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How to Elope in Sedona, Arizona

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Your Guide to Eloping in the Red Rocks

Samantha Rose Photography – Sedona Elopement Photographer

Sedona is truly one of the most beautiful and unique places in all of Arizona (& even the world). With over 80 trails to explore, various state & local parks – whether you’re looking for simple trails, advanced hikes, or off-roading – it has a little bit of everything.

Sedona is best known for its famous red rocks, vortexes, & hiking trails. You may have seen glimpses of it in travel magazines, on your Instagram feed, scrolling through Pinterest or maybe you remember it from the opening of the Karate Kid (I’m not kidding). However you came across it – you likely could tell just from photographs that it’s a magical place & the perfect spot for you & your partner to say “I do” at.

Whatever your reason is for choosing this epic place, whether it’s the scenery alone, memories you’ve already made here, the energy the red rocks hold, or it was just spontaneous, you’ve made the right choice & you won’t be disappointed with the adventures that await for your elopement day.

And now you’re probably wondering where to even begin. From how to get there, where to stay, what to do, & places to eat – this blog covers a little bit of it all. If you’re ready to start planning out all the details, let’s chat so I can help you have the most incredible wedding day immersed in the red rocks.

Read below for information on everything to know about eloping in Sedona, Arizona.

Know Before You Go:

Can you get married in Sedona? Yes!

Do you need a permit to elope in Sedona? It depends. In majority of places – no! As long as you have less than 70 guests (I recommend no more than 20 on hiking trails unless you’re reserving a site or venue). Certain state parks require special use permits & ceremonies cannot take place on wilderness land.

Is Sedona busy? Majority of the time… yes. Sedona has exploded in popularity in recent years. Be prepared to add extra time driving across town & if possible avoid weekends & holidays. Always plan for a backup location!

Where to Get Your Marriage License: Camp Verde will be the closest courthouse from Sedona (~40 minutes) you can obtain a marriage license from. You can also get one from the Coconino County Courthouse in Flagstaff or from just about any courthouse in the Phoenix Metro.

Read more about how to elope in Arizona.

Time of Year to Elope in Sedona:

Truly anytime of year in Sedona is absolutely gorgeous. When is the best time to elope? It depends! There are a few things to consider when planning your Sedona elopement.

Do you prefer…

Eloping in the Fall: October (80ºF/51ºF) & November (68ºF/41ºF) – perfect if you’re looking for cooler, fall temperatures, changing leaves, and autumn feelings.

Eloping in the Spring: Late March (69ºF/40ºF), April (76ºF/45ºF), & May (86ºF/53ºF) – you can still experience cooler temperatures, but avoid the snow (at least most of the time). Wildflowers will be beginning to bloom in April & May.

Eloping in the Winter: December (60ºF/34ºF), January (60ºF/34ºF), February (64ºF/36ºF), & sometimes March – if you enjoy colder temps & are ready to embrace the possibility of snow, this is a good time! Certain trails may be closed in winter months due to weather.

Eloping in the Summer: June (96ºF/61ºF), July (100ºF/68ºF), August (97ºF/67ºF), early September (91ºF/61ºF) – unless you’re early risers that want to get up before the sun, I typically suggest avoiding the summer months – especially June & July. Temperatures can stay in the high 90s & many trails have little shade. If you’re acclimated with the AZ heat & don’t want to include much hiking, it can be doable! July through early September also see more monsoons/rain, especially in August.

*My top recommendations: February, March, April, late October, & November.

When is the best time of day & week to elope?

Monday through Thursday give you the best chance for lower crowds. Always avoid holidays/holiday weekends when possible.

Pros of sunrise:

  • Less busy, more chances for seclusion

  • Avoid hot weather depending on the time of year

  • Start your day off with GETTING MARRIED!

  • Leaves the whole day for celebrating & more activities

Pros of sunset:

  • You don’t have to wake up early!

  • You’ll already be “in the groove” for having a photographer (me) present

  • The lighting looks great for west-facing locations

  • Plan activities throughout the whole day & close out the evening watching the sun go down (or even stay extra long for starry night photos)

*You can do both! Want to have a full-day or multi-day elopement? Get the best of both sunrise & sunset. I will always help with advice on which areas/trails in Sedona are best during certain times of day.

A groom and bride stand on top of a red rock in Sedona, Arizona on their elopement day.

Deciding where to start your adventure

I share my detailed location guide with all of my couples that features “off the beaten path” trails & locations for all hiking levels.

Where to Elope & Hike in Sedona:

There are so many incredible locations in Sedona that can serve as the backdrop for your elopement. There are trails that take an easy 5-10 minute walk to get to, moderate hikes that range from 1-4 miles, & tougher hikes that can go up to 8+ miles.

Most Popular: Cathedral Rock – regarded as one of the most popular hikes in all of Arizona. Cathedral Rock is pretty famous. Offering epic, easily accessible views at the base & breathtaking scenery at the top of the (somewhat strenuous) hike-up. Although it’s beautiful, I only recommend this location for sunrise unless you’re fine with having a lot of spectators on your day.

