Eloping is all about celebrating love in the most intimate way, free from the pressure of big weddings and traditional expectations. While the concept of a one-day elopement is the norm, more couples are discovering the beauty and serenity of multi-day elopements. If you’re planning a two-day elopement, whether it's in a stunning mountain range, a tranquil beach, or a quiet city, we’ve crafted the perfect timeline to help you make the most of every moment.

A two-day elopement gives you the opportunity to spread out your celebrations, immerse yourself in the destination, and have more time to relax and soak in the day. Here’s your ultimate two-day elopement timeline to ensure your celebration is everything you’ve dreamed of — and more.

Day 1: Relax, Explore, and Set the Stage for Your Ceremony

Morning: Arrival and Getting Ready

On the first day, it’s all about ease and enjoyment. Start your day with a relaxed morning, allowing yourself plenty of time to settle in and unwind from the stresses of travel. Whether you’re staying in a cozy cabin, a luxury suite, or a charming bed and breakfast, enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings.

Breakfast & Coffee: Begin with a leisurely breakfast to fuel up for the day. You might even consider booking a private breakfast with stunning views to get the day off to a calm start.
Hair & Makeup: If you’re having a professional do your hair and makeup, this is the perfect time to start. Take it slow, and enjoy the process of preparing for your big day without rushing.
Getting Ready Photos: Your photographer can start documenting these special moments. These intimate shots of you getting ready, putting on your dress or suit, and sharing a quiet moment with your partner are some of the most meaningful photos of your elopement.
Write Your Vows: The morning of your elopement day is the perfect time to reflect and write down your thoughts and your sweet vows to one another.

Afternoon: Explore Your Surroundings

After you’re dressed and ready, take time to explore the area before the big moment. Whether it’s hiking to a beautiful viewpoint, strolling through a nearby town, or even enjoying an intimate lunch in a scenic location, take in the beauty of your chosen destination. This part of the day isn’t about rushing; it’s about enjoying your time together and soaking up the atmosphere.

Pre-Ceremony Photoshoot: This is the perfect time to capture relaxed and romantic photos of the two of you exploring the destination. This also provides an opportunity to connect and have some fun before your ceremony.
Read Letters from Your Friends and Family: reading letters from friends and family that may not be there on your big day is a beautiful way to still include them in your elopement.
Go on an Epic Adventure: There are so many adrenaline-pumping things you can do on your elopement day! Some choices could be: go sailing, helicopter ride, 4X4 off-roading to an amazing location, rock climbing, horseback riding, paddleboarding, kayaking, mountain biking, and so much more! The sky’s the limit!
Relax Together: The best part of eloping is choosing exactly what is best FOR YOU. Elopements don’t need to be adrenaline-filled if that’s not your vibe. Some sweet relaxing activities you could do on your elopement day are: hanging out on a beach, wine-tasting, having a picnic, drawing or painting, relaxing in a hot tub, chilling in a hammock together at a beautiful place!

Evening: The Elopement Ceremony

Your ceremony doesn’t have to be rushed or stressful. With two days to celebrate, you can take your time to make it exactly what you want it to be.

The Ceremony: Whether it’s in a secluded forest, at the edge of a cliff, or with the ocean as your backdrop, your ceremony will be uniquely yours. You might want to write your own vows or have a meaningful ritual that’s special to you as a couple. Make the most of the intimate setting.
Post-Ceremony Celebrations: After the vows are exchanged, take some time for portraits in the golden hour light. This will give you the most beautiful, romantic photos, with soft, glowing lighting that will last a lifetime.
Dinner & Toasts: After the ceremony, you could plan a private dinner for just the two of you or invite a few close family members or friends to join in the celebration. A quiet dinner in a beautiful location, with heartfelt toasts, is a perfect way to mark the day.
Night Photos: Adding on night or blue hour to your elopement can make for some incredible and memorable photos. Blue hour and night photography offer a unique and dramatic lighting that can add depth and dimension to your photos. The soft blue and purple hues that occur during blue hour can add a sense of tranquility and romance to your photos, while the rich blacks and deep blues of the night can create a sense of mystery and intrigue. Night photography can create a different mood and atmosphere than daytime photography. The darkness and artificial light sources can add a sense of drama and excitement to your photos and give you a wider variety of photos.
If you are lucky to be out away from the light pollution of a city and on a cloudless night we might even be lucky enough to capture star photos as well!
It can be a great opportunity to experiment with different techniques such as long exposures, light painting and night portraits. These create incredible and creative photos that will be unique and special!
I also have lanterns and fairy lights that I am happy to bring upon request to create stunning images!

Day 2: A Day to Relax, Explore, and Reflect

Morning: Slow Start & Breakfast in Bed

After the excitement of the previous day, it’s time to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Sleep in a little longer and savor a leisurely breakfast in bed or in a cozy corner of your accommodation. Reflect on the previous day and take your time to savor the emotions and memories.

Casual Photos: Consider taking this time to capture some more relaxed photos of you both just being together. These might include cuddling, playing, or walking hand-in-hand through the area — photos that reflect the quiet, genuine joy of the moment.

Afternoon: Adventure or Relaxation

This is your opportunity to make the most of your destination. Depending on the type of elopement you’re planning, you can either go on another adventure or spend the day doing something relaxing.

Adventure Activities: For couples who love the outdoors, the second day is the perfect chance to explore further and check out new locations. Went on a hike the first day? Maybe go to the beach the next day! You could hike, kayak, or take a scenic drive to another breathtaking viewpoint to capture more photos or just enjoy each other’s company in a new location.
Relaxing Activities: If you're more interested in relaxation, consider a spa day, private wine tasting, or a picnic in a secluded spot. Your photographer can capture these laid-back moments, which often make for some of the most tender and personal photos of your elopement.

Evening: Sunset & A Final Celebration

As your two-day elopement draws to a close, the evening provides another chance to celebrate in a more private, intimate way. Whether it's enjoying a sunset together or reflecting on the memories you’ve created, this moment is the perfect way to wrap up your elopement journey.

Sunset Photos: Find a location with an incredible view to capture sunset photos. The light at this time of day is perfect for capturing the warmth and magic of your elopement.
A Final Toast: End your multi-day celebration with a toast to your love. Whether it’s champagne or a favorite cocktail, this moment will mark the end of your elopement adventure — and the beginning of the rest of your lives together.

Conclusion: Why a Two-Day Elopement is the Perfect Choice

A two-day elopement gives you the time to not only celebrate your marriage in an unforgettable destination but also to fully enjoy each other’s company, without the rush of a traditional wedding. It allows you to be present, explore your surroundings, and savor the excitement of both the ceremony and the quiet moments that follow. If you want to create lasting memories, embrace a slower pace, and truly immerse yourself in your chosen location, a two-day elopement might just be the perfect choice for you.

Many couples choose to have one day for just the two of them, and their second day to include their family and friends. Really giving you the best of both worlds!

With a thoughtful, well-planned timeline, your two-day elopement can be an experience you will treasure forever. Don’t forget to document every detail, from the quiet morning moments to the celebratory toasts, so you can relive the magic of this unforgettable experience.

Feel free to reach out for personalized elopement planning or if you need advice on curating your own two-day timeline! As your photographer, I’ll be there to capture each beautiful moment along the way.

Two Day Elopement Timeline: Creating the Wedding of Your Dreams