How much coverage do we need?

Here's the deal. This isn't just a ceremony and a photo session. Or at least, it shouldn't be.

A lot of couples start there. It makes sense - it's what we've all seen before. But once we start talking about what's actually possible (and imagining the emotion tied to a full day experience) they realize what they really want is a meaningful experience. A day that feels intention, genuine, joyful, exciting, new, familiar, and connected.

My approach is to help you build a day that feels like your best adventure together. An unforgettable vacation day. A day you look back on, not just because you exchanged vows, but because you experienced something awesome together.

So instead of starting with "how many hours do we need?”  Ask yourselves this question: "What do we want this day to feel like?"

When you imagine your day, think in moments—not logistics.

Maybe it’s watching the sunrise together somewhere quiet.

Maybe it’s hiking a trail that brings you to a mountain pass.

Maybe it’s a picnic with a view, a mid-day nap, or ending the night in a hot tub or around a fire.

There’s no “right” way to do this. There’s just what feels right to you. The goal is to create a day that actually reflects your relationship—not something that looks good on paper but feels rushed when you’re in it.

When we build your timeline together, I’m not just thinking about where you need to be and when.I’m thinking about how the day flows. I’m making sure you have space to breathe. Time to take things in. Room for things to unfold naturally instead of feeling scheduled down to the minute. Because the best parts of your day are usually the ones we didnt plan.

Give yourselves more time than you think you need.

A lot of elopements happen in places that take a little effort to get to—especially where I shoot the most, in Oregon, Washington, Maine or Iceland.



That means hiking, driving, changing locations, dealing with weather, and sometimes adjusting plans on the fly. And honestly? That’s part of what makes it so good! But it also means we build in time for it—so nothing feels stressful or rushed if things shift.

Sunrise, sunset, and a timeline that gives you room to be present.

Most elopement days are shaped around the best light—sunrise, sunset, or both. From there, everything else falls into place. Some couples start their day at sunrise, take a break in the middle, and come back together for sunset. Some spend the day exploring or hiking, then have their ceremony in the evening with that last golden light.

If you’re including guests, we can plan something more accessible earlier in the day, then carve out time later for just the two of you. Or split it into two days entirely—one for your people, one for your own experience. There’s a lot of flexibility here. We just choose what fits you best.

So… how long should your elopement be?

My favorite elopements are hands down the full-day elopements. These are the ones my couples choose more than any other coverage option. My version of full-day coverage means no counting hours. We just plan the day around what you want to experience and what you want to do and see. It usually starts with a quiet morning together (like a sunrise hike, or coffee and a walk on the beach) and then after a midday break for lunch and rest, we meet again in the afternoon for more exploration or adventure, a sunset ceremony, and an evening under the stars. There's no rushing, and no cramming it all in. What there is instead, is time to explore, connect, and have REAL moments.

At the end of the day, I want you to think: we did this exactly how we wanted to—and we didn’t miss a thing.

real 2-day elopement day timeline

Jimmy & Lauren's 2-day elopement timeline

My role in all of this

I’m not just here to show up and take photos. I’m here to help you build a day that actually feels as good as you want it to.

That means:

making sure you have enough time to be in the moment,

guiding you toward the best light and locations,

and protecting space for the in-between moments that make everything meaningful.

I do a lot more than just document and tell your story through images. I help you figure out the location that fits your personalities and vision. I help you figure out the flow of your day, how you want it to feel, what you want to do, where you want to eat, where you want your energy to go. I help with your marriage license, permits, where to stay, where to get a wedding cake if you want one, who to hire for hair and make up if you want to do that. I guide you through every aspect of the experience, whatever that experience is for you. And I make sure that your locations and activities fit your priorities.

It's funny.. I shot traditional weddings for over a decade before switching to elopements. People ask me if I switched because elopements are easier. But the truth is that what I do now, with couples like you, is much more involved than I ever did with couples who had traditional weddings. It's also much more in line with the passion I have for living an authentic, meaningful and connected life. It makes me so incredibly happy to help couples break away from expectations and tradition that didn't suit them, to figure out what makes them truly happy on their wedding day.

Ready to design your ideal wedding day,

no matter what anybody else thinks about it?

Set up a free elopement consult with me. I'd love to meet you!