Fall Elopement In Sedona : Sedona Elopement Photographer

October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

Fall Elopement In Sedona : Sedona Elopement Photographer

For their Fall Elopement in Sedona – Peyton and Chase knew exactly what they envisioned for their dream wedding day. “We knew from the beginning we wanted to get married somewhere in nature and surrounded by family and friends. Sedona, Arizona is one of the places that takes our breath away and the magic you feel when you arrive in town in unlike a lot of other spots in Arizona. We knew we could find a hybrid of including our “People” during the day but also having our goals hit as well. We were really looking forward to going off alone with you all to do our adventure portion and have that intimate post ceremony moments captured with the epic sunsets and red rocks!”

Sedona is known to be one of the most magical locations in Arizona. The energy vortexes attract many couples wanting a more spiritual feel for their Elopement days. Also while also having an abundance of nearby hiking trails, wineries, and resorts. It is perfect for those who want to make a weekend trip out of their Elopement! The possibilities for Eloping in Sedona are endless. Being an Arizona Wedding Photographer has given us the chance to experience Sedona many times and never gets old!

Peyton and Chase wanted epic views and a secluded location for their Fall Elopement in Sedona. Having visited Sedona many times, we jump at any chance to off-road in our Jeep in the beautiful red rocks! We scouted a few months before their big day to find the absolute perfect location for their off road adventure! Couples are able to do Pink 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!

Peyton and Chase opted for a breathtaking Airbnb to get ready at. Big open windows with views of red rocks, tons of natural light and a cozy backyard to gather with their closest family and friends for an intimate dinner after their big adventure! It was the perfect place to tie together all of the celebrations for their fall elopement in Sedona. Having a hotel or Airbnb that has plenty of natural light and space for you to get ready the morning of your wedding is a must! They spent their wedding morning getting ready with their families, writing their vows to each other and spending time with their sweet son! It was super intimate and sentimental.

After they finished getting ready we headed to Bell Rock to have a ceremony with their friends and family surrounded by beautiful red rocks. I loved how they made it unique to themselves and had a family member play guitar as they walked down instead of using music and how guests surrounded them instead of it being in rows like a traditional wedding. For their fall elopement in Sedona, Chase and Peyton prioritized an off road adventure to soak in the views and moments together as much as they could. I took them off roading in the jeep to a secluded location where it was only us (and a few pink jeep tours passing through!) we enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the red rocks before heading back to the airbnb for an after glow party. They were welcomed in by guests with sparklers before popping a bottle of champagne and enjoying company and a delicious catered taco dinner! It was such a beautiful fall elopement in Sedona and so special to us to be able to document it!

If you are looking to elope in Sedona, make sure you check out my ultimate guide to eloping in Sedona to help kick start your planning!

VENDORS:

Photography: Charlotte Francis Photo
Florist: Mountain High Flowers
Dress: Made With Love (Australian Designer)
Suit: The Black Tux
Hair Stylist: Saskia Salon
Catering: 89 Agave Sedona
Chairs & Tables: The Event Co

Red Agave Resort Wedding Sedona Micro Wedding

September 4, 2023September 4, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

Red Agave Resort Wedding Sedona Micro Wedding | Sedona Elopement Photographer

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!

Vendors:

Venue: Red Agave Resort

Photographer: Charlotte Francis Photo

Video: Charlotte Francis Photo

Rentals: I Do Rentals / Retro Event Rentals

Makeup: Superstition Makeup Co

Bartenders: Arizona Bartenders

Live Band: Ben and Kassie with my One and Only Band

Cake: Take The Cake AZ

Catering: Modern Tortilla

Flowers: Sedona Florist

Sky Ranch Lodge Wedding in Sedona

August 26, 2023August 26, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

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!

