A couple kissing at a cliff at sunset during their Sedona engagement session

Arizona Elopement Packages & Information

Authentic Wedding Experiences For You, By You

So... you want to get married in a way that represents who you truly are, is stress-free, and is actually fun?! You're not satisfied with having a "cookie-cutter" wedding experience that doesn't feel like you at all? Tired of having the wedding industry and society tell you of what you "have" to do in order to get married? Sick of feeling the pressure to make everyone else happy? Want to say your vows in a beautiful place, surrounded by the most incredible scenery imaginable? You're not alone.

There's more than just one way to get married, and it's entirely possible to have exactly the type of day you're looking for. You can elope!

Hi, I'm Kathleen and I'm your Arizona elopement photographer (and new friend!). I'm here to help you plan a wedding experience that is an authentic representation of your relationship and a day where you can have the absolute time of your lives! Your wedding day shouldn't be something you stress about. It should be a day you want to live over and over again.

What is an Adventure Elopement?

A couple smiling at one another during their Arizona elopement

An elopement is an intimate, experience-driven, intentional celebration of your relationship that focuses on what matters most- two people exchanging their vows and committing their lives to one another. There are many types of elopements, but adventure elopements are typically outside in nature and involve some element of adventure.

Eloping allows you to set aside stress, expectations, and throw out any traditions you don't feel connected to. You can elope just the two of you, or you can elope surrounded by your very closest family and friends. The beautiful thing about eloping? There are no rules.

The day you get married matters!

Nobody deserves to feel pressured into a type of wedding day that they don't want or that doesn't feel like them. Your wedding day should be a reflection of who you are and a unique celebration of your love. The experience in which you say your vows to your partner, when you commit the rest of your life to them, MATTERS. You deserve to have a wedding experience that is authentically you and everything you've ever dreamed of. If a traditional wedding doesn't align with who you are, or what you want- that's perfectly okay!

Instead, you could have an adventurous elopement.

A couple cuddling at dusk in front of an airplane during their Sedona elopement

Why Should Your Elopement Last All Day?

I get it. At first glance the idea of having an all day elopement (and having the entire experience documented) sounds absolutely wild. But trust me, it's really not!

The way you get married is important! Your wedding day will be your anniversary for the rest of your life- your elopement is so incredibly special. You deserve to have your ENTIRE adventure captured (not just your vows and some quick portraits!) for you to relive time and time again. Traditional weddings get their entire story told, from the time they're getting ready to the time they leave the venue. Even though the activities and timeline of an elopement are completely different, your story still deserves to be told. So why not make the day you get married the best day you can possibly imagine?

This is not an all-day photo shoot, you won't have a camera in your face the entire time. We'll be hiking, laughing, doing whatever adventures and activities you want, exploring some really epic places, and at some point along the way you'll get married! This is about documenting the fun and excitement that is your wedding day and the two of you having the time of your lives.

A couple cliff jumping during their Sedona elopement

So, what would we even do all day?

Honestly? Anything you want. The great thing about eloping is that you are deciding to get married your way. There's no pre set expectations or "rules" that you have to follow. You can do anything you want.

You could adventure in the red rocks of Sedona, or by a lake in the woods in Flagstaff. You can take a leisurely stroll in the forest or hike to an incredible overlook for sunset. You can ride in a helicopter, go off-roading, or go kayaking. You can go horseback riding through cactus, or go swimming in a creek.

You can elope with just you and your partner or with your closest family and friends. You could have a picnic on a cliff overlooking the red rocks of Sedona or have a private chef cook dinner for you in your Airbnb. You can write each other letters or sing each other songs. You can have a first look or get ready together. You can have an elaborate ceremony or a very simple one.

The point is? It's your elopement day- do what you want! Make it the best day for you imaginable. Don't let anyone tell you what your day should or shouldn't look like. No elopement is exactly like another- so don't get caught in the trap of doing it a certain way. I mean isn't that one of the reasons you decided to elope anyways? To get married in a way that is fun and authentically represents you? Have the type of wedding day that makes you happy and feel full.

Close Your Eyes...

and imagine all of the possibilities. What does your perfect day together look like? Where are you going and what are you doing? Do you imagine going on a hike through the desert or kayaking at a lake in the woods? Are you sitting on a stunning overlook, watching the sunset and enjoying a picnic together? What kinds of foods are you eating and drinks are you drinking? What types of activities do you imagine doing together? Are there any special or meaningful things in your relationship that you want to incorporate?

Really feel free to dream big here, the possibilities and choices for your elopement are endless. You can design your wedding experience however you want! There's no right or wrong way to elope- only what feels right for you.

What Your Arizona Elopement Day Could Look Like

A couple kissing on the edge of cliff during their Sedona elopement

If you were creating the best, most fully enjoyable day of your life together, how would that go? What would it look like?

