Eloping is all about creating a day (or even a weekend!) that’s completely yours. Intimate, adventurous, and unforgettable. One of the first questions couples ask is: “How much time should we set aside for our elopement?”
The answer depends on your location, style, and the experience you want, especially if you’re planning an elopement in Australia or New Zealand, or travelling internationally. Some couples prefer a short sunrise ceremony by a beach or mountain, while others want a full day of adventure or even a multi-day elopement experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down short, full-day, and multi-day elopement timelines, including tips for international travel and planning across borders.
Quick Elopements: 2–4 Hours
Short elopements are perfect for couples who want a simple, intimate, and low-stress ceremony. They work well for city halls, nearby beaches, or national park spots that don’t require travel or adventure.
Example Short Elopement Timeline:
- Hair & makeup at Airbnb (optional)
- Ceremony (30–45 minutes)
- Couple portraits (30–60 minutes)
- Small celebration: picnic or champagne toast
Why Couples Love Short Elopements:
- Minimal planning and logistics
- Perfect for couples with limited time or on a quick trip
- Still intimate and memorable
Even with just a few hours, you can have personal vows, beautiful photos, and a private celebration.
Full-Day Elopements: 6–10 Hours
Full-day elopements allow for adventure, exploration, and scenic photos, while still keeping the day relaxed and personal. They’re ideal for Australian and New Zealand landscapes — think mountain hikes, coastal cliffs, or rainforest waterfalls.
Example Full-Day Timeline:
- Late morning: Hair & makeup, getting ready, first look
- Travel to ceremony location (SEQ beaches, Blue Mountains, Rotorua forests, Queenstown lakes)
- Ceremony at sunset
- Couple portraits at location
- Picnic, small celebration, or dinner
- Optional stargazing / night portraits
Why Couples Love Full-Day Elopements:
- Enough time for adventure and epic photography
- Opportunity to include travel between locations
- Flexible pacing with breaks and sunset photos
Multi-Day Elopements: 2–3 Days
Some couples want an elopement to stretch over multiple days, especially if they’re travelling internationally or exploring remote locations. Multi-day elopements allow for sunrise flights, scenic hikes, private tours, and multiple adventures without feeling rushed.
Example Multi-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival, welcome dinner, sunset photos
- Day 2: Adventure (hike, hot air balloon, boat), ceremony, portraits, private celebration
- Day 3: Relaxed morning, bonus photos, departure
Why Couples Love Multi-Day Elopements:
- Time to fully immerse in the location and culture
- Relaxed pace with space for photos, experiences, and personal moments
- Perfect for combining travel and elopement into a single adventure
I help couples with location scouting, vendor coordination, and itinerary planning so every moment feels intentional and stress-free.
Factors to Consider When Planning Your Elopement Timeline
Before finalising your elopement day length, think about:
- Location & travel time: Australia, New Zealand, or international
- Type of adventure: hike, beach, hot air balloon, helicopter, or city ceremony
- International travel: flights, customs, time zone changes, accommodation
- Hair & makeup or styling needs
- Sunrise/sunset timing for the best photography
- Number of vendors involved
- Buffer time for rest, breaks, or weather changes
Planning around these factors ensures your elopement flows smoothly, captures beautiful memories, and stays relaxed.
There’s no one “right” length for an elopement — it all depends on your style, energy, and adventure. Whether you choose a short sunrise ceremony, a full day of exploration, or a multi-day adventure across Australia, New Zealand, or beyond, the perfect timeline lets you savour every moment.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream elopement, reach out to me here.
