Sedona Elopement at Merry Go Round - Jenna and Kyle

Merry Go Round Rock is a stunning elopement location in Sedona, Arizona. It is an absolutely incredible spot that requires an off road adventure.

An adventure is just what we had! Jenna and Kyle had an epic wedding day that will go down in my history book for being so unique. They chose Merry-Go-Round rock for their elopement, but got ready at their hotel room at L’Auberge de Sedona. This is a great place to stay at if you are planning a wedding or elopement in Sedona.

Merry-Go-Round Rock is an elopement location that is perfect for couples who like off-roading and adventure. It is about a 40 minute drive on a very bumpy old dirt road that leads to a ceremony site. Merry-Go-Round Rock features stunning views of Sedona that can be seen from all angles, If you are not comfortable with an extremely bumpy jeep ride, you can always look into Pink Jeep Tours that can get you there and has lots of experience with these events.

There is about a 10 minute walk from the main dirt road so be sure to take a pair of comfortable shoes or hiking shoes with you as well as lots of water! As for timing I recommend you AT LEAST block 2 hours of shooting time at a minimum (once you get there), as there are two different levels to Merry Go Round rock and they are both an amazing backdrop for elopements.

About Jenna and Kyle’s Elopement at Merry-Go-Round Rock

Once we made it to the ceremony location, Jenna and Kyle decided to opt out of traditional vows and instead just have a beautiful open conversation with each other reflecting on their life together. They shared some of their favorite moments with each other, talked about their highs and lows, cried (happy tears of course), made their promises and exchanged rings. Their ceremony together was intimate and heart warming, sealed with a kiss with the Sedona red rocks as their witness.

Jenna and Kyle’s elopement style was inspired by all things halloween and Beetlejuice. I love how the color black stands out against Sedona’s red and orange landscape - it made for some epic photos. After their ceremony we explored all that Merry Go Round Rock had to offer. The two shared a private picnic with some fruits and cheese while looking out at the breathtaking views.

When planning an outdoor elopement, you have to prepare yourself for the inevitable - bugs will also want to be part of your special day, ha ha. I swear I have never seen an outdoor event without a few bugs involved; just consider them tiny guests. One special part about Jenna and Kyle’s day was a little bumblebee invited itself to attend their ceremony. I swear bumblebees are good luck on your wedding day! Jenna embraced the moment like a champ and we got a few photos. Anytime the bees hung around or bugs came by (especially during their picnic) they would laugh and joke that they were just little protein bugs.

There are so many aspects of this Merry Go Round Elopement that I loved but I could let the pictures speak for themselves. From the stunning blue jeep, to Jenna’s TWO black dresses (what a badass) and their epic picnic together it was perfection. I absolutely love photographing Sedona elopements and am 100% down to adventure to the perfect spot for your vows. If you want to know more about how to elope here, I have an entire blog all about it—you can read it HERE. Or, if you want to chat about having your special day here or anywhere else in Sedona, you can contact me HERE!

Thanks to the following vendors who made it all possible!

Heylobeautyco.com  Hair + Makeup

http://darkhallcoffee.com/ Cake

Arches National Park Elopement Guide | From the Fountain

Just north of Moab, Utah, is Arches National Park - named for the more than 2,000 sandstone arches formed by centuries of erosion. With trails that wander through the towering pinnacles, rock bridges, and unique red rock formations, there’s plenty to explore in this vast desert landscape. If you’ve decided to skip the traditional wedding and tie the knot with nature as your backdrop, an Arches National Park elopement is perfect for any adventurous couple! This guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope at Arches and plan your unique day. 

Location: Double Arch

Getting There

If you’re traveling across state lines for your Arches National Park elopement and you need to take a flight, the closest major airport is the Grand Junction Regional Airport. From there it’s a 1.5 hour drive to the park. You’ll need a car to get around, but the roads are easily accessible in any vehicle!

Location: Sand Dunes Arch

Setting an Elopement Date

One of the first steps to planning your Arches National Park elopement will be to set a date. Before you pull out your planner, you’ll need to consider a few things!