*As of 2022, the Cathedral Rock parking lot is closed Thursday through Sunday, as well as holidays/holiday weekends & you must take the (free) shuttle bus to access the main trailhead. Cathedral Rock/Little Horse Shuttle Schedule.

Easy Access: Bell Rock – this trail offers 360º views that are accessible within a 10 minute, flat walk. A great location if you’re including guests. This trail gets busy though so it’s recommended for sunrise or hiring a drop-off shuttle service.

Reservable: Crescent Moon Picnic Site – a great option if you’re including over 20 guests. You can reserve a ramada to guarantee parking & a picnic site. A beautiful location that features red rocks in the distance, lots of greenery (May through October), & water! Perfect if you need/want something easily accessible (no hiking).

Off-Roading: Merry-Go-Round Rock – if you & your partner are looking for the ultimate, off-roading adventure to give you breathtaking views, this is the spot. Merry Go Round Rock (via Munds Wagon Trail) requires high-clearance vehicles to access (off-roading experience is recommended). Alternative options include renting a private Jeep Tour. The road takes about 45 minutes to an hour to drive up, then a 10-15 minute hike for the famous views.

*Be sure to pick-up a Red Rock Pass so you can park at trailhead parking areas/lots. They are available at most major trailheads. Daily passes are $5, weekly passes are $15. Cash & Credit Card are both accepted at stations. Have an America the Beautiful–National Park Pass? Stick it on your dash & it works as your parking pass!

**Ceremonies are not permitted on Wilderness Land which includes the popular trails of Devil’s Bridge & West Fork Trail.

***Setups of any kind are not allowed in Sedona – unless you are renting/reserving an area & get permission ahead of time – no chairs or backdrops are allowed. Be sure to always Leave No Trace & pickup anything that may have been used during your ceremony/elopement: including any types of food crumbs & flowers that may have fallen off your bouquet!

How to get to Sedona:

Nearby airports:

By car:

  • You will need a car in Sedona!

  • If you’re coming from the North, include a scenic drive on your way down by taking State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. If you want to avoid the curves or aren’t fond of heights – you can just take the highway via I-17 South.

  • If you’re coming from Phoenix, you can take I-17 to SR-179 straight to Sedona. You can also take SR-260 through Cottonwood to West Sedona which usually sees less traffic (just be prepared for quite a few roundabouts).

*Be prepared for traffic on the way in, especially if you’re coming in on SR-179. The main road throughout Sedona is a bi-directional 2 lane road so when you’re stuck in traffic, you’re not going anywhere – so just enjoy the red rocks! Allow extra time & always watch for hikers/pedestrians & bicycles.

Public Transit & RideShares:

  • Your only option for public transit in Sedona is the Sedona Shuttle which is free & runs year-round from Thursday through Sunday only. You can find details about where the shuttle picks up & drops off on the Sedona Shuttle website: https://sedonashuttle.com/

  • RideShares such as Uber & Lyft are not common in Sedona so I would not rely on them as your form of transportation!

Where to Stay for Your Elopement in Sedona:

There are a lot of great hotels & resorts in the Sedona area. When deciding where you should stay, some things to think about:

  • How far is the hotel/bnb from where you will be spending majority of your time on your elopement day?

  • Read Reviews!

  • Check out the natural light & overall vibe of the places you’re looking at – if you want getting ready photos or plan to have your first look here, these are important to consider

  • How much time will you be spending here? Do you want something with more space or just something simple to sleep at?

Here are some of my favorite hotels/resorts in the Sedona area:

Enchantment Resort: 5-Star hotel, set on 70 acres in Boynton Canyon, 8.5 miles from Sedona, 16 miles from Slide Rock State Park. A beautiful location that offers spacious rooms & great spots for getting ready, first looks, & just spending time together the morning of your elopement.

Tiny Camp Sedona: Set among trees in a rural area, 5 minute walk from swimming at Oak Creek Canyon, immersed in the red rocks. There are limited locations available, but it’s the perfect cozy option if you can snag one, giving you some of the best of the best views for your sleeping location.

Amara Resort & Spa: 6.9 miles from Slide Rock State Park, 2.9 miles from Sedona Airport. Luxury amenities if you’re wanting a resort & spa experience while still having cozy vibes & red rock views.

Dog Friendly – Element Sedona: Only 8 miles from I-17 & 16 miles from Red Rock State Park. This is a newer hotel that offers all the necessities & basics.

Junipine Resort: 8 miles from Sedona & 2 miles from Slide Rock State Park. This resort is situated between the trees giving you a cabin feeling. The property offers great spots for a first-look or just spending time around where you’re staying.

*I provide a whole list of Sedona hotel ideas once booked!

