Example Elopement Timelines for Every Season

So You’re Not Doing a Traditional Wedding… Now What?

Once you decide the big wedding isn’t for you, it’s like—wait, what now?!
No timelines, no traditions, no rulebook. Which is freeing… and a little overwhelming TBH, we get it.

You’re not just picking a different venue—you’re choosing to create a whole different kind of experience. And with that freedom comes endless options.

Do you hike at sunrise? Say vows in the forest? Paddle across a lake? Have a cozy dinner with your closest people?

There’s no “right way” to elope. But we can help you figure out the right way for you. Below you’ll find some sample elopement timelines and tips and tricks so you can have the best day ever.

Why We Love All-Day Elopements

(because your love deserves more than a rushed 2-hour photoshoot)

When most people hear “elopement,” they think: short, simple, quick courthouse thing.
But let’s be real—that’s not what you’re here for. You’re not choosing to elope because you want less—you’re choosing it because you want more of the good stuff.

More time together.
More presence.
More intentionality.
More adventure.
More real, beautiful, candid, joyful, you moments.

An all-day elopement is about creating space—not just for the ceremony, but for the entire experience of your wedding day.
Because this isn’t just about saying “I do.” It’s about the way you feel when you wake up together in the mountains. It’s about the laughter on the trail, the quiet vows at sunrise, the way your dress swishes as you walk through wildflowers. It’s about celebrating your love in a way that feels freeing and true.

Here’s what an all-day elopement can give you:

• Time to explore multiple epic locations (forest, lake, mountain? Yes please.)
• Slow, cozy moments like a mountaintop picnic or campfire cuddle
• The option to include your people and still have intentional time alone
• A full story in your photos—not just a snippet
• Room to breathe, be, laugh, cry, and fully live your wedding day

You’re not “just” eloping. You’re getting married in a way that honors who you are and what your love deserves.

And if one day doesn’t feel like enough? That’s why we love two-day elopements even more.
Let’s spread out the joy, the memories, and the magic. This is our one beautiful life, let’s live it.

Want to know what a full-day adventure actually looks like? Scroll down for real timeline examples ↓

First Things First: What Actually Matters to You?

Before we dive into the timelines, let’s take a deep breath and remember why you’re doing this.
Not for the trends. Not for the stress.
You’re eloping because you want something real, beautiful, and completely you.

So, here’s what we always ask our couples when we start planning:

• What does your ideal day together feel like?
• Do you want a quiet morning, a crazy adventure, or both?
• Do you imagine reading vows alone, or surrounded by your fave humans?
• Are there meaningful places or activities you want to include?

Once you know what feels right, we can build the perfect elopement timelines around that. Let’s make space for everything that matters—and nothing that doesn’t.

Sample Sunrise Hiking Elopement + Family Ceremony Timeline

For when you want the adventure and to celebrate with your people

This one’s for our couples who want both: an intimate mountaintop moment and a cozy lakeside ceremony with loved ones.

Morning: Just the Two of You


4:00 AM – Meet at the trailhead (headlamps on, snacks packed!)
6:30 AM – Reach the summit for a private vow exchange at sunrise
7:00 AM – Portraits + celebrate with hot coffee
8:30 AM – Begin heading down, exploring the trail
10:30 AM – Get back to trailhead and drive to ceremony location

Part 2: Ceremony with Family

11:00 AM – Meet family at a stunning lake (we’ll help you choose one!)
11:30 AM – Intimate ceremony with loved ones + signing your paperwork
12:00 PM – Group photos, hugs, happy tears
12:30 PM – Champagne toast + grazing board picnic
1:30 PM – Head back to cabin for an afternoon nap before dinner celebration with loved ones

Optional Add-ons:

• Paddleboarding or canoe session after the ceremony
• Family-style dinner or private chef at your Airbnb
• Bonfire + stargazing with s’mores

Can’t Fit It All In One Day? Two-Day Elopements = Yes Please

Listen. If you want to hike, have a family ceremony, pop champagne at the hot tub, AND have a chill dinner with your crew…
You don’t have to cram it into one day.

