We love it when brides ask White Desert Photography for a Merry Go Round Rock elopement, because the photos are always magical.
Merry Go Round Rock elopement have quickly become one of the most demanded packages across the Sedona marriage industry. Brides dream of photo locations that feature its the steep cliffs, nearby trees, and stunning canyon sunsets. Many people may take you to Merry Go Round Rock, but can’t do so safely or affordably.
The place has become so popular for marriage ceremonies, some people even call it “Marry Go Round Rock.” But regardless of its popularity, we believe we have a responsibility to our clients. White Desert Photography only lets their most experienced photographers drive couples and families up the road. We don’t want any accidents on the challenging route because of weather dangers and rocky terrain.
Check out the effortless photos we’ve shared below and read how to make the most of your Merry Go Round Rock elopement.
Save your date with White Desert Photography for your Merry Go Round Rock ceremony.
Merry Go Round Rock Elopement vs. Wedding
In Sedona, elopements and weddings have different meanings and impacts on the day of your ceremony.
It’s important to set up you set up your expectations correctly, because the wrong photographer or planner might not know the rules of the road. Weddings are larger ceremonies that tend to have more decor, guests, and expectations. Elopements are normally smaller ceremonies where the guests list is limited, decor can be set up by one person, and the ceremonies are short.
Merry Go Round Rock does not have electric or water hook-ups or seating space for the big wedding day. It’s remoteness and natural surroundings make it the perfect Sedona elopement location.
Why is the location so popular?
Sedona’s iconic red rock landscape offers some of the most incredible views in the world for wedding and elopement photography.
People love the mix of wedding elegance that contrasts Sedona’s rugged earth and jagged mountains. And the Coconino National Forest describes Merry Go Round Rock as rugged and difficult to access. You will likely require a jeep and jeep driver to get you there if you aren’t experienced with driving off road.
The spot is exclusive because of its increased cost of renting a private jeep, jeep driver, or a jeep vendor. Merry Go Round Rock has become a terrific offering for couples looking for an adventurous story to remember with their wedding photos.
Not many wedding locations in the world can offer you the same unforgettable experience.
How to drive up to Merry Go Round Rock
For many people out of town, you may be asking where is Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona?
While it currently feels like a remote, purposeless location, the spot has some history. When our founder Victoria first moved to Sedona in high school, she quickly learned that this used to be the only road from Sedona to the nearby trading city of Flagstaff. While locals favor the State Route 89A or Interstate 17, the road still connects central Sedona to Flagstaff.
There aren’t any signs that tell you how to get there or that you’ll need an off-road vehicle. So it should be pretty obvious that driving to Merry Go Round Rock can be a difficult experience for the unprepared or inexperienced.
Please be careful if there is rain in the forecast. Unmaintained roads like this one have large boulders that move and gain momentum as they roll down roads. You want to be in a safe spot once a monsoonal downpour starts.
Off Road Vehicle recommendations
White Desert Photography has worked with a number of Jeep and Off Road Vehicle companies in the area. Of course, price is critical when making your decision about who to rent from. But make sure you’re also considering renting a high-clearance vehicle.
The rocks on the road are what cause the biggest issues for this location. The boulders on the road require a high clearance to safely traverse them. Here are a few local companies that can do the job:
If you want a more detailed recommendation, I’d be happy to share my perspectives with any couple who inquires with White Desert Photography.
Inquire today and we can set you up with our cheaper, private Jeep tour connections.
May elopement at Merry Go Round Rock
Victoria at White Desert Photography took these photos during Devon and Dalton’s May Merry Go Round Rock elopement.
The couple inquired for an elopement, and were flying in from Tennessee. Because they were paying the travel costs, they also told us they wanted “the experience and scenery.” It was a bumpy ride, so we know they got an experience!
The couple brought four family members, which was a perfect amount to legally sign the wedding license and provide some depth to the photos.
The day was windy, which can happen when you’re eloping in the wild outdoors. But I honestly think it made for an incredibly unique elopement. Look at her voluptuous veil and the dusty glow behind them.
On a day without wind, you wouldn’t get those natural features in an elopement shoot at Merry Go Round Rock.
So as I always tell my couples, we’ll plan for the best and adapt on the day!
Victoria Nabours, a Northern Arizona local, founded White Desert Photography in 2018. Since then, the company has bloomed into one of the most in-demand wedding, elopement, and engagement photography companies in Sedona. Additionally, her years of expertise have taken her to international wedding destinations and attracted the eye of local and bridal magazines.
Check out her photo galleries, elopement, and wedding packages, and inquire today!
