Glacier Elopement Day Timeline Ideas | Glacier Elopement Photographer
We all know that there is a lot that goes into planning an elopement or wedding even when it is small. When you elope in Glacier National Park, you need to factor in the time it takes to get to a location, how busy it might be, how long your hike will take if you are hiking to your location and so much more. I’ve put together a sample timeline to help you figure out where to start and plan for you day.
This is a starting point. Plan your day to be whatever you want it to be. If you aren’t in for a really early morning, then make it a later start. The great thing about Glacier is that you can’t hit up Going to the Sun until mid to late summer when the light is still lasting into the evening hours.
*Times in this example will vary due to traffic and hiking abilities
Before you start planning your day-of timeline, I suggest you sit down and make a list of all the things you want to have happen for your day. Do you want to be ready for your elopement before you hike (if you are hiking of course) or get ready on site? Do you want some adventure to go along with your day? Maybe that's an additional morning hike or a paddle boarding or kayaking jaunt around a lake? Maybe you just want to relax in a hot tub? Nothing is off the table. Make your list and let's figure out how to incorporate it.
Hidden Lake Sunset (9:30 pm) Timeline Example
leaving from DT Kalispell
2:30-3:30 PM Getting Ready
3:30-5:00 PM Drive Time to Logan Pass
5:00-6:00 PM Hike to Hidden Lake (times may vary about 2.5+ mi hike one-way)
6:00-6:20 PM Finishing Getting Ready (Dress on, fix makeup, light snack, etc.)
6:20-6:30 PM First Look
6:30-7:00 PM Ceremony, Champange toast, Dessert (add 30+ minutes for dinner)
7:00-8:00 PM Couples Portraits (add 15 minutes for Family Portraits)
8:00-9:00 PM Hike Back to Car (Take more pictures!)
9:00-10:30 PM Drive Back to Hotel
Morning of ideas:
hot tub soak
short hike
paddle board or kayak adventure
Other items to include in your elopement day list are:
Getting ready photos
A first look
Your ceremony
Bridal potraits
Additional family portraits
A special dinner, dessert or champange toast
Reception on ceremony site or different site? or no reception?
Additional day of adventure
Seriously friends, you can do anything! I'm partial to amazing charcuterie boards.
This timeline can be adjusted to match whatever you want. It allows for plenty of time to drive and hike to the ceremony location. These also is what my typical 4 hours of coverage will look like. Additional coverage can be added and would be for things you'd also like to have documented like a reception at another location or to stay longer at ceremony location, campfire hangouts, morning soaks, or adventures.
You never have to stick specifically to one timeline. Add time where you want, go later, go earlier (keep in mind crowds), or spend more time doing one specific thing. This timeline is for ideal light, but pictures can happen whenever. The sky is the limit my friends! Make this day yours!