Vendors :

Venue : Sky Ranch Lodge in Sedona

Photographer : Charlotte Francis Photo

DJ : 7000 Feet of Sound

Pizza : Doughlicious

Bundt Cakes : Nothing Bundt Cakes

Shaice and Seth’s Modern Wedding at The Paseo

August 17, 2023August 17, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

Shaice and Seth’s Modern Wedding at The Paseo

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!

Vendors:

Venue : The Paseo

Photography : Charlotte Francis Photo

Floral: jbarrydesigns

Food: santancatering

Dessert: suejacobscakes

DJ: dtbpro

Bartenders: ontherocksbartenders

Bridal Hair: alena_beautyaz

Bridal Makeup: mayra.beeauty

Wedding Party Hair: estrellabeautyco

Wedding Party Makeup: luxbeautybycrystal

Ceremony Arch & Getaway Car Rentals: idorentalsaz

Signage & Stand Rentals: etchingsbyemma

Beer Burro: beverageburro

Mount Lemmon Elopement | Arizona Elopement Photographer

August 16, 2023August 16, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

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 🙂

20 of Arizona’s Best Wedding Venues To Check Out Right Now

August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

20 of Arizona’s Best Wedding Venues To Check Out Right Now | Arizona Wedding Photographer

Come along and view our personal guide to Arizona’s Best Wedding Venues! Arizona is one of the warmest and sunniest states in the United States. From it’s sun drenched deserts, saguaros, canyons, mountains and unbeatable sunsets it is no wonder couples travel from all over the world to plan their wedding here!

Arizona’s Best Wedding Venues : Desert

The Paseo

Apache Junction, Arizona

There is no better place for a true Arizona wedding than The Paseo. It is carefully placed at the foot of the majestic Superstition Mountains, surrounded by picturesque native Sonoran Desert; a romantic, completely unique, private outdoor venue. Their motivated staff will ensure your special day is everything you could ever imagine. The Paseo is also family owned and operated making it that much more special!

Inquire about booking The Paseo here!

El Chorro

Paradise Valley, Arizona

El Chorro is an absolutely magical venue to get married and one of Arizona’s best wedding venues in our opinion. Framed by Cambelback mountain and saguaros galore, El Chorro provides a stunning backdrop for weddings. You have access to both the luxurious indoor reception space as well as the outdoors that holds beautiful desert landscape for photos. The space is completely customizable as well giving you the freedom to truly have the wedding ceremony and reception of your dreams!

Inquire about booking with El Chorro here!

Desert View

Apache Junction, Arizona

Desert View is one of Arizona’s newest all-inclusive wedding venues located in Apache Junction. They are set to open in Fall 2023 but we have already had so many of our own couples book this beautiful space! Desert View has two buildings with three distinct areas: the Event Center, the Chapel and the Outdoor Ceremony Location, all with stunning mountain views of the Superstitions!

Inquire about booking Desert View here!

Mountain Shadows

Paradise Valley, Arizona

Say your “I Do’s” in an unforgettable desert setting. Mountain Shadows sits between Camelback and the Mummy Mountains creating the perfect desert backdrop for any wedding celebration! Not only does this venue have a stunning lawn to hold your ceremony but the overlook deck with Camelback Mountain views is the perfect space to enjoy your reception dinner as the sun sets. There is also a ballroom available for couples who wish to have an indoor reception in warmer months!

Inquire about booking Mountain Shadows here!

Arizona’s Best Wedding Venues : Garden

Stonebridge Manor

Mesa, Arizona

Set among lush gardens, Stonebridge Manor by Wedgewood Weddings is an enchanting setting that draws the eye to the magnificent mansion, featuring a choice of climate-controlled modern reception rooms, grand staircases, and large picture windows that flood the event space with natural light. Stonebridge has two options for couples a garden pavillion or a manor courtyard.

Inquire about booking Stonebridge Manor here!

The Meadow : Schnepf Farms

Queen Creek, Arizona

The Meadow is ideal for couples hoping for a quiet, private wedding set in nature. This lush green meadow is tucked away in a 25-year old pine forest, creating an enchanting atmosphere for your big day, with wooden benches, a ceremony arch, and birds chirping around you. The venue will provide large farm tables with benches for you and your guests. It’s a perfect escape for an enchanting wedding of up to 200 guests!