Weather in Arches National Park

Weather will be one of the biggest considerations when you decide on a date for your elopement. The best time to elope in Arches National Park is spring or fall, when temperatures are mild. Below is a graph of the average temperatures in the park throughout the year:

As you can see, summers can be very toasty! Unless you’re ready for the desert heat, a summer elopement won’t be ideal for most couples. Storms are also more frequent in late summer, which can occasionally cause flash floods throughout the park. 

Eloping in the winter can be a great way to avoid crowds, though there is occasionally a dusting of snow or some ice on the trails, and you’ll definitely need to bring layers!

Avoiding Crowds

Because good weather always coincides with tourist season, March through October are much more busy at Arches National Park. If you’re hoping for some more privacy for your elopement, I recommend eloping during shoulder season.

Shoulder season is the time right before or right after the peak, when the weather is still manageable but crowds have started to disperse. For an Arches National Park elopement, shoulder season would be in early spring, or late fall. 

But, even if you elope during the peak, you can still ensure more privacy when you read your vows by eloping on a weekday. Weekends are always more crowded, but watch out for holidays or three day weekends when you’re choosing a date! I also recommend a sunrise elopement, as you’re likely to get your location to yourself - and watching the sunrise over the red rocks will make you forget all about your early wake up call.

Location: Sand Dunes Arch

Choosing an Elopement Location

Arches National Park only allows wedding ceremonies in a few locations - but don’t worry, you can still take photos around the park! 

The locations where you can have your elopement ceremony are:

• La Sal Mountains Viewpoint

• The Windows Section

• Sand Dune Arch

• Delicate Arch

• Delicate Arch Viewpoint

• Pine Tree Arch

• Landscape Arch

• Park Avenue

• Devils Garden Amphitheater

• Panorama Point

Delicate Arch, Park Avenue, and Landscape Arch are best for a small elopement ceremony - you can see the most up to date ceremony info and group size limits here! After (or before) your ceremony, I recommend taking some time to explore and take some photos in other areas of the park. There are so many spots that are lesser known and a little off the beaten path where you can get away from the crowds. Finding these places is often easier said than done, but luckily I know an elopement photographer who can help you with that (wink wink, it’s me).

Location: Sand Dunes Arch

Location: Sand Dunes Arch

The Legal Stuff

To ensure you’re legally married and that your Arches National Park elopement doesn’t get busted by park rangers, there’s a little bit of paperwork you’ll need to do! 

Park Permits

Arches National Park requires a permit for any wedding ceremony that takes place in the park. Make sure to apply for your permit early, as they need at least 4 weeks to process your application, and will allow you to schedule your ceremony up to a year in advance. You can find the permit application on NPS.gov, and there is a $185 application fee, but this money goes towards taking care of the park!

Marriage License

You will need to get a Utah marriage license to elope in Arches National Park. You can do this at any county clerk’s office in the state, but the closest office to the park is the Grand County office in Moab. The application can be found online and filled out ahead of time, but you will both need to appear in front of the country clerk to sign it - so if you’re traveling from out of state, make sure to arrive early enough to do this! You’ll need to bring a photo ID and $40 for the license fee. The marriage license expires after 30 days, but there is no waiting period, which means you can use it the same day you get it!

Officiant

In Utah, an officiant is required to sign your marriage license. One thing to be aware of is that you will need to provide their name when you apply for your marriage license, so be sure to get this figured out before you apply! You can hire an officiant who is ready to join you on an adventure, or have a friend or family member perform your ceremony. Getting ordained is quick, easy, and free on ULC.org, so if there’s someone you trust to officiate, this can add a personal touch to the ceremony. 

Witnesses

Two witnesses are required to sign your marriage license - but don’t worry if you weren’t planning on inviting any guests. The only requirement is that they be over 18, so your photographer or any other vendors can double as witnesses! You can also find someone around the park to sign for you, as most people are always stoked to help!

Planning Your Elopement

The best thing about eloping is that you can do anything you want to! Your day is about more than just having a ceremony - it should be an experience! So plan some adventures or activities on your elopement day that will make it the best day ever. Here are some ideas to get the gears turning.

A 4x4 Tour

Avoid the crowds by taking an adventure-mobile down the roads less traveled! You can rent a car and explore on your own, or take a guided tour. A tour by NAVTEC Expeditions will take you through the rocky terrain to spot fossilized dinosaur tracks, red rock formations, and gorgeous views of the park.

