One question I get asked all the time is: How many hours of coverage do I need from my elopement or wedding photographer?
The short answer is more than you probably think 😉
Even if you have chosen to have 0 or only a few guests, this is still your wedding day, and the whole story of your day deserves to be captured. Your wedding day is NOT just a 10-minute ceremony and a quick photoshoot. For the rest of your life, your wedding day will be something you remember, so why would you not what to capture it all?
This is your once-in-a-lifetime-day, and it deserves to be celebrate exactly like you want it, so why not make it to an authentic and amazing full-day experience?
One thing that takes the fun out of everything is stress, therefore I always recommend my couples to plan an all-day experience, 8 hours or more to have enough time to just be, and also be spontaneous. Your day will not feel like an all-day photoshoot. Instead, I will help you create an authentic and intimate experience that feels right for you. And to be completely honest, I have never photographed an elopement or wedding where I thought that I should have left a few hours ago. BUT, I have photographed several weddings where both I and the couple had wished I could have stayed longer.
Timeline breakdown
Before I show you how a few different timelines can look like, lets break down the day and look at how long different parts of the day can take.
Getting ready photos – 0.5-2 hours. These are important photos to tell the whole story of your day, and I absolutely love to document these moments full of anticipation and excitement. It is also a great way to get used to the camera.
First look – This can take anything from 15-60 minutes depending on how far you have to travel to your location.
Ceremony – On average a ceremony takes anything from 10-40 minutes.
Post ceremony portraits – From 20 minutes to a couple of hours depending on activities you want to involve, such as cake, picnic, drinks etc.
Portraits – This is your time together with your partner and the time to really soak in the moment. I recommend at least a couple of hours for this, and depending on if you are hiking to a location or going to several locations, you might need more time.
Sunset portraits – 20-60 minutes depending on the location.
Night portraits – Even if the sun has set, you are still able to take stunning images. Depending on where you are you can get star photos, or if you are in the north and really lucky, why not northern lights photos?
In addition, you need to think about travel time and having a few breaks in between so you can eat, fix your make-up etc.
Let me now show you a few timelines on how your day can look like to give you a few ideas.
Examples of elopement & intimate wedding timelines
8 hour elopement/intimate wedding timeline
12:00 pm: Photographer arrives and document getting ready at a cute boutique hotel.
1:15 pm: First look.
2.00 pm: Drive to location.
2:30 pm: Ceremony at a stunning location overlooking the fjord and mountains.
3:00 pm: Explore the area and take portraits. Maybe drive to a second location, or a small hike.
5:00 pm: Head back to the hotel.
5:30 pm: Dinner & drinks.
7:00 pm: Sneak out for a few sunset portraits.
08:00 pm: Photographer leaves.
8 hour elopement/intimate wedding timeline, sunset and star photos
02.00 pm – Getting ready in beautiful airbnb.
03.00 pm – First look photos.
03.45 pm – Leave for ceremony on the beach.
04.00 pm – Ceremony on the beach and portraits.
04.45 pm – Picnic on the beach.
5:45 pm – Short hike to epic location for sunset.
6:30 pm – Sunset portraits and champagne celebration.
7:45 pm – Hike down in the dark.
8:45 pm – Photos under the stars with lanterns.
10:00 pm – Photographer leaves.
8 hour elopement/intimate wedding timeline, sunrise.
4.00 am– Photographer arrives and the hike to a perfect spot begins.
5.30 am – Arrive at the top, and begin to get ready separately.
6.00 am – First look at sunrise.
6:15 am – Ceremony and intimate portraits, maybe a little breakfast picnic.
7:15 am – Hike down.
09.00 am – Meeting up with close family and friends, and celebrate with champagne and take group portraits.
10.30 pm – Reception with your guests.
12:00 Photographer leaves.
REMEMBER – This is your wedding day. Make it a stress-free, authentic celebration with room for spontaneity. If you feel overwhelmed by all the options you have, relax, I will help you create a timeline that is right for you!
Thinking about eloping or getting married in Norway? Be sure to check out my free planning guide!
MEET YOUR LOCAL ELOPEMENT & INTIMATE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN NORWAY
I’m Maria, and I’m so happy you are here!
I live in Northern Norway, with stunning places like Senja Island, Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, Sommarøy and more as my next door neighbour.
When I’m not photographing couples in stunning locations, I spend most of my time outdoors with my family hiking or sitting by the bonfire. Outside is where I feel most alive.
Photography for me is about telling your story and capture genuine emotions. When you choose me as your photographer, you get so much more than just a photographer. I’ll not only take stunning images of you, but also be your friend and support and help you create an amazing and intentional experience. I’ll help you find the best locations, local vendors, create a personal timeline that fits you and guide your through your day.
If my work speaks to your heart, I would love to connect with you and create beautiful memories together!
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