Inquire about booking The Meadow here!

Venue At The Grove

Phoenix, Arizona

Venue at the Grove is perfect for those wanting a lush, shaded and intimate wedding experience. Surrounded by an orchard of pecan trees The Grove provides an environment that lets you escape the Arizona desert scenery and heat.

Inquire about booking with Venue at The Grove here!

The Farm at South Mountain

Phoenix, Arizona

The Farm at South Mountain offers the most unique wedding experience in Phoenix. Voted “Best Wedding Venue in Arizona” by several industry magazines, The Farm’s beautiful gardens and lush Arizona landscape make it a naturally perfect place to tie the knot!

Guests will be instantly transported to another world as they enter the large grassy property with its expansive grove of pecan trees, bright blooming flowers, and enchanting spaces. Evening transforms this beautiful 10-acre property into a romantic wonderland of magical twinkling lights. Dine among the trees, dance under the stars, and celebrate a night truly worth remembering.

Inquire about booking the Farm at South Mountain here!

Gather Estate

Mesa, Arizona

Gather Estate provides the perfect mix of formality, comfort, and class that couples want to receive wedding guests. The atmosphere is perfect for those looking to have a more low-key, intimate gathering among the orchard trees. Indoor and outdoor space availability is also a huge plus at this venue along with the owner Shelley, she is super involved and is always a hit with all couples!

Inquire about booking Gather Estate here!

Arizona’s Best Wedding Venues : Modern

The Croft

Phoenix, Arizona

The Croft Downtown is unlike any other venue in the Phoenix area. The Croft Downtown offers urban cement floors and wood trellised ceilings, paired with stylish and chic décor to create an elegant yet comfortable ambience. This venue is equipped with an enchanting rustic ceremony area and a dedicated lofty reception space for dinner, dancing and entertainment.

Inquire about booking The Croft here!

The Ice House

Phoenix, Arizona

The Ice House has an industrial dream perfect for couples who want to add a flair all their own. Couples can let their imagination run free with this blank canvas venue, the owner has a huge collection of antiques as well that help make couples dreams a reality! The courtyard is absolutely stunning especially at night with the chandelier, the reception space is lit with candles and the perfect moody vibe, they also have an art gallery area for you to hold cocktail hour!

Inquire about booking The Ice House here!

Hotel Valley Ho

Scottsdale, Arizona

From an intimate celebration to a glittering gala, Hotel Valley Ho is the perfect setting for the wedding of your dreams. Originally opened in 1956 and fully restored, the hotel is a true icon of 1950s modernism in Downtown Scottsdale. Enjoy stunning venues like the lush Palm Courtyard and panoramic Sky Line Rooftop atop the seven-story Tower.

Inquire about booking Hotel Valley Ho here!

The Clayton House

Chandler, Arizona

The Clayton House is a dynamic space for all occasions! Previously an abandoned postal storage warehouse, this family-owned venue was renovated to become a one-of-a-kind wedding and event space merging past with present, making this an unparalleled backdrop for your event. Keeping the original frame and character throughout, the space has been renovated into a wedding and event space!

Inquire about booking The Clayton House here!

Northern Arizona Venues

Sky Ranch Lodge

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona Sky Weddings at historic Sky Ranch Lodge is family owned and operated by the Graham family for over 35 years. Sky Ranch Lodge offers premier views of the majestic Sedona Red Rocks along with lodging on site!

Inquire about booking The Sky Ranch Lodge here!

Red Agave Resort

Sedona, Arizona

Red Agave Resort provides a lovely outdoor venue for your wedding and accommodations for your guests, all in an intimate setting amidst a backdrop of stunning red rocks. There are also lodges available for guests to stay overnight on property and a beautiful hiking trail on the property to go off and take scenic wedding photos!

