Sarah & Cameron

As an elopement wedding photographer, I often spend lots of time talking to a couple before I meet them in person. That’s because I spend time helping them plan their location, wedding ceremony, best time for photos, and all that good stuff.

When I photographed Sarah & Cameron, I touched base with them regularly before the big day. I also followed them on social media—which brings me to a funny tidbit. I had seen Cameron’s photos on social for a good long while. But when I met him in person, he had shaved his mustache, completely throwing me for a loop! I almost didn’t recognize him.

But facial hair or not, it was a pleasure to photograph Sarah & Cameron’s intimate wedding ceremony in Saguaro National Park.

When Desert Landscapes Capture Your Hearts

Our bride, Sarah, shared that she always dreamed of a desert wedding surrounded by cacti. There’s just something about reading your vows amongst the sand and stone; that deep expression of boundless love within a desolate landscape that feels so romantic and personal. It’s really an incredible experience for those called to these dry landscapes.

While rightfully known for its aridity, the Sonoran Desert was especially lush that spring day. We were treated to ocotillo blooms and rarely seen baby green grasses. Yes, Mother Nature pulled out all the stops for Sarah & Cameron’s nuptials.

I met the soon-to-be newlyweds at their Airbnb in Tucson, Arizona. The property boasted a lovely courtyard filled with citrus and cacti—adding to the allure of the adobe-style architecture. As the couple donned their wedding outfits, I snapped detail shots and pics of the property.

Then it was time for the first look. If you haven’t been a part of a first look—where a couple sees each other dressed in their wedding attire for the first time—it’s a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and surprise that makes for great pictures. I carefully positioned Cameron so that Sarah could tap him on the shoulder.

After a last-minute first look, we headed into the park to meet with their officiant for the day, Father Oliver. Wearing his vestments and stole, he conducted a religious elopement service for Sarah & Cameron, infused with a bit of humor and a lot of love.

Sarah told me she wanted the most saguaro cacti in her photos, so I took our bride and groom to the perfect spot. Under the centuries-old saguaros, these two said their I do’s, exchanged rings, and locked lips. It was everything you could want in an intimate desert wedding ceremony!

Arizona offers the most incredible sunsets, and no two are ever the same. One day, it’s a dazzling array of oranges and reds, while the next day, your eyes are treated to purples and glinting stars just after dusk. I posed our couple again and again; my camera lens hungrily snapping away. Everything from forehead kisses to dips, dress shots to ringed fingers…It was a wonderful evening as our couple let the reality of the moment set in.

The Joy of Eloping

It might sound contradictory, but two-person elopements take courage while also providing an intimate space for you to express yourselves.

There’s no one to impress or show off for. It’s just you, the love of your life, your photographer and officiant—and the majesty of the natural world. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that your relationship and values come first on your wedding day. And because of that, these kinds of elopements often feel extra special and meaningful to couples.

No crowds, no pressure. Just a love story unfolding exactly how you want it to be. Sarah & Cameron adored their low-key, honest, and intentional wedding because it was true to them!

Tips for Your Own Saguaro NP Elopement

Do you similarly feel the call of the desert? Smitten by the idea of eloping in Saguaro National Park? You too can have the wedding day you’ve been dreaming of.

We’ve gathered all the essential Saguaro National Park wedding tips in a helpful guide. Check it out—and book me as your photographer. I’d love to help you capture the day.

SAGUARO NP ELOPEMENT GUIDE