Horseback Riding

With a horseback riding tour, you can explore the trails, riding through the towering rock formations around you. You don’t have to have any experience with horses, as Castle Valley Tours provides a beginner friendly tour around the park.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

What could be more unique than starting your wedding day in a hot air balloon, and getting a birds eye view of Moab and Arches National Park at sunrise? The view of the sun reflecting off the red rocks is one you’ll remember forever - so check out the Moab Adventure Center for more info!  

Make Your Bookings

You’ll need to book your elopement vendors, and decide where to stay for your Arches National Park elopement! Do this early on, as people and places can book up fast, especially during the busy season.

Accomodations

There’s nothing like having a cozy home base to come back to after a day of adventures - so find somewhere to stay where you can relax at the end of the day! You can check Airbnb for lodging, or check out The Domes - a unique glamping experience that combines luxury with the outdoors.

Venue

If you want to get married outside the park, or have a reception after your elopement ceremony, The Red Earth Venue is the perfect spot. With unreal 360 degree views of Moab and towering red rock buttes, you’ll have some of the best scenery around, and get the place to yourself (and your guests)!

Vendors

Your elopement vendors will take so much stress off of you on your elopement day and throughout the planning process. Reach out to vendors early, as many of them fill their calendars as far as a year out! Here are some of my recommendations for vendors for your Arches National Park elopement.

Hair + Makeup: 

Laura Barton

Aesthetics by Ariana

Florist and Elopement Planner: 

Tellurian Events

Photographer: 

Yours truly!

Ready to Elope at Arches National Park?

I believe that every couple deserves the wedding day they want - so if you’re dreaming of an epic adventure in the desert, I’m here to be your personal hype girl through it all. From providing location recommendations, to helping with permit info, to building your customized elopement timeline, I’ll be there to help you with all of it - and to take photos, of course! If you're ready to elope at Arches National park and ready to start planning your day, contact me!

5 Epic Locations to Elope in the United States

I’m going to get straight to the point—here are some of the dreamiest places to elope in the US.

1. Grand Teton National Park

Grand teton national park was one of the first places that truly took my breath away.

I have photographed here in the summer and in the winter and it is gorgeous no matter the time of the year.

The Teton mountain range is just INSANE and there are so many spots in the Grand Tetons to have an elopement. Jenny Lake, Glacier View, Schwabacher’s landing, Mormon Row, etc.

You can stay in Jackson or the Teton Village while you’re there! Jackson feels a lot like a “big small town”. It has the small town feels but there is still so much to do there!

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall—elope here!!

2. Moab, UT

Three words: arches. national. park.

Okay, there are other reasons why Moab, UT is one of the best places to elope. While I absolutely LOVE Arches National Park—there are TWO OTHER parks right by Moab, Utah! All three of the parks are;

Arches National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Dead Horse State Park

That’s THREE parks you can visit all in one town. What?! All of my clients end up having a week long adventure in Moab because there is so much to see! This is a perfect town for a multi-day elopement if you want to check out multiple parks.

And there is so much to do here in Moab! Canyoneering, horseback riding, vintage shopping, off roading, whitewater rafting, stargazing, and so much more.

I get so excited every single time I get to go to this gorgeous little town.

I’d recommend eloping here in the spring and fall! It can get really hot in the summer and also snows in the winter! Unless that’s what you’re looking for—then go for it!

3. Sedona, AZ

Sedona is seriously one of my favorite places for couples to elope.

1. There’s SO much to do here! Helicopter tours, epic dinners, fortune telling, hiking, off roading, cliff jumping, the list goes on and on. I’ve had so many of my couples book a week in Sedona when they get married! They’re able to elope in one of the coolest spots and then have a week long trip FULL of adventure.

2. The weather! You can elope here pretty much year round. Though the summers can be pretty hot! But the winters are usually pretty mild. And if you’re lucky, there’s sometimes a blanket of snow in Sedona in the winter. There’s nothing more beautiful than a light dusting of snow contrasted with the beautiful red rock of Sedona! Spring and Fall are so gorgeous in Sedona and the best time to elope!

