Plan Your Arizona Elopement with Your Soon to Be Arizona Videographer
Wondering what it would be like to wake up on your wedding day with nothing but excitement? No timelines to stress over, no rigid schedules to follow. Just you and your person, fully present in the moment. That’s the beauty of eloping. It’s a wedding day that unfolds exactly how you want it to. Whether that means hiking to a breathtaking overlook, exchanging vows on a quiet lakeshore, or celebrating with your closest friends under the desert stars, your elopement should feel like you.
Megan and Eric’s elopement at Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell was the perfect example of this. They wanted a ceremony with sweeping canyon views but also wanted some private, intimate moments away from the crowds. By choosing a separate location for their first look, they got to experience both! A grand, epic setting and a peaceful, personal moment together. This is why planning an elopement intentionally is so important. It allows you to create a day that feels effortless and meaningful.
1. Location: A Place That Feels Right for You
One of the most exciting parts of eloping is choosing where to say I do. Do you want to exchange vows in a place that holds deep meaning for you? Maybe where you had your first trip together or a location tied to a special memory? Or are you craving a brand-new adventure, letting the thrill of the unknown be part of your love story?
Things to think about when choosing a location:
Do you want a private spot, or don’t mind some fellow hikers or tourists nearby?
Will the terrain or weather conditions affect your comfort and experience?
Does the location require permits, special permissions, or a bit of a trek to reach?
Megan and Eric loved Horseshoe Bend for its grandeur but knew they wanted a more private setting for their first look. We chose Lake Powell, just a short drive away, where they could share that moment with nothing but the stillness of the water and the golden desert light around them.
2. Who Do You Want to Be There?
Elopements don’t have to mean just the two of you..unless, of course, that’s exactly what you want. Some couples prefer the intimacy of a private vow exchange, while others want a small circle of family and friends to witness the moment. I’ve captured elopements with just the couple and their officiant, and I’ve also documented intimate celebrations with up to 30 guests.
Ask yourself:
Do you want to share this experience alone, or would having loved ones there make it even more special?
If you invite guests, how do you want them to be involved in the day?
Would you prefer a separate celebration later so you can have the best of both worlds?
Whatever you decide, the beauty of eloping is that there are no rules. You can craft the experience that feels right for you.
3. The Vibe of the Day: Adventure or Laid-Back?
Your elopement should reflect your personality and how you love spending time together. Do you want an adventurous day filled with epic experiences, or a calm and intimate celebration where you simply soak in the beauty around you?
If you love exploring together, consider adding an exciting element to your elopement:
Hike to a remote overlook for sunrise vows
Kayak to a secluded beach for a peaceful ceremony
Off-road to a hidden canyon for a private, jaw-dropping backdrop
Say your vows mid-air while skydiving—yes, that’s a thing
Not every elopement has to be a high-energy adventure. Some couples prefer a relaxed, intentional experience where they can fully enjoy every moment together:
A slow morning getting ready together with coffee and quiet moments
A private vow exchange at sunset, with nothing but nature around you
A cozy dinner under the stars, complete with champagne and dessert
A leisurely day exploring your elopement location, no rush, no stress
With a flexible timeline, Megan and Eric got the best of both worlds. They had those stunning nature-filled moments at Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell but also took time for elegant, timeless portraits at their hotel.
Just because you’re eloping outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t have those classic, beautifully composed wedding photos.
Kind Words From Megan and Eric
“If you're on the fence about booking a videographer for your elopement or wedding, DO IT & BOOK WITH EMILY. I promise you won't regret it! We decided to elope at Horseshoe Bend, and we knew immediately we wanted to capture this on video, to make sure we captured every little detail. Emily did just that!
From day 1 Emily was so detail oriented, making sure to keep in touch with us months ahead of time, and making sure we had everything planned for the day of (and being super flexible when last minute things came up!) The films we received from Emily were PERFECT, and she got them to us in an ample amount of time.
We can't thank Emily enough for capturing every major and minor detail from our day, and putting that film together in such a fun, elegant, creative, and perfect way. Not only is Emily extremely professional, she is also kind, relatable, and overall makes you feel completely at ease on your big day. Thank you so much Emily!”
Making It All About You: Elopement at Horseshoe Bend
At the end of the day, eloping isn’t about following trends or fitting into a mold. It’s about celebrating your love in a way that feels right for you. It’s about freedom, joy, and experiencing the best day of your life without expectations weighing you down.
So, whether you're envisioning a private desert ceremony, an intimate cliffside gathering, or an all-out adventure, know that your elopement can be whatever you want it to be. And if you need someone to help guide you through the process, scout the best locations, and document every incredible moment, I’d love to be that person for you.
Arizona Wedding Videographer | Emily Faye Films
Whether you're dreaming of a wedding day that feels effortlessly to you,filled with real, unscripted moments, or you want a film that transports you back to the way it felt, you deserve more than a standard wedding video. You deserve a wedding videography experience that’s as authentic and timeless as your love story. That’s exactly what I’m here to create. Let’s capture the moments that matter most,without the awkward posing or forced emotions. Ready to relive your day, exactly as it happened? Let’s make it happen! Get in touch, here!
Want to see more of my Arizona Wedding Videography? Head to my Pinterest to save ideas for your wedding planning boards!
Arizona Elopement Vendors:
Videographer: Emily Adkins | Photo: Samantha Rose Photography | HAMU: Desert Sage Hair and Makeup
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