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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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Sedona Elopement Among the Red Rocks

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Sedona Elopement Photographer

Red rocks, epic views, & endless adventures.

Picture this:

You & your significant other have decided to elope. You can plan the day exactly how you two want & go anywhere to celebrate your love. You choose the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. There’s no doubt that this is one of the most epic places in all of the U.S. to elope. Now all you have to do is figure out is how you want to make this day unique to the two of you. From vortexes, off-roading Jeep tours, hiking, & more - your options are limitless.

Here’s the thing… you don’t have to do anything in-particular for your wedding day. I’m here to tell the two of you that no one else matters on this day. That may sound selfish to some, but you’re allowed to be selfish!!

Let’s create your dream day.

Unique Sedona Elopement Ideas:

Pink Jeep Tour - want to experience off-roading, but not have to do any of the driving yourself? Book a Pink Jeep Tour to explore the red rocks. A perfect option if you want to see some of the less explored areas, but not have to do any hiking.

Pack a picnic - celebrate making it to the top of your hike with some yummy food. Bring a mini charcuterie board or pack your favorite snacks - don’t worry, I can let you know what foods are the best & easiest to hike with.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride - breathtaking views that give you a totally different perspective of the beauty of Sedona & an unforgettable way to start your morning.

Bring a mini cake & champagne - Who says you can’t hike with your cake & eat it too? Have a mini cake cutting & pop some champagne to toast to your new adventure.

Wine Tasting Tour - take a break from the outdoors & relax at one of the vineyards located in & around the Sedona area.

Star Gazing - the perfect way to end your night. Sedona is part of the International Dark-Sky Association, giving you some of the best views of the stars. Close out your elopement day looking up at the Milky Way together.

This was such a fun, simple, yet epic day with Camille & Eric. They didn’t have any real plan for this day, they just knew they wanted to explore Sedona & go on some hikes. We left from Phoenix at sunrise & made our way to the famous red rocks. Sedona has become extremely popular in recent years so no matter what you plan for your day - always add extra time!

Once we got into town, we found an area on the side of the road that lead to a trail & made our way finding a spot for them to say their vows. Make parking hassle free by purchasing a Red Rock Pass right when you get into town - purchase one from vending machines at main trail heads.

They explored around the trees & red sand that lays below the massive red rocks in the distance. After a couple hours of hiking, we made our way back into town where they had an early dinner at Picazzo’s before heading back out to enjoy the sunset.

It was a day full of lots of love, laughs, & running around taking in the unforgettable scenery.

Not sure how the whole eloping process works in AZ? Check out my blog post: How to Elope in Arizona

Are you ready to start planning your own Sedona elopement? Let’s chat! From timeline planning, location scouting, & everything else along the way - I’m here to guide you to make your elopement as stress-free, but amazing as possible.

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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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Everything to know about Eloping

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So before we dive into this, let me introduce myself. I’m Samantha Rose, I’m an elopement & intimate wedding photographer that’s based in Phoenix, Arizona. The reason I’m writing this is to help answer any questions people may have about what elopements are, how elopements work, & basically why they’re becoming more popular. For me, I’m all about helping create a day that’s special for you & your partner. Whether that’s going on an adventurous hike & saying your vows at the top of a mountain or having a small ceremony where you got engaged - you deserve to have your dream day exactly how you want. Let’s create a day that’s unique to the two of you & all about celebrating your love.

What to know about elopements

Arizona Elopement Photographer

Groom leads bride under the moonlight in front of the red rocks in Sedona, Arizona on their elopement day.

What is eloping?

Just to clear things up right at the beginning - no, you do not have to go to Vegas & get married by someone dressed up as Elvis. The idea of eloping has changed A LOT in just the last few years. When you Google the definition of “eloping” it says: “run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent.” Again, this is NOT what eloping is anymore. I don’t think there is one exact definition of eloping, but to me - eloping is when you & your partner make the decision to have a wedding completely centered around the two of you. You’re not concentrating on putting on a party for other people or feeling like you have to include typical traditions. It’s a day focused around expressing your love (& most the time includes an epic adventure).

Are elopements just a trend?

Do I think elopements are becoming more popular? Absolutely. Do I think they are trendy? Absolutely. Do I think they’re going to stick around? Absolutely.

Elopements are on the rise, there’s no doubt about it. I do not think they are a trend that’s going to come & go though. Which makes me so happy. I LOVE that more couples are making the decision to have a day just about them. If a big, traditional wedding just doesn’t feel right to you - you’ve probably already started looking at the alternatives. I think it’s taken awhile for more people to start eloping because it’s felt a little taboo for so long. Couples have different reasons for eloping - whether it’s because of your relationship with your family or you just love the outdoors & want to center your day around that. When you’re surrounded by traditional weddings for so long & all the traditions that they entail - it can make you feel like that’s what you have to do. I’m here to tell you though that you can do whatever you want for your wedding.

