

John + Gaby decided to have a Sedona elopement with their family in one of their favorite places. They booked me about three months before their elopement. We started planning right away to find the perfect locations and plan their full timeline. They wanted a ceremony spot where they could include their family but go on a full adventure for sunset after. We did just that!
Their Sedona elopement started at their Airbnb with their closest family and friends. They rented a massive Airbnb that overlooked all of Sedona where everyone could stay. Gaby got ready with all her girls sharing so many wonderful moments. There was no dry eyes during certain moments with her grandma, aunts, and cousins. It was so special.
John got ready with all his guys and at the end gifted them some customized whiskey glasses in a wooden box with their names. Their dog Shadow was also part of their day and super special to them both. We made sure to get photos with her as well. After they finished getting ready, they had their first look together at the Airbnb. It’s always such a special moment when they first see each other.


















For their ceremony they wanted a backdrop that had the iconic buttes but accessible enough for their family. I found a location that was only a short hike in and had a large flat rock surface. Cathedral Butte served as the backdrop for their ceremony and it couldn’t have been more perfect!
Once we all got situated, we started the ceremony. They had a ring bearer and flower girl before Gaby walked down the aisle with her grandma. One of John’s best friends officiated their ceremony. Once again their were no dry eyes in sight as they exchanged their vows. It was extra special when John said his vows in both English and Spanish to Gaby. He went the extra mile!
After they shared their first kiss, they walked down the aisle with their family surrounding them blowing bubbles to celebrate. They shared another dip kiss on the exit. We then took a moment for family photos, bridal party photos, and a short champagne toast before heading off to their sunset adventure.















After their ceremony, we headed off on a 4×4 off-roading sunset adventure to an epic location. It was a rocky and bumpy ride but so worth the drive for the experience. Once we arrived at the location, we hiked briefly to reach some amazing cliffs that overlook the Sedona mountains. It was such a breathtaking scene especially at sunset.
We spent our time exploring the area and even found a little cave to create some extra special photos during golden hour and even blue hour with lanterns. I always love seeing how excited couples get exploring a new scenic location together on their elopement day.
Towards the end of the sunset, John and Gaby popped some champagne to celebrate the start of their marriage. It made for an amazing GIF! They then shared a first dance together during the final light of the day. We hung out for a little longer after sunset to capture some lantern photos during the blue hour and eventually some star photos to end the adventure.



















After the star photos, we headed back to their Airbnb to meet up with their family and friends. They had a beautiful reception dinner put together. They had desserts, cake, and her grandma’s homemade cooking to spoil everyone. The food was so incredible!Before dinner though their family shared their speeches with John and Gaby. We all laughed when Gaby’s grandma said she expects the grandchildren to start right away.
Once everyone finished their food the drinks and games began! The tequila shots were rolling and they started playing a game similar to king’s cup where you have to bounce a ping pong ball into a solo cup. They also did a game where they put a paper plate in their mouth and had to race each other to put out a candle lit flame. It was hysterical and so fun watching their competitiveness. It was so special helping them plan and capture their dream elopement with all their favorite people!













Hey I’m Marcus Hanenburg and I’m a destination elopement photographer. Just like John and Gaby I help all my couples with full planning assistance for their elopement along with capturing the most epic photos! Whether you want to elope in Sedona or somewhere else in the world. I travel all over and know so many incredible locations. You can send me an inquiry here to get started. I can’t wait to meet you!
If you don't see an email response within 24 hours from me in your inbox, make sure to check your spam folder as sometimes it can get sent there.