Fall Wedding Season in Arizona is my absolute favorite time of year! The weather is cooling down, the leaves are changing and there are a ton more outdoor weddings due to the cooler weather. Guests can actually enjoy being outdoors without the higher temps and couples can utilize outdoor venues making it a win win for everyone! I especially love this wedding at Schnepf Farms The Meadow!
Holding your wedding at Schnepf Farms The Meadow is absolutely perfect for those couples who are wanting the look of forest with lots of greenery, gorgeous string lit intimate dinners and an all around cozy woodsy vibe. I especially love this venue for couples who live in the valley and do not want to have themselves or guests drive 2-3 hours up to Northern Arizona to get the same look! The Meadow is an absolute hidden gem because it truly feels like you are in Northern Arizona when you are only a short drive from any area in the valley.
We love when couples chose to hold their wedding at Schnepf Farms The Meadow also because of the amazing features this venue has! Some venues in Arizona make you chose from a list of their own vendors and you have to abide by that, with The Meadow you are able to bring in unique outside vendors to truly customize your experience. I was also a big fan of the cozy a frame for the bride to get ready in and the tent for the groom, it definitely added to the overall vibe of a woodsy wedding! Schnepf Farms also has other locations on site for couples to get married at aside from The Meadow, you can check those spaces out here!
David and Amanda’s Wedding at Schnepf Farms The Meadow was so special to me! They had a smaller guest count and really wanted to focus on keeping the entire day intentional and intimate. I absolutely loved the sparkler entrance they did into their wedding reception, most couples do sparklers as an exit so it made it really fun and exciting for guests to do this to welcome them in to party instead! They also brought their dog Duke in for photos and to enjoy some of the wedding with them and that was so sweet!
If you are looking for a beautiful Arizona wedding venue make sure to check out our blog on our favorites!
Natalie and Kyle flew all the way from Georgia to have their Red Agave Resort Wedding in Sedona. Knowing how important family was and how they really wanted to be able to spend time with those they loved most and not be overwhelmed by a large guest count, they decided early on in planning that a micro wedding in Sedona would be the best fit for their vision of their wedding day. Micro weddings are a favorite of ours, they are truly the best of both worlds! With micro weddings you are able to have the intimate parts of a low guest count like an elopement but also celebrate with a small group of friends and family. If you are wanting to incorporate some values from traditional weddings, want a smaller guest count but still crave the adventure of epic nature bridals and extra quiet time just you and your partner, I highly recommend considering a micro wedding for your special day!
Natalie and Kyle love the outfoors and the red rocks were so special to them as a couple! When it came time to deciding where they wanted to say i do, choosing a Red Agave Resort Wedding was a no brainer. Red Agave Resort is awesome in so many ways but a few that really sealed the deal for the couple was the insane red rock views from the property, the ability to transform the space to fit their vision of the day and the fact that the resort allows guests to stay in their a-frames making it super convenient for guests traveling for the wedding!
Picking favorite photos from Natalie and Kyle’s Red Agave Resort Wedding was SO hard. They are truly such kind, fun, genuine and easy people to photograph! They were truly just so excited to celebrate their love with eachother and their families the entire day felt like a party with family! A few things I absolutely loved that the couple did to incorporate more of the things they loved were the incredible details that Natalie had set aside for me to photograph.Natalie spent so much time picking every little detail to incorporate and I could definitely tell! I also really loved the taco bar, the neon sign for photo ops for guests, the live music and super cozy family style table they used to create an intimate setting for dinner!
If you loved this Sedona blog and are interested in more Sedona tips, make sure to check out our guide on eloping in Sedona!
Stonebridge Manor Wedding | Romantic Garden Wedding in Mesa, Arizona
Ashley & Garrett’s Stonebridge Manor Wedding
Ashley and Garrett’s Stonebridge Manor wedding was the perfect blend of timeless elegance and heartfelt celebration. Located in Mesa, this Wedgewood Weddings venue is known for its lush greenery, mature trees, romantic pathways, elegant reception spaces, and iconic stone bridge that photographs beautifully year round. As Arizona wedding photographers, we love photographing weddings at Stonebridge Manor because the venue offers incredible lighting, multiple ceremony locations, and timeless architecture throughout the property.
