Jillian and Sai’s full-day Sedona Elopement up Cathedral Rock and Off-Road adventure up Merry Go Round Rock
Jillian and Sai planned a private elopement focused on the two of them doing what they love most. Hiking, exploring, and sharing quiet moments together. It was a surprise for their families, which made the day feel even more personal.
The morning began before sunrise under a sky full of stars. Jillian and Sai hiked up Cathedral Rock in the dark, climbing through the crevice by headlamp as the desert slowly came to life. At the top, as the first rays of sunlight hit the red rocks, they changed into their wedding clothes and shared a quiet first look before exchanging vows near the sunrise spire.
Jillian’s long-sleeved beaded gown caught the early light in the most unreal way, and her turquoise jewelry mirrored her bright blue eyes. Ash from Desert Sage Hair and Makeup styled her hair into soft blonde curls that fit the desert breeze perfectly. Sai wore a tan suit with a bolo tie and vest, a look that nodded to the Southwest vibe they both love.
After their vows, we walked over to the main Cathedral Rock ledge for portraits in the warm morning glow. The views stretched endlessly in every direction. On the way back down, we came across a pair of early morning hikers who signed as witnesses to make things official.
The two took a break during the day before I met back up with them mid-day at their Airbnb. They helped each other get ready again, and Sai placed anklets on Jillian’s ankles, a family tradition that meant a lot to both of them.
Before heading out for sunset, we made a quick stop in Uptown Sedona for ice cream, wandering through the shops and sharing a few laughs over fancy cones. Then we off-roaded up to Merry Go Round Rock, where the wind picked up and the sky shifted between soft clouds and golden light.
They popped champagne, ate cactus cupcakes, and leaned into the evening as the sun set behind the red rock cliffs.
On the drive back down, we stopped at a quiet nook where they shared a cigar together, just the two of them with headlights cutting through the dark.
Jillian and Sai’s elopement was a mix of adventure and easy laughs, with genuine moments that unfolded at an unhurried pace from start to finish.
Interested in a Sedona Elopement?
Check out these planning resources to help you plan your day
Vendors:
- Dress: Stacees
- Suit: Indochino
- Hair and Makeup: Ash Desert Sage
- Florals: Mountain High
- Cake: Cake Couture
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.
