Newlyweds embrace in an open field overlooking towering mountains in Telluride, Colorado.

Planning an elopement on your own is no easy feat — no matter how “simple” or “carefree” your intentions are for your special day. Between obtaining your marriage license, arranging travel and accommodations, and finding the perfect ceremony location, the overwhelm quickly creeps in. As a Colorado elopement photography and videography duo who planned their own elopement, we feel your pain. Many couples who choose to elope in Colorado are often caught off guard with just how many options there are to choose from to make their day feel intentional and special. That’s why we have decided to put together two Telluride elopement timeline examples to help give you direction for your own nuptials. We included one full-day elopement timeline example, as well as one partial-day elopement timeline example so that you can choose what best fits your vision.

Colorado Elopement Photographer and Videographer | Chuck & Shiloh

Before we get too far into the blog, you might be wondering why you should trust the advice of two random wedding vendors you stumbled upon on the Internet. We get it. So let’s rewind a bit so we can share a little glimpse into our elopement story. Chuck and I got married in the Grand Tetons in 2018 surrounded by our closest family and friends. And while it was the best 4 days of our lives, we didn’t have our wedding filmed and we honestly are not huge fans of our photos.

Since then, we have vowed to give couples what we don’t have: a way to bring back all the joy of the wedding day through photographs and a wedding film. We are now coming up on a DECADE spent documenting love stories…and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Telluride Elopement Timeline Examples

Telluride is one of the most sought-after Colorado elopement destinations. Located in Southwestern Colorado tucked among the San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers diverse, breathtaking scenery chocked full of adventure just waiting to be had. While we probably don’t need to convince you why eloping in the San Juan Mountains (specifically in Telluride) is a good idea, check out this unique San Juan Mountains elopement destinations blog in case you need some convincing or elopement inspiration.

When most couples inquire with us about having their elopement documented, they typically end up booking a 6-hour photography package. This allows couples to have a slow morning spent one-on-one or taking their time getting ready. However, we also know that not every couple needs 6+ hours of photography coverage. So for that reason, we also put together a shorter, more concise Telluride elopement timeline designed for partial photography coverage.

Telluride Elopement Timeline: All-Day Photography Coverage

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch at Butcher & Baker + quick photo
1:00–1:30 PM – Grab a drink at Smuggler Union
1:30–4:30 PM – Bear Creek Falls Hike & Ceremony

1:30–2:45 PM: Hike in hiking clothes (change into wedding attire along the way)
2:45–3:15 PM: Short ceremony + vows at the 3rd clearing (~1.3 miles in)
3:15–4:30 PM: Hike back

4:30–5:00 PM – Drive back to Airbnb
5:00 PM – Chill at the house, photos outside if we want, or this can be flex time if we need more time in downtown Telluride
6:00–8:00 PM – Private chef dinner + sunset celebration (sunset portraits)

Backup trail options (if weather isn’t great):

Telluride River Trail, Trout Lake, Alta Lake, Cornet Creek Falls, Deep Creek, Mystic Falls, Owl Gulch.

A bride strolls towards her groom to share their first look during their Telluride elopement.

Newlyweds celebrate their Telluride nuptials with champagne and a private catered dinner.

Telluride Elopement Timeline: Partial-Day Photography Coverage

1:00 PM — Meet photographer at Alta Lakes Trailhead
1:40 PM — Hike to destination
2:00-4:00 PM — Portraits, Vows, and Picnic
4:00-4:30 PM — Travel back to Airbnb
4:30–5:15 PM — Ceremony at AirBnb, Newlywed Portraits, Group Portraits
5:15-6:15 PM — Yard games, drinks, relax
6:30 PM — Get picked up by dinner shuttle (Telluride Sleighs and Wagons)
6:45 PM — Arrive at Aldasoro Ranch
7:00-7:20 PM — Wagon ride to dinner tent

Guests bow their heads during an intimate wedding ceremony in Telluride, CO.

Newlyweds and their guests ride a horse-drawn wagon to dinner, courtesy of Telluride Sleighs and Wagons.

Planning a Telluride, Colorado Elopement

Now that you have two Telluride elopement timeline examples in tow to help you better plan and envision your own elopement day, we do just a couple notes. Primarily, while we can’t speak for every elopement photographer or videographer, most will help you craft a timeline to keep your day running smoothly. Secondly, take your time actually planning the inner workings of your elopement. While the above mentioned examples are based on real elopements we have photographed and filmed, be prepared to need flexility — especially depending on the time of year. Telluride is one of those “hidden gem” towns where it is always bustling, even in the off-season. So be prepared with backup options (and utilizing the help of your photography team)!

Haven’t quite nailed down the perfect Colorado elopement destination yet? No worries, friend! Check out our most popular Colorado elopement planning blogs down below. And if you’re searching for some elopement inspiration and swoon-worthy couples, be sure to follow along with our adventures as a photo and video duo over on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh). We’re so grateful you’re here and are wishing you the happiest time planning your best day ever.