Spring Wedding at The Paseo | Arizona Wedding Photographer
There is nothing more breathtaking that a spring wedding at The Paseo. The Paseo is breathtaking and a venue that couples come from all over the world to have their wedding day at. The large windows reflecting the superstitions, jaw dropping view of the Arizona desert and whimsical reception place is a show stopper for all guests.
For Bree and Brandon, being able to enjoy the outdoors and nature with their friends and family was a huge must for their wedding day – they chose a late spring wedding at The Paseo and it was the most incredible day surrounded by so much love. It was an absolute party!
Bree got ready for her big day with no other than her beautiful mother. It is so important to us as photographers to give some space to mothers and daughters on the wedding day to help each other get ready and really soak the moments in leading up to walking down the aisle. A first look with her father and then Brandon’s tearful first look was next. Doing a first look at your wedding is always a yes from us! First looks not only give us extra time for photos prior to your ceremony but also give our couples that private quiet time to just enjoy each other before all of the wedding day chaos!
When it came to decorating for their Wedding at the Paseo, Bree and Brandon went all out. The decor was modern bohemian with lots of burnt orange, dried florals and pampas for days. The hanging florals in the reception space, head table with neon sign and lit candles and cactus napkin holders were the stars of the show for us though. It’s hard to compete with The Paseo’s natural beauty but the thoughtful touches of every detail that went into this incredible day only enhanced that beauty and created an absolutely breathtaking wedding space for their big day!
When it came to bridal party, Bree and Brandon said the bigger the better! They are truly such big party people they wanted their bridal parties to really be there to hype them up and celebrate all day long – and they did just that! The bridal parties personalities really brought so much fun to the wedding day, especially “the flower boys”. This was such a fun part of the ceremony and had guests in tears!
Bree and Brandon’s spring wedding at the Paseo was everything you could dream of. Something about saying “I do” in front of Arizona’s incredible Superstition Mountains just can’t be beat. If you are looking for a venue that can completely captivate guests while portraying Arizona’s beauty, The Paseo is the venue for you! One of our favorite things about being Arizona Wedding Photographers is the fact that we get to shoot at this dream venue so often it is nearly a second home to us after all these years!
If you are getting married at The Paseo and are looking into how weddings can look in other seasons, check out our blog on a winter wedding at The Paseo here!
How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park | Joshua Tree Elopement & Wedding Guide
ELOPING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
If you are wanting to elope in Joshua Tree, you have come to the right place! One of my favorite parts of being an Elopement and Wedding Photographer is helping our couples find incredible locations and helping them to plan their adventurous wedding day. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in the world, not many locations can compare to the scenery and unique desert landscapes you will find here. If bohemian, high desert, dreamy sun drenched photos are what you are looking for on your wedding day – look no further. Joshua Tree is the perfect location to plan your destination wedding or adventurous elopement. This elopement guide will be filled with all of the information you will need to plan an epic elopement in Joshua Tree National Park!
So let’s jump into planning an elopement in Joshua Tree National Park!
INFORMATION ON HOW TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE
ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE : SEASONS & WEATHER
The best time of year to Elope in Joshua Tree is between the months of March to May or October to November when temperatures are lower averaging around 85 degrees. Eloping during one of these months will give you the best chance of good weather. You can absolutely do winter months as well, the bonus of a winter wedding in Joshua Tree is the chance of seeing some snow fall on the mountains and less crowds. Make sure you bring some extra warm layers because the wind does pick up around winter months and can give you a chilly surprise! Eloping at Joshua Tree during the summer is not usually recommended due to the high heat of the desert and not much coverage to allow couples to cool down. On average during summer months the desert can reach temperatures over 100 degrees so if you are set on a summer wedding, make sure you bring lots of water and consider light clothing that won’t give you too much extra heat! Joshua Tree can get very busy with tourists on weekends so to avoid crowds if possible consider eloping on a weekday or at sunrise!
ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE : PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
In order to Elope in Joshua Tree, the national park requires a Special Park Use Permit. The Special Park Use Permit for the couple getting married that is $120 and your photographer will need a separate photo permit as well. If you decide on skipping the permit to save costs (please don’t!) there is a $500 fine in doing so if you get caught, so it is definitely best to follow the rules and keep you and your vendors covered so the wedding day is stress free!
Another thing to consider when you elope in Joshua Tree is how eco friendly this park is! A lot of wedding decor such as drones, candles, bubbles, smoke bombs, confetti are not allowed in the park. Remember to respect the national park and leave no trace!
