Sara & Ryan’s Arizona Mountain Elopement
How and where do you choose to elope when you are deeply tied to the state of Arizona for generations, and want to celebrate that on your wedding day? You have your wedding up on the Rim, and incorporate the 5 Cs of Arizona- that’s how! Ryan’s family has lived in Arizona for generations, and he couldn’t wait to share his love with this incredibly diverse state with Sara as they began the next chapter in their lives together.
The Mogollon Rim is one of my very favorite areas in Arizona. Even when lingering winter weather has much of the area closed off, making access a much longer hike than usual. The weather and location challenges were easily accepted by these two lovebirds, who just happen to be a triathlete and ultra marathoner.
These two made the entire day COMPLETELY them- from the unique decor, footwear, and location, to finishing at their favorite Thai restaurant and facetiming their family at the end of the night. It was such a beautiful and unique wedding day that I was so excited to be a part of!
Getting Ready
Sara and Ryan chose to get ready together, but in different rooms of their Enchanted Forest cabin. Cabins at Creekside is a rustic location nestled between ponderosa pines, which was the perfect kicking off point of their uniquely them day. Sara did her own hair and makeup as Ryan gathered the details for their arch. They both unboxed brand new Hoka running shoes for the occasion. And just look at those gorgeous rings!
Ceremony & Portraits
After a quick first look on the covered front porch of their cabin, we were off to the races!
We had to shift our original plans due to the road closure, so Sara and Ryan chose a private clearing in the pines to set up their arch for a few portraits before hiking out to the overlook for their vow exchange. The decorations incorporated the 5 Cs of Arizona- Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus and Climate. These represent the main industries during the early years of Arizona’s statehood.
Then, we embarked on our adventure to find the perfect vow location before the sun went down. We followed along the road for several miles, then made our way through the forest to a clearing on the rim overlook. They found the perfect spot that felt “them” to exchange vows and rings as the wind whipped around us and the sun set in the distance.
After a few portraits and a shot of fireball, we walked back to our vehicles to head down the mountain to their favorite Thai restaurant for dinner and the signing of their marriage license.
Kind Words from the Couple
“Absolutely amazingly skilled photographer who captured our mountain elopement. She ventured through the forest with us and led us to I Do exactly how we wanted to. Responsive, helpful sprinkled with some humor. Highly recommend!”
~ Sarah & Ryan
Vendors for their 5 Cs of Arizona Elopement:
- Dress: Adore Bridal
- Suit: Pomeroy’s
- Shoes: Hoka
- Hair, Makeup and Decor: DIY
- Getting Ready Location: Cabins at Creekside
- Dinner: Ayothaya Thai Cafe
Interested in an Arizona Elopement?
Check out these planning resources to help you plan your day
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your ARizona 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 just 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.
