How to Create Adventure Elopement Timeline

You’ve found your forever person. And you’ve decided to ELOPE! Yes, let’s do it! Your venue? Somewhere in the great outdoors in Alberta, Canada. So… now what? You start planning your elopement timeline!

While one of the BEST parts about elopements is their more spontaneous nature, adding some structure to your big day can seriously dial down on the stress! After all, who needs stress when you’re about to embark on the BEST adventure of your life?!

As an experienced Alberta adventure elopement photographer, I aim to craft a day for you full of love and excitement, filled with unforgettable memories, and planned JUST right! And even more – we’ll explore, have FUN, and take the perfect shots together.

Planning your elopement timeline is quite low on the initial elopement planning to-do list. So before you get started, I suggest you check out this blog to help you plan your elopement!

Once that’s done – we can move on to the fun stuff – your elopement timeline!

Tips for Your Adventurous Alberta Elopement Timeline

Before I give you a sample elopement timeline, there are some useful things to keep in mind during the planning!

• If you want to elope in the Canadian Rockies, I recommend a weekday elopement! The Rockies are a HUGE tourist attraction, and it gets really crowded on weekends. So for the smoothest and more private experience, I recommend getting married on a weekday!

• Depending on your location(s), you might need to give yourself a little extra travel time. This is an adventure, after all! Weather, snack breaks, and those unplanned-but-OH-SO-WORTH-IT photo ops along the way could mean you’ll need a bit more time to get where you’re going. If you’re eloping in the Canadian Rockies, you must plan for any potential hiking, driving, (or even helicopter rides!). 

• With an elopement, you’re not bound by traditional timing rules. Want to say “I do” at sunrise? DO IT! Prefer a starlit vow exchange? WHY NOT? Pick a time that will make your hearts sing! Consider the lighting you’d want for your photos – golden hour (just after sunrise and just before sunset) offers a STUNNING backdrop!

• From getting ready to your first look, ceremony, and your post-vow adventures, make sure there’s plenty of time for photos so you can relive these moments FOREVER!

• This is an ADVENTURE elopement, after all! So make sure to leave lots of time for exploration. Whether that means taking a mid-day hike, soaking in hot springs, or savoring a picnic by the lake – make your day as unique as YOUR love!

Elopement Timeline Examples

The timeline will vary a lot depending on your chosen location, season, if you choose to bring any guests and all the activities you’d want to include in it. So these are just examples of what it could look like!

If you ask me, I’ll always tell you to go for the Golden Hour! Sunrise and sunset offer the best light of the entire day, and that’s how I create dreamy photos! It’s up to you which you prefer. So the elopement timeline examples are with that in mind 😉 

July Sunrise Elopement

3:00 AM: Wake up and GET EXCITED! It’s your BIG DAY!

3:30 AM – 5:30 AM: Time for hair, makeup, and getting dressed.

5:30 AM: Travel to your first location, just in time for that gorgeous sunrise

6:00 AM: The sunrise ceremony.

6:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Post-ceremony photos. The sunrise light is AMAZING for these shots!

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Celebratory breakfast picnic and candid shots.

Rest of the Day: Adventure time! Explore the trails, enjoy the scenery, and snap more photos along the way!

July Sunset Elopement

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Hair, makeup, and getting dressed.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Travel to your first adventure location.

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Explore and take impromptu photos of your chosen adventures.

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: A relaxing break. Freshen up, snack, and prepare for the ceremony.

9:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Exchange vows during the golden hour. SO ROMANTIC!

9:30 PM – 10 PM: Post-ceremony photos. The sunset will make these moments so much more special!

10 PM onwards: Celebrate under the stars! Here’s to a night you’ll NEVER forget!

Remember, these are just examples. Your day can be whatever YOU want it to be, and I’ll help you create the perfect timeline based on what that is!

Kelly Szott Photography | Alberta + Destination Elopement Photographer

The last thing I want to say here is that the timeline is mostly a guide for your day. Be flexible! Go with the flow! Anything can happen – Mother Nature might get fussy and change your plans, there might be some delays or traffic – try not to let it affect your mood!

At the end of the day, you’ll be married to your BEST FRIEND, and that’s what it’s all about!
And if you’re still searching for your dream Alberta elopement photographer, I’d love to chat!! Get in touch here!