There's nothing quite as lovely as waking up before the world has, sipping coffee, and making your way out to watch the sunrise in someplace as beautiful as Big Cottonwood Canyon. Especially when you get to do these things with Emiko & Keaton. Their energy and excitement was contagious, and it was so lovely to be able to work with them to create this elopement inspiration for you! Whenever I style a session, I love using real, in-love couples who might consider eloping themselves. Emiko & Keaton been dating for around 3 years and met at camp in California! Now they both live in Utah, and you can just feel the love these two have for each other when you're around them. Incredibly, we started the morning with a surprise appearance from a bull moose, who wanted to take the walkway just like us. To me, that's why sunrise is such an incredible time to get married. There's no waiting around and letting the anticipation and nervousness get to you throughout the day, the light is incredible, and at locations that can get a little busier like this one, you don't need to worry about crowds scaring away the wildlife before you've had a chance to experience it yourself. Let's dive in!
Ready to plan your own elopement? Reach out to me and let's chat about your day! Eloping is the perfect way to celebrate your love and make sure you're able to do whatever you want on your wedding day — whether that's waking up for sunrise or sleeping in, hiking or cozying up by a campfire, hiking through ponderosa pines or desert brush, all kinds of different possibilities. And if you're not quite sure what sounds perfect yet, that's what I'm here for! I'll chat with you and help you plan something authentic, unique, and absolutely incredible.

Kira McGrigg Photographer & Guide is based out of Utah and specializes in elopements that connect couples more deeply to the planet through sustainable practices and incredible experiences.