“It’s a dry heat.” “You could cook an egg on the sidewalk.” “My seatbelt burned me.” These are all things commonly heard down in The Valley. Don’t get me wrong, even with the heat I love living in Phoenix. But, one of the best things about living in Phoenix is how close we are to another landscape and climate up north. Cool temperatures and tall evergreens in Flagstaff can provide a different backdrop for an elopement without major travel arrangements.

I had a fantastic opportunity to work with some vendors to showcase the beauty of Flagstaff, Arizona as an elopement destination. Being so close to Phoenix, bringing your favorite vendors from home to Flagstaff is reasonable request. For couples seeking a more nature-driven theme, choosing a Northern Arizona location to tie the knot might be a perfect option to consider that might not be as easy to achieve down in The Valley.

Flagstaff as an Elopement Destination

If mountains and prairie landscapes are what you seek for your elopement, Flagstaff is a great contender. I would describe Flagstaff as a cute woodsy town. It is technically a city, with all of the amenities you would expect, such as plenty of dining options and city streets to explore. Since it isn’t so remote, there are ample options for lodging if you are having any guests come to celebrate with you. You can spend time at a local coffee shop or pub for some cozy or wander the old downtown.

Consider the time of year you are planning your elopement as it does get quite chilly, and snowy there! Anything outside would require lots of layers. With the abundance of woods in Flagstaff, there are a couple great spots to choose from. The Snowbowl area provides mountain views of green ski slopes in warmer seasons, Mount Humphreys, and wide prairie landscapes of Hart Prairie. Buffalo Park offers views of the San Francisco Peaks. At Campbell Mesa, you can see some seasonal wildflowers.

Hiring the Right People for your Day

Being as I am not very familiar with Flagstaff, I tagged along with my adventuring photographer friend, Alexandra Loraine, during a styled shoot in Flagstaff. As I’ve said before, hiring a great photographer who knows their stuff is SO important. Especially if you are eloping or having pictures taken somewhere you aren’t very familiar with. Your photographer who knows the area can be your guide and pick great spots.

She first brought us to a train station. Alexandra captured some fun movement images with the train going by. The depot bench made for a surprisingly romantic spot also. The pink church was such an unusual backdrop, in a good way. It’s unique color lent itself well to our color palette while adding a quaint touch to the mood of the shoot. Ending at the base of the mountains at Snowbowl in a prairie field was so perfect. The soft color of the field against the deep green mountains was stunning. Birch and evergreen trees topped off the forest feel, to where you could almost smell the pine just by looking at the photo.

Finding Your Design

I feel it’s worth noting the alternative mood we were able to achieve while in Flagstaff. The forest backdrop is not something easily replicated back at home. I think the desert is gorgeous. It just would not be possible to capture the feelings elicited by standing at the base of mountain covered in evergreen trees though. If you are looking for a cozier theme to your elopement, you might just consider Flagstaff. Introducing other design ideas would be so fun up in the mountains also. A boho or casual classic look could work well up north.

I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of this styled shoot with some awesome vendors. I don’t get to adventure in Northern Arizona as much as I would like. Being introduced to some fantastic locations was a treat. It is easy to picture a couple exchanging vows alone, or with a small crowd at the places we stopped. There was no shortage of romance or beauty of nature. Flagstaff is definitely worth considering if you are looking to elope!

What are some of your favorite Northern Arizona destinations?

Photography | Alexandra Loraine Photography – Invitation Suite | Jayne Fletcher – Planner | Riding Tandem – Rings | Olive Ave Jewelry -Wedding Dress | Saldana Vintage