After having a large engagement party, Sydney and Brian chose to elope secretly during an adventurous elopement in Monument Valley. An adventure they will never forget! Monument Valley is located deep in the Arizona desert on the border of Arizona and Utah. The rugged landscapes and warm desert light made Monument Valley the perfect location for their adventurous elopement. It is also one of the most photographed places on earth, for a good reason! The desert valley is home to gorgeous sandstone rock formations that reach 400 to 1,000ft above the valley floor.

The ceremony

I met Sydney and Brian at the visitors center, where we started our adventure. We drove the 17-mile loop valley drive that winds down a dirt road through the red rock formations. We spent the afternoon weaving through different rock formations, stopping at various viewpoints. You can self-drive the loop to see all the scenic spots, including the iconic John Wayne Point. Once we made it to the ceremony site, Sydney and Brian exchanged vows in a private ceremony full of love. Afterward, they signed the marriage license on the hood of their jeep and had two passing hikers sign as witnesses. Then we spent the afternoon exploring the incredible landscape and chasing the beautiful light.

After completing the Monument Valley loop, we drove to the iconic Forest Gump Hill, a spot made famous by the film. As the sun began to set, the landscape transformed, casting a golden glow over the vast desert. The stunning view and warm sunset provided the perfect ending to their day.

Whenever I think back on their day, it reminds me of why I love elopements. Sydney and Brian’s elopement was everything they wanted it to be, intimate, unique, and full of adventure! You can view Sydney & Brian’s adventurous elopement in Monument Valley in Together Journal Here!

You can view Avori and David’s Romantic Elopement at Lost Dutchman State Park here!