Private Vows Overlooking Weaver’s Needle
Haley and Josh came to me with a simple, adventurous request: to plan a last-minute elopement in the heart of the Arizona desert. With only a short time to prepare, they trusted me to take them somewhere breathtaking, far from the crowds, and fully immersed in nature. When I shared photos of a hidden gem deep in the Superstition Wilderness—Weaver’s Needle—they were immediately hooked.
This rugged, 6-mile round-trip hike wasn’t for the faint of heart, but Haley and Josh were all in. They kept everything beautifully simple, from Josh’s Amazon suit that Haley tailored herself to her handmade bouquet of locally sourced flowers. Their day was filled with heartfelt touches, like her grandmother’s bracelet and handkerchief, adding layers of sentiment to the adventure.
Their Day
The day arrived, and recent rains had transformed the desert into a vibrant oasis. Massive puddles on the dirt road leading to the trailhead meant we had to get creative—I picked them up in my trusty 4Runner to navigate the water crossings. As we hiked, the landscape came alive with waterfalls cascading off the cliffs, lush greenery, and, of course, the iconic saguaros standing tall against the stormy backdrop. We even spotted wild sheep on the hills, which felt like a good omen for the day.
At the top, with the awe-inspiring view of Weaver’s Needle behind them, Haley and Josh got dressed separately and shared an emotional first look overlooking the valley. Their private vows were exchanged with a storm brewing in the distance, yet the skies around us stayed golden and clear. Afterward, they read letters from their families and FaceTimed their parents—a deeply touching moment that brought everyone together despite the remote setting.
The hike back down was just as magical. Haley and Josh stayed in their wedding attire, soaking in every last bit of the scenery and snapping photos along the way. Since there were no other hikers around to sign their marriage license, we found a couple of campers near the trailhead to serve as witnesses. Before rushing off for Josh to try bull riding for the first time (!), they even had time for a sweet cake-cutting moment.
This day was pure magic from start to finish. Haley and Josh’s trust, adventurous spirit, and love for each other made it unforgettable—and their story is a perfect reminder of how beautifully simple elopements can be.
Kind words from the couple:
Shannon was great throughout the whole experience! First of all she scheduled us in on a pretty short notice, she worked with me to find a date and location that was perfect for us. She picked us up and hauled us to the spot we needed to go (over a river) It was the perfect low key and fun day we were looking for!! And I can’t even get started about the pictures, just AMAZING!!! I couldn’t imaging finding anyone better, thanks shannon!!!!
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Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Phoenix 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 capture the golden-hour magic, we’re building more than justa 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.
