here to help you create a wedding experience that feels exciting, fun, and most importantly…yours.

I’m all about helping couples create a wedding experience that feels more like a vacation than a checklist. From helping you find the most beautiful wedding venues, to making sure you have a wedding timeline that is relaxing and full of the good stuff.

Explore my elopement and micro wedding packages here.

Do you think we are going to be a good fit? Fill out the inquiry form below and let’s meet!

Let’s do this!