Samantha Rose Photography – Flagstaff Elopement Photographer
Planning to elope in Flagstaff, Arizona? This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the perfect location to securing your elopement photographer. Flagstaff offers stunning landscapes, a charming small-town atmosphere, & countless options for a memorable & intimate ceremony. Let’s dive into the details.
Decide on the Best Time to Elope in Flagstaff
Flagstaff's unique high desert & mountainous climate make it a versatile elopement destination. Here’s what to consider:
Time of Year:
Summer (June-August): Perfect for outdoor ceremonies, with warm temperatures & long daylight hours. Popular spots up in the mountains are accessible & stunning. August sees lots of blooming sunflowers throughout. However, be aware of the monsoon season, which can bring afternoon thunderstorms.
Fall (September-November): A favorite time to elope in Flagstaff, fall colors make for a beautiful backdrop, especially in October. The weather is cooler & the Aspen leaves start to change.
Winter (December-February, sometimes March): Ideal if you want the possibility of a winter wonderland elopement. Temperatures are cold – typically a high of 45ºF. If you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland, Flagstaff is one of the few places in Arizona that sees significant snowfall.
Spring (April-May): The forest comes alive with blooming flowers & greenery. It’s a quieter time to elope, with mild weather – possibility of snow still being on the mountain tops.
Time of Day:
Sunrise or sunset provides the best lighting for photos & adds a romantic ambiance to your ceremony. As your elopement photographer, I help construct a personalized timeline for your day so we can fit in all your activities & structure it around the best time of day.
2. Choose Your Perfect Flagstaff Elopement Location
Flagstaff offers a variety of stunning locations for your elopement. Whether you want to hike into the mountains, be among the pine trees, or stay close to the city landscape – you have a lot of options. Here are some top picks:
Buffalo Park: Easy access & accessible year-round. Get a mix of everything on your elopement day with pine trees, open landscapes, & mountains in the distance.
Snowbowl: For those who want a mountain elopement, the Snowbowl ski area provides incredible views & a serene setting. Certain permits & restrictions may apply, depending on time of year.
Walnut Canyon: A historic site that combines natural beauty with ancient cliff dwellings, perfect for a unique elopement. Permit fees may apply.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: For couples seeking a more dramatic backdrop, the volcanic landscape offers a one-of-a-kind elopement location. With a mix of classic Flagstaff landscape & dark volcanic rock. Permit fees may apply.
Downtown Flagstaff: If you prefer an urban setting, downtown Flagstaff offers charming historic architecture & vibrant street art. A great option if you want to stop in a coffee shop or wine bar on your elopement day.
I share a detailed location guide with my couples once booked that goes over a wide variety of spots so we can find the best location(s) for your elopement day – you don’t have to choose just one! I also help with any of the legalities & permits that may be required in order to have a ceremony/elope in certain locations.
3. Secure Your Flagstaff Elopement Photographer & Other Vendors
One of the most important aspects in planning an adventure elopement is finding people that are equally as passionate about the way that you are getting married.
Hiring a photographer for your day is SO important – not only to have your day documented (so you can look back on it forever & share this moment with anyone that wasn’t present), but because when you hire a photographer like myself – you’re getting a lot more than JUST a photographer. I’m here to help you two through the whole process. From choosing locations, creating a timeline for your day (& knowing when it the best time to start & end your day), helping pick out other vendors, guiding you through all aspects of having an elopement, as well as showing up day-of with any little thing you may have forgotten (Tide pen? Poncho? Chapstick? I’ve got you covered).
Here’s a list of more vendors you might want to consider for your Flagstaff elopement:
Photographer
Videographer
Officiant
Hair & Makeup Artist
Baker
4. Decide on guests (if any & how many)
Deciding whether to invite guests to your elopement involves considering a few key factors:
Intimacy vs. Shared Experience: Elopements are often chosen for their intimacy, so consider if you prefer a private moment just between the two of you or if you want to share it with close family & friends. You can also split your day where you have guests for part of the day & then have time with just the two of you at a different time.