The groom hugs his bride from behind while kissing her forehead during their elopement at Saguaro Lake in Arizona.

Do you tell people that you’re eloping?

The easiest way to answer this is that you can tell people that you’re eloping. If you want to. By no means do you have to tell anyone, but the “new norm” is that elopements aren’t something you run away & do & don’t tell people about. It’s still your wedding day - you’re just choosing to make it a celebration centered completely around the two of you.

If you think it will be easier for you & your partner to tell the people in your life afterwards that you decided to elope, then that’s probably the right decision for you two! The hard truth is that, not everyone may understand why you don’t want a traditional wedding. You may feel pressure from certain people in your life to not elope or to still try to do things in a way that isn’t true to you. By eloping, you may feel like you’re making a selfish decision, but that’s okay! You’re allowed to be selfish - it’s your wedding!

If you do want to tell people beforehand - have a plan for how to tell them if you think they may want you to go a more traditional route. Talk to your friends & family & explain why having an elopement means so much.

Can you include your family/close friends in your elopement?

Absolutely! You’ll probably find a lot of photographers referring to this as an “intimate wedding” because typically now elopements are referring to when it’s just the couple, the officiant, & photographer (& possibly videographer). No matter what you call it though, yes, you can include others.

Whether it’s a destination location or somewhere close to home - by having others there, it may change or affect how you go about your elopement day. You may want to say your vows on top of a mountain, but that may be unrealistic to have family members hike up there with you. Your loved ones can be waiting down at the bottom for you to celebrate once you’ve made it ‘official’ or maybe you want to say your vows at a simpler location with others around you & then head up by yourselves after for photos. Or maybe you want to go the route of having the whole day be just the two of you & then celebrating with all your friends & family at a small reception or dinner later on.

You have a lot of options. And a lot of things may factor in to what you decide to do. This is where I can help you figure out a realistic timeline for the day, choosing locations, & what may be the best option for your day.

Bride & groom dance around at Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona during their elopement.

Is an elopement spur of the moment? Or can/do you plan it out?

This goes back to how elopements have changed a lot. Sometimes, elopements may still be spur of the moment. Plans change & people decide last minute that they don’t want to have a traditional wedding so in less than a month they plan an elopement.

I’d say this isn’t the typical thing to do anymore though. Just like a normal wedding - elopements take planning! You have to choose your attire, florals, photographer, videographer, hair & makeup artist & THE LOCATION! The best part about all of this is though - these are all decisions just focused around the two of you. You’re not figuring out plans for pleasing other people, which already makes the planing process a lot less stressful.

If you ask me though, if you know that you want to elope - don’t wait to plan it. You want to find vendors that feel right for your elopement day & most the time, you still will have to book things pretty far in advance (for photographers, it’s most typically a year). And when you factor in traveling - it’s still a lot to plan. I’m here to help you figure out all the details though.

Can I still include traditional things in my elopement?

Yes, absolutely! In case you haven’t picked up on this yet, you can do & include whatever you want.

Want to wait & see each other until you say your vows? You can!

Want to do a first look beforehand? You can!

Want to get ready together? You can!

Want to include something old, something new, something borrowed, & something blue? You can!

Want to write letters to each other & read them beforehand? You can!

You can include anything & everything or nothing at all. I’m here to help you plan it all & create your dream day, exactly how you imagine it.

*Bonus: Do you still go on a honeymoon if you elope?

I’d say this depends on where you decide to elope. If you’re choosing to stay in your home state for your elopement & just travel a few hours away, you’re probably still going to want to go somewhere for your honeymoon! If you’re traveling out of state or even out of the country though - the trip typically will be your honeymoon. You can plan your elopement at the beginning of the trip that way you can celebrate the rest of the time & use it as your honeymoon.

Bride and groom touch foreheads while standing in front of the red rocks in Sedona, Arizona during their adventurous elopement.

So… Should you elope?

If you ask me - yes. Without a doubt, I think you should elope. To me, eloping is one of the most romantic & intimate ways to begin your marriage. You’re focusing on just the two of you & your love & all the things that mean the most to your relationship.

This isn’t about what I think though - this is about what you want. Did you read this post & picture you & your partner saying your vows in a beautiful destination? Did the idea of not throwing a party for other people, but planning a day centered around exactly what you want excite you? Are you already looking up ‘best places to elope’? If you said yes to any of these - I think that should answer that eloping is probably right for you.

I want to help all the lovers & dreamers out there that want to take the not-so-typical route for their wedding day & plan an adventure solely around their love. For some, this may be a tough decision, but I’m here to help & plan all the details. If you have any questions about eloping or just want to chat - send me an email.

Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & intimate wedding photographer. She’s passionate about helping couples plan their dream adventure wedding focused around their love. When she’s not photographing couples she can be found hiking, planning her next trip, or binge watching Criminal Minds.