This romantic, Arizona desert elopement was a complete surprise for everyone! We had planned our trip to Sedona because we wanted to do some exploring in that area of Arizona. During the first few days there, I kept thinking how cool it would be to one day book an elopement or wedding here in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. Neither myself or my wife, Angelica, had walked around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, so we planned to take the late afternoon and evening to hike around the landmarks.

We set out and were walking along when Angelica turned to me and said “I think there is a guy up ahead in suit.” I didn’t see suit so we continued walking and came up on a groom standing in a suit with a boutonniere pinned to his chest. I asked if he is getting married and he replied “yes” We congratulated him and he told us that we would probably see his bride and a few friends coming to meet him on the trail. We headed on down the trail and within a few turns of the trail, we saw the bride coming. We paused to congratulate her and that is when we noticed no one was carrying a camera. I asked if they had a photographer and she said “No, we just have Iphones and my friends are going to make some videos of it.” My wife and I quickly responded, “Well, would you like a photographer, because I am a wedding photographer and I have my camera here with me?” The bride looked at me for a second and then said “ok, that would be wonderful if you want to.”

I further reassured her that I was a legit wedding photographer and not just some random hiker with a camera offering to take some photos. The officiant was accompanying her and went on ahead to notify the groom that I was going to be taking photos of their ceremony. I followed as I wanted to formally introduce myself and double check to make sure he was okay with it too. I re-introduced myself and he looked at me for a second in astonishment and said, “Sorry, but where did you come from?” I smiled and was like, “I’m from Alaska, but we were just walking around when we saw you guys.” We quickly shook hands and then got ready for bride to appear at the top of the trail rise.

The backdrop was stunning! I never thought I was going to be in Sedona at such an iconic elopement location. Nevertheless have the opportunity to photograph a couple exchanging vows, and making a lifelong commitment to each other. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself as I snapped frame after frame. And just as a disclaimer, I was the only one there not dressed for the occasion. I was wearing shorts, a t-shirt with a sweat line down the back, and running shoes. Not your formal wedding attire, but I wasn’t planning on this happening.

After they exchanged vows and said “I do”, we moved into a few photos with friends before taking some time for bride and groom portraits. There was such sweet moments between laughs and smiles during the whole event. We felt so honored and privileged to have been there at just the right time and right place to capture their beautiful wedding. It will be in my memory for a long while because it was so much fun. I loved being able to give someone the gift of photography on their wedding day. They were still over the moon as I explained that they will receive a full online gallery with all the edited images I took.

This unexpected elopement made me feel fulfilled as a photographer. I felt like I finally made a difference in someone’s day and life by capturing their wedding and giving professional photographs to them as a gift. The best part with them not expecting it. Just their expressions and their “thank you’s” was enough. We exchanged emails and phone numbers to keep in touch and we went our way down the trail. Who knows, maybe we will return one day to Sedona and find another couple who needs an elopement photographer and we can do it again! I sure hope so.

Elopements in Arizona are so beautiful, especially in places like Sedona, Flagstaff, Page, and others with so many iconic landmarks. It’s no wonder why people choose the jaw-dropping landscapes rather than a commercial space. It makes a photographer’s creativity spark and the resulting images are incredible! If you are thinking of eloping or even having a post bridal session, please lean into the idea. I promise you won’t regret it!

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