First, it all starts with dreaming up the perfect day. I always recommend to my couples to have fun with this part- it’s the beginning of your elopement journey and such an exciting time!

So go on a date night to your favorite restaurant, curl up on the couch in front of a fire and some wine, go on your favorite hike, or simply go on a walk in your neighborhood and talk about how you two envision your day. Jot these ideas down and that is all you need to start!

Once you have an overall vision for what you two want out of your day, it’s time to make the biggest decisions that will affect your elopement experience the most: who are you inviting, when you are going and for how long.

Next decide on who.

For some couples, this is a super easy question to answer—and for others, it’s more of a debate. The truth is—an elopement doesn’t have to be just two people.

You can definitely still have an intimate elopement experience and a day that’s fully centered on your relationship with your closest friends and/or family involved. And they can be involved as much as you want them to.

However, if you do decide to invite family or friends along, whether it’s just a celebratory meal, the getting ready portion of the day, just the ceremony, or the whole day, make sure they’re fully on board with your vision and understand that you’re not having a big traditional wedding—but a unique celebration that’s authentic to your relationship. Remind them that this is for you, not anyone else.

Finally, decide on when.

If you’re getting married in the spring or fall you will be in the best season for Antelope Canyon; early or late summer is also ok as inside the canyon will be cool.

Whenever you decide to elope, embrace the natural elements and live in the moment!

One of the things I hear the most is, “We are so awkward in front of the camera, we don’t know how to pose at all”. With me, you don’t have to worry about awkward or forced poses.

I capture natural and candid emotions easily by first ensuring you two are having a great day; because when you have a great day and are in a good mood, emotions naturally follow.

• I’m new to this- what is an Elopement?

  Elopements have evolved so much from the days of running to the courthouse on a whim. Adventurous Elopements are planned months in advance and are a couples wedding day that is completely custom to them. From going to an epic location to doing all of your favorite things, elopements are your way to have your perfect wedding day all about you two.

• When is the best time to elope in Antelope Canyon?

  The best times to visit Antelope Canyon are during the spring and fall seasons, specifically from March to May and September to November. During these times, the weather is not that hot especially once in the canyon. To guarantee an ideal time slot we will plan the elopement on a weekday; this also helps avoids crowds for other sight-seeing locations like Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell.

• Are we allowed to invite guests to our Elopement?

  Contrary to popular belief- yes you absolutely can! Elopements in Antelope Canyon can have under 5 guests and can be involved in your day as much as you want them to. However, if you do decide to invite family or friends along, whether it’s just a celebratory meal, the getting ready portion of the day, just the ceremony, or the whole day, make sure they’re fully on board with your vision and understand that you’re not having a big traditional wedding—but a unique celebration that’s authentic to your relationship. Remind them that this is for you, not anyone else.

• Do we need a special permission or a permit in order to shoot in Antelope Canyon?

  Yes. The Navajo Nation requires that a Special Use Permit is obtained prior to the elopement in order to photograph elopements in Antelope Canyon. I will help you obtain the permit with my personal contact with Navajo Nation to ensure compliance. Our tour company also requires this in order for us to shoot in the canyon.

• Are we allowed to go into Antelope Canyon without a guide or tour company?

  No, Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation’s reservation and protected under them. We need to hire a tour guide and pay an entrance fee in order to visit and shoot in the canyon. I know of the perfect tour company to give us private access in the canyon.

• What is the tour like? What can we expect?

  If you visit Antelope Canyon’s popular tour you can expect a huge shoulder-to-shoulder line going through the canyon (picture a line at Disneyland) that takes hours to get through.
  
  The tour we go through is a private 3 hour tour with no one else there and we get the entire canyon to ourselves! We will start by exploring the canyon so you can enjoy the area and beauty of it before we start shooting.

• What airport do we fly into? Where do we stay?

  You will fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. I recommend staying in Flagstaff (2.5 hours from Phoenix) and then driving to Page, Arizona (about a 2 hour drive from Flagstaff) or staying right in Page (about 4 hours from Phoenix).
  Flagstaff if well known for it’s forestry and quaint town with lots of shopping and restaurants/bars.

• How far in advance should we book you? What’s the process like and how many photos

  Elopements are typically booked 4-6 months in advance. Although, depending on location, permits, and your situation- you can book anytime.
  A deposit/retainer is due upon signing the contract to lock in your elopement and date. The remainder will not be due until 1 month prior to your elopement. I will send an electronic invoice and friendly reminders are sent letting you know when payment is coming up!
  Filling out the contact form is your first step! After I receive your inquiry I will reach out within 48 hours and we will set up a phone call to talk about your elopement day. Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot planned or a solid idea- that’s the best time to begin!
  You will receive upwards of 400 final images. Of course, the more to the elopement day (excursions, multiple locations, activities, etc.) will result in more images. There is no maximum cap but you will receive a minimum of 400. All images are fully edited and fully sized; whether you want to blow up a photo on a canvas or just post it to Instagram, it will be good for both.

• What is Antelope Canyon like? What do we need to know before going there?

  Antelope Canyon is one of my favorite places in the world. Once you enter the canyon you are filled with serenity and beauty from the rock formations. It is so much cooler inside the canyon and very quiet. The sand is cool and soft while you walk through the canyon and gaze up at the ever-changing light formations coming through.
  After a short drive on a dirt road we are greeted by the tour guide’s jeep that takes us the rest of the way down. We walk down a few flights of stairs into the canyon floor before entering in.