Cathedral Rock Full-Day Elopement | Maggie + Ed

Inspiration

Maggie + Ed’s Cathedral Rock Full-Day Elopement was captured by Sedona-based elopement photographer, Karen Castor Photography.

wedding couple kissing while standing on merry go round rock at sunset after their elopement in sedona arizona

Table of Contents

Words from the Couple About This Cathedral Rock Full-Day Elopement
Their Elopement Timeline

Words from the Couple About This Cathedral Rock Full-Day Elopement

Why did you choose to elope?

“We eloped because neither one of us liked being in the spotlight around so many people, and we wanted to have a special moment that was just between the two of us. We couldn’t think of anything better than having our wedding day be solely focused on us and what we wanted while being in a beautiful area.”

How was your elopement?

“The elopement was unbelievably special and fun. The day started very early with hair and makeup, and a polish for Ed’s bald head, and then we headed off to Cathedral Rock. The hike was hilariously harder than we expected, but that somehow added to the thrill of it all, and our excitement and joking around powered us to the top (We did NOT train for it, so if we can do it ANYONE can!). We cooled off and quickly changed so we could have our first look at sunrise, where Ed’s tears started (and stayed throughout the day). We were both so excited up until that point, and it seemed at that moment it became ‘real’ and we realized how special and perfect it was and got completely lost in each other’s presence.

The views were breathtaking, and the resulting pictures are impossible to describe. We went up to the Spires for a few more pictures and laughs, and then made our way down the mountain, this time fully dressed up. One of Ed’s favorite memories is seeing me navigating down the steep scramble in my wedding dress. Once we wrapped up there, we went and got breakfast and then relaxed at our Airbnb for a while before getting ready for the afternoon session. We went off-roading to Merry Go Round Rock and took what we think are the best pictures we have ever seen. Karen directed us out to an out-cropped rock and then she climbed down through a small arch to take the absolute coolest perspective pictures ever, I cannot overstate enough how stunning the pictures were.

We got to do our first dance during the sunset, surrounded by red rocks and listening to our favorite song, and we were totally lost in the moment the pictures showed how in love we were with each other. Ed thinks the portraits of me at sunset, with the sloping red rock mountain and the sun going down behind me, are the most perfect pictures he’s ever seen, and he tears up every time he looks at them.

Overall, getting to have an adventure on our wedding day and focusing solely on us, having my dress get dusted with all the red rocks at the bottom, getting to take pictures at so many different beautiful locations, and having our love radiate in the pictures and moments are all the best parts.”

Do you have any regrets about your elopement?

“Nope!”

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

“This is YOUR day and YOUR relationship. There are lots of people in your life that have helped you along the way but remember that what matters most on this day is what you want, and it should be all about you as a couple.

Karen will help you sort out all the details so there is no stress at all, just fun and love with your best friend.”

Review From Couple

“Karen is incredible! This was hands down the best experience we could have ever hoped for! Karen went above and beyond helping us get everything coordinated, recommending the BEST floral/makeup/jeep rental businesses, and making our elopement something special and that we will fondly remember for the rest of our lives.

My wife and I both agree that this is one of the “most worth it” things we have ever done in our lives, and would do it again no questions asked!”