Sunrise Elopement Guide: 10 Must-Know Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
Sunrise Elopement Guide: 10 Must-Know Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
Have you ever wondered whether or not you should plan a sunrise elopement? Choosing whether to hold your ceremony during sunrise or sunset is one of the biggest questions I get asked as an elopement photographer, and, to be honest, it can be a really tough choice. Neither is better than the other, but there are a few great reasons to elope at sunrise. I’ll be sharing more about that in this blog post as well as a few important things to keep in mind when planning a sunrise elopement.
What Makes a Sunrise Elopement Special
Waking up during the early morning hours on your wedding day might not sound appealing to everyone, but here are 10 reasons why eloping at sunrise is totally worth it!
An early start means avoiding the crowds and having even more privacy.
You can experience two of the best times of light in the day. Golden hour and blue hour, twice!!
Starting your day early means you get to spend more time together on your wedding day.
Those extra hours can help ease up your elopement timeline. This is especially helpful if you want to experience multiple locations on your wedding day.
Sunrise elopements offer more flexibility by opening the afternoon for family activities or relaxing without the pressure of rushing through the day.
You can extend the adventure portion of your day with both a sunrise and sunset adventure.
Beat the heat and elope in comfortable weather in the summertime at most locations.
A More Intimate and Peaceful Atmosphere – There’s something magical about starting your elopement in the quiet of the morning. The stillness and solitude of sunrise create an incredibly intimate experience, free from distractions.
A Calm and Relaxed Start to Your Day – Beginning your elopement at sunrise sets a peaceful tone for the rest of your wedding day. With no rush or distractions, you can truly soak in every moment together.
Take advantage of the best location light. Some locations get better light at sunrise allowing you to get better quality photos. (I recommend working with your photographer to arrange the best time for the best light possible at your chosen location).
10 Things to Keep in Mind When Planning a Sunrise Elopement
You’ll Need to Get an Early Start
This is the obvious (and unavoidable) part of sunrise elopements. Many couples who elope at sunrise start their day with a first look. Not all couples want to do a first look, and that’s ok, but regardless of whether or not a first look is part of your elopement timeline, you will need to get an early start to get to your location fully ready.
Include Enough Time for Getting Ready
Speaking of getting ready, you’ll want to include enough time for this in your timeline. Couples who plan on doing hair and makeup before the sunrise portion of their day need to allow about 2-3 hours for this step.
The Drive to Your Location Will Likely Be Easier
How much drive time is required to get to your location depends on the area you choose. Generally speaking, though, the early morning drive will be smoother, and you’ll experience minimal traffic.
You Can Choose a Scenic Location for Your First Look
Instead of having your wedding first look at an Airbnb, eloping during sunrise allows you to have your first look at a scenic location. This is a big factor for many couples, as holding your first look at a picturesque location adds so much to the overall elopement experience and memories of your day!
You May Need to Arrange Extra Transportation
If you plan to have a first look at sunrise, you may want to arrange for two cars so each of you can drive separately without seeing the other. Oftentimes, family, friends, or even your photographer are great resources to reach out to if an extra car is needed. Having a loved one drive can be a great option because they can continue with their day after they drop you off, which frees you up from being tied to two cars for the rest of the day.
Keep Your Drive Time in Mind
Sometimes, it can take an hour to reach your starting location. It’s important to factor in drive time, and I always recommend adding a little extra buffer time in case you run into traffic or other unexpected delays occur.
*Pro Tip - Include both drive time and hiking time in your elopement timeline.
Scout Your Starting Location Ahead of Time
Scouting your location ahead of time is important, but even more so when it comes to sunrise elopements, as it will likely require walking or hiking in the dark, and you’ll need to know exactly where you’re going. I recommend working with your photographer and videographer to ensure you have a perfect starting spot. Having an exact location scouted beforehand will help you know where to go and make the most of that early morning light.
Communicate the Plan With Your Guests
If you plan on having guests join you during your sunrise elopement, communicate the plan with them beforehand. Do you want a few private moments together before your ceremony, or will everyone start the day together? Having everyone on the same page will help ensure your morning goes as smoothly as possible.
Ensure Guests Are Gathered Before Your Arrival
If your elopement ceremony takes place at sunrise and you plan to invite guests, ensure everyone is aware of the timeline so they can be ready and present before your arrival. It can help to have a family member in charge, ensuring everyone is in the right place a few minutes before the ceremony starts.
Stay Hydrated (then Caffeinated)
It’s always a good idea to rest up and drink plenty of water leading up to your elopement day. Ensuring your body is well-rested and hydrated will help you feel your best on your elopement morning.
After hydrating, start your day with a slow, intentional moment—brewing coffee together while soaking in the sunrise. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a thermos of your favorite brew or a small picnic setup with a scenic view, this simple ritual adds to the experience. Taking time to pause, sip, and enjoy your surroundings makes the morning feel less rushed and lets you fully embrace the beauty of your elopement day.
Prepare a Backup Plan
I can’t stress the importance of this enough. While we can plan for the best, sometimes unexpected things happen. As an elopement photographer, I always have a backup plan (or two) in place in the event a location is inaccessible or needs to be changed on the day.
Sunrise Elopement Timeline Tips
One of the things that makes elopements so special is getting to include unique and personalized elements. Elopements are non-traditional by nature, so don’t hesitate to plan the day in the order you like. Don’t worry about how things are “supposed” to look. This is the time to throw all the rules out the window and plan your elopement day your way!
Getting Ready
I’ve worked with couples who have created all different types of elopement timelines. If waking up early to get ready and do a first look doesn’t feel right, you can get getting-ready portraits done mid-day. The afternoon hours can allow you to refresh your look and get photos of the two of you getting ready together before the adventure continues.
*Pro Tip - Detail photos of any wedding accessories, attire, jewelry, or a flay-lay setup can also be captured during this time, so don’t worry about trying to get everything in right at the start of the day.
Afternoon Activities
You eloped at sunrise. Now what? The afternoon is a great time to take a break from any elopement activities. The mid-day hours can be a great time to go back to your Airbnb or hotel and take a break from the day. You don’t have to do anything that needs to be photographed. Simply use this time to do anything that helps you feel energized for the rest of the day, like taking a little nap or relaxing in the hot tub.
Reception
If guests are a part of your day, and you want to involve them in a formal sit-down meal, consider a lunch reception instead of dinner - this way, you can utilize that sunset time for more photos and an adventure. This can be especially helpful during summertime when the sunset hours go late into the day and overlap dinner time.
Sunrise elopements might not be for everyone, but they are a great way to maximize the hours on your wedding day. Early morning elopements offer great options for designing your wedding day around the things that make the most sense to you while also making it completely customized and unique to you.
Sunrise Elopement Tips: Pin For Later
Ready to start planning your sunrise elopement?
I know just the photographer (wink wink) to help you capture all the important moments and details of your sunrise elopement. From locations to light to timing and more, click here to learn more about what planning an elopement with me can look like. Or, if you’re ready to get started, head over to my contact page! I can’t wait to meet you!
