Colorful Hot Air Balloon Elopement in Arizona

I absolutely love getting to photograph sessions with all different modes of transportation. Whether it’s an elopement with a vintage convertible, or an engagement session in a mini plane, I am always down for an adventure. Recently, I got to check photographing a hot air balloon elopement off my bucket list and can I tell you it was EPIC?!

Like so many of my couples, Linda and Carlos first met in college. They both studied physical therapy and shared many of the same friends and classes. They started getting to know each other while partnering up in lab and it wasn’t long before they started dating. In between classes and studying, they went to football games, sushi date nights, and lots of late-night Baskin Robbins ice cream runs together. They even did som traveling, exploring different cities and national parks around the country. After graduating college (and 5 years of dating) Carlos popped the question! They were engaged!!

For their hot air balloon elopement, Linda and Carlos envisioned romantic classy vibes with light pinks, greens, and grays to complement the surrounding desert. They rented a hot air balloon from Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloons, the perfect backdrop for their desert elopement.

The day started off bright and early at 4:30am and even though it was early, it was so worth it! We drove out to the launch site and when we arrived the workers told us that due to the weather, we would only be able to do the cold inflation of the balloon for the ceremony. This meant that Linda and Carlos would not be able to go up in the air afterwards due to safety reasons. Of course we were all a little bummed but still just so excited that the ceremony was happening and that these two were getting married!

Before their official ceremony, Linda and Carlos read personal vows to each other and we snapped a few couple portraits out in the desert. We then headed to the ceremony site. The cold inflation allowed everyone to stand inside the balloon creating the most unique backdrop. Linda and Carlos had a small number of family members there to witness and celebrate with them. After the ceremony, they did a champagne toast with their whole family and we got to take photos of them inside the balloon basket with the prettiest sunrise light. Even though they weren't able to be in the air and take flight, they were still so happy and just excited to get married which was my favorite thing to witness.

This hot air balloon elopement with Linda and Carlos was definitely one for the books! Thanks you two for allowing me to be a part of your special day. I wish you all the love and happiness in the world!

For more unique elopement inspiration check out this motorcycle desert elopement!