I truly believe that no single elopement is exactly alike. Just like no two couples are the same. So don't limit yourself to what you may have seen in the past, or what you feel an elopement or wedding day "should" look like. Your wedding day is about creating a day that will make you feel alive, happy, completely relaxed, and in love.

So, dream big! Reflect on what's truly important to you, your partner, and your relationship and see where that takes you.

There's no right or wrong way to elope- just what makes you happy.

However.... if you're looking for a place to start, here's some tangible ideas of what your elopement day could possibly look like!

Your elopement day isn't just about the highlights. It's a whole day of memories. I want to tell a story. Your story.

Less posing, more you.

I'm not here to capture forced emotions, faked moments or the same shots over and over again, I'm here to capture the real you and your real love. No forced poses, no fake smiles, no saying crazy things to get a reaction just for "the shot". In fact, this isn't about me at all. It's all about you. It's all about you having an incredible experience and having the best day imaginable. I truly believe that when you're having the time of your lives, beautiful photos will follow. I'm here to tell the story of your day, to capture images full of real emotion, laughter, adventure, love, and most importantly images that are an authentic representation of you and your relationship. I want you to look back at your photos and think "yes, this is us".

Feeling awkward in front of the camera is a very real fear, one that I understand very personally. I hate being in front of the camera myself, and have had some very uncomfortable times when my husband and I have been photographed. I get it. Which is why I never want you to feel that way. Almost everyone I photograph has this concern, being in front of the camera can be uncomfortable or even scary. Which is why I take a documentary or storytelling approach to photography. Photos don't have to be a stressful thing, they can be so much fun and easier to do than you've ever imagined. I have a very relaxed, natural posing style where my main focus is capturing the real you in the most authentic & fun way possible! My goal is that you get so comfortable, you forget the camera is even there, and feel 100% confident to truly be yourself, be deeply connected with one another and let your personalities shine. Which is why getting to know the real you is so important to me and is why I want to get to know you and connect before we ever meet in person. After all, it's much easier to be photographed by a friend than some random stranger! If you're still worried, check out my reviews to see what couples say about working with me.

Meet Your Arizona Elopement Photographer

Hi I'm Kathleen! If you hire me as your Arizona elopement photographer, I'll be with you every step of the way to help you have the most amazing elopement experience possible. I'll help you find an incredible location (as a local I know the best spots!), give you lots of planning advice, be a trusted friend throughout the process, and document your wedding day in a beautiful, authentic way possible so you can relive your experience time and time again.

I love the outdoors and being in nature every second I can. I'm happiest when I'm out hiking a new trail or camping with my dog Ranger! I also love coffee, binge watching The Office for the millionth time, eating good food, reading, or traveling to new places (and hanging out with my awesome husband!).

I became an elopement photographer to pursue my biggest passions in life- spending more time outdoors and photographing couples on the day they get married! I'm a storyteller at heart and I'm here to tell your story of your love & the day you get married.

What Couples Are Saying:

"I cannot gush enough about Kathleen or our incredible photos. Even from the beginning she exceeded every expectation. I've never experienced anything so personal and I've never been so happy with photos before"

-Aubrey & John

"We had such a great experience with Kathleen! We needed someone who would be helpful, informative, and confident presence throughout the process and who has a knack for capturing those special moments on camera. We found all this and more with Kathleen"

-Chellie & Blake

An Arizona elopement photographer at Havasupai Falls

"She continued to exceed expectations despite the high bar she had set herself... Kathleen is warm and easy to be around. It felt like she was genuinely excited to be there with us. She managed a good balance between letting us enjoy ourselves and directing us to capture the moments we wanted documented."

-Brandon & Lena

A couple having a first look in front of a canyon at Dead Horse State Park in Moab

A couple swimming in the afternoon during their Sedona elopement

A couple's shoes in the dirt during their Arizona Elopement

A couple enjoying the view during their Lake Powell elopement in Utah

How This All Works

1. Contact Me

Ready to do this? Send me an inquiry and tell me a little bit about yourselves. I'll get back to you with more information and we can get started with planning your day!

2. Set up a Phone Call

Set up your complimentary consultation call and we can get to know one another a little better, you can share more about what you envision your elopement day looking like, and you can ask any questions around elopements you may have!

3.Book Your Arizona Elopement

After signing a contract and paying a retainer- you're officially booked! I'll send you my VIP 96-page Elopement Planning Guide (filled with tons of advice and will help you with your planning step-by-step) and a questionnaire to get to know you better and to get a clearer picture of your vision for your day. Based on those answers, I'll create a customized location list full of ideas to help you find your perfect place to elope. I'll also send you any vendor recommendations you request too! Once you select a location, I'll help walk you through the process of applying for a wedding permit (if needed) and send you my Leave No Trace Guide for Eloping Couples. When we get a little closer to your date, I'll help you create the perfect timeline for your day accounting for all of your fun activities you have planned! I'll also walk you through the process of applying for a marriage license.

