Brie and Tyler’s Spiritual Elopement Ceremony overlooking the red rocks of Sedona, AZ
Brie and Tyler drove to Sedona from Colorado Springs for their November red rock elopement. The fall weather was a little windy, but still mild with crystal blue skies. The desert sun provided both warmth and a glow that enveloped the canyon. They chose a beautiful vacation rental in uptown Sedona for their stay, so they could be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and visitor activities.
I met them at their rental for the final getting ready with Ash from Desert Sage HMUA/ Sedona Beauty Team finishing up Brie’s soft glam hair and makeup look for the day.
Once she was dressed, we moved to the rustic-chic backyard patio area for a first look before heading out for their wedding ceremony.
Brie and Tyler chose one of the more popular Sedona wedding destinations- Merry Go Round Rock (see the post on Merry Go Round Rock Wedding and Elopement Planning for more information on this location for your red rock elopement or wedding) We left the vacation rental and proceeded to caravan our 4wd vehicles up the 45-60 minute bumpy road to their ceremony location. On this day we were lucky and saw only a handful of people at the top parking area- which was perfect since we needed a second witness to sign their marriage license! (See the post on on How to Get Legally Married in Arizona for more information on how easy it is to tie the knot here!)
Patricia from Earth Elopements rode up with me in my 4runner, while Tyler and Brie drove up in their Toyota Tacoma.
Once at the top, we found the perfect spot overlooking the canyon for a secluded spiritual ceremony with the singing bowl and sprays of sage (no burning allowed in the highly flammable desert). It was a peaceful and emotional ceremony, followed by champagne overlooking the red rock landscape, and a private first dance as the last of the sun’s glow radiated through the canyon walls.
The day was filled with an abundance of quiet joy from Brie, and Tyler’s exuberant laugh. We continued to explore the area and enjoy the view until the sun set and the blue skies gave way to twinkles of white stars as we drove down the mountain.
Once we reached the end of the dirt road, we stopped to air tires back up and appreciate the star filled night sky, snagging a couple pictures of the constellations before saying our goodbyes for the evening.
Vendors for the Day:
- Dress: Anthropologie
- Hair and Makeup: Sedona Beauty Team, Desert Sage HMUA
- Suit: Jos A. Bank, Levi’s, Tony Llama Boots
- Officiant: Patricia with Earth Elopements
- Getting Ready Location: Air BnB in Sedona
- Ceremony Location: Merry Go Round Rock
Kind Words from the Couple
“Shannon was our life line when planning our elopement in Sedona, AZ. Not only was she supportive and informative in advance she made the day of feel truly special. The photos were gorgeous and perfectly captured our day! Don’t hesitate to work with Shannon if you’re seeking an adventure photographer.”
~ Gabrielle Rinck
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Southwest elopement photographer, go-to problem solver, and Adventure Buddy
Are you ready for a nature-filled wedding or an epic 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 specialize in capturing both intimate elopements and weddings in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.
Gorgeous images! I can feel the love and warmth in them. Really nice work😊
What a gorgeous experience that was so well executed. Nice work!!! I can feel the love and warmth through the images 😊
What a beautiful sunny day is such a stunning location!
wow…what incredible photos! Had a hard time choosing my favorite but these two lucked out with you as their photographer. The big scenes are amazing and the ones with the fall colours is awesome. Thanks for sharing!
Beyond epic! I really hope to photograph an elopement in Sedona some day! Your photos are amazing and you really captured all of their special moments so beautifully!
The vibes here are perfect. How special that these two were able to have a day that truly spoke to them, amongst the beauty of Sedona!