I have almost too much to say about this Sedona elopement at Crescent Moon Ranch to fit in a single blog post. BUT I WILL TRY. All of my clients are near and dear to my heart, but these two are particularly near and dear. Shelby is an amazing photographer in Phoenix, and we met through work photographing weddings and just immediately clicked (camera pun intended). Fast forward, and she and her fiancé ask me to photograph their intimate elopement in Sedona, with just their few closest friends present. Needless to say, I was both honored and overjoyed.

Pre-Ceremony

I met up with them at the cutest little hotel tucked away in North Sedona (Junipine Resort)so that I could photograph some getting ready moments. We also found the dreamiest greenest spot for their first look, down by the creek.

Sometimes couples aren’t quite sure what “getting ready photos” means, particularly with an elopement. But it is something that I always encourage. This is a perfect example that it can be whatever you want it to be. I like to take some time to capture the details, florals, rings, dress, and shoes. I also like to spend some time photographing you and your people that might be there with you helping. This lets me tell the story of the whole day, rather than skipping right into the heart of the ceremony. Really, it’s all about the feel, and each couple can make it whatever they want.

Crescent Moon Ranch Ceremony

We drove over to their ceremony spot at Crescent Moon Ranch. This location requires an advanced reservation and fee, which is great because it ensures that you are the only one getting married here at your particular time. Although it is a public area/park, it is large enough to be able to have your own space. And with views like these, I would gladly pay all manner of money!

The day as a whole was so relaxed and intimate, it’s a reminder of one of many reason why many couples choose to elope. Getting ready together, lint rolling each other before the ceremony, feeling calm and not worrying about anyone except yourselves. Their close friend officiated a beautiful ceremony, and then it was time for Champagne and cake!

Post-Ceremony

Here we have the greatest Champagne pop I have yet seen to this day. Champagne was EVERYWHERE, and let me tell you, it made for some great pictures. They signed their marriage license on top of a cooler, we all had bundt cakes, and then it was my turn to take them away for some sunset bride and groom photos.

Bride and Groom Photos at Crescent Moon Ranch

Just another reason why I am obsessed with this location – the options. This spot has incredible views of Cathedral Rock in the background, and creek access for the water jungle vibes of your dreams. Luckily Shelby put up with me making us walk barefoot across a log to cross the creek, but so worth it for those views. This Sedona elopement at Crescent Moon Ranch was so perfect for them and what they wanted the day to portray. I absolutely loved that I was able to be there to capture it.