4. Get Married!

Have the best day of your lives, adventuring in a beautiful place with the one you love most in the world. Today's the day you've been waiting for- the day you get to commit your lives to one another!

5. Relive Your Incredible Experience Through Your Photos

You'll get your beautiful photos back within 9 weeks after your elopement (not including the sneak peeks you'll get within 72 hours!). Share them with friends and family, hang them on your walls, and relive your elopement day again and again for years to come.

Start Planning Your Elopement

Your Customized Arizona Elopement Experience

Because your elopement shouldn't fit in any box

Every Package Includes:

Help crafting and planning your elopement step by step

I'll give you tons of advice to help you plan your perfect elopement experience through unlimited consultations while planning. I'll also give you access to my 96-page Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide!

Location scouting and customized location suggestions

I love location scouting! Being an avid hiker/adventurer, I love finding secret, hidden spots to explore. Many of the places my couples decide to elope at are places they had no idea even existed before I sent it to them! I'll help you find an amazing location to say your vows and get married at- no matter what type of scenery or length of hike you desire.

Vendor Recommendations

I'll help you find the perfect vendors that can help you craft the experience you're looking for.

Help acquiring permits & navigating the legalities

Most outdoor places do require a special use permit in order for you to legally say your vows. But not to worry, I'm experienced with the process and can help guide you on all the legalities! And on that note, I'll also help you with applying for your marriage license and making it all legal.

Help creating a timeline & finding fun activities for your day

I'll help you craft the perfect timeline for your day- taking into account all your fun activities (which I've got loads of ideas for!) and the best lighting for the most flattering images & experience possible.

Optional Officiant Services

I can legally sign as your officiant (in most states) if you want a more private experience. If you want someone to lead your ceremony in a way with more structure, I can help you find a fantastic officiant who offers that!

All photographer travel and taxes included

If it's accessible with a commercial airline & 2WD car and within ~3 hours from Phoenix, there's no extra travel charges. Additionally, sales tax is included so there's no surprise fees.

Candid, relaxed documentation of your day

I take a very natural, storytelling approach to photography. I want to tell your story in an authentic way and capture all of the emotion of your day so you can look back at your photos and feel present in that moment and relive your experience over and over again. I also want you to have a lot of fun! So no stiff, overly posed, awkward photos- just the real you.

Digital gallery of high-resolution images

You will get unlimited downloads of your gallery and personal printing rights- meaning you can share with friends and family and print at whichever shop of your choosing. Gallery will be delivered within 9 weeks with a sneak peek a few days after your day!

A couple laughing during their lake elopement

A couple dancing in front of Castleton Tower during their Moab elopement at sunset

A bride sharing a first look with the groom's family during their Columbia River Gorge elopement

And I'll bring the coffee & snacks too.

Arizona Elopement Packages

A couple kissing in front of an airplane during their Sedona elopement

Full Day Elopement Experience

One Full Day (Up to 10 hours) Together- Your Whole Adventure Documented

I'll document the complete story of your adventurous elopement or intimate wedding from start to finish, including up to 10 hours going anywhere you want! We can go to unlimited locations, do all the fun activities you can think of, and find an incredible spot for the two of you to say your vows at! Have an amazing experience together documented to relive for years to come.

Unlimited Help Planning Your Elopement

I'll help you plan your elopement step by step and will give you tons of advice & unlimited consultations. You'll get a 96-page Elopement Planning Guide, help finding the perfect location to say your vows, vendor recommendations, timeline suggestions, help acquiring permits, optional officiant services and more!

All Of Your Photos

You'll get full resolution images in an online, digital gallery within 9 weeks for you to view, download and share unlimited times with personal printing rights. Plus you'll get a sneak peek of your photos within 72 hours of your elopement!

My Travel Completely Covered

Wherever you decide to elope in Arizona within ~3 hours of Phoenix*, that is accessible by 2WD car, there are no extra fees! I'll handle all of my own travel at no extra charge to you. If you decide to take a helicopter, plane, 4WD, hot air balloon, boat, etc, it'll be a little more!

$6,200

Book Your Elopement

Half Day Elopement Experience

One Half Day (Up to 6 consecutive hours) Together- Your Adventure Documented

Whether you want to elope at sunrise or sunset, I will document your beautiful story of your adventurous elopement or intimate wedding, including up to 6 consecutive hours exploring your beautiful elopement location(s) and any activities you'd like. Whatever you can dream up- I'm down to do it!

