What To Do on an All Day Elopement with Banff Elopement Timelines
Your Inspiration for the Possibilities of All Day Elopements - By a Banff Elopement Photographer
One of the most common questions couples ask when considering a full-day elopement is:
“What would we even do for 12 hours?”
(Our full day packages are considered 12 hours, and 8 hours is half day).
The answer is inherently simple: you get to experience your wedding day instead of rushing through it.
A 12-hour elopement isn’t about filling time. It’s about creating space to slow down, to explore, to feel, and to let your day unfold naturally.
If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels meaningful, unhurried, and deeply connected to nature (and each other), here’s what a 12-hour elopement day can look like.
Why Choose a 12-Hour Elopement?
Traditional wedding days often feel like a blur. A full-day elopement gives you something different: presence.
With 12 hours, you can:
Experience multiple landscapes in one day
Avoid crowds by moving with the light
Plan multiple activities
Build in rest and reflection
Hike up an epic mountain
Let real moments happen naturally
Create a day that feels like an adventure, not a schedule
It’s honestly ideal for couples who value experience and presence and want their wedding day to feel like a memory and soak it all in.
A Sample 12-Hour Banff Elopement Timeline
No two elopements are the same, but here’s a flexible example of how a full-day elopement can unfold.
Time examples we have worked with couples are : 4 AM - 4PM / 9AM - 9 PM / 6 AM - 6 PM / 8AM-8PM
Morning: Slow Start & Getting Ready Together
Start the day how you want and what is normal to you (either hiking up for a sunrise summit, or maybe something more chill). Think:
Getting ready together in a cabin, hotel, or Airbnb
Quiet coffee on the deck
Writing vows or reading letters to each other
Hair and makeup without rushing
These moments often become some of the most emotional parts of the day because they are quiet, real, and deeply personal.
Late Morning: First Adventure & Portraits
As the light softens, you might:
Head to a trail or scenic overlook
Explore a lakeshore or mountain road pull-off
Take relaxed portraits without an audience
This part of the day feels exploratory.
Midday: Rest, Food & Connection
One of the biggest advantages of a 12-hour elopement is permission to pause.
Midday can include:
A picnic or packed lunch
Time to sit, journal, or simply take in the view
A scenic drive through the mountains
Changing locations without pressure
This breathing room keeps the day from feeling overwhelming and allows you to stay present.
Afternoon: Hiking or Meaningful Activity
This is often when couples choose their main adventure.
Ideas include:
A hike to a meaningful location
Canoeing or paddleboarding
Exploring a favourite outdoor area
Visiting a place that holds personal significance
Think about what you two love doing the most.
Golden Hour: Ceremony & Vows
Many couples choose to exchange vows during golden hour or closer to sunset, but this can be in any part of the day.
This is when:
The light turns warm and soft
The crowds begin to thin
The energy of the day slows again
Vows during this time often feel intimate, emotional, and grounded in the experience you’ve shared all day.
Sunset: Portraits in the Best Light of the Day
Sunset portraits are often the most cinematic part of a 12-hour elopement. You’re relaxed. You’ve settled into the day. There’s no rush.
This is where photos start to feel less posed and more like still frames from your real life.
Evening: Celebration & Reflection
Your elopement doesn’t end after the ceremony.
The evening might include:
A private dinner or campfire
Champagne or your favourite drink
Stargazing or a slow walk
Changing into something comfortable
Sitting quietly together, soaking it all in
Ending your wedding day this way feels grounding and complete.
Question: Do You Have to Fill Every Hour of your Alberta Elopement?
Absolutely not. A full-day elopement isn’t about doing more, it’s about needing to do less.
The extra time allows:
Weather flexibility
Emotional breathing room
Space for spontaneity
A calm nervous system
Some of the most meaningful moments happen in the in-between.
Question: Who Is a 12-Hour Elopement Best For?
A full-day elopement is perfect if you:
Don’t want to rush your elopement day
Love nature and exploration
Want your photos to reflect a full experience
Want to do multiple experiences or activities
Value intention, calm, and connection
Want your day to feel like an adventure you lived, not an event you hosted
Planning a Full-Day Elopement That Feels Natural
We help design 12-hour elopements around how you want to feel, not a rigid schedule.
We can support you by:
Building a timeline that flows with the light
Choose locations that make sense together
Create space for rest and real moments
Stay grounded and present throughout the day
If you’re dreaming of a 12-hour elopement that feels slow, soulful, and true to you, we’d love to help you shape it.
Reach out here to begin planning your full-day elopement experience.
Contact me below to see how best we can make it happen!
Sara here: Canadian Rockies based Adventure Wedding Photographer.
After your inquiry, we will setup a way to communicate best and get all the details sorted so you can have the elopement you are dreaming of.
Elopement packages range from 4 hours to multi day, We have video or content add ons - Your adventure your way.
