How to Elope at Lost Dutchman State Park: A Complete Guide
Your Lost Dutchman Elopement Roadmap
Planning a Phoenix desert elopement? Lost Dutchman State Park, nestled at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, is one of Arizona’s most breathtaking locations for couples looking to elope. The second most photographed landmark in the state, just behind the Grand Canyon, the Superstitions offer a stunning backdrop of desert flora, rugged mountains, and colorful sunsets and sunrises, making it a magical spot for intimate ceremonies.
Now you’re probably wondering where to even start with planning your day–luckily you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading below and I’ll walk you through all the first big steps for planning an elopement at Lost Dutchman State Park.
7 things to know about eloping at Lost Dutchman State Park
Choose the best time of year to elope at Lost Dutchman State Park.
Hire a photographer that specializes in elopements and helps with planning (like myself)!
Secure your special use permit to be able to have your ceremony and celebration inside the park.
Choose your ceremony spot – Ceremonies are only allowed at designated locations. Portraits are allowed throughout other areas of the park.
Plan your ceremony and activities.
Come prepared–hiking, comfortable shoes, dusty trails, bring lots of water
Where it’s located (driving distance)–how to get there.
When is the best time of year to get married at Lost Dutchman State Park?
I recommend late October through early April for the best weather!
Fall time: early October is typically still pretty warm (think high 90s, low 100s), but by the end of the month it cools down a lot. November is my favorite month for elopements at Lost Dutchman because there is typically a low chance of rain, it’s in the high 60s to low 80s usually, and it’s some of the best lighting!
Winter Time: You will get the coolest weather in December, January, and February (it can be in the 40s in the early morning), but it’s fantastic weather for elopements. There is typically more overcast and a slightly higher chance of rain during this time, but it’s worth it for the great temperatures.
Spring time: March and April are starting to warm up a little bit, but typically are in the high 60s to low 80s. Occasional spring showers happen, but that just means higher chances for wildflowers during this time of year! May is typically in the 90s and can still be enjoyable, but I recommend sunrise ceremonies to avoid the heat.
Summer Time: June, July, August, and even part of September are what we consider the “summer months” in the Phoenix area and I do NOT recommend getting married in the Phoenix area during this time–it’s typically 105º-115º during these months and VERY dry. If you’re set on getting married during one of these months, consider going up to northern Arizona! Check out my blog post: How to Elope in Flagstaff
Bonus Tip: Avoid holidays and weekends for lower foot traffic. There will still be people/hikers inside the park during your ceremony/elopement, so weekdays can be an easy way to avoid bigger crowds.
2. How to choose a photographer for your elopement?
Me, Samantha Rose Photography, at Lost Dutchman State Park!
I know I may seem a bit biased seeing as I AM a photographer, but no matter who you choose for your day–I want you to know how to go about choosing the “right” photographer to be a part of your elopement. When you choose to elope, you’re already making a brave, important decision that says you know what you want out of your wedding day–a day all about the two of you. You deserve to have someone be a part of your day that full-heartedly believes the way that you’ve chosen to get married is the best way.
Things to look for:
Someone that knows the area you’re getting married and has experience at that location and can help guide you with where and when it will be best to take photos.
Someone that specializes in the area of photography you’re seeking out–not all wedding days are the same! An outdoor elopement with changing weather, various trailheads, and a day that is more “lax” on structure is very different than a wedding day that is planned out down to the minute. You don’t want your day to feel like an all-day photoshoot. This is a celebration, but you’ve chosen to elope to avoid the stressful side of things!
Someone whose personality you mesh with! The person that photographs your elopement will be with you all day! And if you aren’t having guests–they may be one of the only people you interact with and celebrate with that day. So it’s important to have someone that you feel comfortable around.
Someone that will help you plan! Typically most people have never done something like this before, you don’t get married everyday, so you shouldn’t be expected to know what to do or how to do it!
Eager to start figuring out plans and details right away? Check out my blog posts: How to Plan an Elopement and How to Elope in Arizona
3. Secure your special use permit for your Lost Dutchman State Park ceremony!
You can only book weddings up to 1 year in advance. Visit the AZ State Parks website to inquire about your elopement date and download the Lost Dutchman State Park Wedding Packet and Application: https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/group-planning/weddings
Entry is included for you & your guests with a special use permit.
Steps to Make a Wedding Reservation from the AZ State Parks Website:
Download and review the Lost Dutchman State Park Wedding Packet and general Wedding Application.
Fill out the Wedding Application form and email the form to the park using the email address in the form.
The park will contact you to finalize your reservation.
4. Where to elope inside the park?
Lost Dutchman State Park requires reservations for all wedding ceremonies. Each designated area offers a a slightly different view of the Superstition Mountains and surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape.
Designated Ceremony Areas
Day Use Areas
Each day use area provides distinctive desert scenery while remaining easily accessible:
Cholla Day Use Area: Features stunning unobstructed views of the Superstition Mountains with classic saguaro silhouettes. Perfect for intimate ceremonies with up to 50 guests. This area offers spectacular sunset lighting that creates a golden glow on the mountain faces.
