11/12/2026
Sunrise elopements are my favorite for a reason: the light is soft, the crowds are nonexistent, and the whole day stretches out ahead of you.
But there’s one thing I wish every couple knew before they commit to a 5am start: it’s colder than you think.
And here’s the part that surprises people the most: it actually gets colder right before sunrise. The temperature keeps dropping through the night and doesn’t start climbing until the sun comes up. So the moments before your first look could be the coldest part of the morning.
Not “bring a light jacket” cold → “pack hand warmers, ear muffs, and extra tissues” cold.
A few things that make sunrise elopements feel cozy instead of freezing:
🧥 A warm jacket you can take off as the day heats up
🧤 Gloves and a beanie (they photograph beautifully!)
☕️ A thermos of something warm to share
🔥 Hand warmers in your pockets
🧣 A blanket or pashmina for between shots
The best part? After your sunrise ceremony, you have the whole day ahead of you. Brunch, an adventurous activity, an afternoon nap, and a celebratory dinner. It’s a beautiful way to start.
Are you a sunrise person, or does the idea of a 5am alarm make you want to hide under the blankets?