Emily & Michael

Classic cars, towering saguaros, and a wedding-day dinner at In-N-Out. Say less!

Emily & Michael enjoyed such a fun elopement in Saguaro East because they made their wedding day all their own. So, let’s get into it!

A Tucson Wedding Day

The day started when I arrived at Emily’s grandparents’ home in Tucson. Immediately, I fell in love with the place, since it was so beautifully decorated. And the lovely garden only made things more wonderful. Yes, all the vibes were there for a perfect western desert elopement.

As Emily & Michael got ready, I went outdoors to capture detail shots of their jewelry, accessories, and keepsakes. I even got snapshots of the family dog and the couple’s cowboy boots.

After Emily & Michael got wedding-ready, I took them aside for a quick first-look in the garden. They wanted it to be a private moment, but his mom and her grandma couldn’t help but sneak a peek at the couple.

But wait, here comes the fun part. Emily surprised Michael by renting his favorite classic car: A green Bronco!

A Wedding Ceremony Amongst the Saguaros

I followed the soon-to-be newlyweds in their iconic car into Saguaro East. Once there, we settled in amongst a few saguaro cacti.

In the shade of these ancient carnegiea gigantea, Emily & Michael had a tearful ceremony—led by her grandpa. One of the moments that made the moment so special was the guests sharing readings.

After the ceremony, I followed behind the couple once again to another spot to watch the sunset.

Saguaro Elopement Guide

Saguaro East is surprisingly rocky compared to Saguaro West, so we headed to one of these outcroppings to take some portraits and explore the different fauna of this side of the park.

A Wedding Day Dinner at In-N-Out

The fun wasn’t over! Emily and Michael aren’t from the West Coast, so they don’t get to have In-N-Out too often. So naturally, they wanted to go, get a bite, and take some quick photos.

It was super cute seeing these two, well-dressed newlyweds skillfully toss french fries in each other’s mouths with such accuracy. In fact, this very photo won me a spot on Junebug’s 2024 Best of the Best Wedding Photo Collection.

I’m so grateful for this win, so I made sure to send an In-N-Out onesie to them as a thank you and congrats on their new baby.

Tips for Your Saguaro East Elopement

The desert is warm, dry, and often windy. But you don’t let that stop you, cause you know the best wedding days come from being prepared.

Here are a few things to know when planning your Saguaro East elopement:

Work with your photographer regarding locations, permits, and venues. Saguaro is separated in two parts on either side of Tucson, so there are a ton of places to explore! Ask your photographer to help you navigate the best spots, local restrictions, and permitting.
Practice Leave No Trace when getting married outdoors. Keep the natural world happy and healthy by following LNT guidelines in Saguaro. Pack out your trash, stay on trails and watch out for brush, give animals space, and come prepared for the weather.
Consider the timing. For example, weekdays are less busy than weekends, and holidays should be avoided. Saguaro is in the desert, so it’s too warm in the summer for elopements. Consider early spring, late fall, and winter weddings.
Looking for adventure and activities? If so, Saguaro is a great spot for all sorts of outdoor fun! Talk with your photographer about including some fun activities like hiking, offroading, horseback riding, picnics, visiting museums and murals, and more!

Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your Saguaro East elopement photographer!