HOW TO GET HERE
BY PLANE:
Phoenix Sky Harbor, AZ: This airport is in Arizona for those who may be flying into the state to experience the Grand Canyon, Sedona or Superstitions along the way. PHX is roughly 225 miles from Joshua Tree (roughly 3.5 hours).
John Wayne Airport, CA: This is a great alternative for those flying into California that want to avoid the chaos of LAX. SNA is only 122 miles from Joshua Tree (roughly 2.5 hours).
Palm Springs Airport, CA: Palm Springs is the very closest airport to Joshua Tree town, and is located just 39 miles away.
BY CAR:
Yucca Valley is a lot more limited in public transportation compared to larger cities. Renting a vehicle will be your best bet to get around the national park! There are three main entrances to Joshua Tree, you can access from the North, West and South. Make sure you take a trip prior to your wedding day to drive the roads and map out where exactly you want to go since the navigation systems in Joshua Tree can lead you off road into soft sands that may get you stuck!
JOSHUA TREE TOP 8 FAVORITE HIKES
When our couples reach out to us after deciding to Elope in Joshua Tree a huge standout to them is the out of this world rock formations and Joshua Trees that make you feel like you are on another planet. Although the rock formations and Joshua Trees are a main attraction for people all over the world, don’t let that fool you! Joshua Tree National Park is actually home to hundreds of different plant, mammal and bird species. Needless to say, you will never get bored if you decide to make a trip to the national park! There are so many off the path locations that couples can choose to elope in Joshua Tree at, but I will keep it simple for this post and share a few favorites that can accommodate weddings that have larger groups where family and a few friends plan to join you for your ceremony.
For a full list of wedding ceremony locations located at Joshua Tree head to their website. Keep in mind the best spots are hidden gems that your elopement photographer will find for you!
BEST PLACES TO STAY
One of my favorite parts about Joshua Tree Elopements are the amazing Airbnb’s our couples have stayed at. There is just something about the way the Joshua Tree Airbnb’s are designed that feel so cozy and intimate but insanely stylish. Booking an Airbnb helps you have a beautiful space to get ready in, take a nice bath the morning of or find a stay that includes a jacuzzi to star gaze at night, a hammock to relax in during the day, the list goes on and on. Joshua Tree Airbnb’s do book fast though so once you have determined a date that you will be getting married make sure booking your stay is one of the next steps you take! Here are some articles to check out to find your dream Airbnb for your wedding experience!
Joshua Tree is best known for it’s Dr. Suess like trees, rock formations and unforgettable scenery but it is so much more. The town of Joshua Tree, around 25 minutes from the middle of the park, is so charming and something out of this world. The town of Joshua tree has tons of welcoming shops with history of the National Park, places to eat, farmers markets and vintage shops all things that we have absolutely loved taking in when we visited. Aside from enjoying the town during your wedding experience, things you can explore during your wedding are can range from taking hikes through the national parks to an adventurous experience. A few of our favorite things to recommend to our couples eloping are off road jeep tours, rock climbing, experiencing soundbath meditation and hot air balloon rides.
Joshua Tree National park is probably one of the most unique and popular places for couples wanting to say “I do” in the desert. This desert landscape is covered in unique plants and rock formations and has the most unbeatable view for stargazing. There are so many hiking trails in the park, natural history sites and stores to visit nearby the charming town of Joshua Tree. It’s a no brainer that so many couples want to plan a Joshua Tree elopement in this incredible national park!
If you are planning to Elope in Joshua Tree and need a rad photographer to help you along the way, make sure to reach out to us here! We would love to be a part of your amazing wedding experience!
Superstition Mountain Wedding with Cloth and Flame | Arizona Elopement Photographer
Superstition Mountain Wedding with Cloth and Flame
This spring we photographed an incredible Superstition Mountain Wedding with Cloth and Flame and I am so stoked to share it with you. Cloth and Flame is well known around the valley for the immersive and out of this world experience they provide their couples by bringing their wedding dreams to life. If you can imagine it, they can do it. Cloth and Flame is known for their ability to transform any outdoor space into the wedding of your dreams and this Superstition Mountain Wedding was just that.
Krista and John’s relationship together began in the Superstitions, so naturally they longed for their dream wedding day to take place in the Superstition Mountains as well. Superstition Mountains was a destination for all of their family and friends and so worth the trip from Michigan! There is nothing quite like the desert in the spring, warm, crisp evenings and sunsets like no other. In some places in the Superstitions you can even find Spring flowers in full bloom. A personal favorite of ours was the glamping style tents Cloth and Flame provided for the couple to get ready, it really tied together the outdoor desert vibe of their wedding.
