I met Gabriel + Angel in the visitor center parking lot at White Sands National Park, and we headed together further into the park where their wedding picnic had been already set up by Sunny Side Events. They had not been to white sands before their elopement day, so even just winding through the roads between dunes, looking at the landscape had us all in awe! Continue reading for the entire story of Gabriel + Angel’s White Sands adventure elopement.

Private Ceremony in White Sands

There are multiple parking pull outs along the road here. Just a little ways off of one of the parking lots, we walked in between hundred foot hills of white sand, which acted as a perfect sound barrier for the few surrounding park visitors. The background noise went silent as we approached their ceremony spot, marked with dried grass, wheat, and gorgeous terra-cotta florals. Gabriel + Angel enjoyed a private vow exchange and a symbolic ceremony to themselves. The sun hung low in the sky, and the quiet park gave them a perfectly secluded spot for their elopement ceremony.

Runyan the Pet Camel

Yes, that’s correct. Gabriel and Angel brought Runyan, the 7’6” pet camel who also attended their White Sands elopement. He loved watching the two tie the knot almost as much as he loved rolling on his back in the sand. Runyan was quite the attraction for other park hikers, as they later approached to congratulate the newlyweds and give him a pat on the head. He was very friendly, with the funniest personality as he posed for the camera.

Moroccan Inspired Picnic

After exploring the park with Runyan, Gabriel + Angel sat down for their picnic. The Moroccan theme that they had chosen was perfect for the dunes, and completed with a red sun that caused the whole sky to glow in a soft pink hue. They danced and ran barefoot in the sand until the sky was completely dark, and then dug into the raspberry lemon wedding cake to finish off the picnic. We left the park right before closing, and I think we all agree that it could not have been a more beautiful adventure elopement at White Sands National Park. Congratulations Gabriel + Angel, I had such a blast exploring White Sands with you!