3. I have an entire blog on how to elope at my FAVORITE spot in Sedona! Check it out HERE. I also blogged an entire wedding from Merry Go Round Rock—click HERE to read it and see what your wedding day can look like!

4. Page, AZ

Look at this picture. Do I need to say more?

Similar to Moab, UT (as stated above) Page, AZ has SO many sites to see!

I’m talking about Horseshoe Bend

Lake Powell

Antelope Canyon

And even the Grand Canyon isn’t too far from Page, Arizona!

Horseshoe Bend is actually where my husband and I eloped! (And took our engagement photos) So, I may be a bit biased. But seriously, Page Arizona is GORGEOUS!

Photos taken by KMT Photos

It’s a small town but there is so much to see and do! You can even stay in this traditional Navajo hut HERE.

You can take a tour of the incredible Antelope Canyon, you can even take a boat down to the bottom of Horseshoe Bend. What?! So cool! You can do horseback riding, helicopter tours, or rent a house boat and ride around Lake Powell.

This small town has a lot to offer!

5. Literally anywhere in Colorado

Pull off the side of the road and elope

Okay, maybe I am simplifying it a little bit…but seriously! Everywhere you go—Colorado is just breathtaking. Here are some places you can elope in that are so dreamy;

Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Garden of the Gods

Durango, CO

Telluride, CO

And in Colorado you can LITERALLY HAVE YOUR DOG MARRY YOU!! I don’t think I need to say any more.

But I will.

In Colorado you literally don’t need anyone to marry you! And you don’t need witnesses! Why doesn’t EVERY state do this? I have no idea.

This is probably my favorite reason to elope in Colorado! It makes it so easy for you two to be able to have a “100% just you two” experience. No friends, no family—just me! Lol!

Colorado is also pretty much an “all year round” elopement destination! Yes, it snows in the winter, and yes it can be hot in the summer. But everything is so accessible! It makes it super easy to have a beautiful snowy wedding! Fall and spring are also stunning in Colorado.

Part of what I do for my couples is help them pick the BEST location for THEM! All of my packages are all inclusive so that you’re able to travel anywhere in the United States for your elopement. Whether you want to share your vows by a lake in the mountains or in a lush, tropical forest—I got you. Click HERE and fill out my contact form for a free elopement consultation! Let’s plan your next epic adventure.

What to wear to your engagement session or couples session | From the Fountain

Are you stuck and you don’t know how to put an outfit together for your next photo session? I got you.

1. One word—neutrals!

Okay…now let me elaborate. Neutrals doesn't have to mean black, brown, or white! Neutral can be a rusty orange, a forest green, a deep blue! It's usually best to avoid bright colors and pick colors that compliment you and the scenery! Muted colors are your best bet.

But you also don’t have to stick to just one color! Have yourself wear an emerald green and gold accessories. And have your partner wear creams and blacks. Though sometimes an all black outfit on both of you can look KILLER. Honestly, follow your heart on this.

You can check out this whole adventure session that I blogged HERE!

2. Layers!

Layers are always amazing. I’m talking jackets, hats, sweaters, belts, tights, scarfs, etc! And almost all of these things can be taken on and off! Which is great for changing up your look a little bit in the same photo session!

3. Don’t forget jewelry.

Jewelry is kind of a must! Jewelry is like the cherry on top. Go for some statement earrings and stack some rings! Or keep it simple with a dainty necklace and stud earrings. Whatever it is, jewelry adds the perfect touch to an outfit! 

4. Patterns + texture!

Small patterns are awesome! Even big patterns if they’re subtle! You don’t want to wear something too distracting that takes the focus off of YOU. For example, wear a button down with a small pattern and a plain leather jacket on top! This will create texture and interest! It’s good to pair patterned clothes with clothes that have no pattern!

5. Statement pieces!

Yessss…this is where I say screw all the rules I have just mentioned! Lol! If you both want to wear fully sequined outfits then DO THAT. If you want to wear a dress that’s literally dripping glitter—do it. If you want to wear a bright blue feather mini skirt DOOOO IT. You can also wear statement pieces in a more subtle way, too! Have a pretty plain outfit with a fringe denim jacket (YES!) or sequin pants and a black bodysuit. I honestly love when my couples choose wild and fun outfits and make it work!

