Arizona Elopement Photographer


Helping couples who choose shared experiences in the wild tell their love story through bold, artful photographs

You’re here because you want more than a wedding—you want an ADVENTURE! You dream of a day that feels like you—UNTAMED, BOLD, and UNAPOLOGETICALLY REAL. If your heart races at the thought of breaking tradition and doing something unforgettable, welcome to where your vision finally feels at home.

Let’s Romanticize your Life!

Mom and baby give a high five with baby girl on dad's shoulders inside slot canyon by Arizona elopement photographer Stratus Adventure Photography

Throw Out the Expectations, Keep the Magic

This isn’t about following expectations—it’s about creating a day that feels wildly true to you. Whether that means saying your vows on a mountaintop, in the middle of the desert, or dancing barefoot under the stars, your wedding should be anything but ordinary.

Make a full-fledged commitment to soaking in every moment, not letting your wedding day blur by like just another checkbox on life’s to-do list.

Because this isn’t just another event—it’s the start of something legendary.

Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo

A former project manager turned Arizona elopement photographer, go-to problem solver, and Adventure Buddy

Are you ready for a nature-filled wedding or an epic Arizona elopement adventure? I’m here to do more than take photos—I’m here to help you create a day that feels as incredible as it looks. From scouting jaw-dropping locations and sharing vendor recommendations to crafting timelines that catch that golden-hour magic, we’re building more than a wedding day; we’re creating art while putting your experience first. Whether it’s hiking a mountain, off-roading to a secret spot, or chasing sunsets, we’ll make memories as unique and extraordinary as your love story.

I am based in Sedona, Arizona and specialize in capturing both intimate elopements and weddings in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.

Shannon Durazo, owner and lead photographer of Stratus Adventure Photography- Arizona Elopement Photographer

Years Of Experience

Weddings & Elopements Photographed

Collective 5 Star Reviews

What’s included in every Arizona Elopement Package

  • Exclusive Stratus Elopement Guide & Planning Workflow which includes multiple planning calls to walk you through the process from start to finish- so you don’t feel lost or overwhelmed.
  • Custom location research, vendor recommendations, activity ideas, and timeline planningbecause I know how to navigate the desert’s harsh lighting for your Arizona adventure wedding, so you don’t have to.
  • Behind the scenes videos/photos sent straight to your phone at the end of the day through AirDrop or a Dropbox link- so you can share them with family and friends right away.
  • Online gallery with unlimited high-resolution downloads, personal printing rights, and a convenient professional print lab for easy orderingso it’s easy to add your favorites to your walls.
  • Sneak Peeks within 2 Days, so you don’t have to wait to relive your memories.
  • Custom album design, so you can flip through your day laid out in story format any time you want.

Above all, i promise to fiercely protect your experience on your wedding day.

Where to Elope

The four-corners states are where i call home…

…but i’ll meet you wherever you may roam

Awards & Publications:

The Process

Step 1


Book Your Discovery  Call

First, book a discovery call to connect and see how we click. Having someone you trust and who makes you feel comfortable is a HUGE part of your overall wedding day experience.

Couple standing in the red rocks in a green suit and black wedding dress by Arizona elopement photographer Stratus Adventure Photography
Groom holding bride with reflections during their remote offroad elopement in Arizona by elopement photographer Shannon Durazo

Step 2


Secure Your Date

Did our call feel like the perfect fit? The next step is to get your date secured. I only accept a limited amount of weddings and elopements each month so I’m able to give my couples the best service possible.

Step 3


Craft your Experience

Once you are booked, we will begin crafting your ideal day, from location scouting, vendor recommendations, timeline assistance, and laying out the important details that mean the most to you. If you can dream it, we will do our absolute best to make it happen.

Couple standing next to a helicopter before their sendoff by by Arizona elopement photographer Stratus Adventure Photography

Step 4


Enjoy Your core memory wedding day!

When your wedding day arrives, I will be your photographer, hype woman, stalker-azee and personal problem solver so you get to live in the moment and enjoy your day together- I’ve got you!

We may be the dream team if:

  • You want to document the Full Story of your wedding day.
  • You want to capture All the Big and Little Details, epic little people-big-world landscape portraits, and all the candid moments throughout the day.
  • You love the idea of having a photographer who is a hands-on Personal Problem Solver on your team.
  • You want someone to help plan a day that allows you to Be in the Moment so you don’t feel rushed.
  • You want Epic Couples Portraits in the Wild, so you need a photographer who will help guide you in choosing your location and timeline based on the best lighting.
  • You envision having an Experience for just for the two of you as all or part of your elopement. Having a photographer willing to hike, off-road, and go adventuring with you to capture it is a must.
I can not wait to get to know you!

That’s what I’m here for. I will ask questions and go over a customized timeline that fits what you are dreaming up. Want to play around with it? Check out the Elopement Timeline Calculator.

I book out 12-18 months in advance for Saturday weddings during prime months. But don’t let that scare you away from reaching out. I have been able to squeeze in weekday elopements as soon as the same week in some cases. The great thing about specializing in non-traditional weddings is that they fall on all days of the week, not just weekends!

Choosing an elopement or wanting adventurous nature portraits does not mean you have to hike a mountain! There are plenty of gorgeous gentle access locations available.

This depends on your location, amount of people, and setup. If you are interested in a State Park, National Park, or BLM land, plan on needing one. This also affects how much planning time you will need, as they can take 30-60 days depending on the land manager. For many National Forest lands a permit is not needed for small elopements without setups (arches, benches, free standing decor).

Sure is! You benefit from my spread-out family 🙂

While I mostly work in Arizona and Utah, I have family members living throughout Colorado (where I moved from) and New Mexico (where I lived in High School). I love an excuse to pop in for a visit- so it’s a win-win in my book!

Many of my couples choose to have guests at their elopement. How many depends on the area and land managers. Some locations limit it to under 10, some 25, and some allow more with reservations. Check out this blog for more information- Eloping with Guests.

I help with location research, timeline creation, vendor recommendations, packing lists, gear items, etc. I give guidance, but it’s up to you to contact your preferred vendors and book your travel. Because I’ll be focused on documenting your wedding, I can’t be the one providing “day-of” planning or assistance (like vendor coordination or dinner set-up). If you’ll need an extra set of hands, adding our day-of coordinator is recommended.

Believe me when I say this is the rule, not the exception.  Most people feel this way, including almost every couple you see on my site.  

Don’t worry- I’ve got you.

I will watch the way you interact, and guide you with activities that bring out real emotions and connect you to each other.  The joy and connection you feel for each other are what make great, flattering photos.  We will make sure to grab a few of the standard portrait style shots, but the vast majority of our time will be spent capturing you being you.

Are you still feeling unsure?

Set up a free, no-obligation discovery call and ask me anything you like. I am a no bs kind of gal and happy to help answer any questions and give general guidance on locations, how elopements work, how to have a larger wedding and still embrace the outdoors, and any other details that may be adding stress to your planning process.

Capturing love stories across the Southwest—here are some of the stunning places I work:

Colorado | Utah | New Mexico | California | Wyoming | Oregon | Alaska

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