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!
Luxury El Chorro Wedding | Arizona Wedding Photographer
Ryan and Rebecca’s Luxury El Chorro Wedding was nothing short of breathtaking. El Chorro is perfect for those who are looking for a sophisticated venue with jaw dropping views. El Chorro leaves nothing to be wanted for – with it’s beautiful desert views, indoor and outdoor options and ability to completely customize the space to give you the wedding of your dreams. El Chorro is unique as well because there are 4 different areas on the property that you are able to utilize for your wedding day!
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!
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!
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!
The Ultimate Guide for Eloping in Arches National Park | Arizona Elopement Photographer
Eloping in Arches National park is a dream for couples residing in Utah and all over the world. Over the years we have had couples travel to have their wedding day captured in Utah’s enchanting and unique red rocks. Whether you are looking for a location with arches, mountains, cliffs, an outdoor adventure, or just incredible views, Arches National Park checks all boxes! This guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope at Arches National Park and plan your unique and incredible wedding day, we can not wait to help be a part of that process!
More about Arches National Park, Utah
Arches is known to be one of the most magical locations in Utah. Arches National Park lies north of Moab in the state of Utah. Bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast, it’s known as the site of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, such as the massive, red-hued Delicate Arch in the east. Long, thin Landscape Arch stands in Devils Garden to the north. Other geological formations include Balanced Rock, towering over the desert landscape in the middle of the park. The possibilities for Eloping in Arches National Park are endless. Being an Elopement Photographer has given us the chance to experience Arches National Park many times and it never ceases to take our breath away.
Having visited Arches National Park and experiencing first hand the incredible time you can have here, we have also had a chance to off-road in our Jeep. Being able to access those difficult off-road trails that couples come to love and desire for an epic overlook for photos! Couples are able to do Jeep Tours to access most spots but for a more intimate feel, we always recommend renting your own jeep for the weekend or jumping in the Jeep with us!
Eloping in Arches National Park : What to Wear
Depending on what time of the year you are planning on Eloping in Arches National Park is a major factor to consider! Arches National Park weather varies and depending on the month. You could be changing for your Elopement after a hike in hot weather or bundling up and trudging through snow! We shoot in Utah frequently and have truly seen it all. A few things we recommend to bring, hiking boots, water, an emergency bag, and a flashlight or headlamp if we are exploring a location where it could potentially get dark quickly.
Eloping in Arches National Park : Weather
Arches National Park more often than not has beautiful weather year-round. However, it is Utah so you can expect bipolar weather here and there. Personally, I feel weather changes like a surprise rainstorm can make Elopement photos that much more epic! Typically Spring and Fall are our most popular dates for couples Eloping in Arches National Park. Spring is wonderful and if you are lucky you’ll find gorgeous spring flowers blooming. Fall is equally as charming with the leaves changing color and the cooler weather.
While we still photograph many Elopements during Summer and Winter, they are much less than the latter. Summer in Utah can be tricky as sometimes the temperature can reach above 100 degrees. Summer is also the monsoon season in the Southwest, so random flash floods can make it harder. Winter in Arches National Park can absolutely be a dream. The snow covering the red rocks is one of the most incredible sights to see. It is chilly so we always recommend our couples to bring layers, warm coffee or hot chocolate, and hand warmers!
Eloping in Arches National Park : Locations
One of the best parts about Eloping in Arches National Park is the variety in scenery Moab provides. Breathtaking overlooks, unique red rocks, jaw dropping sunsets and a beautiful view of the stars at night. This makes it the perfect destination for any couple to say “I do”. While we do keep some of our favorite spots a secret to keep our clients’ experience exclusive, we will share a few of our favorite spots below!
Delicate Arch
The hike to Delicate Arch is three miles long, part of the trail does have has a steep summit with elevation gains of 613 feet total, so we generally recommend this hike for our couples looking for a big adventure and with wiggle room on their amount of coverage. An added bonus: this trail is open year-round. Because of its epic views, Delicate Arch is the most crowded trail to hike. We recommend doing a sunrise elopement if possible to beat the crowds if you are set on Delicate Arch for your Arches National Park Elopement location!