Inquire about booking Red Agave Resort here!

L’Auberge

Sedona, Arizona

At L’Auberge ceremonies may be set in an array of breathtaking backdrops. When booking this venue you have the choice of a hilltop canopy with sweeping red rock views or with flowing Oak Creek as both scenery and soundtrack.

Inquire about booking with L’Auberge here!

Tlaquepaque

Sedona, Arizona

Tlaquepaque offers beauty and charm in the heart of Sedona, Arizona. Specialized in intimate weddings, the vine covered stucco walls, cobble stoned walkways, arched entryways and elegant plazas, provide you with a magical place to design the wedding of your dreams and make forever memories.

Inquire about booking with Tlaquepaque here!

Aldea Wedding In The Woods

Flagstaff, Arizona

The Woods is an outdoor venue set in the gorgeous Flagstaff forest. Ceremony space set amongst the trees, a heated open air pavillion for dining, and 3,000sqft of twinkle lit decking for dancing the night away under the stars! It’s one of our favorite venues in Northern Arizona to give you that perfect forest wedding vibe.

Inquire about working with Aldea Weddings In The Woods here!

Arizona Nordic Village

Flagstaff, Arizona

Arizona Nordic Village is a unique venue in the Flagstaff pines. We love that you are able to rent yurts for wedding, hike around the property and stargaze in the woods without the pollution of city lights. This venue is perfect for anyone looking for an intimate forest wedding in Flagstaff! (stock photo from website!)

Inquire about booking Arizona Nordic Village here!

Cabins On Strawberry Hill

Strawberry, Arizona

Cabins on Strawberry Hill is pefect for you if you are looking for an inclusive venue with everything you need for your wedding in the Flagstaff pines including on site accommodations! Near Payson in the small charming town of Strawberry is the venue Cabins on Strawberry Hill! It’s a pretty short drive away from the Phoenix area and has most vendors you’ll need in their packages!

Inquire about booking with Cabins on Strawberry Hill here!

If you loved this guide but are wanting more of an elopement vibe for your wedding day, make sure you check out my blog on finding the perfect elopement location in Arizona!

What to do if there’s rain on your wedding day?

July 26, 2023July 26, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

What to do if there’s rain on your wedding day? : Arizona Elopement Photographer

We have all heard the phrase “rain on your wedding day is good luck!” When it comes to your wedding day, seeing that ominous rain cloud can feel like the end of the world and instantly send couples into a panic. Whether the weather calls for a light drizzle or shows a downpour the entire day, it is understandable that couples obsessively check the weather and wonder what the heck they are going to do if it does in fact rain on their wedding day. There are a million questions that run through our couples heads – Will our outfits be ruined? How will our photos turn out if it’s pouring rain? Of course, in a perfect world we would have immaculate lighting all day, perfect temps and not a cloud in sight! Rain on your wedding day does NOT have to be a buzzkill though! We try to remind our couples that the weather is ultimately out of your hands and there is no use in stressing over something that has yet to happen, but that does not mean there is no need for a backup plan!

Do we really need a rain plan?

Whether your wedding is in Arizona, where we get nearly no rain 90% of the year or in Oregon where it rains more often than not – yes you need a plan! It could seem silly if you are getting married in an area where it does not rain often but being prepared is key to having a stress free wedding experience and you will thank yourself if the day comes and it does in fact show signs of a drizzle!

Here are 6 tips to help you stay ahead and feel prepared for any weather issues that may pop up!

1. Keep tabs on the weather app

If you are worried about rain on your wedding day, checking the weather app can help you feel a little more in control. The week of your wedding is best to check in my opinion since things can change so often there is no use in stressing over something that has not happened yet. As you get into the week of your wedding if it still is showing rain you can make a plan of action for the day. Is the storm all day, just at morning or just at night? If it is one or the other you could always see about moving your ceremony to an earlier or later time. If it shows rain the entire time you can make a plan to shift your event to all indoors! Please know while yes it is helpful to keep tabs on the weather, checking too often can add to your stress so try and limit it to the week of for a more accurate read.

