This Sedona off-road elopement has been one of my all-time favorites.
Sarah and Steven technically met on a dating app. But on one of their first dates, they discovered they both loved the band Blink 182. They soon learned that they had even been to the same concert on the same day. And they were both at the front of the venue. Sarah pulled out her phone to show Steven some videos of the concert, and they immediately both noticed Steven in the background of her video. Even though they met years later, they had been right next to each other at a Blink 182 concert.
Off-roading to the Ceremony Location
Sarah and Steven decided to adventure off-road for their Sedona elopement. This location in Sedona can only be accessed by this gnarly dirt road. You NEED to have a high clearance vehicle to get up here. It is an extremely bumpy dirt road in East Sedona. The drive lasts about an hour, so prepare for an hour long core workout.
I drove Sarah and Steven in my Toyota Tacoma. Rich and Shelby Satnam (officiants from Let’s Knot and Say We Did) drove in their Tacoma behind us, snapping photos of my blue truck on this off-road adventure.
Getting Dressed
Some couples choose to drive this road in their wedding clothes. Sarah and Steven chose to drive comfortably and get changed on the mountain. Because the trail is difficult, there aren’t many people out here. The secluded mountain makes it easy to change in the open.
Sarah was one of the brides who chose to get into her wedding dress on top of the mountain. It’s one of the few places in Sedona that you can get some privacy. There are plenty of bushes to hide behind, but you can also bring a sheet or blanket to use as a changing room.
The story of elopements is told not only in the grand views, but also the small detail. As a storyteller, as see it as my job to capture every element of your elopement. Details such as ring boxes, boutonnières, vow books, and letters really make your day unique. You’ll be glad in 50 years that you have memories of even the small moments.
First Look
At this Sedona elopement, Sarah and Steven decided to dress separately on the edge of the mountain. Although they had already “seen” each other while they were driving up, Steven hadn’t seen Sarah’s dress yet. They decided to hold their first look right before the ceremony.
I loved this first look because of it’s simplicity. Seeing each other for the first time on your elopement doesn’t have to be extravagant, or loaded with emotions. Make it your own.
Ceremony
Rich Satnam from Let’s Knot and Say We Did officiated for this Sedona Elopement. He and his wife Shelby are always down for an off-road adventure. It’s not always easy to find an officiant that’s down to adventure, but Rich will hike or drive any distance to perform your ceremony.
Rich isn’t a religious officiant, he makes the ceremony completely about you. He gets to know you personally so the ceremony is never generic. He’ll make you feel as if he’s known you forever and truly understands your story.
Reading Vows
Probably the most important element of elopements are the exchanging of vows. Most of my couples write their own vows. Because you chose to elope, you don’t need to worry about getting emotional and personal with your vows.
Sarah and Steven didn’t have any guests with them at their Sedona adventure elopement. They wrote heartfelt vows for each other. As they read them, they both shed some tears.
Exchanging of Rings
After reading their personal vows to each other, Sarah and Steven exchanged rings to symbolize their union. Rings are pretty standard at all western weddings, although some couples choose to get a tattoo or think of other nontraditional way to symbolize their union.
First Kiss
Sarah and Steven went off-road up a bumpy dirt road in Sedona, read vows to each other, exchanged rings, and sealed it all with a kiss. This incredible view was the backdrop of their first kiss as a married couple in Sedona.
First Dance
Shelby, wife of Rich, played the guitar for their first dance. Steven and Sarah swayed to the guitar at the edge of the cliff overlooking Sedona. It’s not easy to find a musician who’s willing to hike or off-road, but Shelby and Rich love a good adventure. They’ll follow you anywhere to make sure your day is special and unique.
Signing the Marriage License
In Arizona, couples getting married are required to sign their marriage license with an officiant, and two witnesses. Rich, Sarah, and Steven signed the marriage license. Because Sarah and Steven had no guests present at their Sedona elopement, Shelby (the guitarist and wife of Rich) and I acted as witnesses.
To celebrate making it official, Sarah and Steven traveled with a can of beer and a can of champagne to the top of the mountain. They toasted and drank together on the edge of a Sedona cliff as the sun began to sink into Golden Hour.
Couples Photos
Sedona has a lot of spots to explore, and rocks to clamber on. I show my couples my favorite spots and encourage them to have fun together. This off-roading spot in Sedona is perfect for elopements because there’s so much to explore.
I’m not the type of photographer who poses you into stiff and awkward positions. Golden hour is set apart for couples photos, but I make sure you feel absolutely comfortable. I believe the best photos happen organically and aren’t forced. The most genuine emotions can’t be faked.
If you look closely, you’ll see Sarah’s ring had an inscription of Steven’s name on the outside.
Conclusion of the Sedona Off-road Elopement
In conclusion, we ended the day gazing at the sunset together. Once the sun disappeared, we packed up and headed back to the trucks. We had an hour long off-road adventure on the way back, but we enjoyed ourselves laughing and sharing stories together.
Vendors
Photographer: Me
Officiant: Rich from Let’s Knot and Say We Did
Live Musician: Shelby from Let’s Knot and Say We Did
Dress: Lulu’s
Hair and Makeup: Sedona Beauty Team
Learn More
If you’d like to learn more about how you can have an off-road adventure for your elopement in Sedona, click HERE and get in touch with me! I’ll help you choose the best location, build a timeline, and answer all of your Sedona elopement questions.
If you want to read more about eloping in Sedona, check out my blog on How To Elope In Sedona.
Comments Off on Sedona Off-Road Elopement