They say rain on your wedding day is good luck. That’s become my new motto as the American Southwest got a whole lot wetter in the winter of 2023. This typically dry area of the country has so much weird weather that season, it came as a bit of a surprise for me, my couples, and their wedding guests.

But that’s the beauty of getting married in the great outdoors. Mother Nature is always in attendance, and you’re never quite sure what the elements will bring. This adds a bit of serendipity to the wedding day. Rain or shine, your wedding goes on—vows, kisses, and all.

It’s best to embrace the elements, and that’s exactly what Bella & Steffen did!

A Wetter-Than-Expected Wedding Day, But Beautiful All the Same

Bella & Steffen decided to have their commitment ceremony in Saguaro National Park, bypassing the legal steps to get married out of state and allowing their mothers to be present for their legal marriage later that month.

The two were joined by their closest friends in Tucson, Arizona on this rainy day. The couple got ready together with everyone in the Airbnb, even sharing a first look between the bride and her friends with friends in attendance.

We traveled into Saguaro National Park, watching as the rain came down. Despite the wet weather, Bella & Steffen embraced it all and had their tearful first look in the park. They held their ceremony near the Saguaro cacti that make this park famous—and took what are now my favorite friends' photos afterward.

We parted ways with their friends and photographed in the park, just myself and Bella & Steffen. We were even treated to some rare low-hanging fog, creating a beautiful and ethereal environment. This unexpected weather made for the perfect moody photographs. Our couple even had fun dancing in the headlights.

We headed to Little Anthony's Diner for a retro dinner, complete with some amazing 50s and 60s cars and Marilyn Monroe and Elvis impersonators.

At the end of the night, we all headed back to the Airbnb and had a private first dance, cut cake, shared gin and tonics, and heard speeches from their friends. The vibe was cozy, emotional, and lovely. It was the perfect end to Bella & Steffen’s wedding day.

How to Elope in Saguaro National Park

Are you looking for your own perfect wedding day? If the majesty and wonder of Saguaro National Park calls out to you, here are some need-to-knows:

Pick a general date for your wedding. Check the seasonal averages to know what weather to expect.
If you’re out of state, contact the local county clerk to get your marriage license from Pima County. If you’re in Arizona, this can be done at any office.
Book your Saguaro elopement wedding photographer to help you plan and capture the day in all its splendor.
Request a special use permit from Saguaro National Park. This process is easy, costs only $100, and is required to get legally married in the park. Keep in mind that no decorations are allowed in the park.
Consider lodging for you and your guests.
Check out vendors (such as an officiant, flowers, decor, food, and more).
Have an amazing wedding day you’ll cherish forever!