As a wedding and engagement photographer in Arizona, I’ve photographed couples in some of the most stunning places across the state, and one of my favorite locations, also a bucket list spot, has to be Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona.
Perched above the valley on the scenic Schnebly Hill Road, this overlook offers some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and romance, which is exactly why so many couples choose it for their Sedona engagement photos.
This location can be found all over google and is always quickly wanted for stunning engagement photos because of the absolutely stunning scenic views and the perfect "insta worthy" kissing shot from inside a rock face. And yes, it does require your photographer, me, to scale down the side of a cliff face and only slightly perch oneself into the precarious position. But totally worth it!
In the simplest of terms, this location will give you:
+Unmatched Views: Merry Go Round Rock gives you sweeping views of Sedona’s famous red rock formations, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte. At golden hour, the cliffs glow with warm desert light, creating the most magical backdrop.
+Adventure Meets Romance: To get there, you’ll need a Jeep or another car of high clearance to make it up the rocky trail. And when I say rocky, I mean ROCKY. And it's not just for a minute or two, its for a solid 45 minutes at the minimum depending on the vehicle you have. I am not one to feel car sick, but it honestly takes several minutes for my system to adjust to the bumpy norm. That little bit of adventure makes the experience even more special, I will say. You’re not just taking photos, you’re making a memory.
+Iconic Backdrops: The flat sandstone ledges are like a natural stage. They’re perfect for capturing dramatic, wide-angle shots that highlight the love between you and your partner while showcasing Sedona’s incredible landscape.
When you do finally arrive to the top of the trail. it is a quick hike down to the main outlook area and of course the infamous lookout spot where you do see several other big name trails in the background. The ideal timing for these sessions is usually sunset and because it is an off road trail, there are fewer people out and about but during weekends, you will still find yourself sharing these views with others.
So knowing that it is still a very public and can be crowded in peak weather season as well, a tip I will suggest is to make sure you feel comfortable with sharing your moments with others. It's always my number one goal to keep your sessions as private as possible when we are out and about on trails, but of course, it can't always just be you two and your photographer.
The views might make up for it, I will say!
Why Choose Merry Go Round Rock for Engagement Photos?
Your engagement is such a special season — it deserves to be celebrated in a location as breathtaking as your love story. Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona is more than just a viewpoint; it’s a place where couples can pause, soak in the beauty of the red rocks, and capture timeless memories. With the sweeping desert cliffs behind you and the glowing sunset wrapping everything in golden light, it feels like the world slows down just for you two.
What makes this spot even more special is the sense of intimacy it creates. Even though Sedona is known for its busy trails, once you’re standing on those sandstone ledges, it feels like you have the entire valley to yourselves. When I was out there with Lindsay and Clint, we only ran into one other couple right near the end at sunrise for the iconic photographs at the cliffs edge. Since we had already gotten ours, it didn't feel like we were missing out on much because we had switched into the playful mode of them running around in their causal outfits and their dreamy bridal outfits had already been captured with the setting golden sun behind them.
The combination of epic scenery and quiet connection makes it the perfect stage for romantic engagement photos in Sedona, photos that will feel just as magical decades from now as they do today.
Tips for Couples Planning a Session Here
Timing is everything: Sunset is the most popular choice, but sunrise can also be gorgeous (and less crowded).
Bring comfortable shoes: We’ll be moving around on sandstone ledges, so it’s important to be steady on your feet.
Make it an experience: Many couples turn their photo session into a full-day Sedona adventure — exploring town, grabbing a meal, then ending the evening with photos at Merry Go Round Rock.
Leave the driving to the experts: If you don’t have a high-clearance vehicle, I recommend booking a Jeep tour so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
If you’re dreaming of photos that feel adventurous, romantic, and unforgettable, Merry Go Round Rock in Sedona is one of the best engagement photo locations in Arizona. From the sweeping red rock views to the golden desert light, every detail comes together to create an experience you’ll treasure forever. As an Arizona engagement and wedding photographer, I’d be honored to help you plan a session that feels authentic to your love story while capturing the magic of Sedona.
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