Stonebridge Manor is a hidden gem in Arizona, if you live in the valley you are probably already aware at how difficult it is to find a lush green venue without traveling atleast an hour or so up north. Not only does Stonebridge Manor have two different areas for couples to access for their wedding but the property is HUGE! There are photo ops at nearly every corner with a flower garden, a stone bridge, a courtyard, balcony, the list goes on! It is such an elegant venue and pretty decently priced compared to other local venues, I definitely recommend scheduling a tour to see for yourself!
Why Stonebridge Manor Is One of the Best Wedding Venues in Mesa
Stonebridge Manor has become one of the most sought after wedding venues in Mesa because it combines historic charm with beautifully maintained gardens and flexible event spaces. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a larger celebration, the venue offers multiple ceremony and reception locations that feel private, romantic, and full of character.
One of the biggest advantages of getting married at Stonebridge Manor is the variety of backdrops available throughout the property. Couples can enjoy elegant gardens, towering trees, charming pathways, stone bridges, and beautiful architecture—all without ever leaving the venue. This allows your wedding day to flow naturally while giving your photographer endless opportunities to create a diverse gallery.
As an Arizona wedding photographer, I also appreciate how well the venue photographs throughout the day. From soft morning light to golden hour portraits and romantic evening receptions, Stonebridge Manor provides beautiful lighting in every season.
If you are recently engaged and looking for your wedding venue, make sure you check out our recent blog on Arizona’s Top Wedding Venues!
Best Places for Wedding Photos at Stonebridge Manor
One of the reasons I love photographing weddings at Stonebridge Manor is the incredible variety of portrait locations throughout the property. Every corner offers something different, allowing couples to receive a gallery that feels dynamic while staying in one location.
Some of my favorite photo locations include:
The iconic stone bridge for romantic portraits.
The garden pathways lined with mature trees.
The ivy-covered walls and charming architecture.
The courtyard during golden hour.
The outdoor ceremony lawn after guests have left.
Reception spaces glowing with café lights after sunset.
Because everything is close together, we can maximize portrait time without pulling couples away from their guests for long periods. This creates a relaxed timeline while still capturing beautiful images.
Stonebridge Manor Wedding Ceremony
The outdoor ceremony spaces at Stonebridge Manor create a beautiful setting for exchanging vows. Surrounded by mature landscaping and lush gardens, the ceremony feels intimate while still accommodating larger guest lists.
One of my favorite things about photographing ceremonies here is how naturally beautiful the backdrop already is. Couples don’t need elaborate decorations because the venue itself provides so much character. The greenery, stone accents, and timeless architecture create photographs that feel elegant for years to come.
Whether you’re planning a spring wedding filled with colorful blooms or a cozy fall celebration, the ceremony spaces photograph beautifully throughout the year.
Stonebridge Manor Wedding Reception
As the sun sets, Stonebridge Manor transforms into an incredibly romantic reception venue. String lights, warm architectural details, and beautifully landscaped courtyards create the perfect atmosphere for dinner, toasts, and dancing.
One of my favorite moments is stepping away for a few minutes during golden hour or just after sunset. These portraits often become some of my couples’ favorite images because of the soft light and peaceful atmosphere before returning to celebrate with family and friends.
The reception spaces also photograph beautifully after dark, allowing for dramatic first dances, joyful dance floor moments, and elegant reception details that complete the story of the day.
Wedding Photography Tips for Stonebridge Manor
If you’re planning a Stonebridge Manor wedding, here are a few tips to help create a relaxed photography experience:
Plan for golden hour portraits. Even 15–20 minutes before sunset can make a huge difference in your final gallery.
Consider a first look. This allows us to complete many portraits before the ceremony so you can spend more time celebrating with guests.
