The Best Places to Take Engagement Photos in Arizona
Hi! I'm Kirsten, an Asheville wedding, elopement, & engagement photographer. While I am based in North Carolina, I do offer travel packages & even discounts for locations on my bucket list!
Searching for a photographer who will deliver fun, intentional & storytelling photos? Look no further! Your wedding day memories are precious & I will document them with the same love & care as if they were my own.
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Engagement photos are the perfect time to get to know your wedding photographer! Although I’m based in NC, I absolutely LOVE traveling & am more than happy to go on an adventure with you & your partner for your engagement photos. Whether you want to be up in the mountains, at a national park, or in the desert, I’ve picked out a few of my favorite spots that are perfect for your engagement session. One of my favorite states is Arizona, so without further adieu, here are some of my favorite places to take engagement photos in Arizona.
Sedona
Cathedral Rock
If you’re up for a hike, Cathedral Rock is a great idea! This is the most popular spot in Sedona, so choosing a date in the off season & at an early time of day is key to have the best experience. The hike is about 1.5 miles round trip & there is a 700ft elevation gain. This location is not for couples who are afraid of heights. The parking lot for Cathedral Rock is closed during busy season, but there is a shuttle that will bring you right to the trailhead.
Bell Rock
If you want to have beautiful views with the red rocks, but don’t want to hike very far, Bell Rock could be the best spot for you! It’s kind of like a choose your own adventure trail. You don’t have to hike all the way up the rock formations to get some good shots. Even the parking lot has beautiful views! A $5 parking pass is required for Bell Rock.
Baldwin Trailhead
The best part about this trailhead is the view of the stars at night! Choose this location if you don’t want to hike very far & you want a beautiful view of Cathedral Rock in the backdrop. Personally I believe this is the best place to take engagement photos in Arizona. I mean, the photo above was taken even with a full moon & it’s unedited. I wanted you to see just how pretty the photos come out before I take a stab at it in photoshop.
Phoenix
Papago Park
This park is close to downtown & features palm trees, water, & a beautiful rock formation for your backdrop.
Superstition Mountain
The best part about this location is that there’s actually multiple trailheads. One way to get this view is to purchase an entrance fee into Lost Dutchman State Park. This also requires a photo pass to be purchased, but the park has amenities & stunning views! If you don’t mind walking along small dirt trails, there is a free option 5 minutes down the road that is a part of the National Forest.
The Grand Canyon
Horseshoe Bend
While not technically part of the Grand Canyon National Park, this location is similar but features a horseshoe bend in the Colorado River. This location is extremely popular & requires a fee to park.
Navajo Point
Navajo Point is the perfect spot for couples who want an area where they can have a little more privacy. I was there on a Saturday evening & had this rock outcrop all to myself. You’ll find less people here because the shuttles don’t run along this road.
Flagstaff
Sunset Crater
This spot is great because you get views of the mountains & there’s plenty of spots along the road to pull over and get a variety of shots.
Priest Draw Trail
Priest Draw Trail is high up in the mountains, meaning your backdrop will be full of ponderosa pine trees & aspens. There’s beautiful fields & if you’re lucky, you may even see some elk!
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning on having your engagement session take place out west, then definitely consider Arizona! Arizona has some of the best places to take engagement photos by far! I would be SO honored to be your wedding photographer & travel out to Arizona with you for your wedding, elopement, or engagement session!
To start chatting about your session or wedding, click here!
For elopement planning info, check out my How to Start Planning an Elopement Guide.
Recent Posts
Amanda & Joe
"Kirsten was so sweet and fun to hang out with - it felt like we brought a friend along with us! She captured everything I wanted and gave us the perfect photos for us to remember our special day.
We received a mix of candid photos and portraits.
I thought I would feel awkward taking portraits. but she gave great prompts that made it fun and had us laughing. When I received my photos. I was blown away at how natural we looked and how much of our love was captured in the photos. I am literally obsessed with how our pictures came out!"
Payton & Kristen
"Kirsten produced lovely photos from our very dreamy and memorable mountain photo shoot. We display the engagement photos proudly all around our house. She knows the area well and can suggest areas if you are not.
She's non-judgmental if you're nervous about being in front of a camera and LGBTQ+ friendly! We highly recommend Kirsten to anyone looking to get engaged or elope in the Asheville area."
Caroline & Cameron
"ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ These are amazing. Thank you so so much for making this chaotic day look so peaceful and magical. I know we were rushed but you'd never know from these pictures. We couldn't have asked for more! and thank you for getting us our gallery and sneak peaks so quickly!!"
Amythest & Sara
"Kirsten was delightful and really allowed us to be ourselves and enjoy the time together. The photos from this session are warm. intimate. and really showcase the love that my wife and I hold in our relationship. I am forever thankful for that afternoon Kirsten spent with us. if you are considering booking a session. this is a business you want to do it with <3"
Sarah & Alex
"Kirsten was absolutely amazing to work with! While visiting the States on our honeymoon, we arranged to have photos taken to commemorate our elopement, and Kirsten took our vision and ran with it! Kirsten made the the entire experience so easy for us - from helping us plan and pick a venue, to bringing her pop-up tent for a wardrobe change at the top of the mountain.
Kirsten went above and beyond The photos themselves are more beautiful than we could have hoped for. and we are so grateful. Could not recommend Kirsten enough!"
