Sunrise vs Sunset Elopements | Pros, Cons, and Tips
Eloping at sunrise or sunset can make your special day truly magical. Both have their unique vibes and benefits, but they also come with a few challenges.
I love both options, and you can have an amazing time either way—or even do both if you plan your elopement day right. Mornings are perfect for starting fresh and relaxed, getting ready for the best day of your life. Sunsets are great for wrapping up your day on a high note. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of each, plus some tips to help you decide which is best for you.
Sunrise Elopements
Pros:
Early mornings are usually more peaceful with fewer people around. You can have your moment without any interruptions. This can be a great time to exchange your vows in private and enjoy a cozy morning with a cup of coffee.
The soft, golden light at sunrise is perfect for dreamy photos.
If you're not a fan of the heat, mornings are cooler, making it more comfortable during the summer.
Starting your day by exchanging vows sets a positive vibe for the rest of the day, and you can plan other fun activities to enjoy afterwards.
Cons:
You’ll have to wake up really early, which can be tough if you’re not a morning person.
The perfect light for photos doesn’t last long, so you need to be on time.
It can also be a bit harder to find vendors willing to do a sunrise elopement.
Plus, depending on the season, it can be colder in the morning.
Tips for your Sunrise Elopement
Get everything ready the night before so you can quickly get going in the morning.
Consider a simple, natural look; you can always wear your wedding outfit later in the day or for a ceremony with family.
Take your time to enjoy the morning—plan a yummy breakfast to share with your partner. Also, visit the location beforehand so you know exactly where to go.
Sunset Elopements
Pros:
The light at sunset is just as magical as sunrise, giving you stunning photos.
You have the whole day to get ready and enjoy the build-up.
If you’re eloping with family, this time is more convenient for your guests.
You can also try some cute lantern photos.
You can plan a romantic dinner afterwards.
Cons:
Evenings can be busier, especially in popular spots.
If you’re hiking to your ceremony location, it might be dark on your way back.
The weather can be unpredictable in the late afternoon and evening.
Cloudy days can either make the sunset stunning or make it get dark quickly.
Tips for your Sunset Elopement
Just like with sunrise, check out your spot ahead of time to find the best angles and places.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case.
Plan your ceremony at least 2 hours before sunset time so you will have enough time for photos.
Consider bringing lanterns or fairy lights for ambiance and visibility after the sun goes down.
Bring a cozy layer in case it gets chilly after sunset.
Sunrise and sunset elopements both have their own special vibe. Sunrise is calm and quiet, giving you a fresh start, while sunset offers a romantic end to the day with gorgeous light. Whichever you choose, it’ll be memorable. Just go with what feels best for you, and soak in the experience!
