Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a unique wedding venue in Sedona. Instead of those red rock views that Sedona is most famous for, it features cobblestone walkways, vine-covered walls, and elegant plazas. The architecture makes it feel like a Spanish villa, giving you a romantic space to tie the knot. It’s a great venue for couples who want a beautiful location that’s easy to get to! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your day at the Tlaquepaque wedding venue, including ceremony and reception options, pricing, and things to keep in mind.
About the Tlaquepaque Wedding Venue
Tlaquepaque is unique because it’s not exactly a traditional wedding venue. It’s a shopping and business complex that was originally founded as an artists’ commune. It was inspired by the village of Tlaquepaque in Guadalajara Mexico, where artists would gather to display and sell their art. The architecture – tiles, lanterns, arched doorways, and fountains – are inspired by Mexican design, with much of the material imported from Mexico.
One thing that couples love about Tlaquepaque is how much it feels like a destination without actually being remote. There’s no hiking or shuttling to get there, and the village itself is part of the wedding experience.
Where is Tlaquepaque?
The Tlaquepaque wedding venue works especially well for couples who want to be somewhere convenient. You have ceremony and reception venues in one place, as well as restaurants, and there are places to stay within walking distance.
Unlike Sedona locations like Cathedral Rock or Secret Slick Rock, there’s no hiking, or off-roading required. Tlaquepaque is right off of Highway 179, and easy to get to. It’s about an hour from Flagstaff, and two hours from Phoenix.
There’s parking on-site and options nearby as well, and this is super convenient and keeps the day running smoothly without having to make plans for transportation.
Ceremony and Reception Locations for Tlaquepaque Weddings
Tlaquepaque has a few options for ceremony sites – each one has a different vibe, so choosing the right space depends on what you’re looking for, and how many guests you plan to invite.
Chapel at Tlaquepaque
This little chapel features antique doors, whitewashed walls, stained glass windows, and an outdoor courtyard. It’s a great spot if you want an indoor ceremony, and with a capacity of 45 people, it’s perfect for more intimate weddings. As an added touch, the chapel bells ring over the village at the end of your ceremony!
Patio de las Campañas
Patio de las Campañas is centered around the bell tower, and surrounded by stone fountains, tilework, sculptures, and greenery, giving it the old world charm that Tlaquepaque is known for.
This space can host up to 100 guests for a ceremony, and up to 60 for a reception. It’s also great for welcome events, and can accommodate up to 80 standing guests.
Calle Independencia
Calle Independencia is the largest reception space at Tlaquepaque, perfect for couples planning a full evening celebration, with dinner and dancing. This area is an outdoor cobblestone street, lined with balconies, ironwork, arches, and fountains. At night, it’s lit with string lights, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.
This space is mainly used for receptions, and it can accommodate up to 100 guests. It’s ideal if you have a larger guest count, and want that intimate, old-world charm that Tlaquepaque is known for.
Terrace at Patio del Norte
Located above Patio del Norte, this stuccoed terrace has hand-carved wooden doors, tiled fountains, gorgeous paintings, and trees – it feels like you’re celebrating on the terrace of a Spanish hacienda.
You can have up to 100 guests for ceremonies, and 60 for receptions – and up to 100 standing guests for welcome events. This terrace has stair and elevator access, as well as an accessible restroom, so it’s a great spot for anyone with mobility considerations.
Merry Go Round Rock
Merry Go Round Rock isn’t at Tlaquepaque – but if you want those famous red rock views, this venue offers a unique option. Pink Jeep Tours will pick you up at Tlaquepaque and take you to Merry Go Round Rock, where you’ll have a ceremony and a scenic tour around the rim. You’ll be dropped off back at Tlaquepaque for the ceremony! This is ideal for couples who want to celebrate with loved ones, but also want a more private ceremony, or to incorporate some adventure into the day. Best of both worlds!
Best Time for Tlaquepaque Weddings
Like most Sedona wedding venues, Tlaquepaque is best for spring and fall weddings. These seasons offer the most comfortable temperatures, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
Though Sedona doesn’t get as hot as other desert locations in Arizona, it can still get pretty toasty during the day. You can still have your wedding in the summer, and can have your ceremony closer to the evening for cooler temperatures.
Winter weddings are possible as well, though it does get pretty cold at night. Tlaquepaque has outdoor heaters available to rent if you need some extra warmth.
Tlaquepaque Wedding Cost
The cost of booking Tlaquepaque for your wedding depends on the space you choose for your ceremony and reception, how many guests you have, and the day of the week. For a ceremony and reception, it costs around $5,000. If you’re flexible, weekday weddings offer a small discount compared to the popular Friday through Sunday dates! Make sure to check out their website for the most up to date pricing information.
Tlaquepaque also has packages available for couples planning a smaller celebration. They offer elopement packages and ceremony-only options. There’s also the Red Rock Experience Package, where you take a Jeep to Merry Go Round Rock then come back to Tlaquepaque for your reception!
Booking the Tlaquepaque Wedding Venue
One great thing about Tlaquepaque is that you can visit it anytime. Since it’s a shopping complex, you can pop in and explore the village while checking it out to see if it’s the right venue for you. To learn more about availability, pricing, and anything else you might need to know, contact them through their website!
Tlaquepaque Wedding Photographer
Between the cobblestone walkways, vine covered walls, fountains, and secluded courtyards, Tlaquepaque offers plenty of opportunities for gorgeous photos. As a wedding photographer, I focus on capturing the natural feeling of the day while using the backdrop to tell the full story. So if you’re planning a Tlaquepaque wedding, I’m here to help you document it, and to help with timeline tips, vendor recommendations, and more. Contact me to get started!