6. What to wear on your feet?

Since I am always shooting in the great outdoors, I usually recommend people avoid high heels. Though--if you must, wear a chunky heel or a wedge! Something that you can easily move around in. The more you can move--the better the photos will be! I love working with couples and creating lots of movement!

Bottom line, wear something you're comfortable in! If you're not comfortable then the photos will not look right! Wear something you feel super confident in! Now go into your closet, do a little shopping (treat yo’self) and CRUSH that photo session!

Looking for an epic photographer to photograph you two in your incredible outfits you two just planned? Look no further! Fill out my contact form and let’s plan your next adventure.

What to do on your elopement day!

Zack + Andrea got married in Sedona at Cathedral Rock! Even though Cathedral Rock is one of the busiest places in Sedona to elope; we made sure that they felt like they had the whole place to themselves while they created their perfect wedding day.

FLORIST: MOELLEUX EVENTS

HAIR + MAKEUP: SUPERSTITIONS MAKEUP CO

One way we did this, is by finding small spots along the whole hike that were tucked away from the main trail. We snuck away off the trail for the ceremony, for their first dance + for the little picnic they had! We even found a “secret spot” at the top of Cathedral Rock that not many people know about! It was JUST the two of them in this epic spot! 

(All while keeping with Leave No Trace principles as we went “off the trail”.)

While planning this wedding day with them, I encouraged Andrea + Zack to think about what else they’d like to do on their wedding day besides just get married! Andrea + Zack chose to have a small picnic with their favorite sandwiches and their favorite beers from Michigan. They chose to have a first dance because they loved that aspect of traditional weddings! And they went on one epic, bad ass hike!

(they had random hikers sign as their witnesses, how cool is that?)

I always encourage my couples to think of their wedding day as more than “just a ceremony and some photos”. Just because you’re eloping, doesn’t mean that your wedding day doesn’t deserve to have just as much coverage! You two have chosen to skip a traditional wedding and all the traditional activities that go with it! But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a wedding day jam packed with activities that feel like “you”! You have the opportunity to do exactly what the two of you want on your wedding day, because you don’t have to think about anyone else when you’re eloping!

I always ask my couples these questions. 

1. Envision your PERFECT day! What does that look like? 

2. What have you ALWAYS wanted to do? Do that on your wedding day! 

Some couples don’t even know where to start with what to do on their wedding day! So, here are some of my favorite suggestions!

- Wake up + cook breakfast together

- Do some exploring and have a morning hike together

- Pack a picnic

- Do an epic helicopter tour

- A road trip! Hit up a couple different spots you want to see!

- Visit a winery/brewery

- Roast smores by a campfire

- Go skinny dipping

- Kayaking

- Cliff jumping

- Horseback riding

- Go camping!

- Have a private, candle lit dinner made by a local chef

- Skiing/Snowboarding

- Gaze at the stars

- Take a Jeep tour 

- Take a wine + painting class

- Go skydiving

And there are so many other ideas! The amazing part about eloping instead of having a traditional wedding is you can do whatever the f@#k you want to do! So, have FUN with it! Think of incorporating some of these epic activities for your elopement day! Your wedding day can be so much more than just the two of you getting married!

Make your wedding day an experience that you’ll never forget!

If you’re still trying to figure out if an elopement is right for you check out my other blog HERE! It’s a whole blog centered around breaking elopement myths so that you better understand what an elopement day looks like and what they mean. Ultimately, helping you to figure out if it’s right for you!

If you’re in search for an epic elopement photographer who will help guide you through the planning process of getting married in the great outdoors—come say hi! Click HERE to fill out my contact form and we will make your adventurous wedding day dreams come true.

Read Andrea and Zack’s review of their experience with me!

“Our experience with Rebekah has been nothing short of amazing and I am so grateful for her. From the first time I reached out to her I knew we would be making the right decision by choosing her as our elopement photographer. The reason is that she is SO much more than that.

She helped with planning locations, provided lots of vendor recommendations, and did a lot of work to try to find another option for vendors when one didn't work how we planned. She works so hard to try to make your elopement the best it could possibly be and I felt so relaxed yet excited about wedding planning once we made the decision to go with her. She helped make it feel easy.