**Airbnb’s are extremely popular in Sedona & have taken over many neighborhoods. This may be the best way to go if you will be having a large group with you & you all want to stay close together. I always recommend checking out local hotels first when possible or trying to find a host that actually lives in Sedona or owns only 1 property.

Where to Eat in Sedona:

There are SO many places to eat in Sedona. From simple stops to fine dining, you will have plenty of options while you’re here. If you’re looking for some place to eat the night of your elopement, always call ahead to double-check hours (quite a few places close pretty early, especially on weekdays). Find out if where you want to go offers reservations & have a backup plan in mind.

For Breakfast: Coffee Pot Restaurant

For Lunch: Hideaway House

For Dinner: The Hudson

For Fine Dining: Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

For the Best Views: Mesa Grill

Best Pet-Friendly Patio: The Secret Garden Cafe

For Pizza: Famous Pizza & Beer | Gluten-Free: Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen

For Donuts: Sedonuts & Coffee

For Vegan: ChocolaTree Organic Eatery

For a Bigger Group: Sound Bites Grill

*A lot of restaurants in Sedona do not offer seating for groups larger than 8. Want to have a nice dinner after your elopement adventure, but don’t want to worry about reservations? Consider hiring a private-chef!

What to do in Sedona on your elopement day:

This is one of the most fun aspects of the entire day. Whether you’re looking for something simple like packing a picnic, including an extra hike, or want to go up in the sky on a hot air ballon ride – you have so many options to make your day unique to you & your partner.


Want more ideas for unique things you can include in your elopement day? Check out this blog post:

Tip & Tricks for having the best Sedona Elopement

Now we’ve covered the basics & beginning steps to planning your Sedona Elopement. Here are a few extra details to keep in mind:

•Bring sunscreen, hiking boots, a head lamp, salty snacks, & lots of water. No matter the level of hike you’ll be taking, whether it’s on your elopement day or not, always be prepared with the 10 Essentials for Hiking.

  • Check the weather & plan accordingly – certain times of year are more likely to experience pop-up storms. Be prepared with appropriate attire such as ponchos, backpack rain covers, extra layers, & hand warmers. Talk about a plan for back-up locations in the event that certain roads or trails are closed due to weather. Sometimes mother nature has other plans.

  • Have a group coming with you? Carpool as much as possible! Some trailheads have small parking lots & trailheads can get crowded quickly.

  • Hike at sunrise to avoid crowds & visit popular trails. If you’re wanting to check-out some popular hikes while you’re visiting, it’s worth getting up before the sun to experience these spots with fewer people!

  • Embrace that whatever happens, happens! Your wedding attire will get red rock dust on it, you may forget something, part of the day may run later than planned, or maybe we will get stuck in a rain storm. No matter what it is, it’s your wedding day! A crazy, beautiful day that will forever be unique to you & your partner.

I’ll be here to help plan ahead as much as possible (with my emergency kit in hand), but know that it’s going to be an amazing day – even if it doesn’t map out exactly how you thought you envisioned it. The reality of it will be even more meaningful.

The red rocks of Sedona not for you? Check out my guide all about How to Elope at Horseshoe Bend – located in Page, AZ.

Myself and my partner, Brannon, dancing among the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona.

Myself & my love, Brannon, on one of our favorite trails in Sedona, AZ.

Who am I?

I’m Samantha! I’ve been a photographer for over 10 years now & specializing in elopement photography for 3.

I’m based in Phoenix, Arizona & absolutely love the desert. I travel all over the country for elopements, but the southwest is my speciality.

I’m here to encourage couples to have authentic & meaningful elopements that feel like home in the outdoors. A day that’s focused around you. No matter how big or small the adventure is, this is a day to celebrate your love.

When I’m not exploring the desert, you can find me hanging out in my backyard with a new book (likely on my Kindle), going to the movies, or spending time with my partner. I’m passionate about living a low-waste lifestyle, drink too much chai latte, & hope to visit every National Park eventually (currently at 12).

If you know a traditional wedding day just doesn’t “feel” like you & your partner – you’re in the right place! You’ve already taken such a big step realizing what you really want out of this symbolic day, now I’m here to help make it become a reality. Let’s chat about what all you’re dreaming up for your Sedona Elopement.

Not sure if Sedona is the right choice for you? Check out my blog post: Where to Elope in Arizona

Have any questions about eloping in Sedona or just want to chat? Fill out the form below!

Samantha Rose Photography LLC is an Arizona based elopement photographer that specializes in Sedona elopements.

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Over 20 Unique Elopement Day Activities | Arizona Elopement Photographer

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When it comes to your elopement day, you’re given the freedom to do anything that you want. From classic wedding traditions to something totally out of the box - this day can include a mix of it all. You may be asking yourself though… what is something unique we can include in our elopement day?

I’ve got you covered - in this blog post I list out 25 unique elopement day activities. This features ceremony activities, special things to include, and food to bring along.

