Moab Elopement Photographer


Helping couples who choose shared experiences in the wild tell their love story through bold, artful photographs

You’re here for more than a ceremony—a full-on ADVENTURE! You crave a day that’s UNTAMED, BOLD, and UNAPOLOGETICALLY REAL. If Moab’s red rock canyons and desert arches set your soul on fire and tradition feels like a cage, this is your spot. Step into a vision that’s yours alone—let’s make it epic.

Let’s Romanticize your Life!

couple standing under a red rock arch by Moab Elopement photographer Stratus Adventure photography

Reject the Script, Embrace the Magic

Forget the usual—this is about a day that’s wildly you. Picture saying ‘I do’ under Moab’s desert arches, in a canyon glow, or atop a slickrock plateau—unscripted and raw. Vow to live every moment fully, not letting it slip into routine fog.

This isn’t just a ceremony—it’s the start of your legendary journey.

Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo

A former project manager turned Moab 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 have a deep love for Moab’s rugged beauty, spending much of my free time exploring its trails and canyons to capture the wild spirit of this desert paradise. I specialize in capturing both intimate elopements and weddings in Moab, throughout Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Northern New Mexico.

Shannon Durazo, owner and lead photographer of Stratus Adventure Photography- Arizona Elopement Photographer

Years Of Experience

Weddings & Elopements Photographed

Collective 5 Star Reviews

What’s included in every Moab Elopement Package

  • Exclusive Stratus Elopement Guide & Planning Workflow which includes multiple planning calls to walk you through the process from start to finish- so you don’t feel lost or overwhelmed.
  • Custom location research, vendor recommendations, activity ideas, and timeline planningbecause I know how to navigate Moab’s intense desert lighting and heat, so you don’t have to.
  • Behind the scenes videos/photos sent straight to your phone at the end of the day through AirDrop or a Dropbox link- so you can share them with family and friends right away.
  • Online gallery with unlimited high-resolution downloads, personal printing rights, and a convenient professional print lab for easy orderingso it’s easy to add your favorites to your walls.
  • Sneak Peeks within 2 Days, so you don’t have to wait to relive your memories.
  • Custom album design, so you can flip through your day laid out in story format any time you want.
Bride and Groom illuminated by lantern light with a red rock wall behind them by Moab Elopement photographer Stratus Adventure photography

top locations for Elopements in Moab, Utah

Above all, i promise to fiercely protect your experience on your wedding day.

Awards & Publications:

The Process

Step 1


Book Your Discovery  Call

First, book a discovery call to connect and see how we click. Having someone you trust and who makes you feel comfortable is a HUGE part of your overall wedding day experience.

Elopement couple standing under a wintery arch by Moab Elopement photographer Stratus Adventure photography

Step 2


Secure Your Date

Did our call feel like the perfect fit? The next step is to get your date secured. I only accept a limited amount of weddings and elopements each month so I’m able to give my couples the best service possible.

Step 3


Craft your Experience

Once you are booked, we will begin crafting your ideal day, from location scouting, vendor recommendations, timeline assistance, and laying out the important details that mean the most to you. If you can dream it, we will do our absolute best to make it happen.

Elopement couple silhouetted against the dark starry night sky by Moab Elopement photographer Stratus Adventure photography
couple embrace during golden sunset light overlooking the canyons by Moab Elopement photographer Stratus Adventure photography

Step 4


Enjoy Your core memory wedding day!

When your wedding day arrives, I will be your photographer, hype woman, stalker-azee and personal problem solver so you get to live in the moment and enjoy your day together- I’ve got you!

We may be the dream team if:

  • You want to document the Full Story of your wedding day.
  • You want to capture All the Big and Little Details, epic little people-big-world landscape portraits, and all the candid moments throughout the day.
  • You love the idea of having a photographer who is a hands-on Personal Problem Solver on your team.
  • You want someone to help plan a day that allows you to Be in the Moment so you don’t feel rushed.
  • You want Epic Couples Portraits in the Wild, so you need a photographer who will help guide you in choosing your location and timeline based on the best lighting.
  • You envision having an Experience for just for the two of you as all or part of your elopement. Having a photographer willing to hike, off-road, and go adventuring with you to capture it is a must.

Permits are required for elopements in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, typically costing $185–$350 depending on group size. Dead Horse Point State Park may also require a permit for ceremonies. Contact the respective park offices for details.

s your Moab Elopement Photographer, I will help you determine how many hours you need for your Phoenix Elopement Photography. I will ask questions and go over a customized timeline that fits what you are dreaming up. Want to play around with it? Check out the Elopement Timeline Calculator.

I book out 12-18 months in advance for Saturday weddings during prime months. But don’t let that scare you away from reaching out. I have been able to squeeze in weekday elopements as soon as the same week in some cases (especially since Arizona is my home base). The great thing about specializing in non-traditional weddings is that they fall on all days of the week, not just weekends!

Absolutely! I love outdoor weddings in Moab of all sizes. We have some gorgeous venues like the Red Earth Venue.

Choosing an elopement or wanting adventurous nature portraits does not mean you have to hike a mountain! There are plenty of gorgeous gentle access locations available.

Many of my couples choose to have guests at their elopement. How many depends on the area and land managers. Some locations limit it to under 10, some 25, and some allow more with reservations. Check out this blog for more information- Eloping with Guests.

Believe me when I say this is the rule, not the exception.  Most people feel this way, including almost every couple you see on my site.  

Don’t worry- I’ve got you.

The best way to feel like yourself and not like it is a full day photo session is to have Fun Elopement Activities planned throughout the day.

I help with location research, timeline creation, vendor recommendations, packing lists, gear items, etc. I give guidance, but it’s up to you to contact your preferred vendors and book your travel. Because I’ll be focused on documenting your wedding, I can’t be the one providing “day-of” planning or assistance (like vendor coordination or dinner set-up). If you’ll need an extra set of hands, adding our day-of coordinator is recommended.

Still on the fence?

Grab a free, no-pressure discovery call and hit me with your questions. I’m a no-BS type, here to guide you on Moab’s desert magic, elopement details, or weaving outdoor vibes into a bigger wedding. If planning has you stressed, I’ll help you sort it out—let’s make your bold vision happen.

As your Moab elopement photographer, I specialize in this desert paradise—see my broader Southwest work by visiting:

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