If you’re tying the knot in Phoenix and want a wedding venue that blends timeless architecture and some local history, Union Station might be what you’re searching for. It’s a unique place – a train-station-turned-wedding-venue that’s the perfect versatile event space. Here’s everything you need to know about getting married at the Union Station wedding venue in downtown Phoenix.
About the Union Station Wedding Venue
Union Station has been a part of Phoenix for over a century. Originally built in 1923, it used to be a train station. Now, it’s been restored and reimagined as a modern wedding venue! Union Station’s history is well preserved – the ticket booth was turned into a bar, the concession area has outdoor service windows, and the architecture features arched windows, warm terracotta tones, exposed brick, and plenty of natural light.
One of the biggest draws of the Union Station wedding venue is the character it has. The textures – brick, wood, tile, and stucco – make it interesting, and it feels timeless and historic while also being elegant and modern.
The location is another big perk – you have gorgeous urban backdrops just steps away, but once you’re inside, it’s quiet and intimate.
Location of the Union Station Wedding Venue
Union Station is right in downtown Phoenix – close to everything, but tucked away just enough to feel like your own private corner of the city. It’s in the city’s Warehouse District, which has seen a high revival in recent years, with restaurants, art galleries, and boutique hotels opening nearby.
The wedding venue is easy to get to, and because of the downtown locations, there are plenty of options for accommodations within a few minute’s drive – ideal for if you or your guests are flying in from out of town. You can also make a weekend out of it, planning pre- or post-wedding celebrations at nearby spots.
Though it’s in the city, the venue feels peaceful and secluded enough to make it easy to forget that you’re just steps from downtown’s busy streets.
The Space
Union Station offers both indoor and outdoor areas, giving you some flexibility for your wedding!
Inside, there’s the grand Great Hall, with tall ceilings, exposed brick, and the stunning arched windows that flood the room with natural light. It’s perfect for both ceremonies and receptions, and can be customized to fit your vision.
Outdoors, there’s a courtyard that’s perfect for an outdoor ceremony or reception, or for cocktail hour. It’s in front of the vintage walls of the station, decorated with string lights for a cozy, romantic glow.
There are also gorgeous spots for photos all over the Union Station wedding venue, like the staircase, the romantic archways, and more.
When to Get Married at Union Station
Phoenix can definitely feel different depending on the time of year, so here are some things to know about when to get married at the Union Station wedding venue.
Summers (June – September) in Phoenix are hot, but if you’re planning to tie the knot inside in the Great Hall, there is air conditioning! Unlike a lot of Phoenix’s outdoor venues, you can get married in the summer at Union Station. It cools down a lot as the sun starts to set, so you can still get some sunset photos outdoors!
Fall (October – November) and spring (March – May) are some of the best times of year to get married in Phoenix in general. The temperatures are more comfortable, so you can take advantage of the indoor and outdoor spaces at Union Station. And the days are longer than they are in the winter, so you get more flexibility with timing.
Winter (December – February) is pretty mild in Phoenix, but it does get cooler than you might expect in the evenings. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s to low 70s, while overnight it can cool down to the high 40s. This is a great time to tie the knot if you want to enjoy the outdoor spaces then head inside, but keep in mind the early sunsets!
Tips for Your Union Station Wedding
Here are some tips to ensure you have the wedding day of your dreams.
Plan for Lighting
One of the best things about the Union Station wedding venue is the natural light. The big arched windows let in plenty of light, and the space looks incredible. So, you’ll want to plan your ceremony so that there’s sunlight pouring in. Golden hour light outdoors is also incredible, so I recommend planning some couple’s portraits as the sun starts to set.
Inquire About Capacity
The Union Station wedding venue is pretty new, and there isn’t a ton of information available about how many guests it can accommodate, pricing, or other details. The best way to find out this information is to send them an inquiry! Having an idea of how big you want your wedding to be and how many guests you want to invite can be helpful, so you can figure out which venues will work for you.
Getting a Marriage License
To get legally married, you need a marriage license from the state of Arizona. If you’re a resident of the state, you can do this online and have your marriage license mailed to you. If you’re traveling from out of state, you will need to apply in person at a county clerk’s office.
Luckily, there’s an office right across the street from Union Station! Arizona marriage licenses don’t have a waiting period, meaning you can use it right after you get it, but I don’t recommend waiting until your wedding day to do this, as that adds extra stress and you never know when things may not go according to plan. If you’re staying in the area, give yourself some time before the wedding to get this done! You’ll need to make an appointment online, and both of you will need to be there in person with a photo ID.
Getting Married at Union Station
If you want Union Station as the backdrop for your “I do’s,” the next step is to send them an inquiry! You can ask any questions you have, and figure out if the venue is right for you.
Union Station Wedding Photography
From the dramatic Great Hall to the sunlit courtyard, Union Station is a dream for wedding photos. Each detail feels timeless and cinematic, and your day deserves to be documented. As a wedding photographer, my job is to do just that! I’ll also be there to help plan the timeline around the best lighting, make sure everything runs smoothly, and give you all the tips and planning advice to bring your dream wedding to life.
If you’re ready to start planning, and want to learn more about wedding photography packages, contact me!
