Payson Arizona Forest Elopement
I have always wanted to photograph a Payson Arizona forest elopement and show couples planning their wedding how amazing and relaxing their wedding would be surrounded with beautiful forest trees and hanging out by the lake on the Mogollon Rim.
I teamed up with one of my awesome friends, Ginger, to plan a styled shoot and give examples of what your wedding day can looking like in the forest. Here are some of my favorite ideas.
AFTERNOON SCENIC ADVENTURE
Driving up to the Mogollon Rim in Payson, Arizona you see what looks like the edge of the world. There’s a row of trees besides you and below the tree trunks is nothing but sky.
If you want to experience standing on the edge of the Rim you can pull into the few designated parking spots and take a short hike to stand above a 2,000 foot drop.
These scenic viewpoints are perfect for capturing portraits with a forest and scenic background.
PICNIC IN THE FOREST
One spot I recommend checking out if you’re planning a Payson Arizona forest elopement is the beautiful lake near the Mogollon Rim. We spent about two hours having a private picnic right next to the water enjoying the beautiful weather and what felt like a part of the Pacific Northwest!
We started our adventure by taking some bridal portraits with the beautiful golden sun behind the trees.
After setting up the picnic blanket and photographing the most gorgeous boho bouquet designed by the amazing Florals By Kendra, I set up the cutest little charcuterie board and snacked on some yummy cheese, crackers, fruit, and assorted meats.
SUNSET FOREST VIEWS
After our picnic next to the lake we headed back to another lookout on the Mogollon Rim to take photos during golden hour and practice our Astrophotography!
Payson Arizona gets dark super fast thankfully because of the little light pollution so having some extra light like headlamps are the best option for not tripping over the large rocks.
BEST TIMES TO VISIT PAYSON ARIZONA
Payson Arizona has great weather all year round.
During the summers the high is in the 90’s and the low’s in the 70’s. You can expect light snowfall between the months of December – February.
The best times to visit the Rim is during sunrise and sunset. But because this is a popular tourist attraction it is recommended to get to the viewpoints early because of limited parking spots.
If you are interested in planning a Payson Arizona Forest Elopement or want to take portraits at this one of a kind view in Arizona – contact me to chat about your next big adventure!
YOUR ARIZONA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Hey, I’m Kelcee!
As an Arizona born and raised local I know everything from the secret hidden elopement locations that aren’t overpopulated with tourists to the best time to elope!
I’m here to help you with all things adventure & elopements. From scouting out your ceremony location to planning your adventurous elopement timeline, I’ll help you plan your best day ever, take away any stress you are experiencing, and support you as your new best friend.
Your elopement is the experience of a lifetime and you deserve not only the support for doing what you love but also the best quality photos that tell your love story that will last a lifetime.
