Cathedral Rock Weddings and Elopements in Sedona, Arizona
{Updated for 2025}
The Cathedral Rock wedding and elopement location is one of the most requested places to elope in Sedona, and with good reason! The larger-than-life views, dynamic landscape, and monumental red rock spires are guaranteed to take your breath away both in person and looking back on images of your elopement for years to come.
The dramatic views from the mid and top sections of Cathedral Rock are a photographer’s absolute dream. But be forewarned, this location is not for everyone.
Eloping at Cathedral Rock can be a beautiful and romantic experience, but there are a few things to consider before making your plans. Let’s walk through them below.
Looking for ideas and tips on eloping in Sedona? Check out The Ultimate Sedona Elopement Planning Guide to help you plan your unforgettable wedding adventure!
3 Reasons to choose a Cathedral Rock elopement
Reasons to skip Cathedral Rock for your wedding
Cathedral Rock Wedding Information at a Glance
- Location Cost: No special permit at this time
- Guests: Recommended 0-25 because of extremely limited parking, shuttle system, and difficulty of getting there.
- Setups Allowed: None
- Accessibility: The hike to the lower platform is easy to moderate, but requires mobility to hike up uneven stairs for approximately 0.25 miles. The hike to the top is very difficult with a major incline and areas that you will need to use your hands to climb up. Appropriate footwear and water is a must.
- Suitable for: The lower lower area connector trail is an option for couples and guests who can walk uneven terrain for up to a half mile with a bit of uphill. If you are including kiddos and pets I *HIGHLY* recommend doing your ceremony at the lower area connector trail or at an easier family family-friendly location.
- Parking: At the top- extremely limited- no pass required, OR if hiking limited parking available at Munds Wagon Trailhead (Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required) I do not recommend hiking the trail. It is mostly up a wash and you hear the vehicle traffic the whole time.
- Best time of Day: Sunrise or Sunset
- Best time of Year: Fall to late spring/ early summer.
Answers to common questions
Cathedral Rock Wedding & Elopement gallery
Galleries taken at Cathedral Rock
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Sedona 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 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.
Your site is incredible and I love these photos!
Holy cow Cathedral Rock looks so epic! And I’m obsessed with your tones, every photo is so perfect!! Love it!
Wowww Cathedral Rock is such an epic location for an elopement!!! Sooo gorgeous and love all of the moments you captured!!!
These are such great helpful tips and ideas. Also the thing about sun screen is key haha! I always forget little things like that.
All your images are so beautiful!!! I haven’t been to Sedona yet but it’s on the list for sure. Thank you for including all that useful information in the beginning as well!!
I really adore how there are tips on eloping at cathedral rock, combined with gorgeous images of the desert landscape!
Both of these shoots look incredible! I can never get over the red sandstone of Arizona; for sure elopement goals.
I love how you captured the details of the tassels on Lani’s dress. Also thank you for including PRO TIPS-theyre super helpful
These elopement planning tips for Sedona are so thorough and helpful! Sounds like you really know your way around the area. And the images are gorgeous!