All Day Elopement Timeline for Shenandoah National Park
You’ve decided to elope! Congratulations on begin pretty amazing and badass 👏🏻
Now that you’ve made that huge decision, it can feel super overwhelming when thinking about timeline or how to structure your day.
I get it. It’s a lot. But breathe. It’s going to be okay. Below is a timeline for an all day elopement in Shenandoah National Park to give you an idea on what your day could look like.
This is just an example timeline. There are literally so many ways you can do your own timeline. I always tell my couples to not get stuck in a box and that you have to do what feels right for you.
But this can give you a general idea of timeframes for different parts of your day. And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me, I’m always happy to help.
Quick note: This timeline is based on sunrise and sunset times for an October elopement. Other months of the year will look different based on sunrise and sunset.
0700AM-0830AM
Sunrise portraits and vow exchange (or ceremony) at overlook.
Sunrise in Shenandoah is so peaceful and I love this quiet time documenting my couples taking in the first moments of their elopement.
You could change it up here and start your day with gorgeous getting ready photos at an AirBnB. All the preparation details of your elopement, the small moments of putting on your makeup and finishing touches on your hair and putting on your wedding attire, always turn out stunning in a beautiful, quiet way.
Remember, it’s truly whatever feels right for you.
0830AM-0900AM
travel time to hike
0900AM-1030AM
Early morning hike to waterfall for first dance and breakfast picnic at picnic grounds.
I just love the idea of a first dance at the bottom of a waterfall and hiking in the early morning light. It’s so serene. The photos are just stunning. And nothing beats a post hike picnic surrounded by the beauty of nature.
1030AM-0330PM
Break
You can take this time to go grab lunch, freshen up, change, take a breather (or a nap!). I find that my couples love to just take a moment and spend some time alone before exploring and enjoying the park a little more. Alternatively, you could use this time to do an activity/see a location close to the park.
0330PM-0430PM
Meet back up to grab a drink in the taproom and then lounge in the great room.
Shenandoah National Park has two taprooms, the Mountain Taproom in Skyland and the New Market Taproom in Big Meadows Lodge. They’re both cozy and wonderful. Big Meadows Lodge also has their Great Room which has a collection of puzzles, books, and a warm fireplace to sit by. It’s completely devoid of any technology which really grounds you and keeps you in the moments of your elopement which is a wonderful thing.
0430PM-0630PM
Portraits around the park, including travel times to different areas of Shenandoah.
Running around Shenandoah National Park with you is my favorite thing to do. Seriously. I love it. After spending years photographing, hiking, and exploring this amazing place, I know it very well. I know where to take you for incredible experiences and photos. I have so much love for Shenandoah and I’m so excited to share that with you while documenting all the memories of your beautiful elopement.
0630PM-0730PM
travel time to dinner location
0730PM-0900PM
Candids during first part of dinner and celebration
Shenandoah National Park has two dining rooms, the Pollock Dining Room in Skyland and the Spottswood Dining Room in Big Meadows Lodge. Again, both are magnificent and you really can’t go wrong with either. But you don’t have to dine in the park, there are options outside of the park in places like Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and even Luray. Also, you don’t have to do a cake cutting but, cake is never a bad thing, right?
But really, you can celebrate however you want. Cupcakes, pie, s’mores by a cozy campfire, make your own drinks, et cetera.
And that’s it!
This is just an example of what your day could look like because, again, your elopement should be a true representation of yourselves as a couple. It’s really what you feel is right for you and that looks different for everyone. Whatever you decide, it’ll be absolutely amazing and incredible.
