As an elopement photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing some of the most intimate and breathtaking moments between couples. But every now and then, there’s an experience that stands out as absolutely magical. That’s exactly what happened when I had the honor of documenting a stunning salt flats elopement in one of the most surreal places on Earth.

Let me take you behind the scenes of this unforgettable adventure, where an epic love story, unexpected weather, and unforgettable memories collided in the heart of the salt flats.

The Journey to the Salt Flats: A Stormy Start

I arrived at the salt flats two days prior to the elopement. I had my van all set up for the long stay, surrounded by dark skies, rain, and a sense of gloomy anticipation. To be honest, I had prepared myself for the worst: storms, cold temps, and a slight feeling of disappointment, knowing that nature often has a mind of its own.

But in the world of elopements, unpredictability is part of the charm. And as I sat in my van, I couldn't help but feel that this could be one of those moments where everything surprises you in the best way possible. It’s all a wait-and-see kind of game, with alternatives in your back pocket if need be.

The Magic Unfolds: Sun, Sky, and Salt Flats Serenity

As the clock ticked closer to their elopement, just two hours before the ceremony, something truly extraordinary happened. The rain stopped, the sky began to clear, and suddenly, the sun began to peek through the clouds. Before we knew it, the salt flats had transformed into something out of a dream — endless, pristine pools reflected the vibrant blue sky, and the world felt completely still.

We kept saying to each other, “I cannot believe this is happening.” It was the kind of moment you couldn’t have predicted, but felt incredibly grateful to witness.

First Look & Private Vows

The couple, ready for adventure and eager to exchange vows in their own unique way, decided to do their first look outside their off-roading rig. They changed into their wedding gear from The Black Tux and David’s Bridal. The rugged terrain surrounding us made for the perfect backdrop, with the salt flats stretching as far as the eye could see. Their dog, full of energy and excitement, ran freely through the vast space, embodying the spirit of their adventure.

During their private vow exchange, the couple chose to include me in a special way: they asked me to read a passage during the ceremony. It was such an honor to be part of such a personal, emotional moment. The air was thick with love, joy, and a sense of pure connection as the couple promised each other a lifetime of adventures.

Sunset Portrait Session

After the vows, we set off for their portrait session, with the setting sun casting a warm glow across the salt flats. And then, something happened that I never could have expected: we captured the craziest photos I’ve ever taken. The light, the scenery, and the couple’s genuine connection all came together in a way that left me speechless. It was as if the universe had aligned just for them.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we watched in awe as the sky shifted into hues of pink and orange — the perfect finish to the most incredible elopement day.

Blue Hour Magic - First Dance, stargazing & Cake to Celebrate

But the day wasn’t over yet. As the sky darkened and the blue hour set in, the bride changed into another David’s Bridal dress and the couple shared their first dance, lit only by the glow of their off-road vehicle's headlights. It was intimate, surreal, and deeply emotional — the kind of moment that sticks with you forever. They topped off the evening with a cake to celebrate their new life together and stargazing, the perfect end to an unforgettable day.

Why a Salt Flats Elopement is a Must-Consider Adventure

A salt flats elopement is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The expansive white landscape offers a sense of serenity and grandeur, making it the perfect canvas for couples seeking adventure and intimacy. Whether it’s the dramatic sky, the stunning natural features, or the sheer remoteness, eloping in such a unique environment creates a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is beyond words.

If you're thinking about eloping, the salt flats are an incredible option. The natural beauty, the adventure, and the freedom of the open landscape make it a one-of-a-kind location to say “I do.” And if you’re lucky enough to witness such a magical day like this one, you’ll know that sometimes, the best things in life happen when you least expect them.

Planning Your Salt Flats Elopement: Tips from an Elopement Photographer

1. Plan for the Unexpected: Weather is always unpredictable, especially in such remote locations. Be ready for anything, but remember that nature often surprises us in the best way.

2. Consider an Off-Roading Adventure: The salt flats are perfect for an off-road vehicle to transport you and your guests to a variety of stunning spots.

3. Include Your Furry Friend: Don’t forget to bring your dog along for the adventure! Salt flats are a wide-open space for them to run free and be part of your special day.

4. Timing is Key: The golden hour and blue hour are incredible times for photos, so plan your elopement to capture the breathtaking light at sunset and beyond.

