August 14, 2026

Planning an Epic Sedona Elopement

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Nestled in the Coconino National Forest, Sedona is a place of creativity and crazy desert beauty, making it one of the most desert cities Arizona has to offer. Its towering red rock formations hide so many great trails and canyons, blending adventure and beauty in a way that makes for super fun elopement days as well as excellent photos. This town also has an excellent food & wine scene!

Having travelled all over the world photographing elopements, I can honestly say Sedona is still a place I love bringing my couples. It’s got a combination of unique vibes and super gorgeous natural landscapes that feel intimate AND epic. If that sounds like what you’re looking for then keep reading for some of my top tips on how to plan an elopement here for yourselves!

Frequently asked questions about eloping in Sedona:

What makes Sedona a great place to elope? 

Sedona’s beauty is so natural and rugged while also feeling strangely polished. The red rock structures here can feel almost man-made at times and the walls of the slot canyons have been worn completely smooth (this is a really fun place to come if you’re a geology nerd!). 

You can visit historic sites, head out into the desert, explore the town center, or just soak in the healing energy at any one of the many vortices around the city—the possibilities are diverse and ready for you to plan your day around them. 

How do you get to Sedona?

Sedona appears on common navigation apps! Located at 34°51’41.8″N 111°48’50.2″W, with State Route 89A running through its center, Sedona is just south of Flagstaff. 

If you’re visiting from out of state, the best place to fly into would be the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from Sedona, but the airport with the most flight options would be the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is about a 2-hour drive from the city.

When’s the best time to visit Sedona? 

The best time to visit Sedona is during the spring and fall, ideally in either March or November. That’s when the temperatures are milder, ranging between 60°F and 80°F, and you can avoid the larger crowds from peak season months! 

Both seasons also bring their own versions of natural beauty to the area. During the spring, vibrant wildflowers bloom against the classic red rocks. The fall months, on the other hand, offer spots of autumn leaves (yes, in Arizona!) which gives you a ton of landscape options to play with.

Pro Tip: While summer in Sedona doesn’t get quite as toasty as nearby Phoenix, temps can still soar up over 90 degrees from June through September. If you come during that time, be prepared to get an early start to the day or seek cooling refuge at the many creeks and watering holes in the area, like the famous natural sandstone chute at Slide Rock State Park!

Sedona Summer Elopement

Two people hike along a trail surrounded by green shrubs and red rock formations under a clear blue sky in a desert landscape, with large rocky buttes in the background.

Summer in Sedona means long days filled with bright skies and golden light that explodes with color at sunrise and sunset. Plan to stay out a little later after sunset and you’ll also get treated to a full show with a night sky full of stars. 

Best places to elope in Sedona:

Known for its towering red-rock formations and new-age energy, Sedona is filled with beautiful elopement spots. The majority of them are located in nearby state parks, which means you’ll be able to experience Arizona’s uniquely striking landscapes at their best—preserved and untouched.  

Here are a few of my favorite elopement sites in the Sedona area:

  • Red Rock State Park
    • Cost: $308
      • Marriage License: $98
      • Entrance Fee: $10/person
      • Reservation Fee: $200/4-hour block
    • Permit: While not technically a permit, you will require a reservation to elope at Red Rock State Park. You can find the Reservation Application, alongside instructions on the Red Rock State Park’s “Wedding” webpage.
  • Cathedral Rock
    • Cost: $103
      • Marriage License: $98
      • Parking Fee: $5
    • Permit: For groups smaller than 75 people, no permit is required—just remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and you’re good to go!
  • Broken Arrow
    • Cost: $103
      • Marriage License: $98
      • Day-Pass: $5 
    • Permit: For groups smaller than 75 people, no permit is required—just remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and you’re good to go!
  • Doe Mountain
    • Cost: $103
      • Marriage License: $98
      • Day-Pass: $5 
    • Permit: For groups smaller than 75 people, no permit is required—just remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and you’re good to go!

Best wedding venues in Sedona: 

Whether you want a simple ceremony or something more extravagant, you’ll have plenty of venues to choose from in Sedona! A venue can be a great idea if you’re expecting more than 10 guests.

