How to elope in Arizona

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How to Elope in Arizona

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If you’ve started planning your elopement or you’re just considering eloping, you may be coming up with a few questions on how exactly you do it. Whether you’re an Arizona native or just choosing the Grand Canyon State as the backdrop for your day - this blog breaks down exactly how you go about all of it. From how to apply for a marriage license, legally get married & choosing locations.

Not sure what exactly an elopement is or entails? Check out my other blog post that covers everything to know about eloping.

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What you’ll need to do:

• Apply for a marriage license

• How to get legally married

• Choose vendors & officiant

• Choose time of year

• Find a ceremony location & check permits

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Applying for a marriage license

To apply for a marriage license in the State of Arizona, you & your partner must both appear in person at one of the Justice Court offices. You both must be at least 18 years old, provide a valid government-issued photo I.D., & provide your Social Security Numbers, if you have one.

You will both be sworn in & will sign two affidavits to state that your personal information is correct.

You do not need to provide a copy of a divorce decree.

There is no blood test or waiting period required.

You do not need to obtain a marriage license in the county you’re getting married.

There is a filing fee that is currently $83 (subject to change).

The Marriage License is valid for up to 12 months.

You do not have to be living in AZ to get married here!

A marriage license must be issued prior to your wedding ceremony taking place.

Locate justice court offices in Arizona with this map.

More info about specific county laws can be found on the U.S. Marriage Laws website here.

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Sean & Julien chose to have a Shaman Blessing for their elopement ceremony performed by Native American officiant, Uqualla.

How to get legally married

For your elopement in Arizona, you’ll need:

• An officiant

• 2 witnesses (I can count as 1!)

• Your marriage license

  An officiant must perform the ceremony & two witnesses at least 18 years or older must be present. At the completion of the ceremony, you & your partner, the witnesses, & the officiant will sign the license.

Who can be an officiant?

According to the U.S. Marriage Laws website, the officiant must be legally authorized to perform marriages in the state of Arizona. The cool thing about this is that you don’t have to have just anyone be your officiant. It’s (surprisingly) really easy to become ordained - if you don’t already have someone in mind, but you’d like the person performing your ceremony to be someone you know - ask them to get ordained!

Marriages can also be performed by any of these officiants:

1. Duly licensed or ordained clergymen.

2. Judges of courts of record.

3. Municipal court judges.

4. Justices of the peace.

5. Justices of the United States supreme court.

6. Judges of courts of appeals, district courts and courts that are created by an act of Congress if the judges are entitled to hold office during good behavior.

7. Bankruptcy court and tax court judges.

8. United States magistrate judges.

9. Judges of the Arizona court of military appeals.

10. Licensed or ordained clergymen (this includes ministers, elders or other persons who by the customs, rules and regulations of a religious society or sect are authorized or permitted to solemnize marriages or to officiate at marriage ceremonies).

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Choose Vendors

If you ask me… this the best part of all (I might be a little biased though).

Choosing your vendors for your elopement day are so important. Elopements are so intimate & personal, often times your photographer & officiant are some of the only people with you that day.

Which is why I want you to feel comfortable & completely yourselves during your day. When it comes to elopements, I’m a lot more than just a photographer for you. I’ll be your planner & your guide. I’m going to help you find all the best locations, plan a timeline for your day, & I’ll have you covered with just about everything you need (whether it’s Tylenol, a Tide Pen, extra water, or even a jacket - I’ve got you both covered).

Here’s a list of all the vendors you may want/need for your day:

• Photographer

• Officiant

• Florist

• Hair & Makeup Artist

• Videographer

• Dress/Suit Rentals

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Choose Time of Year

The best part about Arizona is depending on where you choose to elope - you can pretty much plan your wedding for anytime of the year.

If you’re wanting to stick to the Southern part of the state (think Phoenix, Lost Dutchman State Park, Tucson, etc.) - then late October to early April is your best time to elope to avoid being too hot.

If you’d like to go up North towards Sedona, Flagstaff, Page, & the Grand Canyon - March through early October are some of the best times (especially to escape the Valley heat). If you’re wanting to have some snow adventures during your elopement though, the winter months are a great time to head up North!

When it comes to elopements, it’s usually best to be a little flexible with your dates. Sometimes certain state & national parks, as well as tribal land, have restrictions on different trail heads & areas during different times of the year.

It’s important to talk with your vendors, specifically your photographer, way ahead of time to discuss what you’re wanting for your day. Let me help you plan your dream elopement.

