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Every elopement looks different. For some couples, an elopement day is punctuated with epic vistas, stunning hikes that challenge them, or creating the most jaw-dropping elopement photo they can come up with.
For Ashley and Ryan, the look of the day didn’t matter as much–it was about the feeling.
Both Ashley and Ryan were chasing something for their day. But it wasn’t a view or a photo–they were chasing the authenticity and intimacy of a private, beautiful, one-of-a-kind sort of elopement day.
Don’t get me wrong, Ashley and Ryan chose to elope in Zion National Park, so the views were, of course, breathtaking. The backdrop to their southern Utah elopement was stunning. But what I loved most about Ashley and Ryan was how purely focused they were on marrying each other exactly the way they wanted.
Ashley and Ryan chose a location that wasn’t just beautiful; it was meaningful to them, too.
Zion National Park was one of the first trips they ever took together as a couple. The area had a hold on their hearts, and they knew they wanted to get married there exactly the way that was most authentic and meaningful to them as a couple.
Their day began at the Wildflower Resort in Zion. They’d opted for a cute tiny house setup that was just a few minutes away from the park entrance.
They wanted something comfortable, cute, and close to the places they loved–the Wildflower covered all of these bases for them.
One of the most important things to Ashely and Ryan on their elopement day was to do things their way. For them, that meant not packing the day so full of non-stop activities they wouldn’t be able to stop and soak in the day.
They wanted to prioritize a meaningful and intentional day–and that meant starting the day slowly and sweetly (and with coffee, of course). Ashley and Ryan did not choose a jam-packed, sunrise-to-sunset sort of day, and that was perfect for them.
When I talk with couples about what kind of day makes the most sense for them, I make sure to point out that it’s all about what they want to prioritize. Ashley and Ryan knew the type of day they enjoyed the most–one that was slow and sweet, giving them plenty of time to soak in the important moments.
But other couples really thrive with a packed day. And that’s great, too. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your partner, your limits and boundaries, and what you both find most fulfilling.
Ashley and Ryan opted for that slow start. They drank coffee and spent the morning together. Then, they got ready separately in their tiny rental, doing their best not to catch fleeting glances of each other.
Ryan got dressed and ready as Ashley had her hair and makeup done by two local Southern Utah professionals who came out to the tiny house for the morning.
While Ashley was getting ready, a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from her parents showed up. Even though they wouldn’t be joining Ashley and Ryan on their wedding day, they found a beautiful way to share the day with them.
When they were done, we set up outside for their first look in front of their rental.
With the stunning Southern Utah landscape in the background, Ashley tapped Ryan’s shoulder, and they had their first look at each other in their wedding attire.
Within a few minutes, we were off. Ashley and Ryan had chosen a more remote, lesser-known part of Zion for the first part of their day. They wanted to be able to get away from the main drag of Zion to enjoy their day as privately as possible–all while still being surrounded by Zion’s red rock beauty.
Among the quiet and towering rock faces, Ashley and Ryan read their private vows to each other.
They both wanted a ceremony that was both no-frills and incredibly intimate, so they picked a beautiful spot and stole away for a few moments on their own. They read their heartfelt vows, exchanged rings, and had their first kiss as a married couple. As their officiant, I announced them as husband and wife.
I’ve heard that many people find elopement ceremonies to be lacking in meaning because they’re usually void of the typical vows and traditions.
But I couldn’t disagree more. Ashley and Ryan knew exactly what they wanted to say to each other–and they knew how they wanted their ceremony to unfold.
There’s nothing wrong with following a traditional ceremony structure–for some people; it’s very meaningful. But for others, cutting away the frills and being able to express themselves as authentically as possible is a much more meaningful way to get married.
Then, Ashley and Ryan did something that I always think is a good idea for couples–they took a snack break. They spread out a gorgeous picnic of charcuterie and mini cheesecakes and took a moment to soak in their ceremony together.
After a quick stop back at their tiny home (for a speedy refresh–it was a hot day!), we went exploring.
We stopped along the road in Zion, seeking out gorgeous rock formations and stunning landscapes. We explored a slot canyon and took the opportunity to snap some gorgeous couple portraits in a place that felt otherworldly.
And then, we made sure to go to the iconic Overlook Trail as the sun was setting.
When the sun went down, Ashley and Ryan were ready to slow down again. They picked up pizza from their favorite little spot nearby. They went back to the tiny house for a delicious wedding-night dinner of pizza and champagne.
If you ask me, it was the perfect, adorable end to a southern Utah elopement filled with magic, love, and intentionality.
