How Much Photo Coverage Do You Need For An Elopement?

How much photo coverage do you need? While this is a super common question the answer can vary from couple to couple. Most couples book me for “Whole Day Elopements” with an average of 12 hours of coverage.

Yes, 12 hours is the average! But, it really isn’t as long as it seems. Wedding days go by in a flash!

Let me walk you through some of the things we cover in a call when helping couples answer the dreaded question: How much photo coverage do you need for an elopement?

Is A Whole Day Elopement Right For You?

I get it, planning a whole day elopement seems wild, but traditional weddings typically take all day, right? So, why rush your intimate adventure to just a few hours?

Some photographers offer packages as small as just 2 hours, I don’t simply because I think its impossible to tell a love story in just two hours of coverage, but if that’s what you’re looking for there are photographers out there that offer it.

However, its pretty safe to say if you are here reading this you already know that telling your love story is a work of art, and it deserves its whole moment to shine. So, I do offer half day elopements for those planning mini adventures either at sunrise or sunset, with a quick getting ready moment and a ceremony. These are about 4-6 hours long.

Whole Day Elopements are for those who want to really enjoy their adventure, and tell their story in its entirety. These days are about 12 hours and take you from getting ready in the wee hours of the morning all the way to dancing under the stars. Or, you could start your day with a hiking adventure to a secluded oasis and get ready there, and then have a ceremony and enjoy a picnic as the sun goes down. The possibilities are truly endless.

For most people choosing to elope, you’re in a new and exciting place. You’re exploring the world with the love of your life. The adventure you are about to go on is on the horizon, and the day though long, will pass in the blink of an eye. Having me there for the whole adventure will bring so much value to that final gallery, and will really give us the opportunity to tell your story.

Describe Your Dream Day

Let me ask you this: When you think about the epic most amazing day of your life…what does that day look like? Think about the absolute best day ever adventure and don’t skimp on the details. Really dive in from start to finish, tell me about that day.

Truth is: The answers I get from couples after asking this question is a beautiful, wild adventure, that we simply can not fit into just 2-3 hours.

Normally by this point you’re starting to understand the need for more coverage on your special day. And that’s good because the way I see it is this is the start to a life long adventure and it deserves to be the greatest story you ever tell. After all, your grandchildren are going to beg to hear it one day. Let’s make it worth telling!

Examples of Whole Day Elopement Timelines

Sounding better all the time, but still not sure how to fill up a whole day of amazingness? That’s ok! I’m here to help with that part.

The coolest part about working with me is that you don’t have to take on any of this on, on your own. No matter what it is you want to fill your day with, I am here to help you figure it all out.

Let’s look at an example of a real Whole Day Elopement from this summer!

Kate + Ryan’s All Day GNP Elopement

Kate and Ryan had the most magical fairytale of a day, and it all started at this tiny little treehouse in the woods and ended with dinner as sunset at one of GNP’s most epic spots. Here’s how it looked:

  • 8:00 am – I arrived at the treehouse with donuts and Dr. Pepper to document a relaxed morning.
  • 9:00 am – Hair and Makeup artist arrived to help Kate get ready
  • 10:30 am – Kate and Ryan helped each other with final touches, and we grabbed a few portraits
  • 11:00 am – We headed to Glacier National Park and drove to our first adventure spot.
  • 12:00 pm – Kate and Ryan headed down the first trail to McDonald falls where they danced and explored. Yes, you can take time to just explore this beautiful place together before your vows.
  • 1:00 – 4:00 pm – We drove along Going To The Sun Road and made a handful of stops to hike and explore. It was so fun to have this time to reflect on the moment that was coming, and gave them a chance to slow down and enjoy it before it all whisked away.
  • 5:00 pm – We hiked to the ceremony location and Kate and Ryan along with their officiant had a beautiful ceremony surrounded by the St. Mary Lake and the towering mountains right as the sun started to dip into the sky for the perfect sunset.
  • 6:00 – 7:00 pm – Kate and Ryan enjoyed a picnic. Yes a whole ass beautiful little dinner right there in the mountains.
  • 8:00 pm – We ended the day with another short little walk back to the ceremony spot for some sunset photo and wrapped it all up with lantern photos in blue hour.

See how each part of the day just flew right into the next. The only downtime there was, was in the car getting from one place to another. Even in that downtime we were celebrating. Laughing and giggling, telling stories and enjoying the day as a whole.

See Kate & Ryan’s Gallery Here

Want more or less?

While whole day elopements are my most booked options, I do have a few other options as well! Sometimes when traveling couples will want to spread coverage over 2 or more days, or if there only in for a short weekend trip and rather have more time alone, they may opt for a half day option.