We were unique in that when we reached out we were living in Michigan and planning to move to Arizona a few weeks before our elopement. Both her and her husband provided so much help through that process as well and overall it really feels like you have a friend in all of your planning.

On the day of the elopement it was only us and Rebekah and it felt so comfortable and was so much fun! We were able to be our quirky selves and truly just have the day we wanted. She provides you with sneak peaks soon after your elopement and when we got them my jaw dropped. Obviously I had seen her work so I knew how good it was, but she captured the day and emotions perfectly and I couldn't believe that we now had these photos that we could go back and relive our best day ever with. They're magical and I still can't stop looking at them. She also was able to provide the final gallery several weeks before the expected time and it was a wonderful surprise.

To anyone looking here to hire Rebekah as your photographer, just do it. You won't regret it.”

What is an elopement? And should I elope?

I’m going to be smashing some elopement myths and help you better understand what elopements are and if an elopement might be the right way for YOU to get married.

“What is an elopement?”

The word elopement has meant so many different things over the years.

Let’s go over to our queen @merriamwebster for some info.

“Elope's meaning is shifting towards "a small destination wedding" whereas it used to mean "to run away and secretly get married," and before that "for a married woman to run away with a new lover," and even before that it just meant "to escape or runaway" without the romantic context.”

The word “elope” and it’s meaning has changed wildly! And people STILL believe that eloping is two people shamefully running away to get married. It’s NOT 🙅🏼‍♀️

Eloping has got to be one of the most intimate + meaningful ways two people can get married.

“WHAT is an elopement photographer?”

“What? People DO that?”

“Like a courthouse wedding?”

“I would never let my daughter run off and get married.”

“Are they in a hurry? Is she pregnant?”

“Oh so your job is SUPER easy.”

These are questions and comments I get ALL the time when I tell people I’m an elopement photographer. People STILL don’t understand what an elopement is or what it means to elope. So let’s get EDUCATED 👏🏻

I agree with Merriam here that it mostly means a destination wedding with a limited number of guests.

However, “eloping” means something different to every photographer and to every couple!

Eloping to some people can be under 10 guests for some and under 30 guests for others.

Elopements can involve giant, three day backpacking trips for some and be downtown city weddings for others!

Eloping can be years or planning for some and a “let’s get married next month” for others!

To me, eloping just a means that you’re intentionally choosing to have your day be intimate and centered around the two of you and your interests and your values.

I encourage my couples to allow themselves to have a day that is 100% about them and their love for one another.

THAT is eloping to me.

“Elopement? Like when you run away and get married in a courthouse?” NO 🙅🏼‍♀️

Like when you run into the great outdoors. 😍

Did you know you can save TONS of $$$ by getting married outside? Sometimes all you have to pay for is a small permit fee. And some places don’t even require a permit! Sedona has TONS of spots that don’t require a permit—like the popular spot Cathedral Rock! Your great outdoors wedding venue can save you thousands!

And how great is it to share your vows and have only the mountains and stars as your witness? You. Can. Literally. Get. Married. ANYWHERE! How freaking cool is that?

Pack your bags and head out to a place you’ve always wanted to visit! Hike up to your favorite mountain and share your love for one another and get freaking MARRIED. That’s the coolest part about elopements! You’re not bound to a venue, you’re not bound to your state, your day can be as adventurous as you want to make it. Share your vows in front of a waterfall in Oregon, have your ceremony deep in a forest in Kauai, take your portraits with a glacier as your backdrop. Feel free to hit me up and we can brainstorm where you can have your dream elopement. One of my favorite things to do is location scouting for my couples! And help them find a location that works perfectly for THEM!

The options are ENDLESS!

If you’re trying to think of where to elope, check out THIS blog for one of my favorite location suggestions. Or check out THIS blog for my 4 best tips on how to pick the location that’s best for YOU.

Here’s another myth that I love busting! The myth that you can’t have ANY guests when you elope! And that if you do choose to have no guests, that means you hate your family! That’s simply NOT TRUE. 🙅🏼‍♀️

It’s so ingrained in our culture that eloping means running away and getting married without your family. So much that my mom thought that’s what I mean when we told her we’re switching from a traditional wedding to an elopement!

