The couple shares a playful moment, with one partner dancing and the other posing with their bouquet, the canyon in the background.

An Intimate Grand Canyon Elopement 

When Kristina (she/her) and Alaina (she/her) decided to elope, they knew it had to be an adventure. With the Grand Canyon as their stunning backdrop and a cozy yurt to call home for the night, their Arizona elopement was intimate, laid-back, and full of laughter. From courthouse steps to canyon cliffs, their day was the perfect mix of spontaneity, fun, and a whole lot of love.

What inspired your decision to elope rather than have a traditional wedding?

Alaina: For us, eloping was always the plan. We wanted to focus on each other without the stress or pressure of a big wedding. The idea of running away together always sounded like a dream. Plus, you can only fit so many people in a yurt! 

Kristina: My family knew eloping was always the plan. I wanted a day that was just about us – no stress, no fuss, just love. After being together for a few years, everyone kept asking when we’d get married, and I would say, “We’ll run away one day!” When we did elope, we FaceTimed our families to share the news, and while some were a little shocked, everyone was overjoyed.

Why did you choose Arizona for your elopement?

Kristina: We had originally planned to elope in New York in 2020, but, as we all know, 2020 didn’t go as planned. We pulled out our bucket list, and Arizona instantly stood out. We love exploring National Parks, so the Grand Canyon felt perfect for the epic adventure we wanted.Alaina: It turned out to be the best decision! The Arizona landscape was stunning, and it gave us everything we dreamed of for our big day.

A white yurt stands against a clear blue sky in the desert. Another yurt is visible in the distance, with sparse desert vegetation surrounding it.
One partner buckles the other’s strappy sandal while sitting in a cozy yurt. The person seated wears a crochet lace dress.
A wide shot of the Grand Canyon, showing the layered rock formations bathed in soft evening light.
The couple shares a kiss at the edge of the Grand Canyon. One wears a lace dress while holding a bouquet of red and white flowers, the other wears a blue shirt and dark pants.
The couple gazes lovingly into each other’s eyes, standing at the Grand Canyon. One partner gently holds the other’s face.
A vibrant bouquet of red and white roses rests on a rock at the Grand Canyon with the canyon landscape in the background.
One partner holds the other’s hand while standing near the cliff edge at the Grand Canyon. The partner in the lace wedding dress looks down while holding their partner’s hand.
A close-up of the couple’s hands reaching for each other with the Grand Canyon blurred in the background.
The couple stands with their backs to the camera, looking out over the Grand Canyon. One partner holds a bouquet of roses and eucalyptus.
The couple sits close together, heads resting against each other with a bouquet nearby, and the Grand Canyon in the background.
A bride in a lace dress and her partner sit on the edge of a rocky cliff at the Grand Canyon, holding a vibrant bouquet of red and pink flowers. The expansive red rock formations spread out behind them.

What was your actual elopement day like?

Kristina: Our official elopement was the day before our Grand Canyon photoshoot. We got married on the courthouse steps in Flagstaff, Arizona, thanks, COVID! It was such a beautiful moment. 

Afterward, we celebrated with brunch, which was perfect because I (normally very private) surprised Alaina by blurting out to the waitress, “We’re getting married today!” 

That moment still makes us laugh!

Alaina: The next day, we had our “elopement reception” in a yurt, where Kristina wore a new dress, and we had cake from the cutest retro fridge. It was surreal tying Kristina’s dress laces in the middle of the desert. 

Afterward, we headed out to the Grand Canyon for the most epic photoshoot with Amanda, our photographer. 

We even returned the next morning for more shots because we couldn’t resist!

What were your favorite moments from the day?

Alaina: Definitely the thrill of our Grand Canyon photoshoot! We climbed over rocks and balanced on ledges to get those perfect shots – it was terrifying and exhilarating all at once, much like marriage itself! 

I’m a clumsy person, so Kristina was half convinced she’d be a widow before the day was over, but we survived with nothing but amazing memories.

Kristina: The unplanned moments were my favorite, like our brunch announcement or playing Mario Kart together in the hotel after the ceremony. 

It was quintessentially us. Fun, relaxed, and all about being together.

Close-up shot of one partner placing a ring on the other's hand. The bride wears a detailed lace gown, and both are captured in black and white for a timeless feel.
The bride rests her head lovingly on her partner's shoulder as they stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon, the vastness of the landscape behind them.
The couple walks hand-in-hand along a paved path, with the bride’s lace gown trailing behind her and the evening light casting a golden glow.
The couple stands on a rocky outcrop at the Grand Canyon, with the bride holding a bouquet and both looking confidently into the distance. The expansive canyon surrounds them.
In a black and white photo, the couple stands close, one partner resting her head on the other's shoulder, with the bride’s bouquet visible in the foreground.
The couple shares a playful moment with one bride scrunching her face as her partner kisses her cheek, both sitting at the edge of the Grand Canyon.
The couple sits quietly together on a rock, the bride holding a bouquet as they both gaze off into the distance of the Grand Canyon at dusk.
The couple stands under a neon Yippee-Ei-O Steakhouse sign at night, embracing closely as the bright red and blue lights glow around them.
A small, white wedding cake decorated with succulents is displayed next to a vibrant bouquet of red, pink, and cream flowers, with a cactus in the background.
A simple white wedding cake topped with succulents sits beside a bouquet of red and blush flowers and a potted cactus.
A silhouetted couple kisses inside a lit-up tent against a backdrop of a starry night sky.
A close-up of the bride’s bouquet featuring red, blush, and ivory roses mixed with eucalyptus and succulents.
The couple smiles and embraces, standing on a cliff edge with the Grand Canyon in the background, holding a floral bouquet.
The couple stands on the cliff edge, hand in hand, gazing at the expansive view of the Grand Canyon.
The couple shares a playful moment, with one partner dancing and the other posing with their bouquet, the canyon in the background.

Photography by Earth Below Photo

Cake Maker Sedona Bakery
Caterer Taco Bell, Gas Station Snacks
Ceremony Venue Coconino County Flagstaff Courthouse
Engagement Rings Brilliant Earth
Hair Stylist Sedona Beauty Team
Makeup Artist Sedona Beauty Team
Wedding Rings Brilliant Earth

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