Here are a few examples of possible timelines for those:

Multi Day Elopement

Day 1 – Ceremony

2:00 pm – Get Ready at VRBO
3:30 pm – Drive to the lake ceremony spot
4:00 pm – Short walk to lake shore
4:45 pm – Share private vows.
5:15 pm – Jump into LAKE! Private intimate swim.
7:15 pm – Sunset photos on lake beach with little picnic dinner.
8:00 pm – Head Back to VRBO

Day 2 – Reception

1:00 pm– Get Ready at VRBO w/ HMUA 3:30 pm – Family photos & drinks 4:30 pm – Reception Starts/grand entrance
5:00pm – Dinner is served
6:15 pm – Speeches 6:30 pm – First Dance/followed by dances w/fam
7:00 pm – Cut the cake 7:30 pm – More Dancing 8:30 pm – Grand Exit

Half Day Elopement

2:00 pm – Get Ready at VRBO
3:30 pm – Drive to the trailhead
4:00 pm – Hike 1.5 miles to your ceremony location
4:45 pm – Get married! Like the epic adventurers you are!
5:15 pm – Pop champagne and enjoy a picnic. Explore the area while taking golden hour portraits.
7:15 pm – Hike back to the car as soon as the sun goes behind the mountains.
8:00 pm – Coverage ends 

But, won’t it be awkward?

Ooh, this is one of my favorite things to talk about. When you book me for your elopement, or even your traditional wedding I become so much more than just your photographer. GIRL…we are going to talk. We are going to spend weeks, and months getting to know each other. Each of my clients get access to my email and my cell number, and I not only hope, but expect, them to use it. I have joined in on calls and conversations with other vendors, helped select florals, and dressed. I want to be there for you through the whole thing.

On top of the friendly stuff there’s the actual planning. I’m super involved in that aspect to so we will have plenty of time and opportunity to get to know each other. When I was with Kate and Ryan this summer there was no awkward silence, in fact, it was like riding with life long friends in the Montana wilderness. A true adventure with besties!

Still looking for your Photographer?

Rather you know how much coverage you want or even if you don’t, getting in touch with me can be the first step in figuring it all out! No matter where you are in your planning there is no better time than now to get in touch with a photographer, not only willing, but eager to help you through the whole thing!

Let’s chat about your epic elopement dreams today!

How much photo coverage do you need? While this is a super common question the answer can vary from couple to couple. Most couples book me for “Whole Day Elopements” with an average of 12 hours of coverage.

Yes, 12 hours is the average! But, it really isn’t as long as it seems. Wedding days go by in a flash!

Let me walk you through some of the things we cover in a call when helping couples answer the dreaded question: How much photo coverage do you need for an elopement?

Is A Whole Day Elopement Right For You?

I get it, planning a whole day elopement seems wild, but traditional weddings typically take all day, right? So, why rush your intimate adventure to just a few hours?

Some photographers offer packages as small as just 2 hours, I don’t simply because I think its impossible to tell a love story in just two hours of coverage, but if that’s what you’re looking for there are photographers out there that offer it.

However, its pretty safe to say if you are here reading this you already know that telling your love story is a work of art, and it deserves its whole moment to shine. So, I do offer half day elopements for those planning mini adventures either at sunrise or sunset, with a quick getting ready moment and a ceremony. These are about 4-6 hours long.

Whole Day Elopements are for those who want to really enjoy their adventure, and tell their story in its entirety. These days are about 12 hours and take you from getting ready in the wee hours of the morning all the way to dancing under the stars. Or, you could start your day with a hiking adventure to a secluded oasis and get ready there, and then have a ceremony and enjoy a picnic as the sun goes down. The possibilities are truly endless.

For most people choosing to elope, you’re in a new and exciting place. You’re exploring the world with the love of your life. The adventure you are about to go on is on the horizon, and the day though long, will pass in the blink of an eye. Having me there for the whole adventure will bring so much value to that final gallery, and will really give us the opportunity to tell your story.

Describe Your Dream Day

Let me ask you this: When you think about the epic most amazing day of your life…what does that day look like? Think about the absolute best day ever adventure and don’t skimp on the details. Really dive in from start to finish, tell me about that day.

Truth is: The answers I get from couples after asking this question is a beautiful, wild adventure, that we simply can not fit into just 2-3 hours.

Normally by this point you’re starting to understand the need for more coverage on your special day. And that’s good because the way I see it is this is the start to a life long adventure and it deserves to be the greatest story you ever tell. After all, your grandchildren are going to beg to hear it one day. Let’s make it worth telling!

Examples of Whole Day Elopement Timelines

Sounding better all the time, but still not sure how to fill up a whole day of amazingness? That’s ok! I’m here to help with that part.

The coolest part about working with me is that you don’t have to take on any of this on, on your own. No matter what it is you want to fill your day with, I am here to help you figure it all out.

Let’s look at an example of a real Whole Day Elopement from this summer!