Trust your timeline. Stonebridge Manor’s layout makes moving between locations easy, giving us flexibility throughout the day.
Enjoy the venue. Some of the best photographs happen during genuine moments—not posed ones. Laugh together, soak in the day, and let yourselves be fully present.
Stonebridge Manor Venue Information
Stonebridge Manor is located in Mesa, Arizona, making it a convenient choice for couples throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Known for its beautiful gardens, historic charm, and versatile event spaces, it’s a wonderful venue for weddings in every season.
The venue offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, spacious reception areas, picturesque gardens, and countless locations for portraits throughout the property. Its thoughtful layout allows couples and guests to move comfortably through the day while keeping everything conveniently located.
For couples dreaming of a romantic Arizona wedding with timeless character, Stonebridge Manor continues to be one of the area’s most beloved venues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stonebridge Manor Weddings
Is Stonebridge Manor a good wedding venue?
Absolutely. It’s one of my favorite Mesa wedding venues because it offers beautiful gardens, charming architecture, flexible ceremony options, and gorgeous lighting throughout the day.
Where is Stonebridge Manor located?
Stonebridge Manor is located in Mesa, Arizona, making it easily accessible for couples throughout Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, and the surrounding East Valley.
What are the best photo locations at Stonebridge Manor?
Some of my favorites include the stone bridge, garden pathways, courtyard, mature trees, historic buildings, and the beautifully lit reception spaces after sunset.
What time should we schedule portraits?
Golden hour always creates the most flattering light, but Stonebridge Manor offers beautiful portrait opportunities throughout the day thanks to its mature landscaping and shaded gardens.
Do you photograph weddings at Stonebridge Manor?
Yes! I love photographing weddings at Stonebridge Manor and would be honored to document your celebration with timeless, joyful images that reflect your story.
Fall Wedding at Venue at The Grove | Arizona Elopement Photographer
Eric & Lexi’s wedding at Venue at The Grove took place in November. Fall weddings in Phoenix are some of our absolute favorite because of the colors, lighting and the weather during our fall months just can’t be beat! The couple opted to do a first look before the ceremony which was so sentimental and emotional, capturing moments like this is one of the best parts about being a wedding photographer! A big misconception about doing a first look before the ceremony is that your partner will not have a big reaction to seeing you walk down the aisle after, which is absolutely not true – Eric is proof of that!
For couples who choose to have their wedding at Venue at The Grove, this venue provides them with a lush garden like scenery with plenty of greenery and trees to surround them and their guests! Getting married in Arizona it is often hard to find a venue that is not in Northern Arizona that can provide a scenery other than desert or a modern indoor venue. Venue at The Grove is a really great option for those looking to escape the heat and desert feel that most venues in Arizona offer. The venue also has an incredible staff who is so helpful to their couples at every event we have photographed here, an onsite coordinator team and a list of amazing vendors for couples to choose from!
A few of our favorite things about Eric and Lexi’s wedding at Venue at The Grove was the colors of their bridal party outfits, their absolutely stunning design choices to compliment the fall season in Arizona and just how close and sweet all of their family and friends were! You could really tell this was such a big day for everyone attending! We absolutely love when bridesmaids do different colors and styles for their dresses, not only does it look so fun in photos but it really allows your bridal party to be able to show off their personality!
The reception was so beautiful as well! The string lights throughout the reception area help create such an intimate setting for guests to enjoy while eating dinner and mingling. Cruisin’ Photo Bus was at the reception as well which is always a huge hit for guests and so fun for photos! The couple shared a last dance surrounded by guests before exiting through a sparkler tunnel! If you are getting married soon and need any other wedding exit ideas make sure you check out our blog for more!
Luxury El Chorro Wedding in Paradise Valley | Arizona Wedding Photographer
This luxurious El Chorro wedding perfectly blends timeless elegance with Arizona’s breathtaking desert scenery. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful venue than El Chorro. Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, El Chorro has become one of Arizona’s most sought after luxury wedding venues and after photographing Ryan and Rebecca’s wedding here, it’s easy to see why.