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Find a Ceremony Location & Check Permits

Arizona is so beautiful & truly has so many different landscapes to serve as the backdrop for your elopement. It all depends on what you picture for your day:

Looking to be surrounded by saguaros?

Saguaro National Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, or White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

Want to explore the red rocks?

Sedona has endless trails & areas to explore.

Want to get lost in the mountains?

Mogollon Rim, Mount Lemmon, or Flagstaff.

Looking for canyons & formations to explore?

The Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, or Monument Valley.

Many of these locations require certain passes/permits in order to have a ceremony & photos taken there. I’ll help you get this taken care of way ahead of time!

This truly just touches the surface of what all Arizona has to offer & these are only some of the most popular areas. I help you find those off the beaten path locations that will make you feel right at home. Whether you want to explore somewhere more secluded or a spot you’ve had saved on your Pinterest board for years - let’s start planning.

Looking for more suggestions? Check out my blog post: Nine of the Best Places to Elope in Arizona.

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Even if you haven’t decided for sure yet that you & your partner want to elope - I’m so stoked that you’re even considering it! Eloping is such a personal & intimate way to get married. It’s centered all around your love & just celebrating the two of you. It’s not about throwing a party for other people, but planning an epic adventure to start your marriage.

Whether you have more questions about how to plan your elopement, want to inquire about me photographing your day, or just want to chat - send me an email anytime here.

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Hi! I’m Samantha, a Phoenix, Arizona based adventure elopement photographer. Originally from the Midwest, I moved out to Arizona two years ago & fell in love with the idea of helping couples plan their wedding completely around themselves & what they want for their day. Elopements bring the idea back of celebrating your love & making your day all about you - you’re not worrying about including certain traditions or following what you think you’re expected to do. Let’s start planning your unique adventure.

When I’m not capturing couples in love, I can be found exploring different hiking trails throughout the Valley, hanging out with my boyfriend Brannon, listening to a true crime podcast, or probably looking up photos of golden retrievers.

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How to elope in Indiana & can you?

Can you get eloped in Indiana? How do you do it?

The short answer to this is - yes, of course you can elope in Indiana. Even though Indiana may get a bad wrap since it doesn’t have as popular of scenery as other areas in the United States, there are still so many locations that would make for an epic day. The thing about eloping is that you don’t have to do it on a mountain top, but you also don’t have to do it at a court house.

Before we dive into this all, let me talk about why I’m so passionate about couples eloping - anywhere. I’m originally from Indiana - I lived there for over 22 years of my life. Two years ago I moved out to Tempe, Arizona. Since moving here, I’ve completely changed the direction of my photography business. I went from pursuing big, traditional weddings to realizing what I really wanted to focus on was intimate, not-so-traditional elopements. I don’t think there is anything wrong with wanting a “typical” wedding, but I’m here to advocate for those couples that want their wedding/elopement day to be just about them.

So if you’re thinking about ditching a reception & wedding party & you want to go on an epic adventure with your significant other to express your love & say your vows - let me help you get started.

So what all do you need to know about having an elopement?

What you’ll need:

• Apply for a marriage license

• Choose a ceremony location & check permits for your ceremony location

• Choose an officiant to perform your ceremony

• Decide if you want to be ‘legally’ married on the day of your elopement

• Choose vendors

Apply for a Marriage License

• You must have a marriage license to legally get married in Indiana

• To apply for the license, you both must be present at the Clerk’s Office in an Indiana county where one of you resides - or for non-residents, in the Indiana county where the marriage will be solemnized (where your ceremony is performed).

• You both must be at least 18 years old.

• You both have to apply at the same time & bring a valid driver’s license or a state I.D. card (for proof of residency, identity, and date of birth).

• The marriage license fee is $18 if one or both parties are Indiana residents & $60 for out-of-state residents (prices are subject to change so be sure to check beforehand). Some offices charge an additional document fee of $2. Most counties require these fees to be paid in cash.

• The license is good for up to 60 days.

  More info about specific county laws can be found on the U.S. Marriage Laws website here.

Choose a Ceremony Location & Check Permits

This step is more up to what exactly you & your love are looking for. Do you have a place that holds a special meaning for you two? Do you want to go on a hike to an area you haven’t been before? There’s a lot to think about when choosing a location to say your vows & go on an intimate adventure. There are truly endless places, but these are just a few options to look at that have some amazing scenery. I think it’s important to choose a location that speaks to the both of you & ignites your heart with love & happiness when you think about saying your vows there.