When it came to decorating their Superstition Mountain Wedding with Cloth and Flame, Krista and John kept it dreamy and bohemian. The blush dried florals, rattan furniture, winding tables cape and chandeliers were to die for. We loved how they worked their decor around the beauty that the desert offers. Their bar sign with their dogs as the signature cocktail was a huge hit with guests as well and such a fun way to incorporate their fur babies since they couldn’t be a part of the actual wedding day.
One of the things they looked forward to most was the beautiful stargazing opportunity they had with having an outdoor wedding in the desert. They had a jaw dropping view of the superstitions as the sun set with a beautiful view of the stars after the sun went down. The chandeliers lit their dance floor and gave their dinner a super intimate and cozy feel. The couple snuck away for a few star gazing photos before dancing the night away under the stars, it was the perfect end to their dream Superstition Mountains wedding.
10 Step Guide on How to Elope | Arizona Elopement Photographer
Congratulations, you’re engaged! Now that the question has been popped and you have had a moment to relax… you are probably wondering how to elope, that’s where we come in. First things first, a big question we get asked often is what is an elopement anyway? Eloping means that all of the wedding day choices you have to make, are yours entirely. You make the rules. You can truly make your day any adventure you want. Your elopement day can be a day that reflects the two of you instead of being focused on everyone else’s needs, opinions, and expectations. In traditional weddings it is easy to feel like you are putting on a production for guests and to feel so much stress on how to please others that you often forget about what the day is truly about – YOU. Elopements used to be only known as a quick, hush hush ceremony in a Las Vegas church or a trip to the courthouse but we are here to break that stigma and to tell you about how you can have the wedding day of your dreams without the hassle of a huge production. All of this freedom to plan your dream day can feel a bit overwhelming but we are here to help! How to Elope requires 10 easy steps:
How to Elope: Step by Step Guide
Envision your dream wedding day
Create an Inspiration board
Determine a budget
Begin research
Decide on a location
Start booking your dream vendors
Book lodging, rental cars, flights
Start thinking about attire and details
Finalize details
Announce the big news to family and friends!
While planning an elopement is a lot less stressful than planning a traditional wedding, there are still many aspects you will need to consider when jumping into planning your big day. Being an elopement photographer over the last few years has helped us compile a list of tips and tricks to help guide our couples on how to elope with the least stress as possible! In the past we have found that couples tend to shy away from an elopement for a few reasons, typically it all comes down to them not understanding how to elope, what an elopement truly is and how their day could look when they choose to elope. Having been in this position ourselves when we got married, we are here to tell you that you CAN have the wedding day of your dreams without the hassle of planning a traditional wedding. You can incorporate family, friends and traditions to where you are still getting the full wedding day experience without the headache of a huge production and regret from not planning your wedding the way you intended. We are here to help you plan the wedding day of your dreams, feel free to check out this Arizona elopement for more elopement ideas!
How to ElopeStep 1: Envision Your Dream Wedding Day
When you are first looking into how to elope, a big task that you will want to start with is envisioning what your wedding day will actually look like. The best way to brainstorm ideas that will truly make the most of your elopement day is to sit together and dream about what means the most to you on your wedding, things you would love to experience together and what time of year or scenery is pulling at your heart. A fun date night would be a great time to do this together! It is important to keep an open mind when envisioning your elopement day. This is a place for you to think of your wildest dreams. If you could elope anywhere in the world, where would it be? What landscapes scream your name? Try not to get caught up in the logistics just yet of what you can and can not do. This is a time to be open minded and lay all of your ideas out on the table.
How to ElopeStep 2: Create An Inspiration Board
Creating an inspiration board plays a huge part in how to elope in a way that encompasses everything that you love and want to be a part of your wedding day.I know it may seem cliche to say to look at Pinterest but it is actually a great way to look into other couples elopements, get an idea of different and unique things that you can incorporate into your day and see different locations that you may not have even thought about. It is important to put together colors and styles on your inspiration board that you are drawn to, this will help you tie in flowers, decor if you have any, colors for attire and will also help your photographer to determine locations that may work best for the color and style you are looking for. If you still need any help thinking of some great styles, we loved the style of this Airbnb elopement!