Location & Logistics: If you're eloping in a remote or difficult-to-reach location, it may be challenging to bring guests. Consider the logistics & costs involved in including others.
Guest Dynamics: Think about how having guests might impact the atmosphere of your day. If certain relationships could add stress, it might be better to elope alone.
Post-Elopement Celebration: If you want to keep the ceremony private but still involve loved ones, you can plan a post-elopement reception or party. Either on the same day or at a different date!
Ultimately, choose what feels right for your relationship & the experience you want on your special day. This is about what the two of you want – anyone else’s opinion doesn’t matter.
5. Plan the Ceremony & Activities
Now that you have your vendors & location, it’s time to plan the ceremony itself. You can make your ceremony & entire elopement day as simple or complex as you’d like. You can include traditional wedding ceremony aspects or have a go with the flow type of day & just read vows to each other. Listed below are some things to think about including (or not including) in your elopement ceremony:
Read/write personal vows
Exchange rings
Incorporate music
Unity ceremony (hand-fasting, plant a tree, whatever feels right)
Read letters
Decide if you’d like to have an officiant there to lead your ceremony or if you’d like to have a friend/family member become ordained.
One of the perks of eloping in Flagstaff is the opportunity to turn your wedding day into an adventure. Consider including activities in your day that are Flagstaff-specific. Go on a hike in the mountains, take the scenic Snowbowl gondola, go snowboarding or sledding, walk around downtown & grab a bite to eat, stargaze.
There’s a lot more you can include in both your ceremony & elopement day as a whole. Check out my blog post: Unique activities to include on your elopement day for more inspiration.
6. Plan & Book Your Travel & Accommodations
How to get to Flagstaff:
By Car –
Flagstaff is well-connected by major highways, making it easily accessible by car from several key locations.
From Phoenix (2 hours, 15 minutes, 145 miles)
Take I-17 North from Phoenix. The drive offers stunning desert landscapes & mountain views as you ascend into higher elevation near Flagstaff.
From Sedona (45 minutes, 30 miles)
Take Highway 89A North through Oak Creek Canyon for a scenic drive with winding roads & dramatic red rock views.
Alternatively, you can take I-17 North, which is a bit faster but less scenic.
From Las Vegas (4 hours, 250 miles)
Take US-93 South to I-40 East. It’s a relatively straightforward drive through the Arizona desert & mountains.
By Plane –
If you prefer to fly, Flagstaff has its own regional airport, or you can fly into larger nearby airports & drive in.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)
Located about 6 miles south of downtown Flagstaff, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport offers direct flights from Phoenix (PHX) & Dallas (DFW). It’s the most convenient option if you’re flying in from a major hub like Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Transportation Options from FLG: You can rent a car at the airport or take a taxi or rideshare into town. Many accommodations in Flagstaff offer shuttle services from the airport.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
If you're coming from a farther distance, you might find more flight options flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor. After arriving, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service & take the 2-hour drive/ride north to Flagstaff via I-17.
*Note: Arizona is a very car-dependent state so renting a car will be the best form of transportation.
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
For travelers coming from the West Coast or other regions, Las Vegas is another option. From McCarran International Airport, the drive to Flagstaff takes around 4 hours via US-93 South & I-40 East.
Where to stay in Flagstaff:
From cozy cabins to luxury hotels & road-side inns along Route 66, here are just a few options for where you can stay during your elopement adventure:
High Country Motor Lodge – cabin feel with luxury taste
Bespoke Inn Flagstaff – cozy bed & breakfast style
Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins – immersed in the forrest with private cabins
Weatherford Hotel – Historical Flagstaff & in the heart of downtown
Under Canvas | Grand Canyon – Glamping & ~an hour drive away from Flagstaff
Fort Tuthill County Park & KOA Flagstaff – The true outdoor experience – camping!