Brown County State Park

Cataract Falls State Park

Clifty Falls State Park

Easter Pierhead Lighthouse in Michigan City

Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest

Indiana Dunes National Park

Pokagon State Park

Turkey Run State Park (where the photos on this blog were taken!)

Different fees & permits apply for each location. Many locations in Indiana just require you to pay entrance fees.

Choose an Officiant to Perform Your Ceremony

In the state of Indiana, you do not need any witnesses to get married, but you do need an officiant to perform the official ceremony. From the indy.gov website: A wedding officiant leads a marriage ceremony, verifies the information on the marriage license, & signs & completes the officiant’s section of the marriage license.

In Indiana, the following individuals may serve as an officiant at your wedding:

• Judge

• Clerk of the district court

• Governor or lieutenant governor

• Mayor, within the mayor’s county

• Member of the general assembly

• Member of a certified secular organization

• Clerk or a clerk-treasurer of a city or town, within a county in which the city or town is located

• Member of the clergy of a religious organization, such as a minister of the gospel, a priest, a bishop, an archbishop, a rabbi, or an imam (someone that is ordained via an online organization such as Universal Life Church would fall into this category).

Many people choose someone they are close with that is ordained to be their officiant (or have someone get ordained for them). Since it’s such an intimate day that doesn’t include many people - you want someone you can trust & feel comfortable around. Ultimately it’s up to what type of ceremony you’re looking for whether you want it to just include what has to be said, be more spiritual, or include other aspects.

My brother, A.J. Brammer, is actually ordained & has been the officiant for 8 weddings in 3 different states. If you’re looking for someone to perform your ceremony (whether it’s a full wedding or an elopement), but don’t have anyone in mind - send him an email at: arbrammer@gmail.com

Decide if you want to be “legally” married on your wedding day

I’ll let you in on a little secret - a lot of people are usually married before their elopement day or sometimes after. The logistics & legalities of being officially married can sometimes be more complicated to deal with on your elopement day. If you choose to get all the paperwork done with ahead of time, that doesn’t make you any less married & it doesn’t change the meaning of your elopement at all! This day is still all about you & the love you have for each other. For most people, the day they say their vows is their true wedding day.

But if you do want to do it all on the same day, it’s not that hard. We just have to make sure we abide by Indiana’s waiting period, marriage license rules, & ceremony rules. In Indiana though, it’s super easy to include it all in one day - we just have to make sure to plan out all the details ahead of time.

Choose Vendors:

This is the most fun part in my opinion.

You by no means need to include all of these things. In case you haven’t realized this yet, when it comes to elopements you can include or not-include anything you want. This is just a quick list to go off of that other eloping couples have included in their day before.

• A Photographer

• A Videographer

• A Hair & Makeup Artist

• A florist

• A backdrop

  Need suggestions for vendors? I’ll be creating a list soon to share with all my Indiana couples.

  Have questions about what’s most important to include? Send me a message & let’s chat! I’m here to help you plan a stress free, meaningful day.

I hope this post has been informative & at least has you & your partner considering eloping. No matter what you end up doing, your wedding day should be all about the two of you. You’re celebrating committing to each other & expressing your love - no matter how you go about doing that, don’t let other people make you feel like you need to include certain things or not do things a certain way. If you need help deciding what you should do for your day or even help telling people in your life that you don’t want a traditional wedding - let me help you find the right words.

This epic adventure was photographed last summer at Turkey Run State Park in Parke County, Indiana during a photo retreat hosted by Reagan Lynn Photography - check out some of her photos here from the day. Turkey Run State Park has a $7 fee to get into the park for in-state vehicles & a $9 fee for out-of-state vehicles. Want to plan your own epic adventure here? Let’s start planning your dream wedding that’s uniquely intimate to you & your partner. (And p.s. I do travel - with special rates for coming back to my home state of Indiana).

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Hello! I’m Samantha Rose Photography (aka Samantha) - a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & intimate wedding photographer. I’m passionate about helping couples plan their dream days to show their love for each other & go on an epic adventure. If you have any questions about elopements, booking me, or just want to chat - I’m here to help.