Kate + Ryan’s All Day GNP Elopement

Kate and Ryan had the most magical fairytale of a day, and it all started at this tiny little treehouse in the woods and ended with dinner as sunset at one of GNP’s most epic spots. Here’s how it looked:

  • 8:00 am – I arrived at the treehouse with donuts and Dr. Pepper to document a relaxed morning.
  • 9:00 am – Hair and Makeup artist arrived to help Kate get ready
  • 10:30 am – Kate and Ryan helped each other with final touches, and we grabbed a few portraits
  • 11:00 am – We headed to Glacier National Park and drove to our first adventure spot.
  • 12:00 pm – Kate and Ryan headed down the first trail to McDonald falls where they danced and explored. Yes, you can take time to just explore this beautiful place together before your vows.
  • 1:00 – 4:00 pm – We drove along Going To The Sun Road and made a handful of stops to hike and explore. It was so fun to have this time to reflect on the moment that was coming, and gave them a chance to slow down and enjoy it before it all whisked away.
  • 5:00 pm – We hiked to the ceremony location and Kate and Ryan along with their officiant had a beautiful ceremony surrounded by the St. Mary Lake and the towering mountains right as the sun started to dip into the sky for the perfect sunset.
  • 6:00 – 7:00 pm – Kate and Ryan enjoyed a picnic. Yes a whole ass beautiful little dinner right there in the mountains.
  • 8:00 pm – We ended the day with another short little walk back to the ceremony spot for some sunset photo and wrapped it all up with lantern photos in blue hour.

See how each part of the day just flew right into the next. The only downtime there was, was in the car getting from one place to another. Even in that downtime we were celebrating. Laughing and giggling, telling stories and enjoying the day as a whole.

See Kate & Ryan’s Gallery Here

Want more or less?

While whole day elopements are my most booked options, I do have a few other options as well! Sometimes when traveling couples will want to spread coverage over 2 or more days, or if there only in for a short weekend trip and rather have more time alone, they may opt for a half day option.

Here are a few examples of possible timelines for those:

Multi Day Elopement

Day 1 – Ceremony

2:00 pm – Get Ready at VRBO
3:30 pm – Drive to the lake ceremony spot
4:00 pm – Short walk to lake shore
4:45 pm – Share private vows.
5:15 pm – Jump into LAKE! Private intimate swim.
7:15 pm – Sunset photos on lake beach with little picnic dinner.
8:00 pm – Head Back to VRBO

Day 2 – Reception

1:00 pm– Get Ready at VRBO w/ HMUA 3:30 pm – Family photos & drinks 4:30 pm – Reception Starts/grand entrance
5:00pm – Dinner is served
6:15 pm – Speeches 6:30 pm – First Dance/followed by dances w/fam
7:00 pm – Cut the cake 7:30 pm – More Dancing 8:30 pm – Grand Exit

Half Day Elopement

2:00 pm – Get Ready at VRBO
3:30 pm – Drive to the trailhead
4:00 pm – Hike 1.5 miles to your ceremony location
4:45 pm – Get married! Like the epic adventurers you are!
5:15 pm – Pop champagne and enjoy a picnic. Explore the area while taking golden hour portraits.
7:15 pm – Hike back to the car as soon as the sun goes behind the mountains.
8:00 pm – Coverage ends 

But, won’t it be awkward?

Ooh, this is one of my favorite things to talk about. When you book me for your elopement, or even your traditional wedding I become so much more than just your photographer. GIRL…we are going to talk. We are going to spend weeks, and months getting to know each other. Each of my clients get access to my email and my cell number, and I not only hope, but expect, them to use it. I have joined in on calls and conversations with other vendors, helped select florals, and dressed. I want to be there for you through the whole thing.

On top of the friendly stuff there’s the actual planning. I’m super involved in that aspect to so we will have plenty of time and opportunity to get to know each other. When I was with Kate and Ryan this summer there was no awkward silence, in fact, it was like riding with life long friends in the Montana wilderness. A true adventure with besties!

Still looking for your Photographer?

Rather you know how much coverage you want or even if you don’t, getting in touch with me can be the first step in figuring it all out! No matter where you are in your planning there is no better time than now to get in touch with a photographer, not only willing, but eager to help you through the whole thing!

Let’s chat about your epic elopement dreams today!

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Wherever you are in the process of planning your elopement, I want to be there to guide you! Planning your best day ever does not have to be scary or stressful, and I will be there through the whole process!


Hey I'm Amberly!

I’m on a journey of finding myself in Christ. Learning more everyday about who He says I am, and the life He has planned for me. In doing that I have come from a life of many struggles, and I think if I can give a little piece of myself to the couples I work with, maybe I can help them grow too.

I lost my father six years ago to brain cancer, and everything I thought I knew about life was flipped upside down. Then, when my daughter's father passed away, that happened all over again. I learned quickly just how much of my life I had taken for granted, or missed all together, because I just wasn’t living.

I stopped living for all the people around me, and started looking inward and doing things that helped me feel more alive and less like a shell of a person. I moved to Montana and picked up photography for the very first time.

As I grew as a photographer, I looked around at the wedding scene and saw so many people doing things just because the people in their lives wanted them to, rather than having a day that breathed life into them. I set out to change that, and here we are.

I want to help couples have the wedding day that I wish I had!

We want you to be a part of our story!