Include just one or multiple or think of something totally new! No matter what you do on your day, as long as you’re celebrating with your love - that’s all that matters.

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Unique Elopement Ideas

#1: Have a hand-fasting ceremony

We’ve all seen the candle lighting, layering of colored sand, even the boarding up a bottle of wine. When you’re hiking on a trail for your elopement and going out into the wilderness though - those are not viable (or realistic) options.

By having a hand-fasting, this adds virtually no weight to your pack, but is still an intimate ceremony to have performed and a keepsake to have from your day.

So you may be asking...

•Who performs it? Most typically your officiant, but if you have a friend or family member there that you would like to do it - they can! It might be a good idea to practice ahead of time before the ceremony.

•How long have they been around? Hand-fasting ceremonies are an ancient Celtic tradition that date back over 2000 years. Anyone can include one in their day though!

•How is it performed? There are a few different ways! You can bind just one hand each or do both your hands together. You’ll typically hold each other’s opposite hands, but there isn’t a set way of doing it - just whatever is most comfortable! The person performing the ceremony will wrap the ribbon around your hands - you can go for a simple knot, braiding of the ribbon (if you have multiple strands), or an infinity knot!
*I suggest looking up a video ahead of time to decide what type of knot would be best and how it should be laid!

•As the knot is tied, some couples choose to say their vows or words of commitment to one another - whatever feels right to you two!

Afterwards, you have a keepsake from your ceremony and reminder of your vows.

Benita and Alain included a hand-fasting in the middle of their ceremony. Instead of buying cords to use, they each picked out fabric and sewed their ribbon together. Adding an extra special touch that’s uniquely them. It was so much fun to watch them *literally* tie the knot.

#2: Include your dogs in the day

Julien and Sean included all 3 of their dogs (Hugo, Donovan, and Ellie) in their elopement day. They walked up with them to the ceremony location and stood with them throughout their vows and their first kiss!

Animals are such an important part of our lives - it’s not weird that you want to include them in such a monumental moment.

This is actually easier to do than it may seem - we just have to plan ahead.

Things to think about:
•Do you want them included in the whole day or just part of the day?

•Can you have someone join along for the adventure to watch them when they won’t be included?

•Is the area you want to elope dog-friendly?

•Is the trail we’re going on safe for your dogs and have they hiked with you before?

Whether you want to have your four-legged loved ones with you while you get ready at your Airbnb or have them by your side throughout your whole ceremony - there are lots of options to explore!

Drew and Jessie read their personal vows to each other beforehand and then had short, traditional vows that they said during their ceremony.

#3: Write personal vows that you say alone together before or after your ceremony

There’s no doubt that elopements are extremely intimate and personal. It’s typically just you and your partner and then you may include some of your closest friends and family.

Even if you’re keeping your circle small for your day - saying your vows between just the two of you gives you the freedom to feel comfortable saying whatever you want and honestly, being as emotional as you want!

It gives you both time to slow down and soak in this big moment in your lives.

Not sure how you want to include your vows in your day? You have a lot of options:

•Read personal vows together before the ceremony and then have different, shorter vows during your “real ceremony”
•Say your vows to each other beforehand, but then read them again during your ceremony to soak it in twice and include those there with you
•Have your ceremony with short/traditional vows and then sit down and read your personal vows to each other later in the day
•Read your vows during the ceremony, but write letters to each other that you read before or after

There’s so many different things you can do or include to make your elopement unique and memorable. It’s important to focus on what will make the two of you the happiest and most comfortable on your day.

#4: Post-ceremony letter writing

Once your elopement day is coming to a close, it’s always fun to take time to reflect on the amazing day you had celebrating your love and marriage.

What better way to remember all those feelings completely than to sit down together and write letters to each other about it all? You can express your emotions, recount the whole day, or just write about your favorite parts.

At the end, we’ll seal the letters in an envelope and you two can give them to each other on your 1 year anniversary to open.

#5: Go off-roading

If you’re wanting to take the road less traveled and add some extra adventure to your elopement day - consider renting a 4x4 vehicle and heading up into the mountains!

Not many people get to say they signed their marriage license sitting inside of a Jeep, on the side of a mountain.

If you and your partner are wanting to avoid crowds, not do a lot of hiking, but still have epic views - this is a perfect option.

If you don’t have experience driving on ruff terrain, there are various companies that offer private tours to different locations!

At the top, you have so many things you can include whether that’s saying your personal vows, having a picnic, reading letters from family, having an impromptu snowball fight (location and weather permitting*), or just taking time to enjoy the scenery together.

#6: Make it an all day (or multi-day) adventure

Your elopement day is no-less important than any other type of wedding day. You deserve to celebrate it all and just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you need to shorten your wedding day experience.