From the moment guests arrive beneath the towering palms and Camelback mountain backdrop, El Chorro creates an experience that feels both luxurious and welcoming. Every space throughout the property feels intentional, allowing couples to create a wedding day that flows effortlessly from getting ready to the ceremony, cocktail hour, sunset portraits, and an unforgettable reception under the stars.
Ryan and Rebecca’s wedding was the perfect reflection of everything that makes an El Chorro wedding so special. Classic details, special moments shared with close friends and family, incredible food, stunning mountain views, and a celebration centered around the people they love most, who could ask for more?
Why Couples Love Having an El Chorro Wedding
One of my favorite things about photographing weddings at El Chorro is how versatile the venue is. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a large luxury wedding, the property offers multiple event spaces that can be customized to fit your vision.
Some of the reasons couples choose El Chorro include:
Stunning Camelback Mountain views
Beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony options
Lush desert landscaping
Elegant reception spaces
Exceptional catering and hospitality
Multiple event locations throughout the property
A convenient location near Scottsdale and Phoenix
Unlike many Arizona venues that only showcase the desert landscape, El Chorro combines mature gardens, historic architecture, mountain views, and refined details that photograph beautifully throughout every season.
Ryan and Rebecca envisioned a wedding that felt timeless and elegant. Rather than focusing on trends, they created an experience where every guest felt welcomed from the moment they arrived.
One of my favorite parts of any wedding is documenting these slower moments as couples are getting ready. From writing vows in the morning, parents seeing their children before the ceremony, special moments with their children and all the little details in between, these moments often become the most meaningful memories years later.
As guests gathered for the ceremony, Camelback Mountain created an unforgettable backdrop. Arizona has a way of making every celebration feel larger than life, and El Chorro embraces that beauty without ever overshadowing the couple themselves.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed an UNREAL cocktail hour while the newlyweds slipped away for portraits around the property. Golden hour is always one of my favorite parts of an El Chorro wedding because the venue offers such incredible variety within a short walking distance. Once done with their portraits, Rebecca and Ryan joined their guests at cocktail hour. Cocktail hour featured a gelato cart for guests to enjoy on the warm day, a Photo Booth, and a seafood bar with an attendant to shuck the oysters for them. It was elegant and incredible hearing guests beam about how amazing of a cocktail hour they had put together!
The evening continued with heartfelt toasts, incredible dining, joyful dancing, and thoughtful details that reflected Ryan and Rebecca’s personalities—from the champagne tower to late-night treats and beautifully curated reception design.
El Chorro is seriously one of our absolute favorite venues! This wedding was also so fun because we got to work with such incredible vendors to bring it together – including Jane In The Woods who absolutely transformed this space into something straight out of a magazine! The couples planner Kelsey did such a fantastic job!
Rebecca and Ryan spared no expense when planning their Luxury El Chorro Wedding. From the custom wedding dress down to the hand made seating chart, every detail about their wedding was truly unique to them as a couple. I loved the fact that they used the ceremony space for both the ceremony and reception. The awesome thing about El Chorro is the fact that you can customize the spaces however you please. So the reception was completely unrecognizable from how it looks only an hour prior. The team at El Chorro makes some magic happen when creating spaces for their couples!
I could go on forever about how insane this Luxury El Chorro Wedding was but I’ll let this photos speak for me! A huge shout out to all of the amazing vendors who made this day happen below!
Favorite Photography Locations at El Chorro
Having photographed weddings across Arizona for years, I can confidently say El Chorro offers some of the most diverse portrait locations in the state.
Some of my favorite spots include:
Camelback Mountain Views
The mountain backdrop instantly gives portraits a distinctly Arizona feel while still looking refined and timeless.
Garden Pathways
The lush landscaping creates soft, romantic portraits that feel worlds away from the desert without ever losing the beauty of Arizona.
Courtyards
The historic architecture and textured walls provide elegant editorial-style portraits that never go out of style.