Phoenix, Arizona Elopement at Papago Park

Papago Park - Phoenix, Arizona Elopement Inspiration

As an elopement photographer based in Phoenix - often times when people think of an adventure elopement in Arizona, they think you have to go up North towards Flagstaff & Sedona. The thing is - we can plan your elopement anywhere. This is a day structured around exactly what the two of you want. It’s your wedding day. If you want to celebrate with a small hike around Papago Park or go to the top of Cathedral Rock - then let’s do it! The beauty is that there are endless options & the only people we have to please are the two of you.

Five Things to Remember When it Comes to Eloping

1. No you don’t have to run off to Vegas in secret to elope. The definition of what an elopement is has changed a lot over the past few years. What it really is: two people that are in love that want their marriage celebration to be solely focused on just the two of them.

2. This day should be a true reflection of what your relationship is. There’s no specific guide book to follow. There’s no certain traditions you need to include. This is a time to make new traditions of your own.

3. There’s no doubt that the location of your elopement plays a big factor for the day. Do you want to explore someplace new? Someplace that means a lot to you both - like where you got engaged or went on your first date? Do you want to explore a whole new state? Once you start planning, think about what means the most to you & would represent your love.

4. Don’t forget the big draw to eloping is that it’s supposed to be a relaxed & stress free day! You’re not concerned about other people’s schedules, who is wearing what, or how many people you have to provide dinner for. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

5. As your photographer - I’m here for more than just taking photos & capturing memories. I’m here to plan your unique adventure. From location options, timeline planning, vendor recommendations, & all the in between. You are not planning this alone. Let’s start working on your epic elopement.

Have any questions about what goes into planning your dream day? Whether it’s about where to start, how to pick a location, or just the nitty-gritty details - let’s chat!

Phoenix Elopement Vendors Featured:

• Photographer: Samantha Rose Photography

• Florals: Prettiest Blooms

• HMUA: Destiny Rosignolo

• Dress: Brilliant Bridal

• Suit: Nick’s Menswear

Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & intimate wedding photographer. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found hiking a new trail in the Valley, buying too many plants, or listening to a true crime podcast.

Why you should have an in-home session with your love

Couples Session - In Home - Phoenix, Arizona Couples Photographer

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Look, I know we’re in Phoenix, Arizona where the temperatures rarely get below 50º in winter & you’re probably used to seeing these cute, cuddly in-home photography sessions in areas that actually get snow… but I’m here to tell you it DOES NOT matter what type of weather is outside! Whether it’s 110º during the peak of Arizona summer or it’s a chilly (by Arizonian standards), cloudy day - anytime is a good time to get close to your significant other in your home.

Here’s why you should have an-home (or apartment) session with your lover:

• You get to stay at home. No traveling! I come to you.

• You can make breakfast or cookies or whatever your favorite food is & I’ll capture it. Making it, eating it, feeding each other - all of it.

• You can even wear your pajamas or whatever comfy clothes you’d usually wear when it’s just the two of you.

• It’s a good way to capture this current stage of life. Whether it’s your first apartment, first home, or just someplace you never want to forget - photos of the two of you in a place that you spend so much time is the perfect way to preserve it all.

• The reality of it is - you can do whatever you want. There’s no rules to follow, no certain way to do things - you guys just have to be yourselves & I do the rest.

Morgan & Erik were so much fun to photograph in their little apartment in Central Phoenix. With candles burning & two cups of fresh coffee in hand, they were ready to cozy up & just be themselves. They picked some comfy, cute clothes to just hang around in & let me be a fly on the wall of what a slow morning looks like for them. The Arizona sun was shining into their living room, giving us the perfect glow the whole time.

And don’t worry - if you think you’re awkward in front of the camera or don’t know what to do with your hands, that’s what I’m there for. I love capturing the natural, intimate moments, but you’re not on your own figuring out what to do. I can help with everything from outfit planning, deciding what time of day is best based on what direction your house or apartment faces & making sure that both of you have a great time. Let me capture your lazy day at home.

Looking for a spot for photos, but not inside? Check out my blog post here about my favorite engagement session locations in Phoenix.

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Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based elopement & wedding photographer. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found looking at photos of golden retrievers, finding a new hike, or buying too many plants.

Snowy Flagstaff, Arizona Engagement Session | Arizona Adventure Photographer

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Vanessa & Danny’s Snowy Flagstaff Engagement Session

Adventure Engagement Photographer

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Say hello to Danny & Vanessa - who I actually took engagement photos of in January & are already married now, but I still wanted to finally share their cozy engagement session. These two have been together for SEVEN years now, since my boyfriend & I met in the 9th & 10th grade, I have a special place in my heart for high school sweethearts. There’s just something so easy going with couples that know the ins & outs of each other & aren’t afraid to goof around during photos & show their personalities off - that’s these two!

