Cathedral Rock is an incredibly scenic, and also incredibly popular (crowded), rock formation in Sedona, Arizona. And if you’re looking for a stunning place to tie the knot, minus the crowds, with a much easier hike, and views of Cathedral Rock, this Secret Slick Rock elopement guide will tell you about this lesser known spot perfect for saying your “I do’s.”
About Secret Slick Rock
Secret Slick Rock might not be a total secret, but it is still a relatively quiet, uncrowded spot, where you’re less likely to run into a ton of people. It’s much less busy than a lot of the really popular Sedona elopement locations, and it’ll be easier to find some privacy to exchange vows. That being said, even this area will be crowded on a Saturday or days surrounding a holiday, but this is your best bet on any other day of the week! We always recommend sunrise and if you’re looking for a truly private experience that is always going to be your best bet.
The Secret Slick Rock Hike
There’s a short hike to get to Secret Slick Rock. It’s pretty easy, and mostly flat, with a short steep section near the end. The trail is 0.7 miles round trip, and it’s an out and back hike – but there’s another trail that it connects to, so you also have the option of making this a longer loop hike, if you want! The trail has 78 feet of elevation gain – and most of it is at the end, where there’s a steep descent down (meaning you’ll be going uphill on the way back). I don’t recommend wearing heels, as this steep bit would be pretty uncomfortable, but you can always pack a change of shoes with you! You’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the iconic Cathedral Rock, and the surrounding desert scenery.
The Best Time for a Secret Slick Rock Elopement
The best time to elope at Secret Slick Rock will depend on what you’re looking for! Each elopement is different, and that’s kind of the whole point of an untraditional, adventurous day.
Summers are hot in Sedona – though not quite as hot as Phoenix or some other places to elope in Arizona, it can get up to the high 90s, and sometimes triple digits during the day. The heat isn’t ideal for lots of outdoor adventuring, but planning a sunrise or sunset ceremony can help you avoid the midday heat.
In the fall, you can see changing leaves amongst the red rock backdrop, and with milder weather, this is a great time for a Secret Slick Rock elopement! September is still pretty hot, but by October and November, highs are at a much more reasonable temperature, usually in the high 60s to high 70s.
Winters can be a good time to elope as well – it’s the least popular time of year for visitors! But, since Sedona is in the high desert of Arizona, it can get chilly, and night time temps can dip below freezing. Snow is rare, but it does happen – but the dusting of white on the red rocks can look pretty magical!
Spring is another incredible time for a Secret Slick rock elopement, but it’s the busiest season for visitors coming to Sedona. The mild temperatures in the 60s, plus the wildflowers that creep up, bringing more color to the red desert, make it a really amazing season!
No matter what time of year you elope, I always recommend that couples tie the knot on a weekday – there are always more people out exploring on the weekends. Secret Slick Rock can be a popular place to catch the sunset, so for the most private experience, sunrise is the best option! Plus, the glow of the red rocks as the sun comes up is a pretty incredible sight.
Secret Slick Rock Elopement Permits
Some outdoor elopement locations require a special use permit for ceremonies – at this time Secret Slick Rock isn’t one of them! But, like most places on public land, your ceremony has to be pretty simple – no chairs, arches, or decorations. With a backdrop as pretty as this one, you won’t need to decorate anyway!
Permit rules can change, so it’s important to always check and make sure you have the most up to date information. As an elopement photographer, part of my job is helping you navigate this! I’ll make sure you know exactly what’s required.
Tips for Eloping at Secret Slick Rock
Here are some tips to make sure you have the best elopement experience possible!
Bring (Extra) Water
Though the hike is short, water is always important! The desert sun can be pretty harsh, and you’ll never regret having more water than you need – but not having water when you need it is definitely going to be a bummer.
Tie the Knot at Sunrise
I love sunrise ceremonies, and this is the number one way to ensure more privacy for your ceremony! Since it’s a short hike in, Secret Slick Rock is pretty popular for sunset, so sunrise is ideal if you want the place to yourself, or at least mostly to yourself. You’ll be so excited for the day that the early wake up call won’t feel so bad, and you’ll get to enjoy the desert at its most peaceful, and most beautiful, when the sun comes up and the red rocks seem to glow.
Enjoy Sedona!
Sedona has so much to do, especially for people who love the outdoors! Whether it’s on the day of your elopement, or you spend some time in Sedona before and after the big day, plan some adventures to make the experience even more special. If you’re inviting family or friends to the ceremony, this can also be a good way to get some time away, just the two of you, to celebrate and spend time together.
Here are just a few ideas for things to do when you elope here:
- Stargaze
- Take a Pink Jeep Tour
- Enjoy a spa day
- Rent an ATV
- See the desert from a helicopter
- Rock climb
Ready to Elope at Secret Slick Rock?
If Secret Slick Rock sounds like the perfect elopement location for you, let’s start planning! As an elopement photographer, I’m here to make the rest of this process as easy as possible. I’ll be your adventure guide, and I’ll help you with vendor recommendations, ideas for places to stay and things to do, a custom timeline, and all the support you need throughout this whole thing. And of course, I’ll take photos that tell the story of your stunning, one of a kind elopement day.
Ready to tie the knot? Contact me!