Common things included in your day/coverage:
•Getting ready photos and details
•First look/reveal
•Ceremony
•Photos with family/friends (if present)
•Cake cutting, champagne/sparkling cider toast, or other celebrations
•Portraits of just the two of you

Some not as common things that make it extra special:
•Hiking photos
•Stops along the trail
•Star gazing
•Outdoor activities (off-roading, kayaking, etc.)
•Personal vow reading
•Letter writing

Take the time to think about “what is the most amazing, adventure filled day we could have?” Consider the small, intimate moments you want to include and the bigger, grand activities and let’s turn it into your dream elopement.

This is not a day that you have to fit into just an hour or two. We’re creating a day with love and intention for you two to look back on and know you started your marriage off exactly how you wanted.

#7: Have a first dance

When it comes to traditional weddings - this is such an obvious thing to include. When you’re having an elopement though, it can seem like you’re not supposed to include any of those traditional aspects.

You can include whatever you want in your day though!

For many, having a first dance during your elopement is extra special because it’s just the two of you (and maybe a few others), but you get to have this moment together and don’t have to worry if you get nervous in front of crowds.

You pick the song. I’ll bring the portable speaker. And you and your love get to dance in front of some amazing scenery.

Also - no worries if you think you’re bad at dancing. You’ll look cute in photos either way and you’ll both be able to laugh about it the whole time.

#8: Hike with a dessert and have a cake cutting

Alan and Brittany enjoyed a mini wedding cake from Summer Sweets Bakery during their adventure at Horseshoe Bend.

Alan and Brittany enjoyed a mini wedding cake from Summer Sweets Bakery during their adventure at Horseshoe Bend.

Having a cake cutting shouldn’t be reserved just for a traditional wedding. As I’ve (not so) famously said before… you can hike with your cake AND eat it too. When you’re getting married, it calls for celebrations.

A mini wedding cake is a great way to do so. It’s small enough that it can fit in a cooler backpack and can be transported in the car easily, but gives you plenty to eat and enjoy.

If cake isn’t your thing - you can bring along any dessert! Whether it’s packaged treats or even a pie. If the treat you want to pack isn’t realistic to bring on the trail, save it for when you get back to your hotel or Airbnb to finish out the night with a treat.

Pro-Tip: Bring along small plates, a couple forks, a cake cutter, and a few plastic bags to store your utensils and un-eaten cake afterwards.

Alain and Benita had their first look at their resort in Sedona, Arizona. It was just the two of them and then afterwards we headed to their ceremony site to meet up with their family.

#9: Have a first look/reveal

Lots of times on your elopement day, you and your partner will be traveling together to various locations. You may want to consider having a first look/reveal so that you can enjoy your time together as much as possible.

You may start the day by getting ready together and then have a “reveal” of the first time you see each other in your wedding attire. Or you may get ready separately so that your “first look” is the first time you’ll see each other .

It just depends on what will fit your day best and how you’re imagining starting the day off.

You may have your first look/reveal at your hotel/Airbnb so that you can travel together to the first location or we can set it up so that you see each other for the first time near where your ceremony will be held!

Whether you’re including guests or not, a first look/reveal is such an intimate moment that allows the two of you to start your day off by really focusing on each other. It’s a time when it really clicks that you’re getting married on this day and now you get to enjoy the rest of the day being together and celebrating.

#10: Have a friend or family member get ordained to marry you

If you want your elopement day to only include those closest to you and you want to add a fun mix to your ceremony - consider having a friend or family member become ordained so that they can hold your ceremony!

It’s actually incredibly easy - places such as Universal Life Church International Headquarters make it simple for anyone to become ordained (just double check the laws in your state).

Learn more about eloping in Arizona by checking out my blog post: How to Elope in Arizona.

#11: Elope somewhere you’ve never been

There are so many amazing places all over Arizona, the U.S., and the entire world that would be unforgettable spots to elope.

Don’t be afraid to choose somewhere you’ve never been to before. You may be thinking that you feel the need to know the area already so that you know what to prepare for, but that’s what I’m here for!

Whether I’ve been to your elopement location or not - I do extensive research to know all about the area, the hikes, the weather, and everything in between. I am here to help you throughout the entire process.

Take this as an opportunity to explore somewhere completely new and a place that will become your new special place.

Considering eloping in Arizona, but don’t know where to start? Check out my blog post: Nine of the Best Places to Elope in Arizona.

#12: Get ready together

I think it’s pretty obvious by now that you’re allowed (and encouraged) to do whatever you want on your elopement day. This is such an important and special moment. You’re about to marry the love of your life - it only makes sense that you want to spend as much time with them as possible!

Spend the morning taking in the little moments - whether that’s cooking breakfast, drinking your coffee/tea with each other, or just sitting together as you prep for the day. You can enjoy doing your hair and makeup (or having it done by a hair and makeup artist), while you have conversations with your love - getting excited for what all the rest of the day entails.

You can help each other get into your wedding attire or this is when you can separate for a few and we can prep you both for either your first look/reveal or your ceremony.

Don’t sweat whatever anyone else may tell you about wedding superstitions or traditions they think you should still follow - this is a day about whatever you want and I will always advocate for that.