Since they live in Phoenix & were getting married in the Valley, they wanted something a little different for their engagement photos. So we made our way up to Flagstaff (my first time) & bundled up to adventure around in the snow - which I only fell down in once the whole trip. The area had gotten so much snow the weekend before that certain trails were closed off, so instead of our original plan, we pulled over on the side of the road & found a clearing in the trees. I make jokes all the time how I am up to adventure anywhere - whether it’s surrounded by cacti, on top of a mountain, or just on the side of the road somewhere, I’m up for anything - this engagement session was a prime example. As long as you & your significant other choose a location that feels special & personal to the two of you, that’s all that matters.

I can’t wait to finally share photos from their February wedding on the blog soon! It was such a fun day surrounded by Vanessa & Danny’s closest friends & family - lots of dancing & good food was included as well.

No matter where you’re located & wherever you want to have your love captured - I’d love to be a part of preserving memories & being a part of these special moments in your life. Let’s chat about how you want your adventure captured.

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Samantha Rose Photography is a traveling wedding, elopement & couples photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not headed to an engagement session she can be found binge-watching Netflix, attempting to do some yoga, or reorganizing her closet.

Seven of the Best Spots for Engagement Photos in Phoenix, Arizona

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Where to take engagement photos in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Engagement Photographer

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Anywhere you go in Phoenix for your engagement session photos is going to be beautiful & have their own unique look. Whether you’re wanting the side of a mountain with saguaros or palm trees & water, the Phoenix area has so much to offer. If you have a love for the southwest & adventuring around the desert, these locations are for you.

I’ve created this list of some of my favorite areas that I have photographed engagements & couples in & around Phoenix. If you’re recently engaged & looking for a photographer to help you find the perfect spot to celebrate & capture your love, please reach out!

After reading this blog, let me know which location in Phoenix is your favorite in the comments below!

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Phoenix Engagement Locations

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The Salt River

A little outside of Phoenix located in the Tonto National Forest, the Salt River offers a variety of water views (hopping in the river for photos not required, but definitely extra fun) and mountain backdrops. If you’re looking for something with a more beachy vibe & different from the usual desert backdrop for your engagement photos, this area by Coon Bluff is perfect for engagement or couples photos. If you’re lucky you might even spot some wild horses.

Pro Tip: Bring sandals or water shoes to walk around in because there is actual sand at this area & it can be tough to walk around in any type of heels. Keeping a towel handy is also recommended, just in case you get wet!

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Downtown Phoenix

If you & your love are looking to get away from the cacti & mountains & want a city atmosphere, downtown Phoenix is the place to capture your engagement photos. Offering a variety of murals, alleys, & textures – the colors of the city offer cooler tones & make it easy to either dress up or dress down your wardrobe.

Have a restaurant or bar downtown you love? Grabbing a drink after running around the city can add something special to the end of your engagement session.

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Scorpion Gulch

Located at South Mountain Park, Scorpion Gulch offers a perfect golden glow at sunset. The ruins at the location were originally built in 1936 & operated as a store for many years through the 60s until becoming a bar in the 70s & eventually shutting down. The area was preserved & now is a great spot for capturing your engagement photos in the Phoenix area. The marked paths & easy access make it easy to fit in a variety of backdrops in a small area.

Pro Tip: Bring a blanket to sit down for some photos to keep your clothes clean (don’t worry – I always have extras in the trunk of my car).

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Papago Park

Papago Park is a beautiful, public park located in Phoenix near the Desert Botanical Garden & the perfect spot for engagement photos! This park is great if you want a mix of everything – cacti, mountains, palm trees, water, & you can even see the Phoenix skyline in certain areas.

I recommend starting on the north east side of the park, near Hole in the Rock, while the sun is still high in the sky. Then end your engagement session with a great view of the sunset near Hunts Tomb.

Want to explore more of Papago Park? Check out this Phoenix Engagement Session here.

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Lost Dutchman State Park

Although this location is technically located in Apache Junction, AZ – it’s still a part of the Phoenix Metro, making it a great area for engagement photos! The Superstition Mountains offer a unique landscape that you can’t find anywhere else in Arizona. Lost Dutchman State Park has easy, accessible trails, as well as longer hiking opportunities for those that want more adventurous engagement photos.

