Eloping in Arizona
Eloping in Arizona offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and intimate settings with the red rocks, cacti, and plenty of open spaces. The state’s diverse natural beauty makes it an ideal location to exchange vows and start your journey together!
Where to Elope in Arizona
Trying to decide which area of Arizona would be best for your elopement? There are so many incredible locations in this state, but here are a few favorites!
Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona
Lost Dutchman State Park, the location for this session, is an Arizona gem for weddings that includes stunning desert landscapes with the iconic Superstition Mountains backdrop. It’s also such a large park that you won’t feel it get crowded, and you’ll have plenty of area to explore! It’s a quick drive from Scottsdale, Mesa, and Phoenix, making it a very accessible location if you want to be in this part of the state.
The park accommodates up to 150 guests with options including ramadas, trails, and campgrounds, ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Rental fees range from $280 to $2,300 for the site, excluding additional services like seating and catering.
For a quieter experience, consider a weekday wedding to avoid busy weekends and holidays. Plan your ceremony during the cooler months of winter and spring for comfortable temperatures and vibrant desert colors, ensuring a memorable and romantic setting. Visit the park’s official website for detailed planning information.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers a magical setting for weddings year-round, renowned for its milder weather and stunning red rock formations, some considered vortex sites. From dramatic chapels and churches to outdoor venues atop mesas or along Oak Creek, Sedona provides endless picturesque options.
Embrace the town’s luxury, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality for a romantic destination wedding. If you’d rather have an adventurous elopement, try hiking Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, or Bell Rock, all with equally stunning views.
No permits are needed for outdoor elopements, but state parks and recreation areas require reservations. With tips and ideas from local experts, plan your perfect day in Sedona, the enchanting “most beautiful place on Earth” where every corner offers a fairy tale backdrop.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, nestled in northern Arizona’s mountains, offers year-round beauty from summer’s crisp air and blue skies to winter’s snowy wonderland averaging 108 inches of snowfall. With a range of traditional and unique wedding venues amidst the largest ponderosa pine forest, Flagstaff caters to diverse tastes.
The city’s cultural richness and historic charm complement its natural splendor, making it an ideal destination for weddings. Flagstaff is a perfect option if you want less of the desert feel, and more of a mountain vibe for your elopement!
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park is definitely a spot that has to be mentioned for elopements in Arizona! It gives you awe-inspiring views for your elopement amidst the natural settings on the South Rim. Whether opting for popular viewpoints or remote, private locations, each wedding requires a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service.
Plan ahead for an unforgettable ceremony against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. With strict regulations in place to preserve its beauty, the Grand Canyon offers a unique and beautiful setting for such an important occasion.
Lake Watson, Prescott, Arizona
Prescott’s Granite Dells and Watson Lake offer a photographer’s dream with stunning rock formations and serene lake views. The newly constructed ceremony area below Upper Ramada includes iconic granite boulders and is equipped for weddings and outdoor events. It allows you to be a bit more secluded than other locations here in Arizona, but still have the beautiful natural setting you’re looking for.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend, near Page, Arizona, is a dramatic location for elopements and weddings with towering cliffs overlooking the Colorado River. Accessible via a short walk, this popular spot offers unparalleled views and opportunities for really incredible photos.
Private 4×4 tours on Navajo Nation land provide exclusive access to secluded ceremony sites, while the National Park Service side offers paved paths for accessibility. Experience a quieter, intimate setting at Horseshoe Bend amidst reduced crowds, ensuring a memorable wedding day against a stunning natural backdrop.
When to Elope in Arizona
Arizona’s diverse climate offers different experiences depending on the season and location you choose for your elopement.
Spring (March to April): Spring is particularly enchanting in desert areas like Sedona or the Superstition Mountains, where wildflowers bloom amidst comfortably warm temperatures.
Summer (June to August): Summers can be scorching hot, especially in places like Phoenix. Opt for higher elevation locations such as Flagstaff or Sedona, or plan for a late evening ceremony to escape the midday heat.
Fall (September to November): Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, especially appealing in northern Arizona. The weather during this season is generally pleasant across the state.
Winter (December to February): Winters are mild in southern Arizona, making desert locations perfect for a cozy winter elopement. In northern Arizona, expect colder temperatures and the possibility of snow, adding a magical touch to locations like Sedona.
Best Months to Elope:
- March and April: Enjoy beautiful weather during these months, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and the cooler temperatures of winter.
- October and November: Post-summer months offer cooler temperatures and less crowded scenic spots, making them ideal for intimate and serene ceremonies.
Each season in Arizona offers its own unique charm and advantages, allowing you to tailor your elopement to your preferences and desired atmosphere.
What to Wear for an Arizona Elopement
Choosing the right attire for your Arizona elopement blends comfort, practicality, and style. Choose lightweight fabrics like linen or chiffon in spring and summer to stay cool. And layer up with versatile pieces for fall and winter (although in Phoenix, the winters are mild and you may not need layers!). Comfortable footwear is essential, especially for hiking or rocky terrain. So always come prepared with a change of shoes!
For dresses, prioritize ones that allow movement with A-line, princess, or empire styles. Mermaid or trumpet styles could be more restrictive, but Blanca wore this style and it still worked for a session that didn’t involve a lot of walking or hiking!
Choose suits based on the season and activities planned. Lightweight materials like wool, linen, or cotton keep you cool in summer. Heavier fabrics like tweed, velvet, or cashmere offer warmth in winter. Whether traditional or unconventional, prioritize outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable amidst Arizona’s stunning landscapes.
How to Elope in Arizona
To legally marry in Arizona, your first step is obtaining an Arizona marriage license. Requirements and procedures can vary from your home state, so understanding Arizona’s guidelines is crucial. You and your partner must visit a Justice Court office together to apply in person.
Arizona Marriage Laws:
- License Filing Fee: $83
- Legal Age to Get Married: 18
- Waiting Period: None (you can marry immediately after obtaining the license)
- Witnesses Needed: 2 witnesses over the age of 18
- License Expiration: 12 months from the date of issuance
- Blood Test Required? No
- Arizona Residency Required? No
Additionally, if you plan to marry on public lands such as national or state parks in Arizona, you’ll need to obtain specific wedding permits. These permits ensure compliance with park regulations and may have restrictions on locations, setup, and the use of facilities. So don’t forget to plan ahead and make sure you have everything set and ready!
Arizona Elopement Photographer
Hi, I’m Katie! I’m a girl filled with a mission to serve you by providing your favorite memories frozen in place to live through time, after time. My wish as a friend, and as a photographer, is that you never forget the magic that was within you in those passing moments.
Even after traveling the world to some incredible places, I call Arizona one of my favorite places on Earth & I’d love to help capture your Arizona elopement! You can reach out to me here if you are looking for a Arizona wedding photographer!
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