,As a Washington state elopement photographer, I naturally love an intimate PNW elopement, but one of my favorite things is when I get to travel! This year brought a lot more travel, with one of those being for a destination elopement in Sedona!

It’s such an joy to capture my clients’ love stories in the places they cherish the most, and that often means getting to travel elsewhere! One of my favorite locations to recommend for a destination elopement is Sedona, Arizona. With the rugged red rocks, gorgeous desert plants, and serene rivers, this place exudes so much unique beauty. Sedona is also located in the Coconino National Forest which means you can make your elopement dog-friendly if you have fur babies you want to bring along!

If Sedona has been on your mind for your intimate elopement, here are some of the best locations to consider.

Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, and for good reason. With beautiful views at the top, and a fairly short hike, it makes for a great adventure and stunning elopement photos. There is a bit of a scramble for part of the hike. However, if you’re down for the adventure this is an incredible place for an elopement in Sedona. 

An important thing to note is that since it is a popular hike, doing it at sunrise on a weekday will give you the best chance of having a more intimate ceremony. 

Oak Creek Canyon

Located just outside of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon is full of stunning locations that combine the features of rugged red rocks, secluded forests, and a peaceful creek flowing through. It’s a beautiful area if you’re looking for a little bit of everything Sedona has to offer!

There are many ways to experience this area, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re wanting a shorter, family-friendly trail, the Oak Creek Trail is a great option. Other locations to consider are any of the trails through the Red Rock Crossing, all of which provide stunning views of Cathedral Rock as well as access to the creek. 

If you decide to elope in Oak Creek Canyon, you’ll need to have either a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass for parking.

Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop

Courthouse Butte is another option for an adventure Sedona elopement! The trail is about 4 miles long, but there are many stunning views along the way if you don’t want to do the whole thing. While this is another popular area, being a longer trail can be in your favor for avoiding crowds. You can also plan for a weekday sunrise elopement for the most opportunities for privacy and intimacy. 

Merry Go Round Rock

Merry Go Round Rock is a short 1.2 mile round-trip hike with less than 300 feet of elevation gain. The views are incredible, including an arch that makes for truly stunning photos. This hike is a great option for a short and sweet sunrise elopement. If you plan for sunrise you can have the privacy that an early morning brings, without having to go nearly as far as the other locations.

Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain is a 5 mile round trip hike with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. This hike is definitely for more of an adventure elopement, but one of the perks is that it is less traveled than some of the more popular trails in Sedona! This will give you a better chance of beating the crowds if you’re desiring a quiet, intimate elopement.

While Sedona is becoming a VERY popular area, there are ways you can plan to have a more intimate elopement, such as planning sunrise ceremonies, visiting in shoulder seasons, or going on weekdays. You don’t have to sacrifice the intimate elopement you’re dreaming of to be able to elope in Sedona!

As an MMP client, you’ll also receive a custom location list. We’ll find the perfect Sedona location for you. When you’re ready to start bringing your vision to life for your Sedona elopement, let’s talk!

If you need a little photo inspiration (and encouragement) for your Sedona elopement, check out Katie and Rutgar’s elopement.