How to Elope in Phoenix, Arizona
Have you been dreaming of a desert elopement surrounded by cacti, sunshine, and sweeping views? Phoenix, Arizona is the perfect place to say “I do” in a way that’s both intimate and unforgettable. If you're wondering how to elope in Phoenix, Arizona, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from legal requirements to the best desert locations.
Keep reading below to learn the beginning stages of how to plan your Phoenix elopement.
Why Elope in Phoenix?
Eloping in Phoenix offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and city convenience. Here are a few reasons why Phoenix is one of the best elopement destinations in the Southwest:
Year-round sunshine: Phoenix has over 300 days of sunshine a year. Making it the sunniest place in all of North America and an ideal spot for outdoor elopements (just not in the summer time when it’s over 105º).
Diverse landscapes: From towering saguaro cacti to red rock vistas, the Sonoran Desert has so many different backdrops to get married. Whether you're looking for a simple courthouse ceremony or an epic sunrise or sunset elopement somewhere in the open desert, you’ve got lots of options.
Accessibility: With a major international airport in the middle of the city (Phoenix Sky Harbor) and countless places to stay throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and other surrounding areas–it makes planning a destination elopement from out of state a lot easier.
Unique activity options: You can include a spa day at a resort in Scottsdale, go horseback riding in Apache Junction, explore hiking trails throughout the entire Phoenix Metro, or take a hot air balloon ride out in Glendale–there are genuinely endless options for things to do on or around your elopement day.
Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements to Elope in Phoenix
To legally get married in Phoenix, Arizona, you'll need to follow a few simple steps:
1. Apply for a Marriage License
Visit any Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court location.
Both parties must be present in person with valid photo ID and your social security number.
No waiting period and no blood test required.
The marriage license is valid immediately and for up to 12 months.
The cost is currently $98 (subject to change).
Tip: If you’re an Arizona resident, you can begin the application online and finish it in person to save time.
Check out my blog post: How to Elope in Arizona for additional information.
2. Hire an Officiant
Arizona requires a licensed officiant to legally marry you. This includes but is not limited to:
A religious or civil officiant
A judge or justice of the peace
A friend or family member ordained online
Me! I’m ordained & can legally marry you two. I offer it complimentary with my elopement packages (some restrictions apply depending on guest count).
3. Have at Least Two Witnesses
You must have at least two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign your marriage license. If I’m not officiating your ceremony–I can count as one witness! If you don’t want and/or plan to have guests at your elopement, that’s okay! Typically most areas we go will have at least a few people around and a lot of my couples have asked people on trails to sign as a witness.
Step 2: Choose the Perfect Phoenix Elopement Location
Phoenix offers a variety of dreamy desert elopement spots. The place that’s right for you all depends on how much hiking you want to do (if any at all), what type of desert landscape you like the most (ie. open desert, traditional mountains, red rock style mountains, tall cacti, etc). Here are some of my favorite spots:
1. Papago Park
Iconic red sandstone buttes, palm trees, and desert flora make Papago Park a great option if you’re looking for a central Phoenix location. This area is a short drive from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and has accessible areas if you have guests attending that aren’t as mobile. Options for renting a ramada (picnic site area) for post-ceremony celebrations.
2. South Mountain Park & Preserve
One of the largest urban parks in the United States! Mile and miles of trails and panoramic desert views—perfect for sunrise or sunset ceremonies and adventure elopements. Trails that are just a short walk from the parking lot or options for multi-mile long trails.
3. Saguaro Lake
Located just outside of Phoenix in Mesa, Arizona. Saguaro Lake is an amazing spot if you’re wanting something that’s not common in the desert–water! You still get mountains and cacti, but have the scenery of Saguaro Lake as the backdrop for your elopement. There’s options for picnic areas or even boat tours/rentals depending on how adventurous you want to get on your wedding day.
4. Lost Dutchman State Park
Another location that is just outside of Phoenix, located in Apache Junction, Lost Dutchman State Park is one of the most beautiful areas in all of the Phoenix Metro. The Superstition Mountains are a great backdrop if you’re wanting dramatic mountain views (that keep getting more beautiful as the sun continues to rise and/or set) and tall saguaros throughout the whole park. This is a great spot if you have guests that can’t walk a far distance–options for renting sites within the park to ensure you have the area you want on your wedding day. Additional options for couples wanting to have a more adventurous day that includes hiking.
Check out my blog post all about how to elope at Lost Dutchman State Park for more details.
5. Phoenix Courthouse Elopement
Want something short, simple, and sweet? Opt for a courthouse ceremony in Downtown Phoenix!
Read my whole blog post: How to Plan a Downtown Phoenix Courthouse Elopement
*I have a whole Phoenix Location Guide I share with my couples once booked that offers more locations & detailed spot/trail information.
Step 3: Hire Your Phoenix Elopement Photographer
Your elopement deserves to be documented! No matter the size or amount of detail that goes into it, your wedding day is important. This is also not a “traditional” way of getting married so it can sometimes be an overwhelming process due to a lack of information out. It can feel like you’re having to figure out all the details on your own when this is supposed to be easier and more stress-free than if you were planning a gigantic wedding, right? That’s where I come in!!