#13: Include a “Just Married” or “We Eloped” sign

A simple way to show-off and celebrate on the trails that you’re MARRIED!

Attach them to the back of your packs after your ceremony - it’s like tying cans to the back of your car, but way cooler because you just hiked a mountain.

You can customize the signs yourself or have it made by someone - check out Etsy for lots of options that are customizable and the perfect size to include on a hike.

It’s also an added keepsake at the end of the day for you two to have.

#14: Stargaze together

Close out the night underneath the stars. This is one of my favorite things that eloping couples can include in their day. When the sun sets and you’re not ready for the day to be over - don’t worry - it doesn’t have to be!

Places like Sedona, which is a part of the International Dark-Sky Association, is an amazing spot to view the stars. We’ll bring the headlamps along to lead the way. We can either split up your day by having your ceremony, going to dinner, then heading back out later on to catch the stars or we can spend the time out on the trail waiting for it to get dark. Typically is can take anywhere from 1-2 hours for the night sky to get fully dark after sunset so that you can really see the stars. It just depends on the time of year and type of weather!

#15: Ditch the traditional attire

Although this isn’t exactly an “activity” - it’s something unique that you can do if “traditional” wedding attire isn’t your thing.

Everyone should feel the freedom to do and wear whatever they want on their wedding day (whether you’re eloping or not). Often times this isn’t the case though and you may feel pressured by people in your life - or just the wedding industry as a whole - to wear white or wear a dress or wear heals or wear a veil.

You don’t have to though!! This is YOUR day and whatever you will feel the most comfortable, happy, and yourself in is what you should wear.

#16: Pop some champagne, sparkling cider, or sparkling water

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Make a toast and celebrate at the end of the day by popping some champagne, sparkling cider, or sparkling water (whatever your preference is). Not only does it make for epic photos, but how often do you get to celebrate like this?

Bring cups or (plastic) champagne glasses to sip what’s left afterwards.

Some locations we may have to skip spraying the champagne/sparkling cider to avoid leaving traces that could attract animals - we’ll asses this ahead of time! A great alternative is bringing a bottle of (non-flavored) sparkling water to spray and then you still have your champagne/cider to drink afterwards! My favorite is Topo Chico Mineral Water (you can find it at Target) because it still has a great fizz that shows up in photos!

Pro-Tip: If you can spray champagne, consider bringing 2 bottles - the one you’re going to drink and then an inexpensive one for you to shake up.

#17: Include your closest family and friends

Although many believe that an elopement is just you and your partner - it’s not true! You can include anyone you want in your day.

Most typically, elopements are anywhere from 2-20 people with intimate weddings being in the 20-40 range (it’s not exactly a set number though).

Whether you want to include just your best friends, a parent, sibling, or anything of the like - if you’ve always pictured your special day including your loved ones, but you want to elope - you can still include them! Even if it’s just for part of the day - we’ll figure out a plan that works best for you all.

Check out other myths and misconceptions about elopements here.

Julien and Sean had professional flutist, Anthony Flesch, play Native American music during their ceremony in Sedona, AZ.

#18: Hire a musician or include music

Including music in your elopement day is such a unique option to really set the mood for your ceremony.

Whether you’re musically inclined yourselves and want to make time to sit down to play - either together or for one another OR if you want to hire a professional - there are multiple ways you can incorporate it into your day!

From guitar, violin, to the flute - depending on where you’re having your elopement - there are lots of options.

This can also be an alternative to playing a song off of your phone for your first dance, instead have your hired musician play a live, instrumental version!

Other Ideas:

#19: Have your loved ones write letters for you to open on the day of your ceremony

•If you’re not having anyone at your elopement - this is a great way to still have your family and friends involved in the day. Ask them to write letters to you and your partner to open on your wedding day.

#20: Hire a private chef

•If you’ve ever wanted a reason to hire a private chef - THIS IS IT. At the end of the night, you’ll get to enjoy an amazing meal that was specially prepared for you.

#21: Bring along your favorite drink

•Whether it’s a certain brand of beer, Mountain Dew, Capri Suns, or a special wine - bring it along to celebrate at the end of your hike, watch the sunset, or toast to being married!

#22: Buy a new perfume or cologne to wear

•Pick a new scent to wear for the first time on your elopement day. Every time you wear it afterwards, you’ll be transported back to the day you got married. :)

#23: Pack a picnic

•Bring along a charcuterie board style picnic or some classic PB&Js to sit and enjoy along your hike and take in the epic scenery.

#24: Wake up for the sunrise

•It’s pretty common to hear about sunset ceremonies and planning your elopement for later in the day (depending on what all you’re including). Waking up to have a sunrise ceremony will give you a lot more privacy and then it gives you the ENTIRE rest of the day to fill with other adventures and celebrations.

#25: Sit and relax!

This may seem obvious, but be sure you make time to truly just sit down, relax, and take in the entire day!

