The Benefit of Minimal Stress (And How to Create Your Perfect Elopement Timeline)
Eloping isn’t just about saying “I do” in a breathtaking location—it’s also about eliminating the overwhelming stressthat often accompanies traditional weddings. While big weddings can leave you bogged down in endless details, decisions, and coordination, an elopement offers you the luxury of choosing what truly matters and savoring the experience without the anxiety.
But even though eloping can be more relaxed, you’ll still want to plan your day in a way that ensures everything flows smoothly. That’s where your elopement timeline comes in! When creating a timeline for your elopement, the goal is to make sure that your day feels as effortless and stress-free as possible, while still making time for all the key moments you want to experience and enjoy.
Here’s how to create a timeline for your perfect elopement:
1. Start with the Basics: Location and Time of Day
First, you’ll want to think about your elopement location and the best time of day to be there. Are you hoping to exchange vows in the soft, golden light of a sunrise ceremony? Or are you envisioning a dreamy sunset ceremony with a glowing sky in the background?
Consider sunrise and sunset times at your chosen location, especially if you're eloping in a place like Moab, where the landscape changes dramatically with the lighting. This is an important factor in your timeline because it sets the tone for your entire day. Plus, it ensures you’re working with the most flattering light for those epic photos!
2. Don’t Forget About Permits and Logistics
One of the biggest advantages of eloping is avoiding complicated wedding logistics—but that doesn’t mean you won’t have some details to iron out. For example, if you’re eloping in a national park or on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, you'll need a permit. This could affect the timing of your ceremony, as certain parks or locations may require a specific start time to accommodate other visitors or to ensure you have the right space.
Part of your timeline creation will involve factoring in when you can secure your permit and how long the application process will take. I can help guide you through this, ensuring everything is sorted well in advance. We’ll build it into the timeline so there’s no last-minute scrambling.
3. Incorporate Time for Your Personal Moments
Unlike a traditional wedding with a long list of scheduled events (cocktail hour, speeches, cutting the cake, etc.), your elopement day is about capturing the moments that are uniquely meaningful to you and your partner. That means setting aside time for those quiet, intimate moments—whether that’s a first look, reading your vows to each other, or spending a few minutes alone to reflect on the day.
For instance, after your ceremony, you may want a few minutes to soak in the moment together, away from the crowds (which, in the case of an elopement, is just you two!). You can then explore the location for some post-ceremony portraits and photos. But the important thing is to build in space for calm moments before heading off for more adventures.
4. Add Adventure, Not Stress
One of the best parts about eloping is that you’re free to do things your way. Do you want to go off-roading in a Jeep after your ceremony or take a hike to a scenic overlook? Adding adventure to your timeline will allow you to fully embrace your surroundings and make memories in a way that feels fun and spontaneous.
For example, if you’re eloping in Moab, you might want to add in some Jeep rentals or guided Jeep tours through rugged desert terrain, followed by a sunset dinner at a favorite local spot like The Spoke on Center. Or, perhaps you want to go stargazing in a secluded area and end the night watching the stars together.
Creating time for fun activities, such as a helicopter tour of the red rocks or a picnic in the wilderness, can be a great way to personalize your day and add that extra bit of excitement.
5. Make Time for Vendors and Details
Eloping doesn’t mean skipping out on vendors or special details—you can still incorporate a flawless hair and makeup session or beautiful florals to complement your day. Just be sure to plan for these things in your timeline.
Hair and Makeup: You might want to schedule hair and makeup early in the day (ideally 2-3 hours before the ceremony) to ensure you have plenty of time for the artist to perfect your look.
Officiant and Ceremony: Depending on your location, you may need to factor in the time it takes for your officiant (like Krista Guss with CanelopeMoab) to arrive and lead your ceremony. We’ll make sure that your ceremony is scheduled at the right time to ensure it’s not rushed and that you have ample time for your vows, readings, and personal moments.
Photography: Your photographer will likely need 2-3 hours to capture all the beautiful shots, so be sure to allow time for portraits before and after the ceremony, as well as any specific shots or scenic spots you want to capture throughout the day.
6. Leave Room for Flexibility and Spontaneity
One of the best things about eloping is the lack of rigidity. There’s no strict schedule you need to follow, which means you’re free to be flexible and spontaneous.
If you find a beautiful spot while on a hike, or if the weather suddenly shifts and you want to shift your ceremony time to catch a rainbow, it’s all part of the adventure. Don’t forget to leave room in your timeline for changes or detours—it’s about enjoying the journey as much as the destination!
Sample Elopement Timeline:
Here’s a sample timeline for a day eloping in Moab, just to give you an idea of how things could flow. Feel free to adjust this based on your preferences and chosen location:
5:30 am: Wake up, grab coffee, and get ready for the day!
7:00 am: Hair and makeup (or earlier, depending on the look you want!)
8:00 am: Meet officiant and photographer at ceremony location.
8:30 am: First look and intimate time together.
9:00 am: Ceremony (sunrise, epic views, personal vows).
9:45 am: Portraits and photography around the location (capture those amazing moments).
11:00 am: Adventure time! Take a jeep tour, go hiking, or enjoy your chosen activity.
12:30 pm: A relaxed picnic or brunch.
2:00 pm: More portraits, fun moments, or time to explore.
4:00 pm: Head to a local restaurant or enjoy a private sunset.
6:30 pm: End the day with stargazing or a cozy dinner.
By keeping your timeline flexible and fun, you’ll create a stress-free day that’s perfectly in sync with your energy, personality, and love for each other. And most importantly, remember to enjoy every moment. This day is for YOU and your partner, and the timeline should reflect the pace and flow that feels right for both of you.