Reception Patio
As evening falls and string lights begin to glow, the reception space transforms into one of the most romantic settings imaginable
Planning an El Chorro Wedding
If you’re considering getting married at El Chorro, here are a few tips I always share with couples.
Schedule Time for Sunset Portraits
Golden hour at El Chorro is worth planning your timeline around. Even fifteen to twenty minutes during sunset can create some of the most memorable images from your wedding day.
Consider a First Look
A first look allows couples to enjoy more portraits together before the ceremony while creating additional time to celebrate with guests afterward.
Trust Your Vendor Team
One of the biggest reasons luxury weddings feel effortless is because couples hire experienced vendors who work well together. Having a team that understands the flow of the venue helps the entire day unfold naturally.
Embrace the Arizona Landscape
You don’t need elaborate décor when you’re surrounded by Camelback Mountain and beautiful desert gardens. Let the venue do what it already does best.
Why El Chorro Is One of Arizona’s Best Luxury Wedding Venues
Arizona offers no shortage of beautiful wedding venues, but El Chorro continues to stand out because it combines natural beauty with exceptional hospitality.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or you’re a local Arizona couple, the venue feels elevated without being intimidating. Every space encourages guests to slow down, connect, and celebrate together.
As a photographer, I especially appreciate how intentionally designed the property is. Beautiful light, clean architectural lines, mature landscaping, and mountain scenery all work together to create photographs that feel timeless rather than trendy.
El Chorro Wedding FAQ’S
Where is El Chorro located?
El Chorro is located in Paradise Valley, Arizona, at the base of Camelback and Mummy Mountains. Just minutes from Scottsdale and about 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, it’s one of Arizona’s most iconic luxury wedding venues. Its central location makes it convenient for both local couples and destination wedding guests while offering stunning mountain views and a private desert setting.
How much does an El Chorro wedding cost?
The cost of an El Chorro wedding depends on your guest count, wedding date, and event space. Ceremony fees typically start around $4,000–$6,500, while evening food and beverage minimums generally begin at $175+ per guest, with overall minimums ranging from approximately $6,000 for intimate celebrations to $50,000+ for larger Saturday weddings. Your final investment will also include photography, florals, entertainment, rentals, and other wedding vendors. For the most accurate pricing, contact El Chorro directly for current packages.
How many guests can El Chorro accommodate?
El Chorro offers several event spaces for celebrations of different sizes. The Event Lawn can host ceremonies of up to 250 guests, while Casa Paloma accommodates receptions for up to 250 seated guests or 300 guests for a cocktail-style event. Smaller spaces like the Herb Garden and South Lawn are perfect for intimate weddings and micro celebrations.
When is the best time of year to get married at El Chorro?
Arizona’s most popular wedding seasons are March through May and October through November, when temperatures are comfortable and the desert landscape is at its most beautiful. Spring brings blooming desert flowers, while fall offers warm days, cooler evenings, and incredible sunset light for portraits. Winter weddings can also be beautiful, while summer often provides more availability and lower venue minimums for couples comfortable with warmer temperatures.
Can you have an outdoor ceremony at El Chorro?
Yes! Outdoor ceremonies are one of the biggest reasons couples choose an El Chorro wedding. The venue features multiple outdoor ceremony locations, including the Event Lawn, Herb Garden, and South Lawn, each offering beautiful mountain views and lush landscaping. These spaces create a timeless Arizona backdrop while still feeling elegant and refined.
Is El Chorro a good venue for destination weddings?
Absolutely. El Chorro is an excellent choice for destination weddings because it’s located just 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and close to many of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley’s luxury resorts. Guests can easily enjoy world-class dining, golf, hiking, spas, and shopping while celebrating your wedding weekend, making it a memorable destination for everyone involved.
Why should I hire an experienced El Chorro wedding photographer?
An experienced El Chorro wedding photographer understands how the light changes throughout the property, knows the best portrait locations, and can create a timeline that takes advantage of Arizona’s incredible sunsets. Familiarity with the venue also means less time spent searching for photo locations and more time enjoying your wedding day. From Camelback Mountain backdrops to the garden pathways and historic architecture, an experienced photographer knows exactly how to showcase everything that makes El Chorro so special.
