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!

Cathedral Rock Elopement in Sedona, Arizona

3 Reasons to choose a Cathedral Rock elopement

  • THE WOW FACTOR. The views from the top and dramatic rock formations all around are out of this world.
  • THE ADVENTURE FACTOR. Hiking up Cathedral is an intense incline and a climbing scramble to reach the uppermost ledges. It is an adrenaline rush the first time you reach the summit!
  • THE WILD FACTOR. A natural wind tunnel makes for a high probability of breezes coming through. Who doesn’t love a natural flowy dress, hair and windblown veil shots?

Reasons to skip Cathedral Rock for your wedding

  • LITTLE TO NO PRIVACY. This is a highly trafficked trail, and the uppermost areas do not offer the privacy expectation most couples seek for their vow exchange. (I have a few secret tucked away spots away from the main trail).
  • PARKING LOGISTICS. The trailhead is located in the middle of a neighborhood with very limited parking. Thursday-Sunday you have to take the Sedona Shuttle.
  • DIFFICULTY FACTOR. This is not an easy-to-reach location. You will have to hike and climb up steep red rocks to get there, and it is very ledgy, so not recommended for those with an extreme fear of heights.
couple out on a ledge during their Cathedral Rock wedding portraits

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

From the main trailhead parking area, Cathedral Rock is only a 1.25 mile round trip hike with a 740+ ft elevation gain. Beware, the distance is deceiving. The incline is pretty intense. It takes most people 40-60 minutes to reach the top with breaks for water and to enjoy the view, which is a 100% acceptable excuse to stop and catch your breath!

Alltrails lists this trail as hard. If you are not used to hiking in the desert at elevation it can be a somewhat strenuous climb to the top. It’s a steep elevation gain and has several spots where you will need to use your hands to climb/ scramble up.

There is no special use permit required at this time with no setups.  Always check with the Coconino National Forest Red Rock District for current permit requirements for your desired activity, as they can change periodically.

Sunset- The main ledge has the most dramatic lighting and the most intense red rock glow in the evening at sunset.

Sunrise- The spire has more dramatic lighting during sunrise. Sunrise also offers a bit more privacy and a softer sky at the main ledge.

Mid-Day- I do not suggest mid-day unless it is a cloudy, overcast day, creating a soft box effect in the sky- buuuut, it can still be done with a bit of planning.

No setups of any kind are allowed at the main trail.  This includes non hand held florals, arches, tables or benches of any kind, as well as confetti (yes, even the ones that say biodegradable), flower petals and bird seed.

Most couples choose to change into their main wedding clothes towards the top of the trail. This is so they don’t get their wedding attire sweaty and dirty, or have to fight to move. Another choice is to throw a backpack over your dress/ suit if you don’t mind a bit of red rock ombre along the bottom and choose clothes that have enough give for big movements.  The main thing is to wear good grippy shoes or hiking boots. The climb can be slippery and you don’t want to get injured going up or down.

Yes! While there is still a bit of an uphill hike, there are areas at the big opening where Cathedral Rock and Templeton Trails intersect that are easier to get to and can accommodate a family ceremony as long as everyone has decent mobility. You can even bring your pups!

Yes!  There are several gorgeous, less traveled locations nearby where you will still have Cathedral Rock in the background without the steep hike. 

General Pack list:

  • A great attitude- this hike is no joke!!!
  • Hiking boots/ good gripping soled shoes
  • Backpack to keep your hands free while carrying any gear
  • Wedding Attire
  • Any details- rings, bouquet, vow books, etc…
  • Touch up makeup and hair items
  • WATER!  At least 1 liter for each person.
  • Snacks- electrolytes, energy bars, dried fruit, etc…
  • Sunscreen- The desert sun is harsh, be sure to protect yourself with a strong sunscreen, sunglasses, ang possibly a hat depending on the day
  • Loose flowy clothing or moisture wicking fabrics 
  • Pants with plenty of stretch to take large steps
  • Hiking poles (optional, but very useful coming down the slick rock)

Monday-Wednesday: The main trailhead parking is extremely busy, so plan on having to circle and snag a spot as hikers finish their descent. It requires a Red Rock Parking Pass which can be purchased ahead of time, or with credit card through a machine at the trailhead. The America the Beautiful pass  it also covers parking.  There is no street parking.

Thursday- Sunday (and during peak tourist times like spring break):  There is a year-round shuttle system in place to help the neighborhood with traffic and parking issues.  This means there is no parking available at the trailhead during the hours the shuttle is running. If you want a sunset session, you will either have to take a connector trail with a longer hike, plan for Monday- Wednesday, or arrange a pickup after the shuttles have stopped running.  For current shuttle schedules, visit Sedona Shuttle.

I highly recommend September through May. These are generally going to be the best months to elope at Cathedral Rock.  January and early February can sometimes come with cold weather, leaving ice and snow patches along the shaded areas, so extra precautions are required.   The summer has many days reaching into the high 90s and over 100°F, along with unpredictable monsoon storms, making flexibility a must. 

Summer: I only offer sunrise hikes up Cathedral for the summer months due to the heat and monsoon rains.

Cathedral Rock Wedding & Elopement gallery

  • Cathedral Rock Sunrise elopement wedding portraits
  • Wedding couple at the main ledge of Cathedral Rock during their elopement wedding pictures
  • Bride with flowing dress at the ledge of Cathedral Rock trail
  • Bride and groom at sunrise by the vortex spire at Cathedral Rock

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.

Contact me to get started!
Shannon Durazo standing in the Sedona Red Rocks

Resources and Inspiration

9 Comments

  2. Holy cow Cathedral Rock looks so epic! And I’m obsessed with your tones, every photo is so perfect!! Love it!

    Reply

  3. Wowww Cathedral Rock is such an epic location for an elopement!!! Sooo gorgeous and love all of the moments you captured!!!

    Reply

  4. These are such great helpful tips and ideas. Also the thing about sun screen is key haha! I always forget little things like that.

    Reply

  5. 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!!

    Reply

  6. I really adore how there are tips on eloping at cathedral rock, combined with gorgeous images of the desert landscape!

    Reply

  7. Both of these shoots look incredible! I can never get over the red sandstone of Arizona; for sure elopement goals.

    Reply
  8. Kayla Altman says:

    I love how you captured the details of the tassels on Lani’s dress. Also thank you for including PRO TIPS-theyre super helpful

    Reply

  9. 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!

    Reply

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