Elopements are such an intentional day. One of the main reasons I am so passionate about them is because it gives you the freedom to do whatever you want. It’s a day that you should able to soak in every moment. Many of the activities that I suggest including are all things that give you time to slow down and enjoy each part.

With that being said, just sitting down together and taking in the scenery, talking with each other while I take a step back and just let you two soak it all in - that’s what I mean when I say sit and relax.

Now it’s time to start planning your dream elopement day!

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I’m Samantha Rose Photography…

An adventure elopement photographer based in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. I’m passionate about helping couples have authentic and meaningful elopements that feel like home in the outdoors. I’ll guide you through the whole process of planning your dream day - wherever that may be.

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How to elope in Arizona

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The groom and bride kiss under the full moon in front of the red rocks in Sedona, Arizona during their adventurous elopement day.

How to Elope in Arizona

If you’ve started planning your elopement or you’re just considering eloping, you may be coming up with a few questions on how exactly you do it. Whether you’re an Arizona native or just choosing the Grand Canyon State as the backdrop for your day - this blog breaks down exactly how you go about all of it. From how to apply for a marriage license, legally get married & choosing locations.

Not sure what exactly an elopement is or entails? Check out my other blog post that covers everything to know about eloping.

What you’ll need to do:

  • Apply for a marriage license

  • How to get legally married

  • Choose vendors & officiant

  • Choose time of year

  • Find a ceremony location & check permits

Applying for a marriage license

To apply for a marriage license in the State of Arizona, you & your partner must both appear in person at one of the Justice Court offices. You both must be at least 18 years old, provide a valid government-issued photo I.D., & provide your Social Security Numbers, if you have one.

You will both be sworn in & will sign two affidavits to state that your personal information is correct.

You do not need to provide a copy of a divorce decree.

There is no blood test or waiting period required.

You do not need to obtain a marriage license in the county you’re getting married.

There is a filing fee that is currently $83 (subject to change).

The Marriage License is valid for up to 12 months.

You do not have to be living in AZ to get married here!

A marriage license must be issued prior to your wedding ceremony taking place.

Locate justice court offices in Arizona with this map.

More info about specific county laws can be found on the U.S. Marriage Laws website here.

The groom and bride pose with their newly signed marriage license after their wedding ceremony during their elopement day in Sedona, Arizona.
The bride reads her vows to her groom during their elopement day in Sedona, Arizona.
Sean & Julien chose to have a Shaman Blessing for their elopement ceremony performed by Native American officiant, Uqualla.

Sean & Julien chose to have a Shaman Blessing for their elopement ceremony performed by Native American officiant, Uqualla.

How to get legally married

For your elopement in Arizona, you’ll need:

  • An officiant

  • 2 witnesses (I can count as 1!)

  • Your marriage license

    An officiant must perform the ceremony & two witnesses at least 18 years or older must be present. At the completion of the ceremony, you & your partner, the witnesses, & the officiant will sign the license.

Who can be an officiant?

According to the U.S. Marriage Laws website, the officiant must be legally authorized to perform marriages in the state of Arizona. The cool thing about this is that you don’t have to have just anyone be your officiant. It’s (surprisingly) really easy to become ordained - if you don’t already have someone in mind, but you’d like the person performing your ceremony to be someone you know - ask them to get ordained!

Marriages can also be performed by any of these officiants:

1. Duly licensed or ordained clergymen.

2. Judges of courts of record.

3. Municipal court judges.

4. Justices of the peace.

5. Justices of the United States supreme court.

6. Judges of courts of appeals, district courts and courts that are created by an act of Congress if the judges are entitled to hold office during good behavior.

7. Bankruptcy court and tax court judges.

8. United States magistrate judges.

9. Judges of the Arizona court of military appeals.

10. Licensed or ordained clergymen (this includes ministers, elders or other persons who by the customs, rules and regulations of a religious society or sect are authorized or permitted to solemnize marriages or to officiate at marriage ceremonies).

Choose Vendors

If you ask me… this the best part of all (I might be a little biased though).

Choosing your vendors for your elopement day are so important. Elopements are so intimate & personal, often times your photographer & officiant are some of the only people with you that day.

Which is why I want you to feel comfortable & completely yourselves during your day. When it comes to elopements, I’m a lot more than just a photographer for you. I’ll be your planner & your guide. I’m going to help you find all the best locations, plan a timeline for your day, & I’ll have you covered with just about everything you need (whether it’s Tylenol, a Tide Pen, extra water, or even a jacket - I’ve got you both covered).

Here’s a list of all the vendors you may want/need for your day:

  • Photographer

  • Officiant

  • Florist

  • Hair & Makeup Artist

  • Videographer

  • Dress/Suit Rentals

The bride and groom kiss while sitting on the red rocks in Sedona, Arizona during their intimate elopement.
The groom and bride look into each other’s eyes while they embrace among the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona during their adventure elopement.