How far is El Chorro from Scottsdale and Phoenix?
El Chorro is located in Paradise Valley, just 10–15 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale and approximately 20 minutes from Downtown Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Its central location makes it convenient for guests staying throughout the Valley while still offering a secluded, resort-like atmosphere.
What makes El Chorro one of the best wedding venues in Arizona?
El Chorro combines breathtaking Camelback Mountain views, lush gardens, exceptional cuisine, and versatile indoor-outdoor event spaces, making it one of Arizona’s premier luxury wedding venues. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a grand reception, the venue offers timeless scenery, outstanding service, and a seamless guest experience that makes every wedding feel unforgettable.
Looking for an El Chorro Wedding Photographer?
Your wedding photographs should do more than show what your wedding looked like, they should help you remember exactly how it felt.
My approach is rooted in storytelling. I focus on the in between moments just as much as the big ones: your parents’ expressions during the ceremony, your friends laughing during cocktail hour, the quiet moments the two of you share before stepping onto the dance floor, and every little interaction that makes your wedding uniquely yours.
If you’re planning an El Chorro wedding, I’d love to help document your celebration in a way that feels honest, emotional, and timeless.
I believe your photographs should become family heirlooms that transport you back to this day every time you look through them.
If El Chorro is where your story begins, I’d be honored to tell it!
Sky Ranch Lodge Wedding in Sedona | Arizona Elopement Photographer
Patrick and Brooke’s Sky Ranch Lodge Wedding in Sedona is one of our absolute favorite weddings to date! There are many reasons why this venue is one of Sedona’s most sought after venues to get married. The venue rests on the side of a cliff overlooking the stunning red rocks high up in the clouds. It truly feels like you are getting married in the sky!
One of our absolute favorite things about photographing weddings is the relationships we get to form with our couples. Patrick and Brooke put all of their trust in us on their wedding day and allowed us to capture them and their families in such a beautiful way! They focused only on each other and let us do the rest so they could spend their wedding day enjoying the company of their closest friends and family surrounded by all of Sedona’s beauty.
One thing that really stood out to me during Patrick and Brooke’s Sky Ranch Lodge Wedding was the time they took into carefully considering all details and really making sure they incorporated things that were special to them as a couple. They were planning a move to Germany shortly after the wedding and make sure to share a cheers cliff side during bridals with some local Germany beers! I also loved them bringing their sweet puppy in for a few photos during reception!
Patrick and Brooke chose the most stunning color palette for their Sky Ranch Lodge Wedding. Warm yellows, oranges, pinks and reds were the perfect colors to accentuate Sedona’s rich color palette. They also chose to decorate with dried florals, macrame and gold accents inside of their reception tent to welcome guests in after enjoying the sunset over the red rocks. Pair that with a pizza bar, some delicious bundt cakes and an awesome DJ and their guests were in for an incredible night!
Thank you Patrick and Brooke for trusting us to capture such a special day for you two!
Spring Micro Wedding in Arizona | Arizona Elopement Photographer
For their Spring Micro Wedding in Arizona – Kelly and Ty knew exactly what they wanted to bring their dream day to life. Kelly and Ty dreamed of an intimate and meaningful celebration with their closest friends and family. While we planned their wedding day we originally thought something near the base of the Superstition Mountains could be a good option as the couple loved the idea of a dreamy golden sun drenched wedding. Kelly’s parents offered to hold their wedding at their beautiful Scottsdale home. They knew that they wanted to keep their wedding day small and intimate and holding it at their parents home made it that much more special!
When clients decide on having a Micro Wedding in Arizona our number one tip, especially when the micro wedding is not at a venue or space that typically holds weddings, is to make sure that wherever the couple decides on has plenty of good light and ample photo opportunities. Kelly and Ty’s family home was nothing short of perfection, they could not have had a more stunning wedding location if they tried! The home was only a few minutes away from the mayo clinic hiking trail where we went for their first look and bridal photos prior to their ceremony. After the ceremony we explored the backyard that opened into an expansive desert with tons of beautiful golden light, cacti and mountains!