Saguaro Day Use Area: Surrounded by mature saguaro cacti creating a quintessential Arizona backdrop. Accommodates groups up to 25 guests and includes a covered ramada for shade. The morning light here is particularly magical.
Group Camp Areas
For larger ceremonies or events requiring more privacy:
Roadrunner Group Area: Accommodates up to 100 guests with ample parking nearby. This elevated area provides panoramic views of the desert landscape and mountains.
Quail Group Area: More secluded setting with natural desert vegetation creating an intimate atmosphere. Can accommodate up to 150 guests and offers excellent morning and evening light.
Accessibility Information
Lost Dutchman is one of the more accessible state parks for elopements in Arizona:
Paved pathways connect parking areas to the Cholla and Saguaro Day Use Areas
The main viewing areas have even, compacted surfaces suitable for wheelchair access
Parking is available within 100-300 feet of all ceremony sites
Accessible restroom facilities are available near the Day Use Areas
Park staff can provide additional accessibility information for specific needs
Prime Photo Locations
Beyond your ceremony site, there are so many options for trails to explore before or after for more photos and activities:
Treasure Loop Trail: Just a short walk up this trail provides elevated views of the entire park and valley (beautiful in morning & evening light)–my favorite trail!
Native Plant Trail: Showcases colorful desert plants, particularly vibrant during spring blooming season (March-May).
Jacob's Crosscut Trail: Features interesting boulder formations and saguaro-studded landscape–connects to Treasure Loop Trail.
Learn more about wedding site reservations: https://azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman/group-planning/weddings
5. Plan Your Ceremony and Activities
Ceremony Planning Essentials
Timing Your Ceremony
Golden Hour Sunset: Schedule your ceremony 1-2 hours before sunset for ideal lighting conditions. The Superstition Mountains take on a magical golden-red hue during this time.
Early Morning Sunrise: Sunrise ceremonies (6:00-8:00 AM depending on season) offer peaceful solitude and soft lighting with the sun coming up behind the Superstition Mountains.
Avoid Midday Heat: If eloping between May and September, avoid ceremonies between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM due to avoid extreme temperatures. I only recommend sunrise ceremonies during this time of year.
I help plan and curate your elopement day timeline for the whole day!
Logistical Considerations
Hours: The park is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with gate access restrictions before or after this time. The Visitor Center/Park Store has different hours depending on the time of year–call the office to confirm.
Cell Service: Reception can be spotty throughout the park. Download maps offline and share ceremony details with guests beforehand.
Weather Backup Plan: Whether it’s crazy wind, too hot weather, or a possibility of rain–it’s always good to have a backup plan! This could be as simple as a pop-up canopy for sun protection (if permitted), bringing along umbrellas or shade, or planning to be able to have your ceremony back wherever you’re staying. This is something we talk about and plan for beforehand.
Ceremony Ideas
Unity Rituals That Honor Nature: Consider a sand ceremony using colored sands that match the desert landscape or a native plant potting ritual.
Music Options: Battery-powered Bluetooth speakers work well for ceremony music. Keep volume respectful of other park visitors, amplified music is not allowed.
Involving Guests: If you’re having guests at your elopement and want to include them somehow throughout your ceremony or day, some options could be:
Personalized Ceremony Participation: Invite 2-3 guests to share brief readings or poems that are meaningful to you. Or have a loved one officiate your ceremony!
Group Champagne/Sparking Cider Toast: After the ceremony, have each guest offer a one-word wish for your marriage during a champagne/sparkling toast.
Letter Reading: Have guests write advice/well-wishes letters beforehand, selecting 1-2 to be read during the ceremony while saving the rest for you to read privately later (or you can save them all for later).
Leave No Trace: Skip the confetti, rice, or flower petals. Consider bubbles or ribbon wands that leave no impact on the environment.
Read more about how to have an eco-friendly elopement
Before and After Activities
Day-Of Experiences
Sunrise Yoga: Start your wedding day with a private yoga session at your lodging or a designated picnic area.
Getting Ready: Nearby Apache Junction offers various Airbnbs and hotels where you can prepare before heading to the park.
First Look Hike: For adventurous couples, arrange a short "first look" moment on one of the nearby trails or just plan for time together before your ceremony.
Horseback Riding: Book a guided horseback riding tour for either before or after your ceremony at a location nearby to explore more of the desert and Superstition Mountains!
Post-Ceremony Celebrations
Sunset Picnic: Arrange a gourmet picnic at your ceremony site after exchanging vows. You can either have this brought in by a company or do it yourself!
Stargazing: The park offers excellent dark sky viewing—consider extending your reservation into evening hours or booking a nearby spot for great views of the night sky.
Local Dining: Celebrate with dinner at nearby Tortilla Flat or one of Gold Canyon's restaurants. Or head back towards Phoenix for endless food options.
Looking for more things you can include in your elopement day? Check out over 20 unique elopement day activities.
