Cathedral Rock Elopement

GO BACK TO BLOG HOME

July 18, 2022

Cathedral Rock is one of our absolute favorite locations in Sedona to shoot at. We have had so many sessions take place here, and they’re all unique in their own way! With each new session comes a challenge: to be creative, take a shot we’ve never captured before, and explore a little bit more of the space. We aim to create a memorable experience for all of our clients but also for ourselves! With Payton and Brett, we absolutely created some magical memories during their Cathedral Rock elopement.

Cathedral Rock elopement in Sedona, captured by Riss and Steven Photography

Four years ago Payton and Brett met, fell in love, and decided to spend the rest of their lives with one another. That’s where we come in! These two wanted to have an incredibly intimate elopement where it was just the two of them and the dim morning light. When we started discussing their vision for their Cathedral Rock elopement we couldn’t help but fall in love with the two of them! They are incredibly down-to-earth and some of the kindest individuals we’ve ever met. They were SUUUCHH a joy to work with and overall this day was a beautiful experience to be a part of.

As we started to learn more about our couple, we soon found out that both Payton and Brett (mainly Brett, haha) are HUGE criers! So, pretty much from the start of their ceremony until the end of the day there were happy tears flowing in front of (and behind) the camera.

Intimate Ceremony in Sedona

We captured some whimsical bridal shots and enjoyed the morning before anyone else made it up to the cliffside. We were the only ones there, surrounded by the beauty nature built around us! Once we reached the top Payton and Brett changed into their wedding attire (we HIGHLY recommend you change into your wedding attire after hiking to your ceremony location!!) and Steven and I got set up to capture their ceremony. The hike was so much fun and overall this morning was absolutely spectacular! The wind was blowing but it was quiet, it felt like the four of us were the only ones on earth, and Steven and I just happened to be so lucky to witness such a beautiful moment in time.

Pastel colors painted the sky providing a soft hue to the setting, it was stunning! As the sun slowly started to rise and spread its golden light across the red rocks, Payton and Brett shared their vows, shotgunned a beer (hell yeah!), signed their license, and shared a private first dance. Steven and I were lucky enough to be invited to share this moment with Payton and Brett — Steven signed as a witness, and I, after recently getting ordained, signed as the minister! There are so many reasons why this elopement was incredibly special but signing my first license as an ordained minister was absolutely a highlight.

Following the ceremony, we headed back to the Airbnb they rented and they made us all a BOMB ass breakfast. We captured these moments for them as they decorated their cake and cut it while popping celebratory champagne. After a solid breakfast they headed to the couch to read letters from their families — cue the tears allll over again!! This morning was emotional, charming, and so pure. I can’t imagine a better example of how meaningful an intimate elopement can be.

We will NEVER forget this Cathedral Rock elopement. Payton and Brett, thank you for allowing us to enter into your hearts, we will never take it for granted!