Kelly and Ty shared hand written vows in front of guests during their ceremony. We were able to capture some of their family and friends reactions to their sweet words to each other as well. Hand written vows are always so special to witness at weddings. A little tip if you are getting married and stressed about vows – write them the day of! Some will say that it is crazy to wait or that it’s bad because it is last minute, but several couples have actually told us they prefer to write their vows the morning of! Writing your vows the day of your wedding is actually much easier because you are so in the moment already that words come easier than they normally would. Another bonus, you get cute photos of you writing your vows too if you wait until the big day!
Their reception space was created with the help of their amazing wedding planner. They were able to transform the ceremony space into an intimate and elegant space where guests could mingle near the fireplace with the dim lit candles, enjoy the delicious food from the personal chef team they hired – who were absolutely PHENOMENAL! and listen to music while they enjoyed each others company. It was the most beautiful Micro Wedding in Arizona and we were honored to be able to capture every minute of it!
Being able to photograph a wedding at The Paseo is always a magical experience for us, Shaice and Seth’s modern wedding at The Paseo was no exception! The venue itself is Arizona’s number one most sought after venue to get married at. We often have couples come from all over the world to get married at The Paseo because absolutely nothing compares! If you are looking for an incredible desert wedding experience then Shaice and Seth’s wedding will not disappoint!
The Paseo is an exclusive, unique and luxurious venue directly in front of the Superstition Mountains. Surrounded by Saguaros, Cholla and an expansive desert as the backdrop! This is the perfect location to hold any wedding celebration. As an elopement and wedding photographer in Arizona, we are always drawn to color palettes that enhance the natural beauty of the venues and locations we are working with during events. Shaice and Seth chose to go with a mix between modern and bohemian with their sleek all black bridal party outfits and the stunning dried florals decorated all throughout the venue.
Shaice and Seth are huge family people! When we met to discuss their vision for their modern wedding at The Paseo they emphasized how important capturing the moments between them and their families were. They are so close with their families they really wanted to capture that during their big day and we were so honored to be a part of such intimate and special moments between all of them! Seth and Shaice were long distance for many years while they both finished school and also had most of guests come from out of state to celebrate them so this day was a big one for everyone!
After Shaice and Seth exchanged their vows in front of the Superstition Mountains, they wandered through the desert to enjoy some desert views and get the majestic golden hour photos that everyone dreams about! As the sun began to set, guests were invited into The Paseo’s massive reception space. Tables decorated with dried florals, sleek black tablecloths and candles welcomed guests as they sat for dinner with the large barn doors open unveiling the Superstitions as the sun set. It was the perfect design for a modern wedding at The Paseo!
Shaice and Seth’s wedding at The Paseo was so fun! A few of our favorite touches that felt like they brought more personalization to the day was the classic car we used for an exit along with some epic bridal photos during reception, the super fun champagne tower and the glow sticks they brought to liven up the dance floor!
Mount Lemmon Elopement | Arizona Elopement Photographer
Kassidy and Owen celebrated their Mount Lemmon Elopement just the two of them and their sweet baby boy! Mount Lemmon is located in Tucson, Arizona and was the perfect location for their special day. Not only is this location insanely gorgeous and so versatile but it also holds such a sentimental meaning to the couple. When they first began dating Owen would take Kassidy on dates to Mount Lemmon to look out at the city lights after a hike and enjoy the views, being able to bring them back to celebrate so many years later was so surreal!
This Mount Lemmon elopement took place in January of this year! The weather was still chilly and some areas even had snow. The really awesome thing about Mount Lemmon is the versatile scenery you will see here though! The top of the mountain may have been chilly with snow and intense wind but the base was comfortable and covered in saguaros and sun while the middle of the mountain is covered with lush forest. It is truly one of my favorite locations to bring couples because it is a location where you can really experience it all!