2. Talk to your Wedding Planner About What Rain on Your Wedding Day Means

If you do not have a wedding planner that you have hired, more than likely there is a contact at your venue that handles wedding coordination that you are in touch with during those final weeks. It is best to keep in touch with the day of contact, especially because they are familiar with the venue and have probably seen what other couples have done when bad weather hits. Your planner will be able to find an appropriate location at your venue or help create a plan of action in the event that it does rain on your wedding day.

3. Create a Back Up Plan

Before even booking a venue you should be thinking about the weather and how different scenarios could affect your wedding day. When touring wedding venues it is important to ask what the plan is if it does rain on your wedding day. Will the venue move the ceremony inside? Are you able to move the time of your ceremony? Does the venue provide a tent or have some sort of cover if they do not have an indoor space? These are all questions to consider when booking your venue. Having a back up plan in place helps to feel more in control of the situation and gives couples less stress when something goes wrong.

4. Come Prepared!

Rain on your wedding day does not have to be the end of the world! If you see rain in the forecast here are a few things you can pack to help to keep comfortable. You will need to bring an umbrella to stay under during the heavy rain if choosing to continue outside for your ceremony. On the plus side, clear umbrellas photograph beautifully and actually add some charm to your photos. We love using them! Another must is a change of shoes just in case one pair gets soggy. You will want to keep in mind wet grass and how easy it is to sink during rain. If your dress is long enough you could wear sneakers outside and change into heels later or you can find some heel protectors here! Having your makeup and hair stylist stay until after the ceremony to provide any touch ups from the rain is an amazing idea as well!

5. Keep Your Guests Comfortable If It Does Rain on Your Wedding Day

Keeping guests comfortable during any weather scenario is a big deal for couples. Just like during the summer heat couples provide guests with paper fans, in the winter there tends to be blankets to wrap with, etc. If you know there will be rain on your wedding day we always suggest getting umbrellas for guests to sit under during the ceremony. If you know far enough ahead you can even buy custom umbrellas that go with your wedding color palette to be more aesthetic!

6. Be Flexible and Embrace The Rain!

The biggest tip I can give you on your wedding day is to trust your vendors and embrace it! Working in the wedding industry for over 6 years I can not tell you how many events have had rain regardless of if it was a sprinkle or a downpour. The most important thing you can do is to embrace it. It is still your wedding day, rain or shine!

If you live in Arizona and are planning to elope, check out our blog on our top 10 locations to elope!

Sedona Elopement at Merry Go Round Rock : Arizona Elopement Photographer

July 25, 2023July 25, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

Sedona Elopement at Merry Go Round Rock

For their Sedona Elopement – Sam and Emily knew exactly what they wanted to bring their dream day to life. Sam and Emily told me when planning their dream elopement day : “We knew that a traditional wedding wasn’t for us. Deciding where to elope was easy! We both wanted to travel somewhere we have have never been, and Sedona sold us both very quickly.” Sedona is known to be one of the most magical locations in Arizona. The energy vortexes attract many couples wanting a more spiritual feel for their Elopement. Also while also having an abundance of nearby hiking trails, wineries, and resorts. It is perfect for those who want to make a weekend trip out of their Elopement! The possibilities for Eloping in Sedona are endless. Being an Arizona Wedding Photographer has given us the chance to experience Sedona many times and never gets old.

Having visited Sedona many times, 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 Pink 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!

Emily and Sam opted for a cozy Airbnb to get ready for their Sedona Elopement. Having a hotel or Airbnb that has plenty of natural light and space for you to get ready the morning of your wedding is a must! They spent their wedding morning getting ready and writing vows to each other in the kitchen – it was super intimate and sentimental and all about just them, which is exactly what they wanted! After they finished getting ready we took separate cars and headed to a stunning creek in Sedona to do their first look together. We highly recommend weekdays for Elopements so that you can have the entire space to yourself and don’t have to

worry about crowds!

