One of the number one questions I get is what the heck do we do for a full day on our wedding day? Uhm…enjoy it?!! No but really, this to me is like asking “what do I do on my day off work?”. So let’s dive in.

What is a full day elopement?

A full day elopement is just that, a full day. While it can sometimes be broken down into the number of hours of coverage that your photographer provides, my emphasis isn’t on the number of hours, but on the whole experience. What your morning, noon, and night looks like. I want to document every single bit of this day so that I can approach your wedding gallery as an experience for the people you share it with. And besides, if they can’t be there in person, we definitely want to make sure your loved ones are able to really feel all of the senses of your wedding day.

Why do a full day of photo coverage for an elopement?

It can seem daunting, the idea of have a photographer follow you around all day on your wedding day but if there is one thing that couples regret about their wedding day experience, whether it is a large wedding with loved ones, or a small elopement with just the two of them, is time.

Having enough time is everything, not only when it comes to your photos, but also when it comes to your experience of the day. No one wants to be rushing around checking things off a list on their wedding day. This is supposed to be a day filled with love and intention. Time allows you to slow down, it allows your photographer to slow down, and it’s way less stressful.

what to do for a full day of elopement coverage?

If you look back on your relationship and think about your favorite memories together, what are they?

For me, it’s mornings spent sleeping in, or waking up at the crack of dawn to get out of a freezing cold tent to go on a freezing cold hike (I either like to be 100000% comfortable or completely miserable, there is no inbetween). There’s always food involved, and lots of it. Savory breakfasts, snacks throughout the day, trying new things, expansive dessert options. Some type of physical activity usually makes me feel good about my day, but that isn’t everyone (and honestly will not be the expectation I set for my own wedding day, ha!). So instead of a half day hike, it could look like going to my favorite lookout spot for sunrise, or taking a picnic to my favorite overlook.

Here are some more full elopement day timeline examples for different locations in Colorado:

Full day elopement timeline example for Rocky Mountain national park & estes park, Colorado

Let’s pretend it’s one of the best times of year to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park - fall. The aspens are near the end of their golden stage, the first snowfall has already happened, the elk are bugling in the meadows and the kids are back in school so the town streets are looking less and less busy.

Let’s go with a classic October date, the 3rd. Late enough into the fall that all the leaf peepers are gone but there are still some pockets of golden aspens sloped throughout the hillside. And a date to remember so you won’t be having to ask anyone what date it is. (iykyk).

TIMELINE

6:00 am: Wake up, grab previously packed hiking bags, change into warm clothes, and head for the trailhead to one of the alpine lakes of your dreams. 

• My favorite include Bear Lake if you’re looking for something scenic, flat, but at high altitude so it feels like you’re really up there. Dream Lake if you don’t mind a longer scenic hike and more people for those epic views. Sprague Lake if you’re looking for mountain views with wheelchair-accessible paths. Or even Lily Ridge if you’re looking for something more outside of the park.

6:30 am: Arrive at the trailhead, start your hike or walk while watching the alpenglow on the mountains

7:03 am: Sunrise, enjoy the lake and take photos together

8:30 am: Head back to your car & cabin

9:00 am: Arrive back at your cabin, make breakfast together

10:00 am: You ate too much food so now it is most definitely nap time, hot tub time, shower time, or snuggle on the couch and watch a movie time

12:00 pm: Begin getting ready, hair/mua arrives

1:00 pm: Put wedding clothes on

1:15 pm: First look with each other onsite where you get to see each other in your wedding clothes for the first time

2:00 pm: FaceTime and read letters from loved ones

3:00 pm: Finish packing up and head out to ceremony spot

3:15 pm: Head to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks designated ceremony spots

4:00 pm: Arrive at designated ceremony spot

4:30 pm: Ceremony ends, celebrate with champagne, cheese, whatever feels unique to you two

5:00 pm: Head up Trail Ridge road for sunset photos on top of the mountains

• Snacks, photos, romping around, exploring

6:41 pm: Sunset, stay till after alpenglow ends

7:15 pm: Head back down to cabin for a private dinner, catering, or food

8:30 pm: Arrive at cabin for pizza and ice cream (or whatever else your heart desires!).

9:00 pm: Hot tubbin’ (or cold plunging?)

9:30 pm: Star photos or first dance with the mountains in background

Sound like what you’re looking for on your wedding day?