Destination elopements: Should I consider Northern Arizona?

bride and groom in field

Sedona is not the only elopement destination

If you know anything about Northern Arizona elopements and weddings, you probably know that Sedona is the premiere wedding destination. And for good reason. Sedona is an iconic spot in the wedding and destination elopement industry because of its stunning landscapes, natural beauty, accomodations and high quality resorts.

However, Northern Arizona has several hidden gems and much more to offer than just Sedona.

If you’ve only been to Phoenix, I’ll let you in on the Arizona secret — there’s so much more you’re missing. In the space north of Phoenix there are sprawling forests, reaching peaks, twisting waterfalls and canyons that are open for destination elopements.

couple on red rocks

Destination elopement or wedding?

The timeless outdoor scenery of Northern Arizona includes public, state and tribal lands. While most of these areas are free for small elopements some areas do require a smaller fee. For the couple looking to save for their future life together, destination elopements in the beautiful outdoors can still save couples thousands by reducing the a major wedding cost — venue.

And the costs of Northern Arizona venues drop off of a Grand Canyon-sized cliff once you head out of Sedona. Northern Arizona’s lands have everything a couple looking for a secluded get away needs.

couple at the grand canyon

The Grand Canyon

Nothing deserves the first spot on our destination elopement mention more than the Grand Canyon — one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The canyon’s stunning color variation in its reaching canyon walls contrast the vast Arizona sky. Finding a quiet location to watch birds soar and your cherished loved one, safely away from the canyon’s edge, make it a serene location for many adventurous fiances.

man and woman on cliffs

Flagstaff

Certainly underrated among the Arizona elopement spots, Flagstaff and the surrounding landscape are known as one of the few places in the Southwest to experience a true forest destination elopement. The crisscrossing trails through the ponderosa pine trees perfectly frame the remnants of a dormant volcano, popularly known as the San Fransisco Peaks.

Flagstaff also has another benefit — it is the largest city in Northern Arizona. Because of its relation to the Grand Canyon, it also has many hotels and amenities that you can enjoy during your destination elopement.

Prescott

Prescott is a city that feels plucked right out of the heart of an old Western. It is located about halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff and is surrounded by the Prescott National Forest. For those who want a more tame elopement at an affordable price, Prescott’s downtown area includes the lawn of the Yavapai County Courthouse that runs along Whiskey Row for a quaint, old town setting.

Outside of the city streets, the rolling hills, colorful rocks and peaceful waters are all open for the adventurous couple.

couple in slot canyon

Page

While the city is small; its surroundings are vast. Page sits on the border of the Arizona and Utah and benefits from the nearby Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. This city of a little more than 7,000 people is a hidden gem because of the nearby Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

For those looking for a more adventurous elopement, there are some extra locations that aren’t widely known that are just as stunning.

wedding rings on flowers

Vendors

For those of you who are considering Northern Arizona for your special day, make sure you have a vendors who knows the ins and outs of the area. Ceremonies in the wilds can be fun, but they also must be taken seriously to minimize impact of the wildlife.

woman looking at camera

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 has 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!

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Arianne & Eric

“My husband and I planned a small elopement in Sedona. I found Victoria on Instagram and loved her style. We went through the planning process without a wedding planner which proved to be difficult. Victoria was so helpful in making suggestions and pointing us into the right direction, even though I know she really didn’t have to do that as our photographer. On the day of the wedding, she was prompt in arrival and swift in ensuring that she captured everything. In our evening shoot, we went to 2 locations but looking at our pictures it appears that we went to at least 20. She has an amazing eye for photography and truly captured the spirit of our relationship. The quality is excellent and we could not be happier with how our photos turned out. Victoria is a gem. If you are looking for a down to earth and talented photography, choose White Desert Photography!”


If you are looking for a down to earth and talented photography, choose White Desert Photography!

Karina & Zach

“Totally WORTH IT! Highly recommend!

Victoria is amazing behind the camera. I am usually really camera shy but I was so comfortable. It literally felt like a DREAM! We enjoyed each breath taking moment!”

It literally felt like a DREAM! We enjoyed each breath taking moment!

Izza & Reenan 

“Our wedding was originally March 2020 and she was so great during that difficult time of unexpected rescheduling. When we finally met 2 years after our first email exchange she made us feel so comfortable and at ease.

We would 100% recommend her to anyone and would be thrilled to have her take our photos again.”

We would 100% recommend her to anyone and would be thrilled to have her take our photos again.

Sarah & Aaron

“We hired her for our engagements, bridals and wedding day and we absolutely LOVED having her to capture these special moments. Victoria, is personable yet professional, and by the end of these shoots we felt she was a dear friend.”

by the end of these shoots we felt she was a dear friend.