How to ElopeStep 3: Determine A Budget
When determining your budget, it is essential to look into how to elope in whichever area your eyes are set on. This can mean researching several different locations as costs will be different ranges in different areas of the world but it will give you a good estimate to go off of. The average for a traditional wedding in the US is $34,000, but you can absolutely have an incredible elopement for less than half of that cost. Expect to spend a majority of your budget on photography and the rest on travel, attire, rings, flowers, hair & makeup, an officiant, food, activities, and your marriage license. This is definitely the least exciting part in wedding planning but it is very important to determine a budget range early on so that you can see what experiences may be doable and what you should not waste as much time on. We suggest starting at a base range that you are both comfortable with and then a top range of your budget where it is not as likely you will get to unless you find an out of this world experience that you HAVE to do. It is definitely easier to splurge when it comes to experiences that excite you!
How to ElopeStep 4: Begin Research
Research plays a big part in determining what you will need to do in order to have your elopement at a certain location. You will need to look into how to elope at certain locations. This can mean looking into permits, regulations, weather and the best season to get married at your destination. When determining your ceremony site, make sure you first confirm that it is legal to have a ceremony or photos taken there. Certain locations may or may not allow this and it is important to realize and plan for a new location rather than showing up and finding out the hard way. As well as any restrictions you will want to stay up to date on any permits your destination may require. Some locations require multiple permits for both you and your photographer so it is important that you check into your sites rules and regulations to make sure you do not hit any bumps in the road on your elopement day. It is also important to look into weather and seasons at different locations as this plays a huge part in how to elope in these places. Different locations will be busier during certain times of the year based on the weather, meaning you may want to plan around these to avoid hikers or large crowds of tourists. You also want to research so that you know what to pack to keep yourselves comfortable and prepared. Will you need thermals for cooler weather? An extra change of clothes if your location has rainstorms frequently? Hiking boots for a rugged hike to your ceremony? These are all key factors to keep in mind when planning your elopement day!
How to ElopeStep 5: Decide On A Location
At this point, you should have a location nailed down. This is the part where you look into how to elope in that part of the world. Now that you have your budget decided, an inspiration board filled with the most magical ideas, you have researched a ton on different locations and seasons – it is time to decide on where to hold your wedding day! If Arizona made the cut, we have a great list of the best places to elope in Arizona. Certain factors to keep in mind when deciding on this location are: Do you want this experience to be just the two of you? Do you want family and friends to join you on your epic elopement, if so how many will you have join you? Once you have nailed down who and how many people you will be expecting for your big day then it becomes easier to nail down specifics like exact locations for a ceremony, an adventurous hike to bridals or a cozy camping spot to stargaze at the end of the night. Another great thing about elopements is that couples often can save money by eloping and combine their elopement with their honeymoon to their destination of choice, it’s a win win!
How to ElopeStep 6: Start Booking Your Dream Vendors
The next and our personal favorite step is to book your dream vendors! If the elopement day is only the two of you it is especially important to book the right photographer and videographer quickly as those will be the only real images and memories you will have for the day, you want someone who can capture it perfectly for you. This is also a great time to book other services for your elopement day such as florist, hair, make up and experiences like a helicopter ride, renting paddle boards or kayaks, a boat tour or a hot air ballon ride! How to elope and have the best experience is to make sure you and all of your vendors are on the same page, this can mean sharing timelines, vision boards or viewing galleries prior to the elopement day to ensure your vision fits their styles!
How to ElopeStep 7: Book Lodging, Rental Cars and Flights
Depending on where you are eloping as well you will need to research on if your location requires an officiant, if you can self-solemnize or have your photographer sign for you, if they are ordained. When booking other services like flights, lodging and rental vehicles keep it mind that the closer your hotel is to the ceremony site, the more streamlined your timeline will be. You will also want to keep in mind lodging size if you are expecting guests, you may want to look into a larger Airbnb or a hotel block so that you can all stay close together. When it comes to transportation you will need to factor in how traveling to your ceremony location will look like. If it is a rugged road that requires off roading you will need to look into a 4×4 or consider a rental company that provides an off road service.
How to ElopeStep 8: Start Thinking About Wedding Attire and Details
This is such a fun step, especially if you have decided to go the route of no guests. We have found that a great way to keep family feeling involved in the wedding process without actually being present on the day of is to invite them along on some wedding errands – especially dress or tux shopping! When deciding on attire try to keep in mind the location that you have chosen and elements that will look beautiful in these places. An example of this was this epic wedding in San Francisco where our couple had a traditional dress for their ceremony and then changed into her more functional but fabulous dress to attend outside lands for their reception see it here! Factors you will want to keep in mind are if your location requires lots of hiking or uncertain weather where you would need to bring a change of shoes and some extra clothes to keep warm. If you will need to bring an umbrella to shield yourselves from rain or a change of clothes if you are wanting to change into your dress at your ceremony location. This is a great time to pack momentos, letters from relatives or any heirlooms!