These are just a few venue options in the Sedona area:

  • Agave of Sedona
    • Cost: Starting at $3,950 – $22,550 (cost varies depending on your date & wedding package with January, July, & December offering a 10% off-season discount—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
    • Guest Count: 200 max
  • Sedona Golf Resort
    • Cost: Starting at $2,000 – $5800 (cost varies depending on your wedding package & date—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
    • Guest Count: 175 max (depends on the venue)
  • Sky Ranch Lodge
    • Cost: $6,000 – $43,100 (cost varies depending on your wedding package—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
    • Guest Count: 120 max (varies depending on the wedding package)
  • L’Auberge De Sedona
    • Cost: $2,500–$10,000 base venue rental fee (cost varies depending on your date & guest count—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote and more pricing details on the venue’s official website here!)
    • Guest Count: 200 max (varies depending on the venue)

The information above is accurate as of the writing of this guide in 2026, but always double check with the venue for confirmation before booking anything. I’m also happy to share more recommendations and help you find the perfect wedding venue when we work together! 

How much does it cost to elope in Sedona? 

The best thing about eloping in Sedona is that there are great options no matter what your budget looks like. Whether you choose to get married in a gorgeous venue or have an intimate elopement on a mountain mesa for as little as $98 (which is just the cost of a marriage license and day-use pass for access to parking), you are guaranteed stunning desert views.

Other than the venue or elopement site cost, your budget can be whatever you want it to be! It will likely depend on your guest count, selected vendors, any travel costs you may have, etc., but the couples who hire me usually prioritize having an epic adventure in a stunning location, which is why they invest a lot of their budget in photography to capture it all while they stay present and enjoy.

If you want to know more about budgeting out your elopement, you can take a look at my full cost of eloping guide here! 

Activities to do during Sedona elopements:

What I love about Sedona is that its mix of small-town charm and untamed beauty make it the perfect place to embark on a grand adventure that feels meaningful to you as a couple. Between visiting nearby historic sites and exploring local art markets, there are plenty of things to do and experience in Sedona during your elopement—here are just some of my favorites:

  • Hiking to Devil’s Bridge
  • Taking a Jeep tour through the canyons
  • Exploring the cliff dwellings at the Palatki Heritage Site
  • Sliding down the 80-foot natural sandstone chute at Slide Rock State Park
  • Visiting the Sedona vortex sites
  • Stargazing
  • Visiting Montezuma’s Castle
  • Exploring the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Area

As you can see, there is no shortage of options when it comes to activities in Sedona that can make your elopement fully unforgettable and feel really special. 

Are dogs allowed in Sedona?

Yes, Sedona is extremely welcoming to dogs, offering tons of pet-friendly hotels and restaurants! There are also plenty of trails you can bring your pup on, just double-check before visiting and keep your pup on a leash.

Sedona Elopement & Wedding Photos

Cynthia & Eugene’s Sedona Summer Elopement 

While some couples plan to go to brand new places for their wedding day, others plan their elopements in their favorite spots where they feel most themselves. That’s exactly why Cynthia & Eugene picked Sedona! They fell in love with the city after visiting and started saying that they wanted to retire in the area some day. Which makes it a great fit for their elopement day. 

They started their day at sunrise with alpenglow over the red rocks, which is genuinely an unreal sight. They had their first look up here and spent some time exploring through the area and talking quietly while Eugene held Cynthia’s flowers for her. It was intimate, romantic, and so, so perfect. They both wore white and Cynthia had a beautiful matching flower crown and flower adorned cape.

These two had an intimate wedding, so after they had spent some time together, they met up with their families and dogs (appropriately outfitted in a little suit bandana and a pink dress, of course) and hiked up to a huge overlook over the desert. 

Cynthia & Eugene celebrated afterward with their people, who had lovingly decorated an arch for them at their rental stay. They got to pop champagne and just relax with their families in a gorgeous setting. Which made it the perfect day. 