Sand Dune Arch
For couples Eloping in Arches National Park wanting a unique but easily accessible location Sand Dune Arch is a no brainer! Perfect for a ceremony at any time of day, the easy .3-mile out-and-back trail is a good option for couples who do not want a long hike or need an easily accessible location for family members who can not hike.
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
This area gives you the opposite view of the trail from Delicate Arch in a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 23 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people on your adventure but is another great option for couples who do not want a long hike but want to experience the beauty of eloping in Arches National Park!
Pine Tree Arch
Pine Tree Arch does not have easily seen path marks and can get quite a bit of traffic because of this but is definitely worth the foot traffic for this epic view! This trail is pretty quick and painless with a 1-mile trail leading up to the arch.
The Windows Section
The Windows Section, is considered by some to be the beating heart of Arches National Park. The area contains a large concentration of arches and is one of the most scenic locations in the park. North Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are just a few of the awe-inspiring expanses you’ll find in just over two square miles. Other named features in this area include Garden of Eden, Elephant Butte and Parade of Elephants. This section of the park offers both beauty and variety—hiking, sightseeing, stargazing, photography, and enjoyment for the whole family. If you are eloping in Arches National Park, this is a must see!
Landscape Arch
Landscape Arch is a 1.9-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. In the spring couples can enjoy wildflowers and beautiful scenery all around. For couples eloping in Arches National Park this is a perfect adventure for those looking for a light amount of effort with jaw dropping views.
Panorama Point
Panorama Point offers wide-open views of Arches and the surrounding area. Located at the top of a hill, you can enjoy views of the La Sal Mountains, the Fiery Furnace, and even Devils Garden from your vehicle or at viewpoints along the parking area. Panorama Point is also an excellent place to stargaze and take in the night sky when you are eloping in Arches National Park.
Park Avenue
The Park Avenue Trail is one of the first major attractions within Arches National Park. It is a one-mile trail that follows the bottom of a canyon at the feet of some of the park’s gigantic and well-known monoliths. The lower trailhead is located on the Arches Entrance Road, 2.5 miles north of the visitors center, off to the north side of the road. The parking lot has a paved walkway that heads 320 feet to a Viewpoint. IF you are eloping in Arches National Park and are craving a stargazing adventure or a perfect place for a mid day picnic with a view, Park Ave is perfection!
Devils Garden Amphitheater
YES, you can camp in Arches National Park! This spot is the absolute perfect place to plan your elopement if your heart is set on a camping adventure. Devils Garden offers breathtaking views, camping, backpacking, stargazing, and hiking of all skill levels. There is truly something for everyone in this popular area of the park. Devils Garden Campground is available by reservation from March through October and first-come, first-served in the winter months.
Eloping in Arches National Park : Planning Your Elopement Activities
Our absolute favorite thing about eloping is that you decide how your day looks! Your day is about more than just having a ceremony or a quick photo session with epic photos – it should be a once in a lifetime experience! Here are some ideas of local activities you can plan for if you are eloping in Arches National Park.
Permits and licenses are a must and can sometimes be overwhelming to navigate. If you are eloping in Arches National Park, you need to cover all bases. For those concerned about eloping without living in Utah, you do not have have to be a resident of Utah toget a marriage license in Utah. Once you have received your license, you have 30 days to get married. Here’s everything you’ll need to know about getting a marriage license in Grand County, Utah, and here’s the marriage application you’ll need to take with you to the Grand County Clerk. Arches National Park requires a permit for any wedding ceremony that takes place in the park no matter how big or small. Make sure to apply for your permit early as possible to ensure your application is processed in time. You can find the permit application on NPS.gov.
Eloping in Arches National Park : Acommodations
If you are eloping in Arches National Park you will want a rad place to stay as well. Whether you are having an elopement big or small the accommodation you will be staying at is a key part to your wedding experience. When you are not out adventuring in the red rocks your airbnb or hotel will be your second home during your trip. I always tell our couples to stay somewhere unique to really give themselves a true Arches National Park experience. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay : Under Canvas, The Domes or Moab Springs Ranch.
Ready to kick start planning your Arches National Park Elopement?
We believe that every couple deserves to have the elopement day of their dreams. From the permit research, specific location scouting and mapping out, vendor recommendations local to your region and of course photography and videography, we are here to help! Reach out to us here to help get you started on planning the most epic elopement day!
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
