Cortney and Matthew’s backyard Sedona elopement was designed around one simple idea. They wanted their wedding day to feel authentic to them rather than following the expectations of a traditional celebration. Instead of creating a large production, they focused on an experience that reflected their love for hiking, adventure, and time together with the people closest to them.

Because of that, their day unfolded in two parts. First, a sunrise hike brought them into the red rock landscape before the day fully began. Later, they gathered again for a backyard ceremony with family and friends followed by a sunset adventure. By splitting the day this way, they were able to experience both the quiet stillness of Sedona at sunrise and the energy of celebrating with their loved ones that evening.

Words from the Couple About Their Sunrise Hike and Backyard Sedona Elopement

Why Did You Choose to Elope?

“We believe weddings are a celebration of two people coming together and it should be about them. I feel like weddings these days are more of a performance than what people actually want.

The year before we were hiking in Sedona and came across a wedding photo shoot and I didn’t even know that was a thing! I did my research and decided that’s what I wanted to do. The photo drove my decision and I don’t regret it one bit!”

How Was Your Elopement?

“It was long but magical. We chose to split it up into a sunrise hike and an evening ceremony. Getting up at midnight was rough but the excitement took over. Ash did an amazing job with my hair and makeup. The sunrise was everything we wanted and took us to a part of Sedona we have not discovered yet. Karen really does her research and finds the best places! We even got lucky and hot air balloons made an appearance.

We rented a huge VRBO and had the ceremony there. Karen was so helpful with anything I needed. The evening photo shoot was perfect. First Karen had to deal with 30 of our crazy family members and friends. She doesn’t scare easy. We did our sunset shoot with our kids and she was so patient and understanding with them. She could tell we were getting antsy so didn’t push to stay longer.

I tell people all the time how I wish I could do it all again!”

Do You Have Any Regrets About Your Elopement?

“No regrets. I do wish I could’ve slept better but I was so excited!”

What Advice Do You Have for Future Couples Looking to Elope?

“Do it your way. The day is about you and not anyone else. And those people you chose to share your special day with will understand that and be supportive. Also find a photographer (specifically Karen) that listens and understands your vision. She knows the area like the back of her hand and is quick with suggestions if you need them. She was very responsive which made my stress lessen. I interviewed many photographers and as soon as I got off the Zoom with Karen I knew she was the perfect fit.”

Elopement Review

“100/10 Recommend Karen! She’s the best! We interviewed about 5 elopement photographers and something just didn’t feel right. As soon as I got off the call with her I immediately knew she was the one.

From the start she made me feel so comfortable and made planning from 1,600 miles away so much easier. She was always quick to answer any questions or give any suggestions you need. Her knowledge of Sedona was exactly what we were looking for. My husband and myself are big hikers but she knew all the secret money spots.

We did a sunrise hike and then a backyard ceremony with a sunset hike. The pictures speak for themselves. They all look lie they should be in magazines! I wish I could do it all over again and will share her info with anyone looking to have an intimate, perfect, do it your way experience.”

A Photographer’s Perspective

Cortney and Matthew’s elopement shows how splitting the day into two experiences can create both variety and balance. Starting with a sunrise hike allowed them to step into the quiet landscape before the day began, which created a calm and intentional start to their wedding.

Later, the backyard ceremony brought everyone together in a relaxed setting that felt comfortable and personal. From there, the evening photos and sunset hike added a second adventure while still allowing time to celebrate with their family and children.

When couples build their day around the activities and environments they already love, the experience becomes less about following a timeline and more about creating moments that feel genuine. Cortney and Matthew’s day reflected that approach from start to finish.

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