Whether you’ve been dating for a year or are celebrating your one-year wedding anniversary, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a stunning photo shoot. Photos offer a timeless and highly personal way to commemorate your love with your partner that you will cherish for years to come. These one year anniversary photo shoot ideas are the perfect way to celebrate this amazing relationship milestone.
One Year Anniversary Photo Shoot Ideas
When planning your anniversary photo shoot, it’s important to get an idea of what you want before you book your photographer. Different photographers will be better equipped to capture different moments. Are you looking for a candid shoot with a documentary-style photographer, or a romantic sunset shoot with a warm editing style? Maybe you want a classic black-and-white vintage shoot and want a photographer that specializes in that. Knowing what you want going in will help your photographer to know what you’re looking for and will allow them to capture the best of you and your partner.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to create meaningful, photographable moments – the following one year anniversary photo shoot ideas are a great place to start.
Recreate Your First Date
A classic one year anniversary photo shoot idea, recreating your first date is an amazing way to commemorate how far you’ve come with your loved one. Enjoy the same activities, location, and even food that you enjoyed on your very first date – creating new memories and great candid photo opportunities along the way. You can even wear the same outfits if you want to keep it extra authentic.
Renew Your Vows
If you’re already married, you can always choose to renew your vows. This can be as elaborate or laid-back as you want it to be. Gussy up and renew your vows in a stunning venue, or keep it casual with your favorite cozy clothes under your favorite picnic tree. No matter your style, this is always a great way to celebrate your anniversary and refocus on your commitment to your partner for the coming year.
Keep it Seasonal
An anniversary photo shoot is the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal activities and themes. Is your anniversary in December? Why not buy matching festive pajamas and take pictures in a cozy lodge? Fall? Try setting up your shoot in a pumpkin patch or in your Halloween costumes. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Do a Themed Shoot
If you and your partner are interested in creating a fun, silly atmosphere for your photos, then you can’t go wrong with a themed shoot. Perhaps you want to dress up as pioneers and visit any of the dozens of historic locations in Northern Arizona. Or maybe you want to go with an Art Deco theme at a rooftop venue. The sky’s the limit.
Make it a Date
If you’re a fan of natural, candid shots this is a great option. Candid shoots tend to have an authentic feel that is hard to capture with posed photos. Picnics, hikes, and walks on the beach are perfect for this type of shoot. As long as you and your partner are having fun, it will shine through in the photos.
Involve Your Pets
Your pets are a part of the family, and also make great additions to your anniversary photo shoots. Whether you’re taking pictures with your dog, cat, bird, or reptile – pets add an element of whimsy and fun to your anniversary pictures. Plus, they provide a great way to bond with your partner over the year you’ve spent with each other, and with your furry, scaled, and feathered friends.
Note: Not all locations are pet-friendly, so be sure to call ahead before bringing your animals with you.
Do a Location Tour
Can’t decide between your favorite date-night spots? You don’t have to! Picking two to three of your favorite spots and taking some pictures at each is a great way to memorialize different important moments in your relationship. These shoots are also super personal, making them a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate with your partner.
Note: Some photographers will charge extra to move between locations, so be sure to go over the plan with them before you make your deposit.
Once you have the details for your photo shoot style ironed out, it’s time to pick a location.
Best Northern Arizona Photo Shoot Locations
Northern Arizona is teeming with beautiful natural and historic places to capture your special anniversary memories. Whether you’re taking advantage of the gorgeous red rock backdrops and canyons, or posing in front of one of the many historic buildings – there’s no shortage of amazing locations.
Below I have compiled eight of my personal favorite locations for anniversary photo shoots. These spots are perfect for a variety of different styles, themes, and tastes so there’s something for everyone.
Note: Some of these locations may require a prior reservation or a fee for use, so always be sure to check your local guidelines before scheduling with your photographer.
Devil’s Bridge Trail
Featuring the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area, Devil’s Bridge Trail is perfect for couples who want to feature dramatic and stunning visuals in their shoot. Especially gorgeous during sunset or sunrise, this bridge provides a unique opportunity to capture magical anniversary moments with your sweetheart while bathed in natural light.
Note: This location does require a 1.8 mile round-trip hike to reach the bridge itself and return back to the trailhead, so it can be difficult for those with limited mobility or certain health concerns.
Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock
Two of the most-photographed sites in Arizona, Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are amazing locations if you’re interested in doing a boho-themed or western-themed shoot. These two red rock giants are visible from a multitude of gorgeous locations so there’s plenty of places to set up. Some areas around the two rock structures even feature small streams and water features to add a refreshing, fun element to your natural shoot.
Antelope Canyon
One of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, this unique location offers both an upper and lower section to choose from. This is a perfect spot if you’re interested in more avant garde photos or have selected a photographer who knows how to play with natural light. Antelope Canyon also offers the ability to create more monochromatic color schemes for your photos, as the walls of the canyon stretch up to the skyline.
Note: The canyon can be very narrow in some places, and even some experienced slot-canyon explorers have been known to struggle. Temperatures can vary widely during the summer and winter months so if you choose this location, it’s very important to carefully plan your route and take the comfort and abilities of yourself, your photographer, and your partner into consideration. This site is also not recommended for those who experience claustrophobia.
Lockett Meadow / Inner Basin Trail
One of the most stunning locations for fall photos is undoubtedly Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin Trail. While this site used to be that of a volcano long ago, the fertile ash has allowed it to blossom into one of the country’s most beautiful forests. Enjoy miles and miles of magnificent ponderosa pines and aspens so tall they touch the sky and hundreds of amazing photo spots along the way.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
With over thirty photo spots to choose from, the Arboretum at Flagstaff is a versatile location for your anniversary pictures. Pose for intimate, quiet photos in the Shade Garden, or take candid shots in the Native Wildflower Garden. Yes, the Arboretum offers a little something for everyone, no matter what your visual style is. Plus, this is a great accessible option for those with mobility issues or trouble walking long distances.
Note: This location is typically only open from May to October from Wednesday to Sunday (as of the posting of this article) so it cannot be used for winter shoots. They also charge admission and may have regulations regarding professional photo shoots, so be sure to call ahead before booking your session.
Sharlot Hall Museum
The Sharlot Hall Museum is actually a collection of museums and exhibits spanning four acres of property. This makes it another great, versatile pick for a variety of fun styles. Strike a pose in front of eight historic buildings, or capture a leisurely, romantic stroll through the Territorial Women’s Memorial Rose Garden. If you’re looking for a single location that has a lot to offer at once, this is the place for you.
Note: This location charges admission and may have regulations regarding professional photography on their campus, so be sure to call ahead.
Historic Downtown Flagstaff
If you’re looking for a less natural backdrop for your photos, then you can’t go wrong with historic downtown Flagstaff. Home to a variety of beautiful buildings and streets, this is a great place to grab timeless candid shots. Strike a pose in front of the Hotel Monte Vista and Weatherford, and go for a sunset stroll under the streetlights. Take your time and maybe even grab a drink at Rendezvous Coffee House and Martini Bar.
Riordan Mansion State Park
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is home to over 120 years of Arizona history. Built in 1904, the Riordan Mansion has forty rooms and 13,000 square feet of living area. This is the perfect spot if you love early 20th century architecture and decorating, or if you want to do a historic themed shoot complete with costumes. Plus, this provides a great opportunity to enjoy a unique date with your special someone.
Note: This location charges admission and likely has regulations regarding professional photography on their property, so be sure to call ahead. A guided tour is also the only way to see the interior of the mansion, making it potentially difficult to take indoor pictures.
One Year Anniversary Photo Shoot: Photographers
Full of natural beauty and stunning historic buildings, Northern Arizona doesn’t disappoint when it comes to offering one year anniversary photo shoot ideas. Once you’ve picked your location and your photo theme there’s just one thing left to do – find a photographer who can bring your vision to life.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tess Gearhart, and I own and operate TG Photo and Film.
I love country music, morning hikes, long road trips, my adorable dogs, spending time with my lovely partner, Kate, and of course photography. No single hobby or interest defines me on its own, in much the same way that no one life event defines who you and your partner are.
That’s how I approach getting to know my clients as well. To me, you’re not just a subject I’m photographing – and I’m not just your photographer. We’re both complex people with our own stories, tastes, and unique personalities. That’s why documentary-style photography has always appealed to me, because it allows me to get to know you and that captures your essence, not just your event. I hope that by the time I am done working with each and every client that they see me as more than just their photographer, they see me as their friend.
Feel free to reach out to learn how I can capture your special anniversary memories whether you’re celebrating one year, ten years, or fifty. I’d love to hear from you!
In the meantime, feel free to check out some of my work below!
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