Legendary Sunrise Elopement in the Grand Canyon

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

There is something unique to eloping in that, given some amount of flexibility and luck, it can be nothing less than epic. Take, for instance, an early morning walk through the snowy Grand Canyon, just in time to say your vows as the purple-pink sunrise paints over one of nature’s most lavish creations. A total dream, right?? Epic is the only word.

Mike + Mary knew this destination was the perfect spot to begin their lives together as man and wife. Mary tells us: The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a location where Mike and I have often traveled and written music together. We knew that this temple of grandiosity would set the perfect backdrop and setting for us to say our vows and tie the knot.

The most important vendor when you’re eloping? A photographer! Mike + Mary called on Priscila Valentina to capture the (epic) moments that are sure to take your breath away:

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

The most memorable moment of our wedding day was definitely the ceremony and playing “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” on the ukulele (Haley Reinhart version) as I walked in. I get get goosebumps thinking about that moment with the colorful landscape and Mike’s eyes staring into mine.

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

SO sweet!

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Literally the best feeling ever.

champagne toast

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Did your jaw drop?! We’re obsessed with this photo!

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

grooms bow tie

unique desert bouquet

Mary took the florals into her own hands–literally–by designing her own colorful bouquet!

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Saldana Vintage

Saldana Vintage Dress

Her stunning lace gown is by Saldana Vintage. And the only logical footwear for a Grand Canyon elopement? Cowboy boots!

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Wedding day tattoos? Yes, please.

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

If you do not have any obligations to family, I would say definitely elope and go to your favorite place. A golf course or generic wedding venue would have costed five times the amount and it would have been less intimate and memorable. On a practical note, if you are eloping, definitely don’t skip out on hiring a really good photographer. This is your most important vendor for the day and will be capturing the whole experience. We love love LOVE Priscila Valentina Photographers.

Make sure to check the weather and be flexible with your date. It was raining the whole week and we happened to get lucky and land on a day where there was no rain. Also, we love that weddings are changing and seriously do whatever celebrates your love best. People blindly follow traditions not knowing what they are actually biting a garter for? We wanted to incorporate ourselves and just simply different ideas.

Sunrise Grand Canyon Elopement

Thanks for sharing your day with us, Mike + Mary! Best wishes from GWS! xoxo

photography: Priscila Valentina Photography // venue name: South Rim Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Village, Arizona, USA // florals: Handmade by Bride // wedding dress: Saldana Vintage // hairpiece: Forever 21 // bride's shoes: cowboy boots // groom attire: Jacket is from a thrift shop and Diesel Jeans

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