How to Elope Step 9: Finalize Details
To keep yourselves feeling free of stress make sure that you finalize a game plan ahead of time. It is easiest to make a 1 month, 1 week and 2 day prior schedule to ensure that you have taken care of any last minute duties. All vendors should be booked at this time and have a copy of your day of timeline to be best prepared as well as your marriage license if needed. This is also a great time to plan a surprise for your significant other like a gift, a special song to share your first dance or letters from family members that could not attend. You will want to sketch our a rough timeline and check list to keep everything running smoothly, make sure you take adequate time to eat, drink and rest so that you can enjoy yourselves!
How to ElopeStep 10: Announce the big news to family and friends!
A big question we get is how to elope without feeling like we are not including our family and friends. The choice to elope is a big, bold and brave decision that ultimately only you can make but it is so worth it. It can be tough making the choice to elope without friends and family. A few things that you can do to help ease uneasy family members is to keep them involved as much as you can. You can bring them dress shopping with you, make lunch or dinner plans together to talk about activities you will be doing during your elopement, take them along to florist appointments or even throw a BBQ “reception” to still include family in your celebration. Ultimately, this is up to you and your comfort level and what you feel comfortable including family members on!
How to Elope in Arizona | Arizona Elopement Photographer
As an Arizona Elopement Photographer – i’m here to give you the scoop on how to elope in Arizona and all of the tips and tricks you will need to make the most of your time in the beautiful Grand Canyon State. Arizona is filled with so many epic locations, whether you are wanting a private elopement or an easy space open to the public to host your intimate ceremony, this guide on How to Elope in Arizona is the perfect place to kick start your planning! In this guide I will show you Arizona’s top Elopement locations, the best time of year to Elope in Arizona, the best activities to include and how to do it all legally!
When you are first looking into how to elope in Arizona, the first thing you will want to determine is location. Arizona is filled with vast mountainscapes, stunning desert views and red rocks that will take your breath away. Once you’ve determined your desired location you will want to find the nearest airport, transportation companies (if needed) and lodging. The major airport a majority of our traveling couples use is Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, this airport is generally 2-4 hours on average away from most of the desired locations. Transportation can be fairly easy if you will not be having a location that requires off-road travel, 2 wheel drive vehicles can be rented straight upon arrival to the airport but for more intense travel consider renting a 4×4 vehicle or hiring a travel company that can get you to your desired location.
A big question that comes to mind for many couples who are looking into how to Elope in Arizona is “how much will it cost?” On average our couples spend $500-$20,000 on their Elopement day. The cost varies mostly on experiences you will want to include on your big day. You can expect a majority of your budget to be spent on hiring a Photography team or travel guide with the remaining budget going to experiences, attire, hair, make up and florals. To make it legal in Arizona, you will need an Officiant and two witnesses. This can be taken care of back home at the courthouse if you would prefer your adventure to be solo!
Now that we’ve gotten logistics out of the way…. let’s talk about the exciting part of how to Elope in Arizona. Locations like these are the reason so many of our couples fly to Arizona to say “I do.” Arizona Scenery is unlike any other, you can truly find the most magical places within a short drive making it ideal for couples who want to experience the most on their wedding day. You will want to keep in mind when making decisions that every part of Arizona has it’s on and off season that can affect how easily you will be able to Elope in certain locations, that’s what i’m here for!
How to Elope in Arizona : Mogollon Rim
Location
Payson, Arizona – 2 hour drive from Sky Harbor Airport. The best time of year to Elope in Page is March-October.
Permitting
Small cost for parking at this location
Accessibility & Crowds
Certain areas at this location are accessible with 2 wheel drive. Most areas at this location will have either a paved or dirt parking lot but there are more areas within this location that require a bit of a bumpy drive. You can easily spend 3-4 hours at this location just exploring. This location is busier on weekends but there are hidden pockets to escape the crowds.
Sedona, Arizona – 2 hour drive from Sky Harbor Airport. The best time of year to Elope in Page is September-April.
Permitting
Parking passes are $5 for this location, you can obtain this from the kiosk in the parking lot. Arches, decor or set up of any kind is NOT allowed per Sedona’s latest rules. Follow leave no trace guidelines.
Accessibility & Crowds
This location is fairly accessible by car – however, as of the last year this location has become increasingly popular and it is extremely difficult to get a parking spot here. If you are planning a sunrise Elopement you will have a better chance of getting into the parking lot but keep in mind that if you are dead set on a sunset Elopement, weekends are nearly impossible and week days may be doable IF you are able to get a Sedona Uber or shuttle service which is also very difficult with the lack of Uber services in Sedona. This location also requires a steep hike on all fours to get to the lookout – it’s worth the view but no easy task!