After an intimate first look, Emily and Sam were off to our favorite off road location in Sedona for more fun! Merry Go Round Rock is one of our favorite, more secluded places to bring our couples who decide on a Sedona Elopement. Merry Go Round is only accessible via an offroad vehicle so typically our couples can only access this location if they book a Pink Jeep Tour or hop in our jeep with us! Still wanting to incorporate some activities from a traditional wedding, the couple decided to share a first dance cliffside surrounded by Sedona’s beautiful red rocks. A little tip if you are eloping and wondering what kind of activities can we include to make our elopement day be THAT much more special? Check out my blog on what activities to include in your elopement day!

One of the things they looked forward to most about their Sedona Elopement was the beautiful views they could share during their vows and sunset photos. They had a jaw dropping view of the red rocks as the sun set along with blue hour overlooking the valley. Back at the Airbnb, Sam and Emily finished the night stargazing and enjoying s’mores fireside. It was an absolute dream ending to their Elopement in Sedona.

What Elopement Activities You Can Include In Your Big Day

April 3, 2023April 3, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

Elopement Day Activities : How To Make The Most Of Your Elopement Day

So… you want to get married in a way that represents you as a couple and ditch the stress of a traditional wedding? Our couples come to us from all over the world wanting to plan their dream wedding in an incredible scenic location, but your wedding day is so much more than just a pretty spot to take photos! Sure, elopement days do not include the many activities that traditional weddings hold but that does not make it any less of an experience! Instead of focusing time and money on a huge production for guests, couples are deciding to elope and instead prioritize a day filled with places and activities that are special to them as a couple.

There are many ways to get married, your wedding day does not have to be a one size fits all. If skipping the traditional festivities and planning a once in a lifetime experience sounds more up your alley, consider eloping!

Aside from the vows and ceremony, what do couples actually do on their elopement day? When it comes to helping our clients with planning, this is always the first question we get! We created this to help more couples discover that their elopement day can be anything they dream of and to spark some inspiration on different activities that can be included on the big day to help your experience be unforgettable and everything you could wish for on a wedding day.

Let’s dive in, what is an Elopement?

An elopement can mean different things to anyone. An elopement can be a quick courthouse wedding, a ceremony with just the two of you, an intimate gathering to get married, I could go on and on. For me personally, an elopement is an intimate experience that focuses on the couple and creating an intentional celebration of your love. When couples choose to elope, they prioritize themselves and their experiences instead of feeling obliged to perform in traditional activities that they do not align with.

Couples elope because they want the type of wedding day that they truly enjoy and are excited about. Your wedding day should never feel like a stressful time and planning should not feel like you are checking a box off of a list. a day they want to relive time and time again. Eloping does not necessarily mean it is only you and your partner either. Your celebration can include family, your closest friends or even just the two of you if you prefer it that way. The beauty in eloping is that it can truly look however you want.
A common misconception with elopements are that they are somehow looked at as less of an experience than a traditional wedding, which is absolutely not the case. Elopement days are just as important, and in my personal belief, even more special because you are choosing to go against traditional beliefs to create a day that is tailored to you and your relationship. You deserve just as much documentation and celebration regardless of the way you decide to say “I do.”

How could an elopement even last all day if it’s just me and my partner?

Listen, I totally get how a full day of coverage can seem like a bit much when there is only two of you. The idea of having photos clicked for a full 6-8 hours on your wedding day can feel daunting, but the day goes by so quickly! While it is not a traditional wedding yes, IT IS STILL YOUR WEDDING DAY!
For us, we absolutely are not clicking photos all day long! We create an experience for our couples, so while we may be together the entire day do not stress about needing to be photo ready at all times. Our time together could look like cooking a meal, writing vows, going on a hike, laughing together, exploring new places and stargazing and boom! 6 hours. Your wedding day will truly be a whirlwind of a day and I promise you will want every second documented.

