If you’re looking for a place to tie the knot that captures the beauty of Sedona, but a big venue isn’t exactly your thing, Crescent Moon Ranch might be exactly what you need. This park sits beneath the iconic Cathedral Rock, with access to Oak Creek. The sycamore trees create some shade, while the red rock views that Sedona is known for tower in the backdrop. It’s a perfect spot for elopements and small weddings, offering a setting that feels intimate and magical! This guide will tell you all about planning your Crescent Moon Ranch wedding, with everything you need to know!
About Crescent Moon Ranch
Crescent Moon Ranch is a park located in the Coconino National Forest, just a few miles west of Sedona. It’s sometimes called Red Rock Crossing – technically, they’re on opposite sides of Oak Creek, but the same general area. This spot is actually famous for being one of the most photographed locations in Arizona, so it’s definitely a stunning backdrop for your vows.
A Crescent Moon Ranch wedding is the perfect “in between” option – it’s not a traditional venue, but it’s also an easy to get to spot with amenities like grills, picnic tables, and drinking water.
Ceremonies at Crescent Moon Ranch
To get married at Crescent Moon Ranch, you need to make a reservation. This reservation is for the ceremony, and includes a 2 hour time block. You’ll be the only wedding in the park during this time, but keep in mind that the park is still open to the public!
You can get married anywhere in the park – there’s a 15 person limit, but if you also reserve the Ramada, you can have up to 50 people. The most popular spot is the meadow, with the wide open field surrounded by trees and views of Cathedral Rock behind you! But you can also choose a more private creek side spot, or explore the park to find the right place for your vows.
Receptions at Crescent Moon Ranch
You can also have a small reception at Crescent Moon Ranch! You’ll need to reserve the Ramada, which allows for up to 50 people. The Ramada is a covered area, with picnic tables, a charcoal grill, drinking water, and electricity, so it’s perfect for a post-ceremony picnic or a small reception! If you reserve the Ramada for your wedding, keep in mind that you do still need a ceremony reservation as well.
Secret Slick Rock
Secret Slick Rock is a hidden gem that’s super close to Crescent Moon Ranch – it’s about 0.6 miles to hike there from the parking area, or you can drive a few minutes to the trailhead on Chavez Crossing Road, and from there the hike is about 0.3 miles long. But, keep in mind that either way, you need to hike back too, so double the mileage to make it round trip!
From Secret Slick Rock, you have some of the best views of Cathedral Rock, without the crowds that some of the more popular spots have. You can have your ceremony here then have a reception at the Ramada at Crescent Moon Ranch, or maybe take a hike to Secret Slick Rock after the ceremony to get some time for the two of you. For couples that are inviting guests to their intimate wedding, that can be a great way to get the best of both worlds – some time for just each other, and some time with loved ones.
Entrance Fees at Crescent Moon Ranch
With your permit, you get a few parking spots included – 3 with the ceremony permit, and 10 if you rent the Ramada. Any additional cars will need to pay the entrance fee, which is currently $12 per vehicle. The fee is collected at the entrance booth, so keep this in mind if you invite guests!
Planning Your Crescent Moon Ranch Wedding
The Best Time to Get Married
Crescent Moon Ranch is available for wedding ceremonies year round, but spring and fall are usually the most comfortable. The temperatures are warm but not too hot, because summers can get very toasty in the desert. June through September, daytime temperatures are often in the 90s.
Winter is beautiful, but a little chilly. Daytime temperatures are still usually in the high 50s to low 60s, so with some layers, it’s totally doable.
There are set time blocks for ceremonies, and you’ll need to choose one when you get your permit. April 1 – October 9th it’s 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm, and from October 10 – March 31st, it’s 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. Tying the knot closer to sunset, or earlier in the morning, will give you the best lighting, but keep in mind as well that the Ramada closes at dusk, so if you plan to have a reception as well, make sure to leave time for that!
The Cost of Getting Married at Crescent Moon Ranch
One of the benefits of getting married at a place that’s not a traditional wedding venue is that you save a lot of money on rental costs, allowing you to prioritize using your budget for other parts of the day. The permit for Crescent Moon Ranch costs $114 for weekdays, and $130 for weekends and holidays. Receiving the Ramada costs $182 year round. This can change, so make sure to check Recreation.gov for the most up to date information!
Pets!
Another perk of getting married at Crescent Moon Ranch is that if you want to include your dog in your day, you can do that here! Dogs are allowed as long as they’re on leash. If you’re inviting guests, I recommend having someone be on dog duty, so that you don’t have to worry about it during the ceremony and throughout the day.
Crescent Moon Ranch Wedding Photographer
As a Sedona wedding photographer, Crescent Moon Ranch is perfect for its easy access to natural beauty. It offers one of the most iconic backdrops in Arizona, and the combination of red rocks, creek access, and greenery offers so many different views in one location.
If you’re planning your wedding at Crescent Moon Ranch, I’m here to help you make the most of this stunning location! This includes helping you find the best photo spots, planning timing to catch the best light, making sure you’re set with permits, and everything you need for your day. Contact me if you’re ready to tie the knot at Crescent Moon Ranch!
