Sunrise to Sunset Elopement in Sedona

Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable way to get married? Consider a Sunrise to Sunset Sedona elopement! Known for its stunning red rock formations, breathtaking sunsets, and beautiful natural scenery, Sedona is the perfect location for an adventurous wedding! My amazing clients Amanda + Mitchell wanted a full-day elopement experience, filled with plenty of adventure but also time to relax and enjoy the day without being rushed! They wanted to include a private elopement adventure with just them to, and then include their loved ones later in the ceremony. So that’s just what we did!

Amanda and Mitchell’s Sunrise Elopement in Sedona

The day began with a hike in the dark to Cathedral Rock, with fog enveloping the trail. Despite uncertainty about the view, the couple changed into their wedding attire and had their first look at the top. With no one else around, they took advantage of the open cliff viewpoint and read their vows as the sun rose. There were lots of happy tears. The fog broke up into a stunning view that made it look like they were on top of the clouds. It was a very rare view for Cathedral Rock.

We then cracked open a bottle of whiskey they picked up from the AZ Distillery and then they took a quick shot with their custom whiskey glasses! We took our time exploring the area and taking bridal portraits. Once it was time to head back, they both changed back into their hiking attire for the hike down. 

We then took a midday break and met back up at their Airbnb (DIRT) to get ready for their ceremony with their parents. Amanda had her hair and make up touched up by her hmua Desert Sage Hair & Makeup They got both of their moms a bracelet as a gift and their parents helped them get dressed. Once everyone was ready, we headed out for the ceremony.

Elopement Ceremony in Sedona

After a brief hike to the viewpoint, Amanda and Mitchell met with their officiant Karen Lynn to exchange vows. The location provided stunning views and they had the entire spot to themselves. Following the ceremony, the couple took lots of fun family photos before moving on to the next location.

Upon arriving at the final location, Amanda and Mitchell chose a spot for their first dance. With Cathedral Rock in the background, they danced to their song, laughed, hugged, and took in the views. It was something so special. Afterward, the couple took a short break to read letters from their family. Amanda surprised Mitchell with letters from his military friends, while Amanda’s family presented her with a custom journal featuring a photo of the family on the cover. The journal was filled with kind words from those who couldn’t be there to celebrate with them.

Sunset Wedding in Sedona

We took a few more bridal portraits and then headed back to the airbnb where Sedona Picnics had set up a boho-styled picnic with a charcuterie board. It was the perfect quick snack to hold them over until their dinner reservations. Once we got back to the Airbnb, they had another dance to a different song, and then Amanda danced with her Dad, and Mitchell danced with his Mom. They popped some champagne, made a toast, and enjoyed the yummy food (and cake). I love seeing couples choosing what wedding traditions they want to include in their elopement day.

That wraps up the full-day elopement with Amanda + Mitchell! Keep on reading to find tips from the couple as well as a detailed timeline + AZ elopement vendors from their day! AND be sure and check out my Sedona, Arizona Elopement Planning Guide for more resources on how to elope in the AZ desert!

Elopement Thoughts from the Couple

Why did you choose to elope?

“We chose to elope because we wanted our wedding day solely focused on us. We loved the idea of having the day to ourselves and being able to take in each moment and appreciate each detail. Mitchell and I really love exploring, so being able to spend our wedding morning venturing somewhere new sounded perfect. It also gave us an opportunity to have fun, laugh and enjoy those intimate moments without distraction.”

How was your elopement?

“Our elopement day started at roughly 4 am getting ready in an Airbnb kitchen. I was having my hair and makeup done and my fiance was making us breakfast. We made our way to the trailhead shortly after and did a sunrise hike at Cathedral Rock. I think hiking in the fog with a headlamp was a first for us, but it was such a fun experience. When we reached the top we eagerly got changed and then had our first look.

After some bridal photos we shared private vows and had a small glass of whiskey. I think I can speak for both of us that hiking around Cathedral Rock in our wedding attire is at the top of our list for favorite parts of the day. Once photos were done we hiked back down and went to a local diner where we had breakfast and mimosas. We enjoyed the downtime together until it was time to get ready for our ceremony. 

We decided to have a few guests of honor at our ceremony, my parents and the groom’s parents. So prior to, we all got ready at the Airbnb. We really enjoyed having our parents there for those moments. They helped us get ready and they were also the witnesses on our marriage license. 

After the ceremony we did sunset bridal photos and then headed back to the airbnb for a small picnic, cake cutting, dances and a champagne toast. “

Do you have any regrets about your Sedona elopement?

“I don’t believe we have any regrets about our elopement. We talk about our elopement often and love sharing photos with our loved ones.”

What advice do you have for future couples looking to elope?

“If you decide that elopement is what you want to do, stick to it even if some people don’t understand. Choose to make the day exactly how you want it and have so so much fun creating the perfect day for you and your spouse. Working with Karen and chatting with vendors during the planning process was incredible, your options are endless. Take full advantage of all the possibilities.”

Sedona Elopement Timeline

6:00 am Start hike up Cathedral Rock

7:00 am First Look 

7:15 am Private vows

7:30 am Whiskey shot then bridal portraits

8:00 am Head down to trailhead

9:00 am Arrive at parking lot

BREAK

2:00 pm Getting Ready Photos

2:30 pm Leave Airbnb (2:45pm at the latest)

3:00 pm Arrive at ceremony location

3:30 pm Ceremony

3:45 pm Family photos

4:00 pm Leave ceremony location / Head to sunset bridal location 

4:30 pm First dance

4:45 pm Read letters from family

5:00 pm Sunset bridal photos

5:30 pm Leave location

6:00 pm Arrive at Airbnb for cake/apps/dances
7:00 pm End Photos

Vendors

Florals: Jazz Bouquet

Officiant: Karen Lynn with Sedona Wedding Ministry

HMUA: Ash with Desert Sage HMUA

Picnic: Sedona Picnics

Cake: Take the Cake AZ

Review from Amanda + Mitchell

Karen was absolutely incredible to work with and I would choose her 1000 times over. She spent so much time calculating the details to make sure our day was perfect. Not only did she take the time to listen to the wants we had for our wedding, but she also took the time to get to know us as a couple. I couldn’t be more thankful for all of Karen’s hard work. Whether it be location scouting or vendor recommendations, she was spot on every time! Our wedding day was an absolute dream. For those wondering, we chose Karen’s full day, 8 hour elopement package. We met at 6 am for a sunrise hike, reconnected later in the day for getting ready photos, ceremony, sunset bridal photos and then ended the day at our Airbnb with a champagne toast. It was perfect! We recently received our complete wedding album and were absolutely speechless. We couldn’t be more thankful for Karen and her ability to capture such precious moments. I will forever recommend her!