5. Embrace the Moment: No matter what happens, embrace every part of your day. Whether it’s the sun, rain, or clouds, your elopement will be uniquely yours — and the memories will last a lifetime.

Ready to start planning your Salt Flats elopement? Let’s make your dream adventure come true! I’m here to help every step of the way, from capturing your story to making sure your day is as magical as this one.

Reach out today to begin your adventure!

The Amara Resort in Sedona doubles as a great backdrop for your special moments—like a proposal—and of course, a place to rest your head before a hike up to Cathedral Rock. Travis reached out to me from Australia, as he had won a sweepstakes to travel wherever he wanted from an Australian airline, and he chose Sedona. He would tell Alyse he was going to the gym in order to meet with me on Zoom via his car, and it would be nearing evening time for me. We had fun planning his proposal and making it work to not drop a single hint to Alyse!

The Amara Resort worked with Travis to lay out rose petals for not only his proposal spot, but also for their hotel room with celebratory champagne to follow. They were a great resort to work with and kept everything under wraps. Travis wanted Alyse to be able to dress up for their proposal, but also wanted to have an adventurous hike in Sedona for epic backdrops. Which is totally fair, it’s Sedona and a proposal! The way to get the best of both worlds is to book a next-day adventure session. We did 30-minutes of photo coverage to purely capture the surprising moment, some shots by the creek, and then an 1.5-hour session for a Cathedral Rock Hike the next morning. This allowed for them to have dinner at the resort together all dolled up, to take in the moment just the two of them, and then prepare for an epic hike the next day. It’s a perfect combination in my opinion.

And just like that…we woke up before the sun rose and headed to Cathedral Rock.

Cathedral Rock has its own challenges when it comes to its popularity, parking/shuttle, and timing. I always give my clients all the options and what their outcomes will be experience and photo wise. The timing chosen allowed for more intimate moments and epic lighting show thrown against the rock walls.

I love seeing my clients get down and dirty with the adventure; throwing off the hiking boots and walking barefoot on the rocks in order to safely change into picturesque shoes. I also love when they keep their hiking boots on for shots since it’s how it truly got them to this point. Genuine!

On top of giving options, I always provide my clients with a Cathedral Rock guide in order to thoughtfully prepare them for the hike, and all the necessities they will need for the adventure. It helps make a great experience for all and not to sweat the small things. Cathedral Rock is truly my favorite spot in Sedona for its views and the epic vantage point it provides for photo sessions. Cheers to Travis + Alyse!

For your photo session, let’s live a little.

This skateboarding couples photo session in Flagstaff is a perfect example of my process. When I talk to my clients about their photo session, I love to ask about, brainstorm, and talk through a vision—a photo session concept. Let’s get one thing straight…yes we are taking professional photos and your standard stand-there-and-smile-at-me photos that we can hang on grandma’s fridge will happen. Although,

Earth Below Photo is all about telling YOUR story and creating a feeling.

Lifestyle photography is my expertise and provides timelessness and excitement about your photo gallery for years to come. The photo session itself isn’t a “photoshoot” it was the day you and your partner hiked a mountain together…baked your favorite dessert together…explored the desert…chased some waterfalls…or like you’ll see here in this post…went skateboarding together.

Whether you decide to go on an epic adventure, take a walk downtown, or get cozy at home it’s all about the both of you. It’s about hearing less of “how should we pose?” and more of “wait! I forgot this was all for the photos.” Granted, getting your photos taken will never feel like normal life or authentic, but the goal is to create a comfortable and unforgettable experience.

Coming up with a photo session concept also means that when it comes to your session day, you and your partner are in that headspace already. It becomes exciting and we are all creating together!

I’m a Pinterest lover, but I am starting to steer clear of creating mood boards for photo sessions. I think sending over that photo that inspires your next session is super important, but let’s not limit ourselves or set ourselves up with these expectations. That can only lead to disappointment for both you and I, because we truly will never be able to do the exact same. Plus copying someone isn’t cool. The bottom line is: Let’s create our OWN expectations and tell YOUR story…not someone else’s. Now that’s cool beans.

So what’s the moral of the story? Let’s do something fun and create together for your photo session!

I look forward to our next session together.

-Amanda