A person with long, light hair and a red backpack walks along a dirt path through a forest, surrounded by trees and greenery. The scene appears calm and natural.
A wooden trail sign points to "Cibola" left and "Jordan" right, with a trail map below. A hiker with a red backpack walks along a forest path in the background.
A scenic view of red rock formations and green shrubs at sunset, with a bright contrail streaking diagonally across the clear sky above distant mountains.
A bride in a white dress with a long, floral veil stands on a red rocky path, looking up at a man in white standing ahead under a clear blue sky, surrounded by sparse trees and bushes.
A bride in a white dress stands on a rocky, sunlit hillside, looking toward a groom in a white suit who stands ahead on a red rock ledge, facing away under a clear blue sky.
A smiling bride in a lace wedding dress and floral headpiece holds a bouquet while walking on red rocks in a scenic, sunlit outdoor setting with trees and rocky cliffs in the background.
A bride and groom stand on red rock formations in a desert landscape at sunset, with buttes and mesas in the background. The bride holds a bouquet and reaches toward the groom, both smiling.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge in front of dramatic desert rock formations, dressed in formal wedding attire and holding hands, with sunlight illuminating the landscape.
A bride and groom stand on red rocks in front of dramatic desert mountains, holding hands at sunset. The bride wears a white dress and veil, and the groom wears a light-colored suit.
Close-up, black-and-white image of one person placing a ring on another’s finger, both dressed formally, suggesting a wedding or engagement ceremony.
A bride and groom stand on red rocks at sunset, surrounded by scenic desert cliffs and greenery. The bride wears a detailed white gown and veil, while the groom wears a light suit. Both smile and look toward the horizon.
A bride and groom sit on red rocks at sunset, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and greenery. The bride wears a flowing gown with a long veil, and a bouquet rests beside them. They gaze at each other lovingly.
A bride and groom sit on red rocks in a desert landscape, surrounded by mountains and sunlight. The bride wears a white dress and veil, and the groom wears a light suit. A bouquet rests nearby.
A bride and groom sit close together on a red rock, the bride in a lace dress with a floral headpiece and veil, and the groom in a light suit, surrounded by desert landscape and flowers.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands, standing on red rock with scenic mountains and forest in the background under a clear blue sky at sunset.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky ledge, holding hands, surrounded by red rock formations and greenery in a scenic desert landscape under a clear blue sky.
A bride and groom smile joyfully at each other outdoors. The bride touches the groom's face, wearing a floral headpiece and lace dress; the groom wears a light suit and tie. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a trail surrounded by green trees, with red rock mountains rising in the background under a clear blue sky.
A bride and groom walk along a scenic desert trail surrounded by green shrubs and red rock formations under a clear blue sky, with dramatic cliffs in the background.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a red rocky path surrounded by green shrubs and distant cliffs, with warm sunlight illuminating the outdoor landscape.
A bride and groom in wedding attire hold hands while walking outdoors on a dirt path surrounded by greenery and sunlight. The bride lifts her white dress, and both wear hiking shoes.
A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand along a red dirt trail surrounded by green shrubs, with dramatic rocky cliffs and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
A bride and groom stand on red rock formations with dramatic cliffs and greenery in the background. The bride’s veil flows in the wind as they hold hands and look at each other under clear, sunny skies.
A bride and groom stand on a red rock cliff with desert mountains in the background. The bride smiles joyfully, lifting her veil and bouquet, while the groom looks at her, both dressed in light-colored wedding attire.
A bride and groom stand outdoors, holding hands and gazing at each other. The bride’s veil and floral decorations flow dramatically in the wind. The image is in black and white, with a natural mountain backdrop.
A bride and groom smile lovingly at each other outdoors. The bride wears a floral headpiece and lace dress; the groom wears a light suit and tie. The image is black and white, with soft sunlight in the background.
A bride in a lace wedding dress and floral headpiece stands on red rocks holding a bouquet, with dramatic desert cliffs and blue sky in the background. A person in white, blurred in the foreground, takes her photo.
A bride in a floral lace wedding dress holding a bouquet stands on red rocks, with dramatic red rock formations and greenery in the background under a clear blue sky.
A person in a light-colored suit stands on red rocks with scenic red sandstone formations and green trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
A man in a light plaid suit poses on red rock formations while a woman in a white dress takes his photo, with tall red rock formations and greenery in the background under a clear blue sky.
A couple in wedding attire smiles lovingly at each other outdoors by a large tree. The groom leans in, holding the bride’s hand, while the bride sits, looking up at him, wearing a floral headpiece and lace dress.
Close-up of pointed, fleshy, grayish-green leaves of a succulent plant, possibly an agave, with visible spines along the edges and a soft, blurred background.
A small cluster of green cacti with sharp spines grows among reddish-brown rocks in a desert landscape, with blurred greenery and rocks in the background.
A smiling man in a light suit carrying a bouquet and backpack walks along a sunny, forested dirt trail, followed by a woman in a white dress. The path is surrounded by lush green bushes and tall trees.
A couple dressed in wedding attire walks hand-in-hand along a red rocky trail, surrounded by green shrubs, with a large red rock formation and clear blue sky in the background.
A bride and groom hold hands while walking outdoors in front of red rock formations and green trees under a clear blue sky.
A bride and groom stand on a sunlit forest path. The bride wears a long, floral-embroidered veil and holds a bouquet, while the groom smiles at the camera. Trees and red earth surround them.
Red rock formations rise above green shrubs and cacti under a clear blue sky in a desert landscape, likely in Sedona, Arizona. The sunlight highlights the layered rock and rugged terrain.
A bride and groom stand close together among cacti, looking at each other lovingly, with rocky red mountains and a clear sky in the background.
A bride and groom dance outdoors on a scenic, sunlit trail surrounded by greenery and cacti, with mountains and trees visible in the background. The groom twirls the bride as they smile at each other.
Hikers walk up a dirt trail surrounded by shrubs and trees, with red rock formations in the background. Wooden and metal signs mark trail directions and permitted activities.
A small brown dog wearing a black and white tuxedo collar sits on a green striped blanket outdoors, with trees and sunlight in the background.
A couple stands on a rocky cliff edge in wedding attire, exchanging vows against a vast backdrop of red rock formations and mountains under a clear blue sky.
A bride in a lace dress and flower headpiece covers her mouth emotionally while facing a groom in a light suit during an outdoor wedding ceremony in a desert landscape.
A bride and groom stand on a scenic rocky overlook exchanging vows, surrounded by red rock formations and distant mountains, while a small group of guests watch and take photos.
A bride and groom in wedding attire smile and toast with champagne outdoors, standing on red rocks with mountains and blue sky in the background. The bride holds a bouquet of pink flowers.
A diamond engagement ring and a wedding band rest on a small rock atop reddish-brown stone, with a handwritten letter lying partially in view beside them.
A smiling bride and groom in wedding attire crouch outdoors on rocky terrain, posing with three small dogs, one dressed in a bow tie and another in a pink outfit, with scenic mountains in the background.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on a rocky cliff, gazing out over a vast desert landscape with red rock formations and mountains under a clear blue sky.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Sedona Elopement Photographer

