This Cliffside Sedona elopement in Sedona, Arizona reminded me what it means to truly make your wedding day about you. Emily and Alex decided to elope rather than have a traditional wedding so that they could have a more meaningful and intimate experience. They drove across the country to Sedona to elope on a cliffside, with no one else around except for a violinist, a photographer, and an officiant.
Getting Ready
Emily and Alex got ready together in their western-themed Airbnb located in downtown Sedona. Beauty by Bobby completed Emily’s hair and makeup in their room in downtown Sedona. Alex was also getting ready in the same room, although he wasn’t allowed to see the dress yet.
Details
This cliffside view is one of my favorite places to photograph elopements. To get here, it’s either a 7 mile hike, or the bumpiest off-road drive you’ve ever been on. Since there is a driving option, most couples choose to rent Jeeps (You absolutely need a high clearance 4WD vehicle to make it to this spot).
Emily and Alex had a high clearance 4WD vehicle that they brought to Arizona, so they drove their own car.
There isn’t a long hike, but the walk from the parking lot is pretty steep. On the way to the elopement ceremony, they carried their clothes in bags to change on the cliff.
While Emily changed, I photographed her dress hanging from one of the trees. Emily and Alex were pretty far apart, so they wouldn’t see each other before the first look.
Alex changed into his dark blue suit near the elopement ceremony area while he waited for Emily to get ready.
First Look
Not everyone chooses to take the “First Look” photos, but they were definitely worth it at this elopement. Alex still hadn’t seen the wedding dress on, even though they drove through Sedona together. Once Emily had her dress on, Alex waited for her to come show him. The two embraced before getting ready for the elopement ceremony.
Ceremony
Brittany from Let’s Knot and Say We Did officiated this cliffside Sedona elopement. Selin Esko is a phenomenal electric violinist, and she serenaded the four of us as Emily walked down the “aisle.”
Even though elopements don’t usually have chairs or an archway to walk to, it’s still a fun moment for the bride to get to walk toward her fiancé, even if there isn’t a clear aisle. Sometimes at elopements if a couple chooses not to have a first look, this is the first time they see each other.
Exchanging Rings
Throughout this Sedona elopement ceremony, the emotions were high. Once Brittany pulled out the rings, Alex and Emily both began to cry. Even at elopements, the wedding ring is still very symbolic. Rings symbolize unity and eternity.
Reading Vows
During the vow exchanges, even I was crying as I photographed this Sedona elopement. The vows were heartfelt, personal, and touched us all. The part that melted my heart was when they both quoted from a Taylor Swift song, Invisible String, to describe their devotion to each other. You could tell how much it meant to Emily that Alex also included those lyrics in his vows.
Shotgunning to Celebrate
Every elopement includes some unique element. Some couples choose to spray champagne, some choose to take shots. Emily and Alex did something I’ve never seen before as an elopement photographer. They brought special Arizona beers with them to the top of this cliff in Sedona and shotgunned them to celebrate their vows. No one anticipated the pressure from the beers, but the spray created a glitter of gold all around them.
Covered in beer, Emily and Alex celebrated the triumph of their elopement at the edge of a cliff in Sedona.
First Dance
Selin Esko played the violin as these two danced together at this Sedona cliffside view. First dances are another element that aren’t necessary at elopements. However, it is always a welcome addition when couples decide to include them. Especially when their elopement song has some kind of special meaning behind it.
Signing Marriage License
To make it legal in Arizona, you do need to sign a marriage license. You also need two witnesses, which can be tricky if you’re eloping by yourself in Sedona. Luckily, there were two other people present at this cliffside Sedona elopement. Selin, the violinist, and I, the photographer, were able to sign as witnesses for Emily and Alex.
Garter Toss
I always joke that the reason I became an elopement photographer was because I cannot STAND the garter toss. It’s a weird symbolic tradition that comes from a barbaric time when the men at a wedding would rip a brides clothes off. Not cool. But I am passionate that every couple makes their elopement day uniquely them.
Alex and Emily decided they wanted to incorporate the garter into their photos. These photos may have changed my mind about how I feel about the garter. Turns out, when no one is around, the garter becomes sexy and fun and spontaneous.
Couples Portraits in Sedona
As the sun began to set on this cliffside Sedona elopement, we started taking couples photos together. This is my favorite spot in Sedona for it’s cliffside views and incredible rock formations. Check out the fun we had together win the photos below.
Cliffside Sedona Elopement Conclusion
If you’re interested in learning more about eloping in Sedona, either at this location, or anywhere, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I can help you plan an incredible day among the red rocks, from location scouting to building a timeline. Click HERE to get in touch with me 🙂
If you’d like to read more about eloping in Sedona, read my blog on How to Elope in Sedona.
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