Nearby Activities
Hiking, camping, off-roading, star gazing, wineries, jeep tours, hot air balloon rides.
How to Elope in Arizona : Superstition Mountains
Location
Apache Junction, Arizona – 40 minute drive from Sky Harbor Airport. The best time of year to Elope in Page is September-April.
Permitting
There are several different locations near the Superstition Mountains. If you are going into a recreational area like Lost Dutchman you will need to pay for a parking pass, photo and wedding permit. You can access their permit information and application here! Other areas around the Superstitions will be more private and you may not necessarily need to pay for a permit for these locations.
Accessibility& Crowds
Lost Dutchman will be one of the only locations in the Superstition Mountains that will be accessible by 2 wheel drive. Make sure you ask your Photographer about certain locations, if you can carpool or if you’ll need to rent a different vehicle to get to more intense locations. On weekends more popular areas around the Superstitions will be a bit more packed than a weekday with hikers, it isn’t unbearable though and there are plenty of more hidden gems that your Photographer can take you to to avoid these crowds!
Nearby Activities
Hiking, off-roading, camping, stargazing, hot air ballon ride, rock climbing, breweries, spas, resorts.
How to Elope in Arizona : Horseshoe Bend
Location
Page, Arizona – 4.5 hour drive from Sky Harbor Airport. The best time of year to Elope in Page is September-April.
Permitting
$10 per car entrance fee
$200-$300 wedding permit from Glen Canyon
Accessibility & Crowds
There is a paved parking lot with a path down to the rim, about 1.4 miles roundtrip. It is not a very long walk down but the hike back up can seem grueling in the warmer seasons. Make sure you bring good shoes and water! This location is extremely crowded during weekends. Consider having a sunrise ceremony or booking a tour with Horseshoe Bend Tour Company for a private ceremony.
Best Time To Elope Here
The best time of year to Elope in Page is September-March
Nearby Activities
Boating, helicopter tours, kayaking, hiking, off-roading, camping, stargazing. You can also do a same day trip to Slot canyon to experience the most at this location!
How to Elope in Arizona : Merry Go Round
Location
Sedona, Arizona – 2 hour drive from Sky Harbor Airport. The best time of year to Elope here is September-May.
Accessibility & Crowds
For this location, the road is extremely rough, unpaved and has large rocks that you will need to crawl over in a high clearance 4×4. You can absolutely use one of Sedona’s many jeep tour companies but the down side is that you will not get to choose how long you spend up there. It’s best to rent your own vehicle and make the trek up. You can expect about 45 minutes of rock crawling to get to the top of Merry Go Round. Crowds are very manageable here with how tough of a location it is to get to!
Nearby Activities
Hiking, off-roading, camping, wineries, breweries, spas, resorts, stargazing, hot air ballon ride, rock climbing.
These locations are just a few of the many incredible spots Arizona has to offer. There are tons more that are hidden gems that we like to keep secret for just our couples! Make sure you let us take you there 🙂 Cheers to planning your epic Arizona Elopement! If you are loving the Sedona look in Arizona, make sure you check out our blog on eloping-in-sedona-arizona!
Luxury Wedding Cabo San Lucas | Destination Wedding Photographer
Taylor and Tyler’s Luxury Wedding in Cabo San Lucas was a perfect balance of laid back and low key mixed with all of the gorgeous bohemian vibes you could imagine. These two were about as chill as they come – they sipped mimosas and beer while hanging in their private resort rooms the morning of their wedding with their closest friends. Taylor and Tyler held their destination wedding at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort in Cabo San Lucas, a stunning resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean in sun-kissed Cabo San Lucas.
Details for Luxury Wedding in Cabo San Lucas
The planning for Taylor and Tyler’s Luxury Wedding in Cabo San Lucas was out of this world. No detail was spared when it came to decorating their ceremony and reception space! Elegant dried florals were placed on a triangle arch for the ceremony along with a Tablescape filled with salt rimmed tequila shots for guests as they walked into the ceremony. The reception space shimmered with string lights strung throughout the space providing the most stunning evening light against the waves crashing to set the mood for their dreamy evening.
Setting aside time to explore in Cabo San Lucas
Setting aside time to explore and see more of Cabo San Lucas during their wedding weekend was so important to Taylor and Tyler. We set up time the day after the wedding to explore around the resort stopping at breathtaking spots along the way and of course, playing a little on the beach.
