Who to Invite to an Elopement

Truly just the two of you

Entirely possible, and increasingly common. Arizona still requires two witnesses aged eighteen or older to participate in the ceremony, so we arrange those quietly — usually your photographer and officiant's colleague.

Two to eight people

The sweet spot. Almost every setting stays open to you, walking access is easy, and the day still feels private rather than staged.

Ten to twenty people

Now the setting starts choosing itself. Group size caps differ by site and agency, and larger parties need parking, seating decisions, and a longer arrival buffer.

Above twenty

This is a small wedding, and it should be planned as one. Some public sites cannot host it at all.

Telling people afterwards

If you are eloping without family, decide in advance how they hear about it and when they see images. A short call before you travel prevents most hurt feelings.

A celebration later

Many couples marry privately in the desert and host dinner or a party at home weeks later. It separates the intimate part from the social part, and both improve for it.

Group size rules vary by site. We confirm the limits for your specific setting and date during planning.