We love planning two-day elopements for this exact reason. Here’s how that can look:

Day One: Sunrise hike, private vows, picnic, lake dip, and chill evening
Day Two: Sleep in, get ready with your people, ceremony + celebration with guests

It’s your wedding—you get to stretch it out and enjoy it fully.

Sample Elopement Timelines by Season

Spring Elopement Timeline (4 Hours)

Think: Cool mornings, fewer crowds, cozy layers

5:00 AM – Meet at Peyto Lake trailhead for sunrise elopement
5:30 AM – Change into wedding attire & have first look
6:00 AM – Private vows & photos as the sun comes up
7:00 AM – Head back to car and drive to Bow Lake
7:15 AM – Meet up with family and walk to ceremony spot along the lake
7:30 AM – Ceremony
8:00 AM – Hugs, tears, and family photos
8:30 AM – Couples photos around Bow Lake

Snow can hang around longer than you’d think so chat with us if you’re thinking a spring elopement!

Summer Elopement Timeline (Full Day+)

Think: Long days, wildflowers, endless alpine access

5:00 AM – Travel from Baker Creek to Peyto Lake
6:00 AM – Hike up to viewpoint & change into wedding attire
6:30 AM – First Look & Photos
7:30 AM – Head Down to Parking Lot
7:45 AM – Photos and Travel to Bow Lake
8:15 AM – Canoe on Bow Lake
9:15 AM – Ceremony 
9:45 AM – Group & Family Photos 
10:15 AM – Travel from Bow Lake to Banff
12:00 PM – Lunch with family at Three Bears
3:00 PM – Travel from Banff to Emerald Lake
4:00 PM – Explore around Yoho National Park
6:00 PM – Head back to Baker Creek
7:00 PM – Fire at Baker Creek, campfire dancing, & s’mores

Planning a spring or summer elopement? Check out our Wildflower Elopement Guide

Fall Elopement Timeline (Full Day+)

Think: Golden larches, crisp air, cozy vibes

5:00 AM – Arrive at trailhead to hike up for sunrise
7:30 AM – Vows among golden trees as the sun comes up
8:30 AM – Warm drinks, portraits, and then hike down
12:00 PM – Drive back to cabin
2:00 PM – Short nap & refresh
4:00 PM – Fireside ceremony with guests
6:00 PM – Dinner & campfire hangout

Larch season is short but stunning—plan ahead!

Winter Elopement Timeline (Full Day)

Think: Snowy magic, quiet trails, cozy cabin vibes

10:00 AM – Getting ready in a mountain cabin
11:30 AM – First look in the snow
1:00 PM – Ceremony in a snowy forest
2:00 PM – Take the gondola up to the top of Kicking Horse
3:00 PM – Pop on the snowboards and go for a zoom in your wedding attire
4:30 PM – Portraits during golden hour and into blue hour

Winter days are shorter, so we plan around the best light between 1–4pm.

Not sure if you want to embrace the snow? See our Winter Elopement Tips & Ideas and check out this Winter Kicking Horse Elopement.

Bonus Tips to Consider When Planning Your Elopement Timeline

Lighting is everything:
We always build timelines around soft morning and evening light—trust us, it’s worth the early wakeup.

The sun sets early in winter, late in summer:
A July sunset can be after 10pm, but in December it might be 4:30pm. We’ll help you work with it!

Adventure = time padding:
Hikes, drives, and outfit changes always take longer than you think. We bake in buffer time so you can breathe.

Don’t skip snacks:
Picnics, trail snacks, and grazing boards keep your energy up. Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need!

You don’t have to follow tradition:
First dances in hiking boots? Mid-day toasts at a mountain lake? Afternoon nap? Absolutely.

Let’s Plan a Day That Feels Like You

Whether you’re dreaming of golden hour vows, snowy adventures, or a two-day celebration—let’s make it happen.

Start Planning Your Elopement → Reach Out Today!

“You don’t have to fit your elopement into a box. We’ll shape it around what matters most to you.”

Additional Resources:
How to Elope in Banff
How to Elope in Kananaskis
How to Elope in Waterton
How to Elope in Yoho
15 Best Places to Elope in Alberta