In a nutshell, this breathtaking Wedding in Cabo San Lucas was everything a Destination Wedding Photographer could ask for – amazing weather, the most adventurous and relaxed couple, incredible scenery (of course…this IS Cabo) and a ton of fun!
If you love the idea of having a destination wedding here are a few other weddings we’ve loved!
Dana and Conner’s Sacred Mountain Wedding had us swooning from the second we arrived. Hidden among 61 acres of pines and lush open nature resides the most incredible hidden gem, Sacred Mountain Julian. The venue is located just outside of the small town Julian, we stopped in town to grab breakfast before the wedding and can attest that the small town bustle only added more charm to the feel of the wedding day!
Conner and Dana got ready for the big day alongside their closest friends! Dana’s room faced out directly to the courtyard where we could see the red leaves falling and dew dropping from the storm that morning. It was truly serene. Conner’s room was across the home nestled into a lush spot of the property surrounded by shade and trees where we would later bring the two of them for their first look!
Sacred Mountain Weddings are known for being romantic and whimsical. Conner and Dana’s special day was no exception to this! One of the reasons Conner and Dana actually chose Sacred Mountain was because of the expansive overlook of the city on the ceremony site, something that just can not be beat. The sun sets perfectly over the ceremony site and provided the most breathtaking view for all guests to enjoy and soak in. With their wedding being in the fall the couple opted for decor to fit the season stringing together lights, frosted pinecones and garland.
Dana shared a tearful first look with her father, and a first feel with Conner moments before stepping down the aisle. A little tip, if you are wanting to ease the pre ceremony nerves but don’t necessarily want to see your partner prior to the ceremony, a first feel is an amazing option. A first feel is great because you can squeeze away those nerves and also exchange vows if you want to do those privately or simply have a sweet sentimental moment together!
After an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends, Dana and Connor took time to soak in their favorite features of the venue. We took advantage of the color changing trees, gorgeous overlook and charming vine covered tree swing. A personal favorite was the balcony overlooking the reception where they were able to look out to guests anxiously waiting for their grand entrance! Dana and Connors Sacred Mountain Wedding ended the same way any great wedding would – kick ass music, choreographed dances from the bride and groom and a bubble exit for Connor to whisk his bride away in! It was the perfect wedding any Destination Wedding Photographer could ask for!
Elopements are in and the 1975 Cabin is the perfect Airbnb Elopement in Pinetop to hold your special day! Originally Taylor and Daniel were planning a beautiful wedding in the woods of the Pacific Northwest until Covid-19 brought those plans to a crashing halt. Still wanting to incorporate the woodsy feel of Oregon Taylor and Daniel found the perfect Airbnb tucked in a pocket of pines in Pinetop, Arizona. At first glance of the Airbnb you are welcomed with a massive A frame structure and incredible updated modern fixtures throughout the cabin. Between the several rooms for guests to stay and nearby scenic locations to plan your ceremony it is the perfect choice for an Airbnb Elopement in Pinetop!
Taylor began her day surrounded by her sisters and best friends in the downstairs portion of the Airbnb while Daniel got ready upstairs with his groomsmen. They incorporated things like Daniels jewelry that Taylor adores and Taylor’s cheeky converse visible under her slit dress to keep it feeling the most them. Daniel made sure to slip us a note for Taylor as he stepped out of the cabin before heading to the ceremony, which *que the tears* had a drawing he had done of her with a love note. There was no shortage of happy tears for this Airbnb Elopement in Pinetop.
Taylor and Daniel found a hidden meadow filled with pines and flowers for their ceremony space. Guests sat together in the meadow, aisles were lined with fresh flowers and the pair had a copper arch made with dangling floral strings to complete the whimsical feel of their Elopement day. One thing that really stood out was as Taylor walked up the aisle and they faced each other for the first time, they were so overcome with emotion that they just embraced. A rule breaker, yeah yeah. It was one of those moments that you witness and truly understand how much love is really there. They shared captivating hand written vows in front of guests before running down the aisle, I mean running. You could not find a couple happier to finally be married than Taylor and Daniel.
After the ceremony, we returned to the Airbnb for celebratory shots. How else are you supposed to celebrate? The couple celebrated and embraced friends and family before ending their Airbnb Elopement in Pinetop with an epic champagne pop off the front of the A-frame balcony.
As an Arizona Wedding Photographer there is not shortage of gorgeous locations around the state to shoot your Engagement! See Taylor and Daniel’s Engagement Session here!