Your wedding day deserves documentation, whether it’s just the two of you or with a full guest count. With traditional weddings it is standard to get 7+ hours of coverage. From start to finish traditional weddings are documented, what makes your wedding day deserve any less?

How to Start Planning Your Elopement Activities

Close your eyes and envision your absolute perfect day from start to finish. Are you enjoying a quiet morning together sipping coffee and reading a book or writing your vows? Are you cooking lunch together and having a picnic at your favorite spot? Are you taking a new hike or trying something brand new for the first time like zip lining or a hot air balloon? Are you in the desert in Arizona or chasing a waterfall in Iceland? Are you traveling to a new location or somewhere familiar and sentimental?

When it comes to envisioning the day, try and let go of realistic expectations and what seems logical. Focus on creating a day that will align with you, give you joy and excitement and be the most incredible experience of your life. That’s what your wedding day should be about! Ignore what social media says to do, what your family expects of you and what society deems appropriate as a wedding. Your wedding day is all about celebrating your love in the most intentional way.

20+ Elopement Activities You Can Enjoy On Your Wedding Day

Elopements are not a one size fits all. Your elopement experience should be so much more than just exchanging your vows and snapping a few quick photos. When it comes to deciding what activities to include on your wedding, ask yourself what makes us happy? What do we enjoy doing together? Is there a new place we want to see or a new thing we have been dying to try out? Is there a sentimental activity we can incorporate? The options are truly endless! Here are a few of our favorite ideas you can incorporate to have an out of this world elopement experience!

Adventurous Elopement Activities

Stargazing
Have a campfire with s’mores!
First dance by a campfire or under the stars
Sparklers
Make breakfast together
Have a picnic
Go to a craft brewery
Hiking
Backpacking
Jeep off-roading
Helicopter tour
Kayaking
Rock climbing
Snorkeling
Snowshoeing
Skiing or Snowboarding
Zip-lining
Watch the sunrise or sunset
Hot Air balloon
Taking a bath together
Read a book
Go horseback riding
Yoga
Play an instrument or listen to music
Read letters from family and friends
Write letters to each other to open on an anniversary
Paint together
Soak in hot spring or lagoon

If you need some help on where to start planning your elopement, check out our 10-step-guide on how to elope! Wandering Weddings also has a great blog on Elopements and how to help couples decide if Eloping is the right decision for them, check that out here!

How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park

March 4, 2023March 4, 2023 ~ Charlotte Francis Photo

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!

If you are still looking for a location to elope, make sure you check out our blog on finding the perfect elopement location!

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.

Hidden Valley Picnic Area

Rattlesnake Picnic Area

Quail Springs Picnic Area

Live Oak Picnic Area

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!

18 Epic Airbnbs in Joshua Tree for Your Desert Getaway

Joshua Tree Unique Airbnbs

ACTIVITIES & MORE

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!

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Here are 6 tips to help you stay ahead and feel prepared for any weather issues that may pop up!

1. Keep tabs on the weather app

2. Talk to your Wedding Planner About What Rain on Your Wedding Day Means

3. Create a Back Up Plan

4. Come Prepared!

5. Keep Your Guests Comfortable If It Does Rain on Your Wedding Day

6. Be Flexible and Embrace The Rain!

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How could an elopement even last all day if it’s just me and my partner?

How to Start Planning Your Elopement Activities

20+ Elopement Activities You Can Enjoy On Your Wedding Day

Adventurous Elopement Activities

How to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park | Joshua Tree Elopement & Wedding Guide

ELOPING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

INFORMATION ON HOW TO ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE

ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE : SEASONS & WEATHER

ELOPE IN JOSHUA TREE : PERMITS & RESERVATIONS

HOW TO GET HERE

JOSHUA TREE TOP 8 FAVORITE HIKES

BEST PLACES TO STAY

ACTIVITIES & MORE

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