Off Road Elopement with Family – Sedona, AZ

Inspiration

Sedona, Arizona Elopement with Family

Are you ready for an epic off-roading intimate wedding? This adventurous elopement with family took place in the gorgeous Sedona, Arizona. They chose the epic Merry Go Round Rock as the location for their private elopement ceremony amidst the red rock desert landscape, surrounded by their loved ones.

Their Story

Mandy + Dylan wanted a day surrounded by good views and their loved ones. Mandy got ready at their family home in Sedona where her best friend helped her zip her dress and she had an emotional first look with her Dad and Father in Law. The happy tears didn’t stop there, though. They were just beginning.

Everyone then piled in their AWD high clearance trucks and jeeps and Mandy hopped in the white jeep- which was very fitting but actually not done on purpose. We met Dylan and their friends at the bottom of the road and then headed up. Thankfully, everyone was familiar with off-roading, so the one hour bumpy trek wasn’t too difficult. Once we all arrived at the top, everyone took a quick shot and started the quick walk to the ledge.

At this point, Dylan and Mandy still have not seen each other. It wasn’t until Mandy’s Dad walked her through the trees and down the aisle their friends and family created that they got to see each other for the very first time. Dylan was so emotional but didn’t have any tissues, so his best friend offered his sleeve!

After the ceremony and family photos, their guests headed to dinner while Mandy and Dylan had the entire vista to themselves. We explored around the epic landscape, they had their very first dance as ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ to “Hell or High-Water,” and then we adventured back down the mountain to meet their loved ones at Steakhouse 89 for a private dinner on their patio. That’s where they had their dances with their parents and they even got to have another dance together in front of everyone to “Lady May.” They finished the night with a playful cake fight and a kiss.

How to Elope in Sedona, Arizona

Looking to plan an elopement in Arizona? I offer tons of helpful info during the planning process with my clients, but here are a few details to get you started! And check out my post on How to Elope with Guests!

Date/Season:

While you can elope any time of the year; there are some months that may be more difficult with tourists and temperature! Generally speaking, Fall-Spring is the best time for off-season elopements. Places like Sedona can become over-saturated with tourists on school breaks, and the heat can be a tricky thing. If you want a Summer elopement in Arizona I definitely recommend a romantic sunrise ceremony like this Death Valley Elopement! Weekdays and off-season months are the best for more private elopements, as you’ll be less likely to run into tour buses full of students on vacation. If you don’t have a set date in mind, I can always help plan out the best time for an Arizona elopement!

Permits/Fees:

For trails in Sedona, you may need a Red Rock Pass to park at trailheads for $5 per day/per car or $15 weekly. You can purchase this in advance online here, or at self-service machines at the trail. However, not all areas require the pass, but charge a separate admission fee. You can find more information about Sedona Tourism here! To elope in Sedona you may need an additional permit, however this is location and detail dependent. This is something we can discuss in the elopement planning process.