She was SO sad when she thought we didn’t want to include her on our wedding day. But an elopement doesn’t have to mean no guests. You can invite whoever is important to you!

Some people don’t have good family relations and that’s okay! They deserve to get married in a space that is safe and true to them. If a couple doesn’t want any guests—DO THAT! Your wedding day should be what YOU want and what’s authentic to the two of you.

Sometimes couples have great relationships with their family, but they want something private. Getting married is such an intimate moment, and some people want their vows, promises, and wedding day to only be shared with each other. And that’s OK! Being invited to a wedding day is a privilege and not a right.

But if you want your parents there, if you want your best friends there, if you want your dog there, you ABSOLUTELY CAN!

Bottom line, elopements are about what YOU want. It’s about breaking away from the traditional, getting in tune with nature, and focusing the day on what’s truly important—you two sharing your love for one another!

It’s 2020, let’s be kind to one another and encourage couples to get married how they want to get married. 👏🏻

“Elopements are not as important as traditional weddings and only need 1-2 hours of photography coverage!” NO 🙅🏼‍♀️ That’s 100% UNTRUE.

As I specialize in elopements I have discovered one thing—one to two hours of coverage does not do your wedding day justice! Your elopement day is just as important as a typical ballroom wedding. You deserve to have photos of you getting ready, all of your details you put into your day photographed. Like your mother's wedding dress stitched into yours. Or you wearing your great grandfather's tie.

You deserve to have that “first look” moment captured when you see each other all dressed up to get married for THE FIRST TIME!

You deserve to have your ceremony covered.

You deserve to have the excitement of JUST getting married documented.

And I’ve also started to encourage my couples to think of the day as NOT “just a ceremony and some photos”.

Picture your perfect day from the moment you wake up to the moment the day is over. What do YOU want to do?

Camp overnight and roast marshmallows by the fire.

Have a ceremony by a waterfall and then cliff jump!

Take an off roading adventure to a spot no one knows about.

Hike up to your favorite spot and scream your love from the mountaintop.

See the world from up above in a helicopter tour, land somewhere epic, and then have your ceremony where there’s no one for MILES!

I have an entire blog focused on a bunch of awesome activities you can include on YOUR elopement day. Check it out HERE!

And even if you want to keep your day more simple, understand that things take time! It’s impossible to fully capture (or even slightly capture) getting ready photos in 15 minutes. I like to AT MINIMUM spend an hour with a couple shooting photos of them getting ready! Ideally I like to have an hour and a half to two hours. Think about set up, driving, walking, hiking, etc. Wedding days take time and it’s important to not rush yourself! I’ve become a firm believer in ENJOYING your day! And a huge factor in that is giving yourself enough time to fully enjoy your day! Seriously, you’re gonna feel MAJOR stress if you’re trying to cramp a bunch of things into 2 or 4 hours.

Seriously, there is SO much you can do in a day to make it fun, adventurous, memorable, and totally 100% you.

So what does an “all day” elopement even look like? While we’ve talked about the fact that elopements can look like anything; it’s sometimes hard to actually imagine the day, hour by hour.

So! I’m gonna share an example timeline of an all day elopement at my favorite place ever—Moab!

4AM - Getting ready photos of couple

5AM - Drive to Delicate Arch

6AM - Start hiking Delicate Arch Trail 🥾

7:30AM - Arrive + watch the sunrise over Delicate Arch

Share vows privately with one another + Start taking epic portraits

9:30 AM - Start the hike back down

11AM - Drive to Turret Arch

11:30AM - Arrive + have a picnic and some tequila shots

12PM - Wrap up coverage

And there went EIGHT HOURS! And there’s still so much you could do in the day. That was a timeline fit for a morning couple, lol, but you could also totally work that back from sunset instead!

It’s SO easy to fill up an eight hour day! I work with my couples on creating a timeline that perfectly fits them, their needs, and their hours that they’ve booked with me! If you’ve ever wondered “we certainly don’t need more than two hours of wedding photography” think again! Your day is just as special as any other wedding day + you totally deserve to have every moment covered so you can look back on these moments forever. ✌🏻

Are you ready to take the next step in planning  the adventurous elopement day of your dreams? Fill out my contact form for a free elopement consultation!