Kassidy and Owen knew that including climbing was an absolute must for their elopement day! This climb was extra special for them though because this was the first rock they climbed when Owen taught Kassidy many years ago, they used to climb on date night together and watch the city lights and now this is the rock where they shared their vows many years later. Thank you so much Kassidy and Owen for letting me capture such an incredible day for you two!
Head to my contact page to book with me as your elopement photographer so that I can create a magical experience for you as well 🙂
Coming up with unique wedding exit ideas does not have to be a difficult task in planning your send off! As wedding photographers, we are pretty involved in helping couples plan aspects of their days that they may be unsure about. After all we do see hundreds of weddings in our careers and most couples have maybe attended a dozen weddings in their lifetime, so it totally makes sense that they may need some help brainstorming!
Whether you are going for classic or creative, there are wedding exit ideas out there for every couple! Here are some of our favorite send-off ideas that we have seen throughout the years. Browse through these awesome send offs to find the perfect fit for your wedding vision!
Traditional Wedding Exit Ideas
Sparklers
While sparklers are an absolute classic when it comes to wedding exit ideas, more venues over the years have begun to not allow this option due to fire hazards or guests being unsafe with them! If your venue does allow sparklers and you are not at risk of fires, I say go for it! You can’t go wrong with a sparkler exit!
Flower Petals
Flower Petals are a personal favorite of mine for wedding exits! Flowers can be more budget friendly as well because you can either use extra florals from your florist, or if you want to save even more money, buy some bouquets from Trader Joe’s the night before or day of to de petal toss!
Bubbles
Bubbles are a super fun and easy wedding exit idea! They are fairly inexpensive and all guests can hold a wand easily for a send off. If you want to really go crazy and have a TON of bubbles for your exit try these giant bubble guns!
Streamers
Streamers are a fun and festive way to head off toward your honeymoon! They are completely customizable with color, size, and length. A cool way to customize them could be to use your wedding colors as well for them!
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are also a really easy and stress free send off option! They are decently priced and you can buy in bulk to make sure every guests has a few to really brighten your exit up. If you can, try and find the longer sticks rather than the short because they don’t photograph as well! Glow sticks or wands are also super fun to add to the dance floor for fun dancing shots!
Confetti
If you are in an indoor venue and they don’t mind traditional confetti this is a great send off option! If you are exiting outdoors in nature you’ll definitely want to invest in some biodegradable confetti instead. It looks no different but isn’t bad for the environment and is an easier clean up! If you do not want traditional confetti you can always go the dried lavender or hole punched leaves route!
Unique Wedding Exit Ideas
Fireworks
Is there anything more epic than fireworks lighting up the sky as you exit your wedding? This is the most incredible and unexpected way to end the night! Guests will be shocked and love this exit because it’s such a rare idea it isn’t done often but dang does it look cool!
Cold Sparks
Cold sparks are the perfect sparkler alternative! If you are wanting something epic like sparklers but your venue does not allow them this is the next best thing! The cold sparks are perfectly safe and can be used indoor or outdoors making it a safe option for locations with fire hazards.
Smoke Bombs
Smoke bombs are such a fun and unique way to be sent off! Typically this send off is done while it’s still light out or for epic bridal party photos since it’s tougher to see these outdoors. If the venue has additional outdoor lighting this is a really cool option though! If doing smoke bombs make sure you keep a good distance from the white dress so it doesn’t stain!
Getaway Car
Using a getaway car at the end of the night is such a classy and fun way to end your wedding night! It is great not only for photo ops but also gives you a way to say see ya to guests at the end of the night without having to wait around for an Uber or a family member to pull a car around. Pro tip – have the car arrive before sunset so that you can use it for bridal photos before v it’s dark out!
Charlotte Francis | Arizona Intimate Wedding + Elopement Photographer
LGBTQ-friendly | All skin colors & body sizes are loved here
Phoenix, Arizona based but fly us anywhere to document your love story
