When do we wake up? When is our makeup artist coming? You're smart if you're asking these questions. Let's figure it out. First of all, we only take bookings for sunrise elopements—never during the day, sunset, or night.
"It’s something when a couple wants to dive into our knowledge base and is ready to plan their elopement with us. I like that! Hi, how are you doing today?"
Article by — Tim
waking up at 3 am for the last 12 years
sunrise elopements only
To avoid crowds at iconic locations, we plan for an early start.
We understand that getting out of bed very early in the morning is always a struggle, especially when you're on vacation. But Paris streets get very busy from 11 AM and remain crowded until late at night.
Morning is really the only time when popular locations like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre are empty, and you’ll also have the best light. It will be absolutely worth it for one of the most magical sunrises.
Even if neither of you are morning people, the peaceful, empty streets of Paris might just change your mind about an early wakeup call. And let’s be real—you probably saw this coming, right?
To illustrate the difference in crowds:
We understand that getting out of bed very early in the morning is always a struggle, especially when you're on vacation. But Paris streets get very busy from 11 AM and remain crowded until late at night.
Morning is really the only time when popular locations like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre are empty, and you’ll also have the best light. It will be absolutely worth it for one of the most magical sunrises.
Even if neither of you are morning people, the peaceful, empty streets of Paris might just change your mind about an early wakeup call. And let’s be real—you probably saw this coming, right?
To illustrate the difference in crowds:
MORNING: THE best BACKDROP FOR YOUR CEREMONY
We schedule all our ceremonies right at sunrise. Below is approximate information on what to expect. These times are not exact and can vary by +/- 30 minutes depending on whether it’s a sunny or cloudy day.
February, March ceremony starts at 7:30-8 AM
April ceremony starts at 7:15 AM
May ceremony starts at 6 AM
June, July ceremony starts at 5:40 AM
August, September ceremony starts at 7 AM
October ceremony starts at 8 AM
November, December ceremony starts at 8:30-9 AM
February, March ceremony starts at 7:30-8 AM
April ceremony starts at 7:15 AM
May ceremony starts at 6 AM
June, July ceremony starts at 5:40 AM
August, September ceremony starts at 7 AM
October ceremony starts at 8 AM
November, December ceremony starts at 8:30-9 AM
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Here’s an actual timeline from an October elopement:
05:30 AM – Makeup artist arrives for bridal hair and makeup, groom gets ready.
07:40 AM – Pick-up.
08 AM – Ceremony begins.
08:25 AM – Ceremony ends, champagne.
08:40 AM – Couple's photoshoot begins.
12 PM – Driving back to the hotel.
And once your photoshoot is complete, you’re free to do whatever you like! You can go with the flow and take more portraits or return to the hotel and enjoy lunch with your fiancée. Maybe even a glass of rosé? The possibilities are endless.
However, keep in mind that this is just an example. We can always adjust the timeline if your makeup artist needs more time or if your hotel is farther from the center of Paris.
05:30 AM – Makeup artist arrives for bridal hair and makeup, groom gets ready.
07:40 AM – Pick-up.
08 AM – Ceremony begins.
08:25 AM – Ceremony ends, champagne.
08:40 AM – Couple's photoshoot begins.
12 PM – Driving back to the hotel.
And once your photoshoot is complete, you’re free to do whatever you like! You can go with the flow and take more portraits or return to the hotel and enjoy lunch with your fiancée. Maybe even a glass of rosé? The possibilities are endless.
However, keep in mind that this is just an example. We can always adjust the timeline if your makeup artist needs more time or if your hotel is farther from the center of Paris.
REAL ELOPEMENT TIMELINE EXAMPLE
5:30 AM Bridal hair and makeup
7:40 AM Guests arrive by Uber
7:50 AM We arrive with the couple
8 AM Ceremony begins
8:10 AM I Do's and vows
8:15 AM Ring exchange
8:20 AM Cetificates
8:25 AM Champagne
8:35 AM Group photos,
guests leave
guests leave
8:40 AM Portrait shoot begins
9:10 AM Photos at Paris Streets
10:30 AM Louvre pyramids
11:30 AM Louvre Gallery
12 PM Driving back to the hotel
There are some differences between the ceremony locations.
For the Eiffel Tower, the ceremony will be planned first thing in the morning since it’s the most crowded spot.
For the Tuileries ceremony, it will be the last event of the morning because the gardens open later, around 7-8 AM, and we take photos before that.