Whether you prefer the intimacy of a cozy cabin, the elegance of a luxury hotel, or the charm of a boutique B&B, Flagstaff offers a wide range of accommodations to suit your elopement. Consider your preferred style, location, & budget to find the perfect place to stay for your special day.
7. Obtain Your Marriage License
Before you can tie the knot, you'll need to obtain a marriage license. Here's what you need to know:
Where to Go: Coconino County Clerk's Office in Flagstaff. If you’re flying into Phoenix, you can also get your marriage license there (your marriage license doesn’t have to be from the same county you get married in, just from within the state of Arizona)! Walk-ins are welcome at the downtown Phoenix court.
Required Documents: Both parties need valid government-issued IDs. If either party has been married before, proof of divorce or death of a previous spouse may be required at some locations.
Cost: The marriage license fee is approximately $83 (subject to change).
No Waiting Period: Once you have your license, you're ready to get married immediately. The license is valid for 12 months & needs to be mailed/turned in within 30 days of being signed/dated.
Read more about how to elope in the state of Arizona.
8. Celebrate Your Marriage
After the ceremony & other activities, it’s time to celebrate! Whether it’s just the two of you or with a small group of loved ones, consider these ideas as a form of a “reception” type celebration:
Private Dinner: One of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to celebrate after your ceremony is to enjoy a private dinner.
Have a Picnic: Pack a gourmet picnic to enjoy in a scenic spot.
Make Dinner or Brunch Reservations: Reserve a table or room at a Flagstaff restaurant. For a more intimate experience, consider hiring a private chef.
Stay in a Cozy Cabin: End your day in a charming cabin or hotel in Flagstaff & order in.
Toast & Cake Cutting: You don’t have to skip the iconic cake-cutting moment just because you’re eloping!
Mini Wedding Cake: Order a small, beautifully decorated cake from a local Flagstaff bakery to cut & share. You could also choose cupcakes or other desserts if a cake isn’t your style.
Champagne/Sparking Cider Toast: Bring a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider to pop after your ceremony. Share a toast with each other (& your guests, if present) to mark the beginning of your new journey together.
Post-Ceremony Letter Writing or Reading
At the end of the night, write letters to each other, reflecting on the day. Seal them & give them to each other on your one year anniversary.
Have loved ones write letters to read on your elopement day – whether you will have guests present or not. Sit down & read them at the end of the day.
First Dance!
Even in a small or private elopement, you can have a “first dance”. You can save it for when it’s just the two of you or have your dance with your guests present. (Don’t worry, I’ll bring my portable speaker along & download your song of choice so you can have your dance anywhere).
Stargazing & Campfire: Flagstaff is a designated Dark Sky City, which means it’s one of the best places to enjoy a night under the stars.
Stargazing: After your elopement, grab a blanket, lie back, & enjoy the beautiful night sky. Consider bringing a telescope for a closer look at constellations.
Campfire: If you’re staying at a cabin or camping, end your night with a cozy campfire. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, & share stories. *Location & time of year permitting!
Explore around Flagstaff! Check out the breweries/coffee shops/wine bars, local shops, & other areas around downtown Flag.
9. Finalize the Details
Before you head out to elope, make sure you have all the final details in order:
Confirm with Vendors: Double-check the timing & details with all your vendors.
Pack Essentials: Don’t forget your marriage license, IDs, rings, & any other essentials for your ceremony. I’ll send you a packing list ahead of time!
Prepare for the Weather: Flagstaff’s weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Bring layers & be prepared for varying conditions.
Take a deep breath & relax – you’re about to get married! The day will go by so quickly so soak it all in & know you’ll have the photos & memories to look back on it for the rest of your lifetime.
Let’s start planning your elopement!
Looking for some place other than the mountains of Flagstaff to elope? Check out my blog post all about how to elope in the red rocks of Sedona.
I’m Samantha! A full-time elopement photographer living in Phoenix, Arizona – traveling all throughout the southwest & the rest of the United States to document love. When I’m not taking photos & planning elopements, I can be found hiking around the valley, reading on my Kindle, or watching movies & updating my Letterboxd.