Maybe I’m partial because I live in Flagstaff, but a snowy flagstaff elopement needs to be normalized! I feel like Flagstaff is hugely under appreciated, but maybe that’s because we live in a place where you can go 1-4 hours in each direction and have an amazing elopement experience.
Heading into the Ponderosa Pines for a Flagstaff Elopement
COLD! It started cold… and ya know what? I wasn’t mad about it because the sun was out making us feel warmer that it looked with nearly 2 feet of snow from the last storm. We started at the parking lot and had an easy entrance into the forest; the couple forged on with their cross country skis and I traipsed along in my $5 garage sale snowshoes. We trudged through beautiful snow and IT WAS LOVELY having the sun shining through the pines. The light was really beautiful. Honestly, I will always be a sucker for that “golden hour” which is the hour right after sunrise or right before sunset. THE TRUTH is I am really starting to love that early afternoon sun, especially when you can block it with Flagstaff’s beautiful aspens or pine tress, of which it has THE largest contiguous forest of ponderosa pine trees in THE WORLD. There is something about a bluebird sunny day after a storm that is just stunning. The forest is quiet, birds are chirping and you feel far, far away from civilization.
Choosing the Perfect Flagstaff Elopement Location
We shimmied our way to the ceremony site which was under a mile one way. That’s all it took to get to THIS beautiful location! Trust me, you can do this! We have a local store called Snow, Mountain, River (SMR) where you can rent snowshoes or cross country skis for the day.
We found this beautiful backdrop that was perfect for vows, I Do’s and intimate moments!
Designing a Flexible Elopement Timeline
We were planning on a sunrise climbing elopement, but the snow storm had other plans! We were able to easily pivot to an afternoon activity to spend the day together and share intentional moments. This couple was multi-talented adventurers and were just as happy with this option!
We had to warm up with some hot cocoa and wouldn’t leave home without some rechargeable hand warmers!
We had to warm up with some hot cocoa and wouldn’t leave home without some rechargeable hand warmers!
Here is what their flexible timeline looked like:
3:30 pm – Arrive at meeting spot
4:00 pm – Pack everything on and ski out to ceremony spot
4:30 pm – Change into attire
5:00 pm – Vows
5:15 pm – Sunset Photos
5:40 pm – Hot chocolate
6:00 pm – Ski out!
6:30 pm – End Photos
There is nothing quite like saying your vows in the quiet of a winter wonderland. If you are dreaming of a Flagstaff elopement that breaks the traditional mold, let’s connect! Check out my elopement photographer website to learn more about my packages, and follow along for more elopement inspiration.
Clarice