Sunset or Sunrise for your elopement?
One big decision when it comes to creating a timeline for your elopement timeline is what time of day you want to have your elopement ceremony and have your couples portraits taken. Sunrise and sunset are favorite times among photographers to take pictures because of the golden lighting and vibrant colors that are caused by the sun being low in the sky. In sunny climates, midday sunlight can create harsh under-eye shadows, which is why the middle of the day is when I usually recommend doing indoor photos, getting ready photos, traveling or hiking, doing activities, or hanging out and relaxing.
Benefits of eloping at sunrise
Can be more secluded
If you are concerned about how much privacy you are going to have while you are saying your vows to your partner, then a sunrise elopement or intimate wedding might be a good idea–especially if you choose a heavily-trafficked or well-known area.
Potentially better weather
This is entirely region-dependent, but some areas regularly forecast rain more commonly in the afternoon which means that a sunrise elopement increases your chances of clear skies. If you’re eloping in a hot climate or wanting to hike, going for sunrise can also mean cooler temperatures and less sweating.
“Alpenglow” on East-Facing Locations
If you’re eloping in a mountainous region on a clear day, if the main dramatic view faces east, sunrise is ideal because it means that the sunlight will hit that view first—causing the mountains to glow with gorgeous pinks, oranges, and yellow colors.
It’s a great way to start your day
Starting early and having your elopement or intimate wedding ceremony right at sunrise is an incredible way to start out your wedding day. It also gives you plenty of time to relax for the rest of your day and enjoy any other activities that you and your partner want to do.
Benefits of eloping at sunset
Can be secluded
In the evening, most people, whether they are tourists or locals, tend to return home
or wherever they are staying to have dinner, which means that many locations become less busy at sunset. So similar to sunrise, you can get privacy if you say your vows toward sunset. However, this doesn’t hold true for every location, as some spots are particularly known for their sunsets.
You can sleep in
If you decide to do your elopement ceremony at sunset, then you will have more flexibility regarding what time you wake up and be able to get ready in the daylight. If you know that you are not a morning person, you’ll want to keep in mind that a sunrise elopement could potentially leave you groggy and tired on your wedding day–so you may want to seriously consider the benefits of a sunset elopement instead.
Great light for west-facing views
If you are wanting to say your vows with
a beautiful west-facing view behind you, then eloping at sunset means that the sun’s final rays will be hitting the features behind you–and if the view behind you includes mountains to the west, then they will be illuminated with alpenglow towards sunset on a clear day.
You’ll be all warmed up
It can take some people a bit of time to get comfortable being photographed, and your awareness of me as your photographer will likely be greatest at the beginning of our time together. A benefit of eloping at sunset is that we will probably have already spent a good chunk of the day together, which means that you will have had time to get more comfortable with having a camera pointed at you–especially right before you say your vows to your partner, which many couples consider to be the most intimate part of an elopement day.
Looking for some inspiration for your elopement? Check out my portfolio
