Emotional, Intimate Religious Wedding in Saguaro National Park
Brittany & Aaron
As a professional Tucson wedding and elopement photographer, I’m always delighted to see how couples craft their perfect day. And so much of that is a reflection of their vibe. Some couples are formal, others are more relaxed, some are excited and nervous, and some are at ease. There’s no right or wrong way to be, as long as your wedding day reflects who you are as a couple.
When I met with Brittany (our bride) at the hotel, I was immediately struck by how friendly and welcoming she was. She simply exuded this, “Yes! I’m so happy you’re here” energy. Not just with me, but with everyone attending her special day.
I entered the hotel, and it was so spacious. Even the room where everyone was getting ready had plenty of room to move around and snap detail shots. It was also super cute to watch our bride help out her mom and sisters get ready.
Once everyone was looking their finest, we drove into Saguaro National Park for the wedding ceremony. But not before Brittany and her dad could share an emotional first look.
Aaron (our groom) stood by the towering cacti, looking lovingly upon his bride, as her dad escorted her. Brittany & Aaron decided against a first look of their own, preferring to have that “walking down the aisle” moment—or, in this case, the stroll through the desert walkway.
The pastor gave a quick blessing to begin his ceremony. Guests stood in a semi-circle around the couple, dabbing at their teary eyes as the bride and groom read their vows. Everyone’s readings were so beautiful; I could tell they touched every heart there.
After the “I now pronounce you” and big kiss, it was time for a champagne cheers. Because nothing celebrates like bubbly! But there was just one issue: The champagne cups were missing bottoms to the stems! Everyone laughed it off, of course. Just one of those silly things that happens.
And who needs a ballroom for your first dance, when you can hold your spouse close amongst the centuries-old saguaro cacti.
Brittany & Aaron wanted an intimate wedding ceremony with only family in attendance. But they also wanted to include friends outside of the official “I dos”. So, the newlyweds hosted a reception at the local restaurant, Postino. Yes, you really can have it both ways!
At the restaurant, everyone hugged and loved on the bride and groom. So happy to see them dressed in their wedding attire. I captured photos of friends and family, but also snapped pics of the amazing food and cake from my favorite Tucson baker, Ambrosia Cakes.
As my time with Brittany & Aaron came to an end, I knew this couple and their guests were riding high on the feelings of romance and joy that come along with a Saguaro wedding day.
Tips for Your Intimate Saguaro Wedding
Can’t picture anything more lovely than your own wedding day in Saguaro National Park? It’s pretty spectacular.
Here are a few things to know when planning your intimate Saguaro wedding day:
Work with your photographer regarding locations, permits, and venues. Looking for a perfect spot amongst the saguaros? Or maybe you prefer a spot with a desert mountain view. Ask your photographer to help you navigate the local restrictions and permitting.
Practice Leave No Trace when getting married outdoors. Keep the natural world happy and healthy by following LNT guidelines: like packing out what you pack in, staying on trails, and respecting the local flora and fauna.
Consider the timing. Avoid weekends and holidays. The desert is too hot in the summer, so opt for spring, fall, and winter.
Looking for adventure and activities? Adventure is what you make of it. So if that’s champagne pops or picnics in the desert, hiking on your wedding day through Saguaros, and heading to your favorite restaurant or bar—so be it!
Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your intimate Saguaro wedding photographer!
Saguaro Wedding Photography Packages
+ 6-8+ hours of coverage
+ Planning and vendor services
+ Location assistance
+ Online gallery with high-resolution photos
+ Option to download images or purchase prints online
+ Travel fees included, minus permits
+ Optional officiant services.
Meet Your Saguaro Wedding Photographer
I'm Diana Lustig, a California-born adventurer with a camera for a hand and an inborn love for the outdoors. I'm a professional photographer of 18 years and counting. I’ve captured over 80 weddings, 10 of which took place in Saguaro National Park. It’s such an underrated park, I definitely fell in love with it after visiting for the first time in 2021in our van, Clyde.
How did I get into wedding and elopement photography? In 2019, I hired adventure photographers for my own wedding and they showed me there’s a different, more personal way to get married. It was such a special day, I want to bring it to so many more couples who believe in getting married their own way.
