How to Elope to Sedona, Arizona, from the perspective of a Sedona Elopement Photographer, featuring Khara & Phil’s epic elopement.
For Khara & Phil, there was nowhere better to elope than Sedona. After meeting in art school, Khara & Phil quickly realized that they were twin flames – their connection was so immediate. Spirituality is really important to them, and they loved that element of Sedona, as well as all the red rock formations and incredible locations. They reached out pretty last minute about their photography, but as luck had it, I was free and craving some sunshine, so we met not long after, ready to explore some of the best Sedona has to offer.
It was such a special day, so I’d love to share some tips with you about How to Elope to Sedona, Arizona, in case you’re planning your own elopement or you’re still choosing the right elopement location for you.
ELOPE TO SEDONA ARIZONA | SEDONA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Can you get married in Sedona, Arizona?
First thing is first, yes! You can absolutely get married in Sedona, Arizona. You can choose to get married legally during your elopement, or you can get married legally beforehand and have a symbolic elopement and ceremony instead. In fact, while most National Parks and popular elopement destinations require permits to enter and have photos taken, most parks around Arizona don’t require any special wedding permits, just the usual park entry fees.
Getting Legally Married in Sedona, Arizona
If you’d like to make your marriage official on your elopement day, you’ll need to get legally married! Getting Legally Married in Sedona, Arizona is fairly simple. The first step of course is getting your marriage license. If you’re an Arizona resident, you can apply online for your marriage license online, otherwise, you’ll need to apply in person, and both of you will need to be present. To avoid lines, it’s a good idea to make an appointment! Bring along a valid I.D. with a completed marriage license application form. Marriage licenses are issued on the same day and cost $83. You can request the Court send you a certified copy if you won’t be able to pick it up for $37.50, as well.
Here is a list of the Courts where you can get your Sedona Marriage License.
Elopement Locations at Sedona, Arizona
Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park used to be home to a 43-acre apple farm, but is now a State Park best known for being a great spot to cool off during the hot summer months, thanks to Oak Creek. It’s also a really beautiful Sedona Elopement Location with the beautiful contrast of the river against the red rock canyon, the native greenery and the greenery left over from the apple orchard. While we were here, Khara & Phil set up a little picnic for all of us (including myself and their videographer!). It was a super sweet Mediterranean-themed feast and it was a lovely moment.
Cathedral Rocks
To actually hike up the Cathedral Rocks in a wedding dress could be tough unless you’re an experienced climber/hiker, but depending on your dress, it’s definitely doable! This is probably Arizona’s most famous destination (okay maybe asides from the Grand Canyon), so be prepared to share it with other people. It was an important spot to Khara and Phil because of its spiritual heritage though. As one of Sedona’s vortex sites, it’s long been seen as a site of special healing.
Soldier Pass Trail: The Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen, and the Soldier Pass Cave
There is so much to see along the Soldier Pass Trail – it was such a special location to be able to include in Khara & Phil’s day! The Soldier Pass Trail itself runs for 4.5 miles and can get busy during peak season, so it’s good to arrive early if you can. Khara & Phil had hired a Jeep with a driver for the day which meant they didn’t need to worry about parking or transport though!
The first spot along the trail is the Devil’s Kitchen, a massive sinkhole that first collapsed in the 1880s, and again in 1989. It’s predicted this sinkhole will keep growing with time. From there, we headed further up the trail to the Seven Sacred Pools, which was super special. We didn’t make it all the way to the Soldier Pass Cave, but you could always add it to your list of Sedona Elopement Locations.
Merry Go Round Rock, Sedona
Finally, we headed up to Merry Go Round Rock, Sedona, where we were lucky to find a seriously epic sunset. You absolutely need a Jeep (or an ATV/UTV) to access Merry Go Round Rock, but it is so worth it. The hike when you’re up there is an easy 1.2-mile trail, with sweeping views and a super beautiful rock formation that will make for perfect photos to end your Sedona Elopement.
Are you looking for your own Sedona Elopement Photographer who can help you to Elope to Sedona, Arizona? I’d love to be that person for you! Just get in touch.
Do you love Khara & Phil’s Sedona Elopement Photography? Let them know in the comments below!