At sunrise, you’ll have the sun coming up from behind the mountain during your session. And during sunset, the mountains will be lit up with the sun’s glow at the end of the day. Either time of day is sure to give you beautiful, unique photos.”

Take your engagement photos in the spring time for wildflowers!

*Lost Dutchman requires a photography permit to have your session here. Photo permits currently run $50, along with entry into the park which is $7-$10/car.

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Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is another area that offers breathtaking views & something a little different than your typical desert backdrops. Here you can get right next to the mountain & tall saguaros for your engagement photos, all while being surrounded by lake views.

This is a great area for sunset sessions that lead into blue hour. There is a small hike involved that takes about 5-10 minutes.

Check out more photos from Saguaro Lake here.

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Desert Botanical Garden

One of my favorite places to visit in all of Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden has so much to offer for engagement photos. Whether you want wild flowers, tall cacti, short cacti, or a mix of it all – the colors & layout of this place really show off what makes Phoenix, Arizona unique.

*Pro-Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds!

*Admission into the garden is required. I’m a member of the Desert Botanical Garden & can get one person in for free & 20% off regular admission.

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I help plan out your whole engagement session – giving advice on time of day to start & taking you to all the best view points.

Check out this blog post all about how to plan & prepare for your engagement session here.

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The Phoenix area has so much to offer when it comes to the perfect location for your engagement photos. Whether you’re looking for the side of a mountain, in the city, or an easy trail surrounded by cacti - you can’t go wrong with any of these spots. These also aren’t the only options, just some of my favorite spots that I’ve captured photographs at. No matter where you choose to have your engagement photos, make it somewhere that feels special to the both of you.

Samantha Rose Photography is a traveling elopement photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found re-watching the Office, drinking too much Mountain Dew, or hiking a new trail.

Saguaro Lake Elopement in Mesa, Arizona

Saguaro Lake Elopement Photographer

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Picture this: You & your partner have decided that you want to elope somewhere in the desert. You pick Arizona as your destination to say “I do” but don’t know where exactly in the state you want to go. Then you find a location that meets everything you’ve been looking for. Desert landscape filled with tall cacti, mountain views, & a lakeside oasis – it’s Saguaro Lake.

Located less than an hour from downtown Phoenix, this is the perfect location for a desert elopement.

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Here is a step by step guide on how to plan the best Saguaro Lake elopement:

• Do you need a permit to elope at Saguaro Lake?

  No!

• Is there an entry fee or Parking pass for Saguaro Lake?

  Yes! A Tonto National Forest Daily Parking Pass is required.

• How long is the hike at Saguaro LAke?

  That’s all dependent on how far you want to go! Saguaro Lake offers hiking trails that are 3+ miles, leading to more private locations/areas. There are also spots that you just have to hop out of your car & you have beautiful views right in front of you.

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• Can you bring guests to a saguaro lake elopement?

  There are certain areas along Saguaro Lake & the Salt River that could accommodate guests, but I recommend keeping your list to 5 or less people. This is a great location for those wanting to keep their day super intimate.

Looking for something to accommodate more guests? Consider Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch or Lost Dutchman State Park.

• What time of year is best to elope at Saguaro Lake?

  Late October, November, December, January, February, March, & early April are all great times to elope at Saguaro Lake (or anywhere in the Phoenix Metro). You can avoid the heat & monsoon season during these months. Late November through January tend to see more rain.

• What day of the week is best to get married?

  Weekdays will ALWAYS be less busy, especially during the cooler months. Weekends during the spring months, Saguaro Lake & other nearby recreation sites can be packed & closed down due to too many visitors.

• What activities can you do at saguaro Lake?

  Hiking, picnic sites, kayaking, boat rentals & tours!

Want other unique activities to include in your elopement day? Check out this blog post featuring over 20 unique elopement day activities.

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• What to bring?

  No matter the time of year, always bring along lots of water, salty snacks, good walking/hiking shoes, & sunscreen in the desert!

  Other useful items: A blanket for sitting, picnic basket to carry tasty treats in, lanterns to light the way & create unique photos once the sun is setting.

• More useful info:

  Saguaro Lake has pit toilets, but no running water.

  Phone signals can be hit or miss so download your Google Maps ahead of time!

  Always leave no trace! Stay on the trail & always leave what you find.

Read more about why I’m a Leave No Trace Aware Photographer here.

Think you may want to elope somewhere else in Arizona? Check out my blog post: Nine of the Best Places to Elope in Arizona