For the Castle package, the timeline can change, but usually, we start with Paris photos to avoid crowds, then move on to the castle ceremony and photos.
We will send you the final timeline 2 days before the wedding.
For the Eiffel Tower, the ceremony will be planned first thing in the morning since it’s the most crowded spot.
For the Tuileries ceremony, it will be the last event of the morning because the gardens open later, around 7-8 AM, and we take photos before that.
For the Castle package, the timeline can change, but usually, we start with Paris photos to avoid crowds, then move on to the castle ceremony and photos.
We will send you the final timeline 2 days before the wedding.
ceremony location vs the timeline
Prepare your dress and suit the night before—steam and lay out your dress, suit, veil, and accessories. Remove all labels and double-check your ring box to avoid any last-minute issues. Avoid steaming your veil on the wedding morning, as that time and energy can be better spent enjoying your day.
Wash and dry your hair the night before.
Order room service breakfast the night before and be sure to go to bed early.
Wash and dry your hair the night before.
Order room service breakfast the night before and be sure to go to bed early.
THE NIGHT BEFORE
You can decide whether to get ready together or separately. If you'd prefer some privacy, you can hide in different rooms of your Airbnb, or consider renting an extra half-day room if available at your hotel.
Don’t forget to eat—having a healthy breakfast is important.
Bridal hair and makeup. Meet your makeup artist in the hotel lobby. Hair and makeup typically take between 1.5 to 3 hours.
Getting dressed. You know how long this takes. Ask your makeup artist to help secure your dress and assist with your veil and jewelry. She’ll make sure everything is perfectly in place. Do a final check—rings, phones, some extra cash for coffee—make sure you’re ready. White sneakers!
Packing. And you’re good to go!
Pickup.
Don’t forget to eat—having a healthy breakfast is important.
Bridal hair and makeup. Meet your makeup artist in the hotel lobby. Hair and makeup typically take between 1.5 to 3 hours.
Getting dressed. You know how long this takes. Ask your makeup artist to help secure your dress and assist with your veil and jewelry. She’ll make sure everything is perfectly in place. Do a final check—rings, phones, some extra cash for coffee—make sure you’re ready. White sneakers!
Packing. And you’re good to go!
Pickup.
WEDDING MORNING PREPARATIONS
Meet your team. Once you arrive at your ceremony spot, take a moment to meet your officiant. She will also take your rings.
The ceremony. A classic elopement ceremony typically includes:
If you’d like to add readings or personal vows, the ceremony will usually last around 20-30 minutes. Remember, you can always customize your elopement—adventure elopements are all about creativity and freedom!
Then we take a group photo with your guests. The guests take an Uber and leave.
The ceremony. A classic elopement ceremony typically includes:
- Opening remarks: The officiant warmly welcomes everyone with, "We are gathered here today..."
- Your story: The officiant may share your love and engagement story, reflecting on you as a couple.
- I Do's: "Do you, Anna, take James to be your husband?"
- Ring and vow exchange: "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and I promise you..."
- Declaration of marriage: The officiant makes it official with, "I now pronounce you married!"
- First kiss: Your first kiss as a married couple.
- Signing of symbolic certificates.
- Champagne toast!
If you’d like to add readings or personal vows, the ceremony will usually last around 20-30 minutes. Remember, you can always customize your elopement—adventure elopements are all about creativity and freedom!
Then we take a group photo with your guests. The guests take an Uber and leave.
the ceremony
Capturing stunning photos in breathtaking locations is what makes a Paris elopement truly special. We take full responsibility for your wedding day, handling the planning and logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We’re here to help with posing, offering tips to get those perfect shots. All you need to do is be yourself, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company. Be proud, confident, and most importantly, happy.
How many locations can you visit? This depends on your chosen package and the number of shooting locations you book. Together, we’ll create a personalized timeline and offer a selection of locations.
We’re here to help with posing, offering tips to get those perfect shots. All you need to do is be yourself, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company. Be proud, confident, and most importantly, happy.
How many locations can you visit? This depends on your chosen package and the number of shooting locations you book. Together, we’ll create a personalized timeline and offer a selection of locations.
the photoshoot with tim
As the photoshoot wraps up, we’ll head back to your hotel or apartment. And with that, your married life begins!
driving back
After a week, Helen will send you a sneak peek of your photos. Once you confirm the editing, we’ll proceed with preparing the full gallery.
edited photos
