Moran Point, Grand Canyon Elopement // David + Jennie

David and Jennie flew in from the mid-west to have an elopement of their dreams at the Grand Canyon. They both had been married before they found one another and their kids had joked with them about “just eloping.” And so they did!

They packed their bags and flew out to Phoenix, where they stayed at an Airbnb and traveled up to the Grand Canyon on the day of their elopement. It was about a 3. 5 hour drive for them to Moran Point from where they were staying in Phoenix. They arrived early to venture around some of the viewpoints at the Grand Canyon before changing in their rental car on a side road and meeting me and their officiant at Moran Point.

David and Jennie had even traveled up the day before to really take in the Grand Canyon and get to know the location where they’d be saying their vows to one another. They had found the perfect little area off to the side that allowed for them to have complete privacy while they said their vows. After an emotional ceremony on the side of the Grand Canyon, we ventured back to the parking lot to find a second witness to meet the qualifications for Arizona’s marriage license.

Did you know that your photographer can double as a witness if you’re not wanting to bring guests? And that you don’t have to physically have two witnesses present to watch your ceremony to sign. After your ceremony you can find a stranger on the same trail or in the area to sign as your second witness! You also have the option of mailing in your marriage license yourself and you can get a friend or family member to sign after your ceremony if you aren’t fond of the idea in having a stranger sign as a witness on your marriage license. If you’re wanting to skip all the legal paperwork completely on your elopement day, maybe consider a commitment ceremony or completing your marriage license in your home state.

After completing their marriage license, David and Jennie took me to another viewpoint, Grandview, about 10 minutes from their ceremony location at Moran Point. We arrived at Grandview just as the sun was starting to set and we could really start to see all those layers of colors in the Canyon. I told Jennie and David that blue hour at the canyon is quite literally the best time of day to witness all of those colors layered throughout the walls of the Grand Canyon. We enjoyed watching the sun set and seeing everyone clear out of the parking lot as we continued to stay until the sun had sunken completely beyond the horizon. After we said our goodbyes, Jennie and David started the drive back to Phoenix where they would stay for a few more days of adventures after their elopement before heading back home and officially announcing their elopement at the Grand Canyon!

David and Jennie walking along a trail out to their ceremony location at Moran Point in Grand Canyon National Park
David and Jennie standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon with their officiant as they begin their ceremony
David and Jennie standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon with their officiant as they exchange vows during their ceremony
An emotional moment between David and Jennie as David reads his vows and Jennie wipes away a tear.
David and Jennie standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon with their officiant as they exchange vows and rings during their ceremony
Jennie and David hold hands as their officiant continues with their ceremony
Jennie and David exchange rings.
Jennie and David share their first kiss as husband and wife on the edge of the Grand Canyon
Jennie and David have portraits taken after their ceremony at Moran Point at the Grand Canyon
Jennie and David have portraits taken after their ceremony at Moran Point at the Grand Canyon
Jennie and David hold hands and stare off into the Grand Canyon
David and Jennie sign their marriage license together after their ceremony
David and Jennie walk back to the parking lot after their ceremony to find a witness for their marriage license.
David and Jennie stop along the trail on the way back to the parking lot amongst some of the greenery.
David and Jennie make it back to the parking lot with their officiant and ask a lady who was from Tennessee to sign their marriage license as a witness
Jennie and David walk out on some rocks at Grandview Point for more portraits after their ceremony
Jennie and David wear their sunglasses for portraits at Grandview Point at the Grand Canyon
Jennie steps out on a rock at the Grand Canyon for solo bridal portraits
David steps out on a rock at the Grand Canyon for solo portraits
Jennie and David take more portraits together at Grandview Point as the sun disappears over the canyons edge
Landscape photo of the Grand Canyon at Grandview Point

Elopement Resources.

More “Just Us” Elopements.

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Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona Elopement // Hannah + AJ

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Eagle Rock, Lake Tahoe Elopement // Melissa + Alex