Unlimited Help Planning Your Elopement

All Of Your Photos

My Travel Completely Covered

$5,000

Book Your Elopement

A couple laughing during their Arizona elopement

A couple walking in the desert during their Sedona elopement

Mini Elopement Experience

Up to 4 Hours of Documentation

I will document part of your story of your adventurous elopement or intimate wedding, including up to four consecutive hours! This could be enough time to document your ceremony, explore one location, and take some portraits together.

Unlimited Help Planning Your Elopement

All Of Your Photos

My Travel Completely Covered

$4,200

Book Your Elopement

*Travel covered ~3 hours of Phoenix. This includes Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, Payson, Prescott & the immediate surrounding areas.

What's it like to work with me?

Chellie-Blake-Rattlesnake-Lake-34_websize (2)_websize.jpg

"We had such a great experience with Kathleen! My partner (and now wife) and I were looking to elope during the pandemic. We wanted a fun, sweet, adventurous wedding day. We needed someone who would be a helpful, informative, and confident presence throughout the process and who has a knack for capturing those special moments on camera. We found all of this and more with Kathleen.

We reached out to Kathleen just weeks before our proposed elopement date and she immediately got us set up with a consultation appointment with her. Kathleen was a flexible and supportive partner in the process, from working around the logistics we had planned, to encouraging our imaginations for how we could make our special day uniquely ours. Kathleen used her knowledge of the area to recommend several locations based on the ideas we brainstormed and she also provided guidance for the preparation and materials we'd need for the day. Some of our favorite memories of the day--playing board games, exploring the coast, and an impromptu dance party--stem from the inspiration Kathleen gave us that allowed us to be ourselves and celebrate who we are as a couple.

On the day of, Kathleen arrived on time and ready to help, equipped with extra snacks and hand-warmers. She gave suggestions when we asked and otherwise gave us the space to be vulnerable, silly, and focus on one another. Throughout, she was a steady, encouraging, and quiet presence.

We are thrilled with our pictures and how Kathleen captured so many special moments—the emotions on each of our faces, the little ways my partner and I relate to each other, and the beauty of our chosen locations and activities. We especially appreciate the sneak peak Kathleen sent us the day after to help us share our joy with family and friends.

We felt safe and comfortable in Kathleen's adaptable, capable, and competent professionalism, and we would recommend her to all of our friends and family.

Thank you Kathleen for helping make our day so special!" -Chellie and Blake

A couple hiking through flowers during their elopement

A couple laughing after getting married by a lake

A couple holding hands during their Arizona elopement

A couple kissing at sunset during their Sedona elopement

A couple smiling during their Arizona elopement

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the difference between an elopement, intimate wedding, and adventure wedding?

I use these words fairly interchangeably, and there are many definitions out there. An elopement is when you have 0 guests, just you and your partner getting married and having the time of your lives! An intimate wedding is when you include guests on your day, typically no more than 25-30. Both an elopement and intimate wedding are adventure weddings!

How do I plan an elopement?

Planning an elopement can be daunting- there aren't a whole ton of resources out there for couples choosing to go a nontraditional route! I created a general Elopement Planning Guide to help adventurous couples plan their elopements with ease. I also have created several location specific elopement guides! Check out How to Elope in Arizona: A Complete Guide. Hopefully these planning devices help you! If you have any additional questions or want to get started planning your elopement, you can contact me!

How far in advance should I start planning?

I start booking couples ~12 months out. Most couples take around 6-10 months to plan their adventure elopement. However, you can still pull off an epic elopement in a month or less! No matter how far in advance or last minute, I'd love to chat with you about your wedding.

What if I'm not an avid hiker, can I still elope somewhere outdoors that's not too crowded?

Yes! There are countless locations that are easy to access and don't require extensive hiking. Additionally, you can choose to adventure in other ways besides hiking (helicopter & air tours, off-roading, kayaking, hot air balloons, etc.)

Can I invite my friends and family?

Yes, of course! One of the best parts of eloping is that you get to do whatever you want. And if that includes inviting your closest friends and family members? I'm here for it 100%.

Note: I only photograph intimate weddings with up to 10 people. This is due to increasingly strict permit regulations and Leave No Trace Considerations. In most desired elopement spots it simply isn't possible to have more guests than that due to impacting the fragile vegetation (i.e. wildflowers, tundra, cryptobiotic soil, etc.) or impacting other visitors. However, if you are interested in renting a small, private venue for your guests and splitting your day into an "adventure" portion for the two of you and a ceremony with your guests on private land- I would love to talk with you more!

What areas do you shoot elopements in?

I only photograph elopements in Arizona, within ~3 hours of Phoenix. This includes Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, Payson, Prescott & the immediate surrounding areas.

Contact Me