When I say that I specialize in elopements, I don’t mean that I just show up day-of and take some photos and then leave. I’m here with you throughout the whole process. I’ll share planning guides with you so you can have a step by step plan of what to do and how to prepare, I help you find the perfect location (both in scouting and through my already made location guides for the Phoenix area), I give you local vendor recommendations so you don’t have to do even more searching for things like a hair and make up artist, florist, baker, or videographer, and I’m here to just help answer any questions along the way. I help craft your day to include all the things you want and maybe give you ideas for things you may have not even thought of.
Read more about me and how I got started as a photographer and became a full-time elopement photographer in Phoenix, Arizona.
Hi, it’s me, Samantha Rose Photography!
When searching for a Phoenix elopement photographer, look for someone who:
Knows the desert and landscapes well.
Offers packages that includes help with planning, timelines, and locations.
Specializes in elopements and understands the ins and outs of a wedding day out in nature.
Will share full elopement galleries with you as examples and can share sample timelines.
Sample Timeline:
12:00 p.m. - Details and final getting ready photos at hotel/Airbnb
1:00 p.m. - First look at getting ready location
1:30 p.m. - Head to ceremony location
2:00 p.m. - Arrive at location, find spot for ceremony
~2:15 p.m. - Begin ceremony
2:35 p.m. - Ceremony concludes – sign marriage license, group photos (if guests are present)
3:00 p.m. - Champagne or sparkling cider pop/toast
3:30 p.m. - (If group present) Group heads back to hotel/Airbnb. Couple heads to other location for time with just the two of them.
4:00 p.m. - Arrive at second location
Explore area – hike around and find spot for picnic
4:30 p.m. - Enjoy picnic and mini cake cutting
5:00 p.m. - First dance during golden hour, portraits
5:30 p.m. - Enjoy the sunset :)
6:00 p.m. - Begin walk/hike back – head to dinner for more celebrations!
Ready to start planning your Phoenix Elopement?
Step 4: Plan the Details
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean there’s not details to decide! This is a quick overview of some of the most important things to start thinking about, but I help with making sure you’ve gone over everything you may need/want for your day.
When is the best time to elope in Phoenix?
Late fall, winter, and early spring are the best time of year to get married outdoors in the Phoenix area.
To avoid the heat, I suggest: November, December, January, February, March, and early April. Some years are cooler than others, but often times it doesn’t stay below 100º on a regular basis in Phoenix until Halloween night. Then by the end of April, things are already heating up again into the high 90s. If you’re an Arizona local–some warmer weather may not deter you since your body is used to it. For those coming from out of state (especially more mild climates), I recommend sticking to the above months!
What vendors to include in your elopement?
You can keep your day as simple as you like and DIY whatever you want, but these are the most common vendors that my couples end up using for their elopement days.
Florist
Hair and makeup artist
Baker
Small picnic or dinner setup
Videographer
Officiant
Where to stay in Phoenix for your elopement?
The Phoenix Metro is HUGE! A lot of areas are considered “suburbs” of the city of Phoenix and some are closer than others. If you’re flying into the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and want to be within easy driving distance to a lot of different areas, I recommend staying in central Phoenix, Scottsdale (south Scottsdale is very close to Phoenix and Tempe), or north Tempe. These areas will keep you close to both the city life, but put you within a 30-45 minute drive of popular hiking trails (some even closer). If you’re wanting to get away from the city and don’t mind a farther drive, north Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Apache Junction are popular spots for more direct access to nature and mountains–if staying in these areas, you will need to rent a car.
The Phoenix Metro is a very car-centric area and it is recommended to rent a car, no matter where you’re staying, if you want to be able to access other areas of the city easily.
What to bring to your Phoenix elopement?
This is a quick, shortened version of some of the most important items to bring on your elopement day. I create a full, customized list for you depending on when and where your elopement day ends up being, but these items are always included:
Marriage license
Black pen
1-2 liters of water per person (this is a must in the desert)
Snacks/Picnic Items
Vow books
Deodorant, tissues, blotting papers
Backpack for carrying supplies
Bag for trash – it’s important to clean up any mess that could be made from a cake cutting, champagne toast, or picnic. Read more about planning an eco-friendly elopement.
Want more information about all the details to consider for your wedding day? Check out my full blog post guide: How to Plan an Elopement.
Step 5: Celebrate Your Way
This day is about you two and you’re choosing to elope so that you can celebrate your love for each other exactly how you want. You can include traditional aspects or throw everything out the window and do your own thing. You can include loved ones in your day or have it just be you two. You can tell people beforehand that you’re eloping or have it be a surprise once it’s all done. You can plan a fancy dinner for afterwards or go to In-N-Out for burgers and shakes.
This is your day–your way. And I’m here to help you make whatever elopement ideas you’re dreaming up a reality.
Let’s start planning your Phoenix Elopement.
Phoenix Elopement FAQs
Q: Do we need a permit to elope outdoors in Phoenix?
A: Some locations, especially state parks, may require a permit for ceremonies or professional photography. Check with the park's office for up-to-date info. I help with permit info/application (if needed).
Q: Can we elope in Phoenix with just the two of us?
A: Yes! You need an officiant and two witnesses over the age of 18, but I can act as one witness and we can find another if needed!
Q: What should we wear for our desert elopement?
A: Lightweight, breathable attire is key. Flowy dresses, boots/closed-toed shoes, and neutral colors photograph beautifully against the desert backdrop. Make sure you can walk around easily in your wedding attire without it falling down or being too tight!
Considering eloping somewhere in Arizona, but not in Phoenix? Check out these guides on other beautiful Arizona locations.
