Emily and Michael’s Elopement at Saguaro East With a Stop at In N Out, AZ
Emily and Michael decided to plan a romantic adventure at Saguaro East, the less popular side of Saguaro National Park. This area tends to be more rocky with fewer Saguaros. We loved how intimate this elopement was while still incorporating family in the sweetest way. Get all the details below.
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About This Elopement at Saguaro National Park East
Photography by Love and Latitudes
“Emily and Michael were married in Saguaro National Park East in Tucson, Arizona with close family. Emily’s grandparents live near the park, so they traveled from their home state to get married here. They got ready at the home, which has a great desert garden. Her grandfather officiated, which was so cute! The grandmother and the groom’s mother both conducted readings during the ceremony.
After a sweet first look, we headed to the park. But as a surprise, Michael rented a classic forest green Bronco to take to the park! They had the ceremony next to some large Saguaros, got to drive the Bronco through the park, and watched sunset from Javelina Rocks. After, we headed to In N Out! The couple loves going there and don’t have one in their home state. Overall, it was such a sweet and beautiful day!” [Diana, the photographer]
Planning Their Elopement
“We decided to elope mostly to remove the ‘traditional’ stresses of wedding planning but ultimately to keep the ceremony as intimate as possible.
We chose Saguaro National Park for our love of adventure and the mutual affection we have for the great outdoors. We fell in love with the desert and the West when first visited Sedona a few year back. Lucky for us, our grandparents live in Tucson, making travel arrangements simple.
Diana from Love and Latitudes, laid out what to expect and parts of the process in which we were responsible for (special use permit, marriage license, wedding date). Applying for the permit, booking flights, and obtaining a marriage license in Pima County was essential. After those items were taken care of, we were able to focus on personalizing the experience. It was important to us to honor the people in our lives who have supported our relationship and knowing the elopement would not have them present, we threw an engagement party to celebrate our union.” [The couple]
Estimated Cost From This Elopement
Photography: $3,000
Special use permit: $100
Classic car rental w/ chauffeur: $500
Officiant: Their grandfather
Regular travel expenses: Plane, rental car, hotel, etc.
~$5,000
Top Tips For Your Elopement at Saguaro East
“A permit for Saguaro East is only $100 and the process is very easy. However, there are some stipulations. The park does not allow chairs, tables, arches, flowers, amplified sound, generators, balloons, signs, decorations, and other similar items. You can only have up to 18 guests and vendors present.
Be aware of cactus, they’re everywhere! Saguaros aren’t the only types of cacti. Certain parts of the park can be thick, leading to the possibility of getting your clothes snagged on one. Always make sure to watch where you’re walking and wear closed-toed shoes if possible. If you do get a cactus attached to your clothing, do not grab it with your bare hands!
The environment is often dry, so do bring snacks, water and electrolytes. The best time to get married in the park is spring and fall when the weather is fair, or winter when the park is quiet. The summer temperatures get very warm.
Parking is limited in the park so plan ahead and carpool.” [Diana, the photographer]
Memorable Moments From This Elopement
From the photographer:
“The couple rented a classic Ford Bronco for the wedding. Michael, the groom, was particularly excited about this because it was a surprise for Emily, the bride. They were even able to drive the car through the park solo with me in the backseat, snapping photos of the two holding hands and appreciating the landscape.”
From the couple:
“Declaring our vows to each other surrounded by miles of desert and ancient saguaros minutes before the sunset will stay with us forever.”
Final Words of Advice From The Photographer
“Just do things the way you want on your wedding day. Emily and Michael did a few things that might have confused people—only inviting a few guests, getting married in Arizona instead of their home state, going to In N Out instead of having a reception. But it’s exactly what they wanted and I think that’s beautiful.” [Diana, the photographer]
Vendors
Photography | Love and Latitudes
Suit | Banana Republic
Sunglasses | WMP Eyewear
Shoes | Tecovas
Dress | Blue Sage Bridal
Makeup | Sweet Cheeks
Ring | Emily Warden Designs
Car Rental | Raptor Bronco
Meal | In N Out
Photos From This Elopement
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