Example Timeline for a Lost Dutchman State Park Elopement:
12:00 p.m. - Getting ready & details at accommodations
1:00 p.m. - First look at getting ready location
1:30 p.m. - Prep to head to ceremony site
2:00-2:30 p.m. - Arrive at Lost Dutchman, get prepped for ceremony
2:45 p.m. - Ceremony begins
3:15 p.m. - Ceremony concludes (photos with guests, if present)
3:45 p.m. - Enjoy celebratory toast & desert picnic
4:45 p.m. - Explore around park for “golden hour” portraits
5:15 p.m. - Find spot to enjoy the sunset :)
5:30 p.m. - Official sunset time
5:45 p.m. - “Blue hour” portraits in the desert
6:15 p.m. - Head to post-elopement celebration at nearby restaurant or Airbnb
6:45-7:00 p.m. - Arrive for dinner & celebrations!
8:00 p.m. - Yay! You Eloped!
You have so many options for your day and can include or not include whatever you and your partner see fit! This is just an example of what a day can look like!
6. Come Prepared for the desert landscape
What to Bring:
Water: The most important item. Bring plenty of water for you and your guests. Arizona's dry climate can be dehydrating, especially during the warmer months.
Sun Protection: Consider bringing hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas, or stylish parasols to stay cool. Hand-held fans can also be helpful during warmer months.
Comfort Items: Whether you’re hiking or staying close to the parking areas, comfortable shoes are a must. Consider changing into wedding shoes for the ceremony and photos if you’d like something other than boots/tennis shoes. Bringing a blanket for sitting throughout the park or during your picnic is also a good idea.
Emergency Kit: Band-aids, bug spray, stain-stick, pain relievers, and any personal medications (I also come prepared with my emergency kit to all elopements)!
Touch-up Kit: Compact mirror, blotting papers, lipstick, and any makeup essentials.
Attire Considerations:
Dress/Suit Selection: Choose fabrics and styles that accommodate desert conditions—lightweight materials that allow movement on uneven terrain.
Footwear: Consider stylish but practical footwear options, perhaps bringing a change of shoes for photos in different locations.
Accessories: Secure hair accessories that can withstand desert breezes. Work with hair and makeup artists that have experience with the desert weather and outdoor elopements so they know how to best accommodate your looks.
7. How to get to Lost Dutchman State Park
Nearby Airports:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): The primary and most convenient airport, located approximately 40 miles (45-60 minutes) west of Lost Dutchman State Park.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA): A smaller alternative airport, located about 30 miles (35-45 minutes) south of the park. This airport has fewer flight options but may be less congested.
By Car:
From Phoenix: Take US-60 East toward Mesa/Globe. Exit at Idaho Road (Exit 196) and turn north. Follow Idaho Road as it becomes State Highway 88/Apache Trail. Continue approximately 5 miles until you reach the park entrance on your right.
From Tucson: Take I-10 West toward Phoenix. Connect to US-60 East in Tempe. Follow US-60 East and exit at Idaho Road (Exit 196). Turn north and follow Idaho Road as it becomes State Highway 88/Apache Trail to the park entrance.
From Flagstaff/Northern Arizona: Take I-17 South to Phoenix, then take US-60 East toward Mesa. Exit at Idaho Road (Exit 196) and follow the directions above.
GPS Coordinates: 33.463197948319106, -111.48065315641405
Parking: The park has ample parking throughout and near trailheads. Parking is included with your wedding permit/entrance fee.
Public Transit & Ride Shares:
Public Transportation: Unfortunately, there is no direct public transportation service to Lost Dutchman State Park. The Valley Metro bus system does not extend to this area.
Ride Share Services: Uber and Lyft are available from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and surrounding areas. Expect to pay $40-70 each way from central Phoenix or the airport, depending on time of day and demand.
Shuttle Services: Some local tour companies offer transportation to the Superstition Mountains area, but a private driving company may be the best option if you don’t want a rental car.
Return Trip Considerations: If using a ride share service, be aware that cell service can be limited in the park. It's advisable to pre-arrange your return pickup time and meeting spot or walk to the visitor center where cell reception is more reliable.
Having a car in the Phoenix Metro is one of the only ways to get around, especially to get to desert areas such as Lost Dutchman State Park. I recommend getting a rental car to have a reliable way of getting around.
Final Tips for Your Lost Dutchman Elopement
Keep it Simple – One of the beauties of eloping is the simplicity. Focus on what matters most—your love and commitment. You and your partner have no obligation to include anything in particular in your day if you don’t want to! This is about you two and what you want!
Consider a Post-Elopement Celebration – If you want to celebrate with family and friends later, plan a post-elopement party or reception when you return home. This is also something you can keep simple like a backyard garden party or cookout or a more elaborate event at a reserved venue.
Respect the Environment – Be mindful of the park’s natural beauty by following Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the park remains pristine for future visitors and for you and your partner to come back to years later!
Ready to start more planning for your Lost Dutchman State Park Elopement?
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