Choose Time of Year

The best part about Arizona is depending on where you choose to elope - you can pretty much plan your wedding for anytime of the year.

If you’re wanting to stick to the Southern part of the state (think Phoenix, Lost Dutchman State Park, Tucson, etc.) - then late October to early April is your best time to elope to avoid being too hot.

If you’d like to go up North towards Sedona, Flagstaff, Page, & the Grand Canyon - March through early October are some of the best times (especially to escape the Valley heat). If you’re wanting to have some snow adventures during your elopement though, the winter months are a great time to head up North!

When it comes to elopements, it’s usually best to be a little flexible with your dates. Sometimes certain state & national parks, as well as tribal land, have restrictions on different trail heads & areas during different times of the year.

It’s important to talk with your vendors, specifically your photographer, way ahead of time to discuss what you’re wanting for your day. Let me help you plan your dream elopement.

Find a Ceremony Location & Check Permits

Arizona is so beautiful & truly has so many different landscapes to serve as the backdrop for your elopement. It all depends on what you picture for your day:

Looking to be surrounded by saguaros?

Saguaro National Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, or White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

Want to explore the red rocks?

Sedona has endless trails & areas to explore.

Want to get lost in the mountains?

Mogollon Rim, Mount Lemmon, or Flagstaff.

Looking for canyons & formations to explore?

The Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, or Monument Valley.

Many of these locations require certain passes/permits in order to have a ceremony & photos taken there. I’ll help you get this taken care of way ahead of time!

This truly just touches the surface of what all Arizona has to offer & these are only some of the most popular areas. I help you find those off the beaten path locations that will make you feel right at home. Whether you want to explore somewhere more secluded or a spot you’ve had saved on your Pinterest board for years - let’s start planning.

Looking for more suggestions? Check out my blog post: Nine of the Best Places to Elope in Arizona.

The bride and groom enjoy the scenery of Sedona, Arizona during their adventurous elopement.

Even if you haven’t decided for sure yet that you & your partner want to elope - I’m so stoked that you’re even considering it! Eloping is such a personal & intimate way to get married. It’s centered all around your love & just celebrating the two of you. It’s not about throwing a party for other people, but planning an epic adventure to start your marriage.

Whether you have more questions about how to plan your elopement, want to inquire about me photographing your day, or just want to chat - send me an email anytime here.

Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based adventurous elopement and intimate wedding photographer.

Hi! I’m Samantha, a Phoenix, Arizona based adventure elopement photographer. Originally from the Midwest, I moved out to Arizona two years ago & fell in love with the idea of helping couples plan their wedding completely around themselves & what they want for their day. Elopements bring the idea back of celebrating your love & making your day all about you - you’re not worrying about including certain traditions or following what you think you’re expected to do. Let’s start planning your unique adventure.

When I’m not capturing couples in love, I can be found exploring different hiking trails throughout the Valley, hanging out with my boyfriend Brannon, listening to a true crime podcast, or probably looking up photos of golden retrievers.

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Phoenix, Arizona Elopement at Papago Park

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Papago Park - Phoenix, Arizona Elopement Inspiration

As an elopement photographer based in Phoenix - often times when people think of an adventure elopement in Arizona, they think you have to go up North towards Flagstaff & Sedona. The thing is - we can plan your elopement anywhere. This is a day structured around exactly what the two of you want. It’s your wedding day. If you want to celebrate with a small hike around Papago Park or go to the top of Cathedral Rock - then let’s do it! The beauty is that there are endless options & the only people we have to please are the two of you.

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Five Things to Remember When it Comes to Eloping

  1. No you don’t have to run off to Vegas in secret to elope. The definition of what an elopement is has changed a lot over the past few years. What it really is: two people that are in love that want their marriage celebration to be solely focused on just the two of them.

  2. This day should be a true reflection of what your relationship is. There’s no specific guide book to follow. There’s no certain traditions you need to include. This is a time to make new traditions of your own.

  3. There’s no doubt that the location of your elopement plays a big factor for the day. Do you want to explore someplace new? Someplace that means a lot to you both - like where you got engaged or went on your first date? Do you want to explore a whole new state? Once you start planning, think about what means the most to you & would represent your love.

  4. Don’t forget the big draw to eloping is that it’s supposed to be a relaxed & stress free day! You’re not concerned about other people’s schedules, who is wearing what, or how many people you have to provide dinner for. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

  5. As your photographer - I’m here for more than just taking photos & capturing memories. I’m here to plan your unique adventure. From location options, timeline planning, vendor recommendations, & all the in between. You are not planning this alone. Let’s start working on your epic elopement.

Have any questions about what goes into planning your dream day? Whether it’s about where to start, how to pick a location, or just the nitty-gritty details - let’s chat!

Phoenix Elopement Vendors Featured:

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Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & intimate wedding photographer. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found hiking a new trail in the Valley, buying too many plants, or listening to a true crime podcast.