When it comes to selecting how many hours of photography coverage you need to capture your elopement, the task can feel overwhelming. Not only have you probably never planned an elopement before, but how are you supposed to already know what your day will look like when booking your photographer? As a Montana elopement photographer and full-service planner, that’s where I come in! Whether you’re leaning towards a 6 hour elopement, an elopement weekend, or are completely lost, this information is for you. I’m sharing the best kept elopement timeline secret to ensure that you walk away with memories and images to treasure for a lifetime.

Elopement Planning | Sydney Breann Photography

When I first connect with an inquiring couple, I like to get a solid idea of what they are envisioning before I start making suggestions. While this isn’t my “holy grail” elopement timeline secret, it is a vital step to ensure a solid foundation and understanding moving forward. Communication with your vendor team is key to creating the elopement of your dreams! Let’s be real: planning an elopement can be an investment. Regardless of how intimate or luxurious of an elopement you are planning, you want to be able to remember your day authentically. While I might be a bit biased, the best way to treasure your elopement memories for a lifetime is through your photos. 

Don’t get me wrong, the day you say “I do” shouldn’t feel just like a photoshoot. Your day should feel like the best representation of you as a couple. From setting out on a trail while the moon is still high in the sky, to mid-day nuptials on the lakeshore, you deserve to enjoy every moment. But who doesn’t want some epic photos to hang up on the walls of their home? Or to flip through an album with your grandkids someday?! And I know what you’re probably thinking right now: what the heck does this have to do with an elopement timeline!? 

What to Include in Your Elopement Timeline

The best kept elopement timeline secret is to extend your photography coverage until after sunset! Most folks think that once the sun sets, their photographer should head out. But by ending photography coverage as soon as the golden hues dissipate, you really missing out on the epic magic that is blue hour. So what exactly is blue hour? When does it occur? Why should you include blue hour portraits in your elopement timeline? Let’s get into it!

Explaining Blue Hour | Montana Elopement Photographer

Blue hour occurs twice a day; once right before the sun rises, and once right after the sun sets. Sometimes lumped in with twilight, blue hour is a small window of time in which the sun casts a blue hue across the sky. The unique tones and visibility can really elevate portraits, regardless of where your elopement is taking place. If golden hour produces soft and romantic vibes, then blue hour produces moody vibes – and who wouldn’t want to experience both on their best day ever!?

Blue Hour Elopement Portraits

Your elopement longs to be captured as uniquely and authentically as your love story. While the best kept elopement timeline secret is to include blue hour portraits, you can add even more of your personalities by including an activity beneath the moody blue sky. Here are some of the best ways to embrace those blue hues:

1. Blue hour lantern portraits
2. Gather around a campfire
3. Stargazing (with headlamps of course)
4. Pitch a tent and wrap twinkle lights throughout to create a warm glow against the cool toned sky
5. Swing in a hammock and listen to the crickets chirping

Glacier National Park Elopement Photography

Adding blue hour to your elopement timeline is a magical way to elevate your entire experience. Many couples choose to stay out beyond blue hour just as a duo to reflect on their incredible day. Other couples head back to their reception to keep the party going. But I think it’s safe to assume that this really is the best kept elopement timeline secret.

Searching for even more elopement tips, planning a Northwest Montana elopement, or are just looking for some inspiration? Be sure to check out THE BLOG for all the goodies! And as always, be sure to follow along over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto) for exclusive tips and to keep up with my recent travels. Until next time, are you ready wander?