Arizona has an incredibly diverse landscape, with deep canyons, towering mountains, dense forests, cactus gardens, and more – no matter what kind of scenery you’re drawn to, it’s an amazing place to tie the knot. To help you narrow down the options, this guide is all about the best places to elope in Arizona!
How to Choose a Place to Elope in Arizona
Choosing the right place to tie the knot is one of the most exciting things about planning your elopement! Every couple is different, so your perfect location is going to be unique – but when the question is so open ended, when there are no rules, and when you get to choose from some of the most beautiful spots, it can be easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis and have a hard time deciding. Before we get into the best places to elope in Arizona, let’s talk about some tips for narrowing it down!
Decide on a Landscape
The first thing I recommend doing is thinking about what kind of landscape you want. This will help you narrow down your choices right away! Start by talking with your partner and brainstorming – when you go for a hike or have time to get outdoors, what kind of scenery are you drawn to? Do you love the serenity of being in the woods, or the excitement of hiking to a mountaintop, or the dramatic scenery of a vast canyon?
This will help you decide what kind of landscape you’re actually looking for, before you start looking at specific spots!
Do You Want to Hike?
Another thing to think about as you’re brainstorming is whether you want to hike to your Arizona elopement location – and how far you want to trek. There are plenty of spots that are more easily accessible, so it’s totally okay if you don’t feel like breaking a sweat!
Some things to consider might include your experience, whether you’re inviting guests, and just what kind of elopement day you have in mind.
Do You Want to Bring Your Pet?
Some of the best places to elope in Arizona may not be super pet friendly – so if you want to bring your dog, or even your horse, this will be a consideration when you’re looking for the perfect spot. Decide ahead of time if you’ll be bringing your four legged family members, as this will eliminate some places.
For example, national parks tend to be much less dog friendly than other public lands!
Hire an Arizona Elopement Photographer
An elopement photographer is essential for so many reasons! But, along with documenting your day, a huge part of my job is putting together personalized location recommendations for every couple. I’ve scouted locations all over Arizona, and after I get to know you (like whether you want to hike, what kind of landscapes you want to see), I’ll give you all the best places to elope!
The Best Places to Elope in Arizona
Now, let’s talk about the best places to elope in Arizona. These are all general locations, but after you book with me, I’ll create that personalized list – with specific spots that are lesser known, and more private to ensure the best experience on your wedding day!
Sedona
Sedona is known for the incredible desert scenery, and the stunning red rock formations all around the town. In Sedona, you can explore local shops and boutiques, and enjoy the quirky, artsy culture – but just outside the city, you’ll find amazing hiking trails, scenic vistas, and endless adventures.
Flagstaff
Located in the northern part of the state, Flagstaff is a little different from the canyons and desert scenery that Arizona is known for! There are pine groves, wildflower meadows, and mountain peaks. In the winter you can ski, and in the summer you can hike the mountain trails!
Superstition Mountains
East of Phoenix, you’ll find the craggy, volcanic peaks of the Superstition Mountains. If you’re hoping for mountain views as you tie the knot, there’s no better place! You can choose from miles of hiking trails, or easily accessible overlooks. The lower elevations are covered in saguaro cactuses, with other plants and brushes as you climb.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic landscapes in the country – and if you want to experience the incredible, vast canyon, it’s one of the best places to elope in Arizona! You can stay at the top and see the canyon from above, or extend the adventure with a backpacking elopement down to the Colorado River.
Lake Powell
For a less dry landscape, check out Lake Powell! This reservoir stretches between Utah and Arizona, providing a gorgeous lakefront view, with sandy cliffs over the water. There are plenty of opportunities for an adventure – you can stay on the shores, take a 4×4 and explore the cliffs, or even take a boat on the water. If you’re eloping with friends or family, it can be really fun to rent a houseboat – you can have your own party on the lake!
Page
Page is a town close to Lake Powell, with lots of amazing slot canyons, overlooks, and desert vistas. The most popular slot canyon is Antelope Canyon, but while you can’t have your ceremony there, there are plenty of gorgeous, less popular locations nearby! Horseshoe Bend is another iconic spot, which makes a stunning backdrop – but, while it can be a scenic place for some photos, I can help you find somewhere more quiet for the ceremony.
Looking for the Best Places to Elope in Arizona?
If you’ve decided that tying the knot with an intimate, meaningful wedding day is right for you, I’m ready to help you plan!
Each couple is different, and so is every elopement – so the best places to elope in Arizona will depend on the two of you! That’s why I’ve spent countless hours scouting locations and finding off the beaten path spots, so you don’t have to. I’ll make things easy, every step of the way – because you deserve a stress free, fun wedding day!
Contact me, and let’s talk about planning your elopement in Arizona.
