Kayla & Robbie

If you’ve ever been to Sedona, Arizona, then you know how intoxicating the area can be. The towering red rocks, the endless blue skies, and the winding hikes that make you feel so big and so small all at the same time. I’m not sure if I believe in the vortexes, but I have no doubt about the wonder I feel in this magical place.

My heart skips a beat every time I get the chance to photograph a Sedona wedding. So, you can imagine my excitement when I got the opportunity to photograph Kayla & Robbie at Cathedral Rock.

An Adventure Elopement on Cathedral Rock

We arrived at Cathedral Rock in mid-afternoon. The weather was nice and temperate, which was lovely since Kayla & Robbie would be hiking to their ceremony and photo spot. But with pleasant temperatures come crowds, and the area was already filling up with tourists. Although it was crazy busy already, we did secure a spot in the tiny parking lot before the hike. We saw a few cars attempt to park on the side of the road, which is a big no-no!

Outdoor weddings and elopements give you the occasion to say “I do” amongst the timeless majesty of the natural world. But these public lands are still public, meaning you might have to share the area with other visitors. That’s A-OK as long as you expect it. And fortunately, we did.

We started on our hike up Cathedral Rock. Since the route is just over a 700-foot ascent in under 1.2 miles, it’s fairly difficult. To make things easier on themselves, Kayla & Robbie chose to wear hiking gear on the way up—and get dressed into their wedding attire once they got to their ceremony site.

This turned out to be a great idea for them, but it’s also optional. I can tell you from years of experience that every couple is different. For example:

Some couples, like Kayla & Robbie, prefer to hike out in one outfit before changing into their wedding attire.
Other couples adore the chance to hike in their wedding clothes—because how many opportunities do you get to do something like that!
Then again, some couples feel exposed getting dressed/undressed outdoors; while others don’t think twice about it.
And further, some couples pick and choose—like wearing hiking boots or sneakers with their wedding dress or suit, or packing a change of casual clothes for later in the day.

All in all, there’s really no wrong answer as long as you’re happy and safe. And safety is a big deal on Cathedral Rock because the ground can be slippy or loose—especially in rainy or snowy conditions.

We finally got to the ceremony spot overlooking the red mountains and green valleys. The sun illuminated Robbie’s suit and Kayla’s dress as they looked into each other’s eyes. Even though it was a busy day, other visitors gave the couple the space they needed to express themselves and their love for one another.

On the way down—still dressed to impress—Kayla & Robbie took a slower pace. They got a few “congratulations” and “you two look beautiful” comments as they carefully descended the incredible mountain hike. We took a few detours on our way back, taking time to soak it all in and explore whenever we saw something worth our extra attention.

Tip for Getting Married at Cathedral Rock

Looking forward to your own Sedona wedding day? Considering Cathedral Rock for your wedding photos? Here are a few tips to make sure things run as smoothly as possible:

Timing: Get married here on a weekday at sunrise to avoid the crowds.
Drive together: Carpooling is makes everything easier. The parking lot is very limited, so driving in with your partner, photographer, guests, or officiant keeps things simple.
Hike carefully: The trail can be tough for people afraid of heights, but it’s not as difficult as it looks in photos.
Consider the weather: The trail gets slick and slippery in rainy, snowy, or otherwise wet conditions. Bring lots of water, snacks, and layers to protect you from the elements.
Know your seasons: The summer is hot. The fall is windy. The winter is cold. And the spring is variable. Prepare accordingly.
Take your time: Take things slow and steady. If you rush, you could lose the trail, adding time to your hike.
Hire a photographer with local knowledge: I’m intimately familiar with Sedona, Arizona. From the hikes to the local hot spot, hidden gems to hiking tips, and everything in between. As your wedding photographer, I can provide guidance to give you the best day possible.