I want to start with this, just because it’s an elopement, doesn’t mean it’s not your wedding day. So why would you try to cram all that magic into just a couple of hours?
When couples first reach out about eloping, they often think they only need a photographer for the ceremony and a few portraits. In reality, you deserve to have more time, and full-day elopements are the way to go. They’re about breathing room, intentional moments, and not rushing through one of the most significant days of your life.
You have all day. The entire freakin’ day to celebrate becoming spouses!
So, let’s break down a full-day elopement experience so you can see what is possible for you, too!
The Getting Ready Moments
“But Amanda, why would I need photos of me putting on mascara?”
Oh, friend. This isn’t about documenting you actually getting ready. This time is usually the most reflective and quiet of the day. I’m not directing by any means, but I’m documenting the feelings, the pauses, and the story behind all the details you’ve meticulously put together.
If it’s just you two, I aim to capture the true essence of the moments before you are no longer fiancés. The deep breaths, the laughs, the first time you see yourself in your wedding attire, or see your person (if you’re helping each other get ready or doing a first look).
If you have loved ones helping you, it’s documenting their feelings and their emotions. These images enhance and bring depth to the overall journal of your day. Most likely, you’ll forget them due to the high emotions of what follows. It’s genuinely a gift to be able to look back and see all the tiny moments from the start of your wedding.
The In-Between Moments Are Everything
When you book me for a full day, you’re not just getting more photos. You’re getting the complete story — including all those tiny, precious in-between moments that make your day uniquely yours.
That silent squeeze of your partner’s hand before you say your vows. The way you both can’t stop giggling after you’re officially married. The moment you both realize “holy shit, we did it!” while popping champagne.
When you have me present all day, you have a trained storytelling professional who recognizes emotion that’s not forced but honest. These moments are rare; don’t rush them.
End of Day Moments
Those end-of-day moments are just as precious as the start. Those sunset moments as the day winds down carry a different energy—a satisfied, soul-deep contentment that can’t be manufactured or rushed.
Imagine chasing that golden hour light hand-in-hand, your faces glowing with the day’s joy and adventure. Then, as twilight settles in, perhaps you’re toasting marshmallows over a crackling fire pit, sharing whispered reflections of the day, or swaying together under a canopy of stars with no music but your heartbeats.
These slow, intimate moments are what stay with you. They’re when it really sinks in—you did this your way, you honored your love authentically, and tomorrow you’ll get to wake up together, married as hell!
That deserves to be remembered.
When a Full Day Elopement Makes Sense
The biggest benefit of a full-day elopement isn’t even the photos themselves (though they’ll be amazing). It’s how you’ll feel on your wedding day.
We’ve all seen wedding days where everything feels go-go-go. But when you elope—and give yourselves time—you create space to truly experience your day. You get to move through the day at your own pace. You can breathe. You can take it all in. You can just be.
And no, I am not in your face the entire day with my camera—that’s exhausting! But I am there for you in every possible way you need. My goal is that you’ll be so comfortable with me that you’ll forget all about my camera.
What Can You Actually Do With a Full Day?
Let’s say you’re dreaming up your elopement right now—if you’re envisioning any of the following, chances are you’ll want the full-day coverage to match:
- Adventuring together —like hiking, exploring different trails, or even a killer four-wheel drive—you’ll want more coverage to capture all those epic moments. BTW, here are some of my favorite hiking trails for your Lake Tahoe elopement.
- Including any additional special moments, like a first look, cake cutting, and a celebratory picnic, it will take time. More coverage ensures these moments are documented without feeling rushed.
- Exploring multiple locations—moving from a forested trail to a red rock overlook—you’ll need additional time to travel, explore, and capture amazing photos at each spot.
- Including a few guests – even a small circle of loved ones- brings more interactions and group photos to document.
Check out these unique elopement ideas in Lake Tahoe to create the most unforgettable day.
Sample Timeline: Multi-Day Elopement in Lake Tahoe (12 Hours Total)
We really did it all with this beautiful couple. Not only did they have a full-day elopement experience, but they also had a small pre-party on a chartered boat! Your day can look however you want it to, and there are definitely plenty of things to do, feel, see, and capture!
Day Before Welcome Dinner/Boat Charter 2.5 hours of coverage
| 6:00 pm | Arrive at the Marina in preparation for the boat charter |
| 6:15 pm | Meet at the dock entrance |
| 6:30 pm | Boat Charter Departs | Sunset Cruise Around Emerald Bay |
| 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Candid photos with loved ones enjoying the boat, music, dinner, drinks, and company. |
Full Day Elopement Coverage 9.5 hours
| 7:30 am | (Coverage starts) Amanda arrives at the Vacation Rental Candid moments, details, and getting ready. |
| 9:00 am | First Look at the Vacation Rental |
| 10:00 am | Leave for the Ceremony Site |
| 10:30 am | Arrive at the Ceremony Site. Gather items and prep for the ceremony. |
| 10:45 am | Walk to the ceremony site from the cars – a short walk to the location |
| 11:00 am | Arrive at the ceremony location |
| 11:15 -11:45 am | Ceremony |
| 12:00 – 12:30 pm | Candids and portraits, enjoying the scenery |
| 1:00 pm | Walk back to the cars and time for a break/activity |
| 1:30 pm | Arrive at the Brewery for food and downtime. |
| 1:30 – 2:30 pm | Break – Food and downtime. |
| 2:30 – 5:30 | The couple takes a break before sunset for photos |
| 6:00 – 8:30 pm | Meet for sunset photos/champagne – just the couple |
| 8:30 pm | Coverage concludes |
Ready to Plan Your Full Day Elopement in Lake Tahoe?
My value is more than beautiful photographs. I am your guide and planner, so everything runs smoothly and stress-free. I am also your built-in storyteller, helping you share your day with loved ones in a deeper and more connected way.
Think about it… when you look back on your wedding day in 20 years, do you want to remember feeling rushed and stressed about time? Or do you want to remember a day that felt spacious, intentional, and focused on what matters most — your love for each other?
Your elopement deserves time to breathe, to be experienced fully, and to be documented from start to finish. Ready to plan a full-day elopement that feels like you? Let’s chat about creating a day with enough space for all the magic to unfold. You can check out my portfolio here, and when you’re ready, send me a message here! I cannot wait to hear from you!
And if you are planning a Lake Tahoe elopement, you will definitely enjoy this guide! And you can check out another full-day elopement for inspiration here!