For over a decade I’ve designed, planned, & photographed adventure elopements around the world, so if you’re looking for someone with years of experience photographing adventure elopements, then you’re in the right place! I can help you navigate the logistics of planning a destination elopement and make sure it’s as stress-free as possible so you can have a wedding that feels completely you. 

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

Sedona Elopement Packages

To check my availability, just contact me here for a free planning consultation and we can get started!

Always included:

8+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae with relaxed sightseeing & exploring

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in the U.S.A (including Alaska & Hawaii)

$9,800 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

INQUIRE FOR AVAILABILITY & MORE INFO

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

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About Maddie Mae Elopement
Packages & Pricing Contact Me

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

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“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

about me
packages

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

    A simple black and white drawing of a folded map with two location markers. A dotted line connects the markers, indicating a route.

    One-of-a-kind
    Experience Design

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    Expert Planning
    Consulting

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    Award-Winning
    Photography

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    Stunning & Secluded
    Location Ideas

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    Unique & relaxing
    lodging
    recommendations

    A black and white line drawing of a hot air balloon. The outline is simple with vertical segment lines and a small loop at the bottom representing the basket attachment.

    Personalized & Fun Activity Ideas

    A hand-drawn calendar with interconnected lines and a clock icon in the center, symbolizing time management or scheduling.

    Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

    Line drawing of a clothes hanger with a fan of paint swatches hanging from it, symbolizing a blend of fashion and color selection.

    Personalized Mood Board & Styling Suggestions

    A simple black and white sketch shows a globe with continents outlined. A small airplane is flying around it, indicated by a dashed circular path. The airplane appears on the right side of the globe.

    No Additional Travel Fees

    A simple line drawing of overlapping speech bubbles containing ellipsis dots, suggesting an ongoing conversation or dialogue. The design is minimalistic and monochrome.

    Direct Access & Full
    Support by Maddie Mae

    A black and white illustration of an infinity symbol with four small, sparkling stars surrounding it. The design is simple and clean, emphasizing the concept of endlessness and continuity.

    Unlimited Planning
    Consultations & Revisions

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    Pre-Vetted Local
    Vendor
    Recommendations

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    Expert Advice on Permits, Marriage Licenses & Safety

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    Specific Gear Advice + Packing Checklists

    A simple black and white line drawing of an open book with multiple pages visible, giving a sense of depth.

    “How to Adventure Instead” VIP Planning Guide

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    Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

    Simple line drawing of two stick figures holding hands with arms raised, surrounded by lines suggesting movement or excitement.

    Guided & Fun
    Photography Experience

    A simple line drawing of an open hand with a heart above it, surrounded by small sparkles and lines radiating from the heart. The image conveys a sense of care and affection.

    Empathetic,
    Introvert-Friendly
    Posing & Directing

    Line drawing of a quadcopter drone with four propellers, viewed from above.

    Creative GIF’s &
    Drone Photography

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    Artistic, Hand-Crafted Editing

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    All Your Photos to
    Keep Forever

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    Complementary
    Album Design +
    Convenient Print
    Ordering

learn more about my elopement packages

Reach out & we’ll start planning your dream elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

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Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
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Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started

download the pdf guide