I call this one of my secret places. Booking me as your Arizona elopement photographer includes not only curated elopement photography but also my added expertise in finding your elopement destination. These two knew they wanted a Painted Desert ceremony followed by portraits exploring the area. It was the perfect alternative option for the couple’s edgy wedding vibes. See how their day uniquely fell into place at this Painted Desert Arizona elopement!
Painted Desert Arizona: A Secret Place I Share With the Right Couples
The Painted Desert is a special place that I wouldn’t recommend to just anyone. Amber and Amanda wanted a more funky natural background that wasn’t overly used. For a couple that loves doing things their own way, it is a fitting backdrop.
This secret part of the Arizona Painted Desert is a special place to me where I’ve spent quite some time exploring. The entire badlands desert runs from the east end of the Grand Canyon National Park into the Petrified Forest National Park. It’s a mysterious and absolutely inspiring landscape which is why I hope this spot never becomes a tourist attraction.
If a secret spot in the Painted Desert Arizona sounds like your jam then I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
The desert wedding location fit these two since hiking and camping play such a big role in their life together. As they shared, “Whenever we have the chance, we run away to nature to disconnect. Over the course of our five-year relationship we have traveled to many national parks, hiked many trails, and camped all across the southwest.”
During their first summer together, Amber and Amanda spent every weekend at different beaches in Maryland and Delaware. While they had previously visited the Painted Desert, it was their first time going down into it at our hard-to-find access point.
I was initially worried about the couple getting through a particularly tricky spot. These two assured me that they were arriving prepared, each wearing Dr. Martens. They were game for all that the adventure elopement included! The couple also wore matching socks and added personal charms to their outdoor wedding shoes.
A Vision for a Day Designed Uniquely for The Two of You
Amber and Amanda knew exactly what they wanted for their day and that it had to be without influence from any family or friends. That’s how they realized that choosing to elope at a small outdoor ceremony with their closest friends was the best idea for them. Both their top priorities and what they wished to remember the most were summarized in the following list:
- Hanging with our closest friends.
- The scenery of the Painted Desert Arizona.
- Our impeccable style!
Their chosen wedding colors were loosely black, burgundy and mother of pearl in contrast to the Arizona desert colors. The DIY wedding bouquet was placed in a drinking horn referring to the couple’s Nordic roots. The couple shared that they knew they “didn’t want the typical white wedding attire because that just isn’t us.” That’s why they went for all-black wedding clothes including a black wedding dress veil.
Another personalized element incorporated into the day was performing a wedding handfasting ceremony officiated by one of their friends. We got almost all the way to our Painted Desert location and realized that the handfasting ceremony cord was left at the rim.
My amazing assistant, Sarah Kay, ran back up to grab them as she was more familiar with the territory. She covered the ground quickly even though the trip was steeply uphill. Our experience confirmed that it always helps to team up with an elopement planner even for a smaller elopement!
Special Elements for Elopement Planning in the Painted Desert Arizona
The day began with first look wedding photos captured at an old building in Winslow that predates Arizona statehood. Sarah Kay just happened to have keys to the building! I had previously photographed the location and knew that this alternative location would only complement the look of their day.
Friends in attendance joined for this part of the day walking Amber to surprise Amanda with her black wedding dress. Before turning around to see each other while standing back to back, they exchanged bottles of alcohol as unique wedding gifts to each other.
These drinks were included in a little pre-game ritual of enjoying shots prior to the ceremony. The newlyweds later celebrated by popping personalized champagne bottles for a toast with their guests. Amanda is also a wedding caterer and was excited to cater a ramen bar with specialty drinks to close out the day at their Airbnb.
I really loved being around the couple’s chosen family watching how absolutely excited and overjoyed their friends were to witness the union. One friend even brought a polaroid with her to add to the memory-making! I only wish I had more time to learn a little bit more about them all and their connections to each other. They enjoyed simply celebrating together at this Painted Desert Arizona elopement!
Wedding Vendors
Elopement Spot | Arizona Painted Desert
Photographer | Terri Attridge Photography
Caterer | Amanda Lynn Chef
Shoes | Dr. Martens
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