Lost Dutchman Park, AZ

Superstition Mountains, AZ

Phoenix Elopement Photographer

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

Start Your Adventure

You’re here for more than a ceremony—a full-on ADVENTURE! You crave a day that’s UNTAMED, BOLD, and UNAPOLOGETICALLY REAL. If Phoenix’s desert sunsets and sprawling saguaros 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 walking towards the Superstition Mountains during their Phoenix elopement, shot by 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’ on Phoenix’s desert trails, in a golden glow, or beneath a cactus-lined horizon—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.

Couple exploring with Weavers Needle behind them for their Arizona elopement by Stratus Photography

“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 imagine finding anyone better, thanks Shannon!!!!

~ Haley & Josh

Bride and groom looking towards the sunset with the Superstition Mountains towering behind them during their Phoenix elopement, shot by Stratus Adventure Photography

“We are so so happy with our experience with Shannon and Stratus Adventure Photography! We planned the elopement in very short period of time and she helped us pick out the perfect locations to what we had envisioned. Shannon was totally open and understanding to our photography preferences and we really felt like she understood our vision. The actual day was seamless and so much fun. Shannon took some time to talk with us before we said our vows to calm our nerves and make sure the moment was perfect. We felt very comfortable throughout the whole day and would do it all over again in a heartbeat! Not to mention the most important part…. THE PHOTOS ARE INCREDIBLE! They are everything we ever wanted and we really admire looking at them every chance we get. We cannot recommend Shannon enough!!

“

~ Rosa & Tanner

Couple during vibrant monsoon sunset during their Phoenix elopement, shot by Stratus Adventure Photography

“Shannon was absolutely amazing. We had bad weather leading up to our shoot. Not only did she reassure me but she captured us perfectly❤️ Absolutely perfect!

I couldn’t have asked for a better session. We were NERVOUS and she made us look perfect.

~ Holly & Malcolm

Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo

A former project manager turned 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 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 Phoenix, throughout Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.

Learn about Me Packages & Pricing
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 Phoenix Area 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 planning– because I know how to navigate Phoenix areas’ harsh desert lighting, 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 ordering– so 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.
Packages and Pricing
Couple going in for a kiss with a bold rainbow in the sky behind them during their Phoenix elopement, shot by Stratus Adventure Photography

top locations for Elopements in Phoenix and Scottsdale

Superstition Mountains

Salt River

Cave Creek

Lost Dutchman

Saguaro Lake

Phoenix Mountain Preserve

And that’s just the beginning—endless possibilities lie ahead, shaped by your dreams. Want Phoenix’s sprawling deserts, towering cacti, or urban skyline views? I’ll scout the perfect place to match your bold spirit. No matter which terrain calls to you, we’ll turn it into the stage for your epic elopement.

Planning and Location Guides for your Phoenix Area Elopement

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

Awards & Publications:

Winner of the Elopement Legend Awards
Featured on Zion Brides
Featured on Insider Magazine
Featured on Wandering Weddings
Featured on What if We Elope
Featured on The Photog Journal
Featured on Trends Magazine
Featured on Brides & Weddings
Featured on Gay Weddings & Marriage Magazine
Seen on Wedding Rule
Featured on A Northwoods Wedding

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.

Sunrise begins to light up the Bulldog Canyon walls during Phoenix elopement ceremony, shot by Stratus Adventure Photography
Couple surrounded by golden hour light during their Phoenix elopement, shot by 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.

Lost Dutchman State Park Micro Wedding ceremony, shot by Stratus Adventure Photography
Couple sitting in a natural bench during their Phoenix elopement, shot by 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!

I’m Ready to book my discovery call!

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.

Phoenix Elopement and Micro-Wedding galleries for inspiration

Answers to common questions

This depends on your location, amount of people, and setup. Many of the parks are city or state parks and have their own rules and permitting requirements. The Tonto National Forest is very elopement friendly if you have not setups and a small group.

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 Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas of all sizes. We have some gorgeous venues like the Paseo, Schnepf Farms, Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, and more!

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.

Not sure what would best fit your needs? No problem! Let’s chat and I am happy to talk you through what you are sure of, and help fill in the gaps where you are not.

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 Phoenix’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.

Schedule my Discovery Call

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

Arizona Elopement Photographer

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