Sunrise or Sunset for Your Elopement
Most elopement photographers as you will notice tend to shoot around sunrise or sunset. There’s a big reason for this. The light is low in the sky giving off a beautiful golden soft light that looks amazing on the landscape on YOU as the couple. In certain landscapes like mountains, the dawn and dusk light can also give an alpenglow to mountain peaks for an even more beautiful scene.
Don’t get me wrong, you can still get beautiful photos during the day if you hire a photographer that knows how to work with harsh lighting (like me!). The harsh overhead mid day lighting can cast a lot of shadows especially around the eyes that aren’t flattering and the landscapes won’t appear the same as they do around sunrise or sunset. However these times of the day are great for indoor photos of you and your partner getting ready, writing your personal vows, or any other fun activities together.
Ultimately you should love the entire experience of your elopement day and knowing whether sunrise or sunset is best for you will help with that. You should make this decision on your own because if you’re having the best experience possible, then you’re guaranteed to have incredible photos.
Sunrise Elopement Ideas
There’s nothing quite like experiencing a breathtaking sunrise in an EPIC location with no one around. You just have to be willing to get up at stupid’o’clock to hike up in the dark and experience it. But trust me when I say seeing alpenglow on a mountain peak at first light is something special. I know it takes some serious dedication to get up well before sunrise to do your hair and makeup but if you’re willing to commit to it, I think you will have made an incredible decision.
Benefits of eloping at sunrise
More privacy in locations
Typically less people are going to be interested in waking up around 3am to go out for a sunrise. For a lot of locations that are easily accessible this will help give you more privacy and potentially have it all to yourselves. However please note that’s not always the case as I’ve been to many popular mountain locations where plenty of people are waiting for sunrise to happen.
However if you’re adventurous and wanting to hike into a location for sunrise, you are way more likely to have it all to yourselves. Most people aren’t going to hike up a mountain at 3am to experience a sunrise. However if you are willing trust me when I say you won’t regret it!
Better lighting
Certain locations in the world are just better for sunrise compared to sunset. The best example of this is mountain locations. If a mountain range is facing east then it will catch that beautiful red and orange alpenglow only during sunrise.
I can help you with choosing your dream location and when the best time of day is to elope there.
Hiking under the stars
Hiking in the morning has some serious advantages. With it being dark out, you get to experience a sky full of stars and that fresh crisp air. Then as the dawn light begins, color starts to appear in the sky lighting the clouds in a blaze of pinks, reds, and oranges. You can hear the sounds of nature all around and experience the beauty of peace and serenity.
Then on your hike down you get to see all the beauty that you hiked through during the early morning. It’s like a whole new experience. Plus there’s no better feeling than passing the other hikers that are heading to where you came from and knowing that they missed out on the incredible experience you just witnessed. It’s such an amazing feeling.
Better Weather
In my personal experience, sunrise can offer better weather conditions, especially in the mountains. Though it’s not always true, sunrise weather can bring more calmness with less wind and chances of stormy weather. Most times if rain is in the forecast as well it will happen in the afternoon. So always make sure to keep an eye out on the weather and be prepared.
Colder Weather
In mountainous areas and in general you’re going to have colder weather during sunrise. You might be thinking that doesn’t sound like a win. But the colder weather helps you stay cool during your hike and avoid sweating. If you’re trying to avoid be a sweaty mess and control your body temp than this is perfect. This will help you out once you get to the top of your hike and start to prepare for your ceremony.
There’s not a better way to start your day
Starting your day off by hiking up to an EPIC mountain view is the perfect adventure for your elopement ceremony. We can still get those fun and intimate getting ready moments in the dark or later in the day. You don’t have to sacrifice any moments. Plus it frees up the rest of your day to spend it how you want. Sunset elopements especially during the summer months can get really late if you don’t prefer that.
Sunset Elopement Ideas
Many locations in the world are just better for sunset. Whether the mountains you choose are facing to the west or you decide to elope on a beautiful spot on the west coast. This will strongly determine the look and feel of your photos plus your overall experience for your elopement.
Benefits of eloping for sunset
If you decide to hike up to a further location, there’s great chances it will be very private. Most people don’t want to hike down a mountain or two hours down a trail in the dark. Plus it’s a great time to stay out a little later to grab some fun star photos.
However areas that are easily accessible and very popular are still likely to have a lot of people to watch sunset. More people are willing to stay out later rather than get up super early.
Better lighting
Depending on the location, sunset might be the best option to have the best lighting. In the mountains, if the peaks are facing more to the west, then sunset will give that beautiful red and orange alpenglow for stunning photos. If the location is on the west coast, then sunset will also be an amazing time for a sunset elopement.
Better Sleep
If you’re just not a morning person and it doesn’t excite you to wake up at 2-3am to do hair and makeup before hiking up a mountain, then a sunset elopement will be for you. You want to have the best experience possible on your elopement day. Of course you also want amazing photos but if you don’t enjoy the experience at the same time then is it worth it. So if sunset sounds much better to you, then plan for a sunset elopement or try to find a location that is perfect for a sunset elopement.
Warmer Weather
If you don’t like cold weather, then choosing to elope at sunset will be the best option. Sunset weather naturally is warmer as the sun has been out all day. You can soak in the last warmth of the day and then layer up for the cooler hike down. Sunrise on the other hand is colder in the morning and you have to get out of warm clothes in the cold to get ready. So if you don’t want to be colder on your day, then eloping at sunset will be the best option.
A great way to end your day
Watching the sunset together after a full day elopement experience together is the perfect way to commemorate your wedding day. Plus you’ll be the most comfortable in front of the camera after spending a full day together during the best light of the day. It’s not every day you’re in front of a camera so there will be a little adjustment period even though I help you be as confident and comfortable as possible throughout the day. By the time you have completely forgotten about the camera, you’ll be extremely comfortable and in the best golden light of the day.
Star photos and the hike down
As an extra bonus if you love stargazing, staying out under the stars after sunset can be an unforgettable way to end the day. You can even bring lanterns for another fun creative touch. What a fun and unique experience to enjoy together as you end the perfect day.
Ready to start planning your dream elopement?
Hey, I’m Marcus!
I don’t just photograph elopements. I help create a full elopement experience that will leave you with a lifetime full of wonderful memories and a gallery full of photos to print for your walls. Your elopement will be curated and unique to you as a couple. Your day will be center around what makes you feel the most alive!
If you’re ready to starting planning your dream day, fill out my inquiry form below or you can reach me here. As with all my elopements I always follow the principles of Leave No Trace so we leave this world beautiful.
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