DIY Elopement St. Louis | Destination Wedding Photographer
Jasmine and James Wedding day was the epitome of a DIY Elopement. Last minute, Jasmine and James were forced to make the tough decision between keeping their original wedding date or postponing to 2021, a struggle many other couples have faced over the last few months. The decision came easy to the couple though, they could postpone their party another year but their love? No that could not wait!
Planning a DIY Elopement sounds simple right? Yes and No. In the state of a majority of the United States right now a chunk of businesses are shut down and the uncertainty of places like tailor shops, hair and makeup artists, vendors to cater the event, etc are up in the air. They could be available one moment for couples and then be ordered to shut down the next day. While normally planning a DIY Elopement can be a cinch, these days it takes a bit of prep to make your day stress free!
James and Jasmine made planning their DIY Elopement less of a stress to them by having family and friends assist in the Wedding day duties. Jasmine’s mother spent weeks altering her dress by hand as tailor shops in the area had been closed with no sign of opening anytime soon. James and Jasmine’s mothers spent the days leading up to the wedding arranging florals by hand, setting up the family home for the Elopement and preparing care bags for guests. The care bags included a handmade mask with a sewn heart from Jasmine’s dress material that was left over, some water and utensils for dinner so that any germs would be kept to a minimum. The care bags were such a sweet and thoughtful touch, we could hear guests raving about them all afternoon!
Originally, the pair had planned an incredible wedding at a local art venue in Downtown St. Louis. This was the perfect choice for them as Jasmine is a violin artist and James is a videographer, art plays a huge part in their lives together and they wanted something that represented that in their Wedding day. While Covid-19 may have closed their venue down, the couple was able to snag some gorgeous photos from The Last Hotel that were able to bring the modern artsy feel they wanted. The Last Hotel was filled with elegant modern fixtures and paintings that would make any DIY Elopement a dream.
From The Last Hotel, we ran through the streets of Downtown St. Louis. Jasmine and James actually took their Engagement Photos in downtown as well, the wedding photos here were only fitting! The couple expressed their love for the city and mentioned how important a few shots of the current state of St. Louis would be in their gallery. Masks on, boarded buildings and a Global Pandemic, their love trumps it all. Being a Destination Wedding Photographer, we see a lot of different wedding events but this one takes the cake for how they truly embraced the chaos. Jasmine and James shared handwritten vows privately in a lush green park downtown before heading to Jasmine’s parents home for an intimate ceremony.
James and Jasmine kept their DIY Elopement sentimental by having their church pastor officiate their ceremony, hiring a fellow violin artist to play as she walked down the aisle and inviting only their closest family and friends. A Facebook live was set to record and play live for guests who wanted to tune in and could not make the day because of the virus. The couple even included time for a short drive by reception where guests could come by and send love or deliver a small gift to the couple. Jasmine and James Elopement shows that you can do it yourself and still have a wonderful wedding.
Spring Airbnb Wedding in Arizona | Arizona Wedding Photographer
For their Spring Airbnb Wedding in Arizona – Amarah and Egan knew exactly what they wanted to bring their dream day to life. Amarah and Egan stumbled upon this gorgeous modern Airbnb in the heart of Anthem and knew immediately this was it! Decorated with modern fixtures, black accent walls and spacious enough for an entire bridal party to get ready in, this Airbnb was an all around dream! As an Arizona Wedding Photographer, we get to photograph at many Airbnb’s but this one had to be one of our favorites!
The day began peacefully as Amarah wrote her vows surrounded by her bridesmaids. Amarah and her bridesmaids wore the most gorgeous silk robes that looked incredible against the bold accent wall in the girls room. In the guest house next door, Amarah’s son got ready with the boys before his first look with mama. It was so special being able to watch Egan get him ready and see the special bond the two of them share through the photographs!
Amarah shared a tearful first look with her bridesmaids before walking down the aisle. Laughter and happy tears were flowing as the bridesmaids embraced her offering last minute words of encouragement and love. Dried pampas tied into their arch, draped florals, minimalistic signage and white rose petals lining the aisles provided the most exquisite setting for Amarah and Egan’s Spring Airbnb Wedding in Arizona.
Egan and Amarah shared hand written vows in front of guests during their ceremony. Circling behind their arch, we were able to capture some of their family and friends reactions to their sweet promises 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!
After the ceremony, Egan and Amarah took advantage of the many incredible locations provided at their Airbnb. A personal favorite was their rooftop balcony that looked out over their reception and guests. Egan and Amarah’s reception was something straight out of your dreams. Elegant, Minimalistic, Modern, this Spring Airbnb Wedding in Arizona has it all. Lit only by the hanging string lights, they shared an intimate dinner surrounded by friends and family before moving inside for the real party!
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
