Where to Elope in Arizona
Arizona Elopement Photographer
Just about anywhere in the state of Arizona will be able to give you beautiful, unique views for your elopement day.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Arizona is that it’s just all a bunch of desert & 100º weather constantly. Although we do have both of those, we have everything in between too, – from red rocks to tall saguaros, to something grand, to pine trees – state 48 has SO many options.
Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park, & Petrified Forest National Park – along with 21 other areas that are a part of the National Park Services.
This isn’t even including national forests & state parks!
I’ve lived in Arizona for over 5 years now & I still get overwhelmed by just how many places & things there are to see. Fear not though, whether you live here or you’re coming from out of state, this list is to help you narrow down what place feels like home for your elopement.
Not sure yet if you even want to elope? Check out my blog post Everything to Know About Eloping to help you decide.
If you know for sure that eloping is for you, but want to get an idea on how to start planning, check out my blog post: How to Plan an Elopement or if just need to know how to elope in AZ, check out my other blog post How to Elope in Arizona.
Have any other questions? Let’s chat! I’m here to help you plan your perfect adventure.
Keep reading below for where to elope in the state of Arizona!
Arizona Elopement Locations
Sedona
Quite possibly the most magical place in all of the southwest & just about a 2 hour drive from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Sedona, Arizona is one of my top suggestions for places to elope in Arizona.
Immerse yourself among the red rocks & spend a day hiking. We can plan an all day adventure with long hikes or short stops along the side of the road, experience the epic views whether you’re a novice or expert hiker.
Want to learn more about how to plan a Sedona elopement? Check out my blog post: How to Elope in Sedona, Arizona.
Things to do:
Take a drive up the scenic 89A Highway, book a Pink Jeep Tour, have a quiet moment at some of the sacred vortexes, or even enjoy a stroll through downtown & get a bite to eat.
Some of my favorite hikes include: Devil’s Bridge Trail, Cathedral Rock Trail, & Bell Rock Loop Trail (just to name a few).
*Note: Ceremonies are not allowed at Devil’s Bridge in Sedona or on Wilderness Land.
Know Before You Go:
Get a Red Rock Pass for parking at trailheads & along the road in Sedona. Almost all lots require it! Most trailheads have a pay station in the parking lot or you can find where to buy one here: Where to Buy a Red Rock Pass
Best Time of Year to Elope:
Spring Time: Late February-May
Fall Time: Late September-November
Horseshoe Bend
If there’s ever been a place that has truly left me speechless the first time I saw it, it was Horseshoe Bend. If you want epic canyon views, red rocks, & a view of the Colorado River – THIS IS THE PLACE. Horseshoe Bend is located in Page, Arizona, it’s about a 4.5 hours drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Just about a 1.1 mile hike to the edge, Horseshoe Bend is incredibly accessible place to have your elopement, no matter your hiking abilities.
To see more photos & learn all about how to elope at Horseshoe Bend, check out my blog post here.
Things to do:
Kayak around Lake Powell, walk across the Glen Canyon Dam, explore Antelope or Waterholes Canyon.
*Note: Professional portrait photos are no longer allowed at Antelope Canyon. Certain slot canyons offer private tours.
Know Before You Go:
There is an entry fee ($10/car) & special use permit required to elope there.
Want to avoid the crowds? Consider a sunrise ceremony!
Best Time of Year to Elope:
Page, Arizona gets very hot in the summer time & can get snow in the winter. March through early May & late September through November will usually have the best weather!
Bonus Location:
Lake Powell – if you want to include a 4x4 vehicle, water, & possible a boat in your elopement day, Lake Powell is a great option for epic views, lower crowds, & lots of adventure!
Saguaro Lake
For those that want a little bit of it all – saguaros, water, distant mountains, & classic Arizona mountain sides – I give you Saguaro Lake. Just a 40 minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport & amazing views that don’t require much hiking.
There’s multiple trail heads that lead to open areas to have a small, private ceremony. Afterwards, rent a boat or book a tour to explore more of the lake to make it an all day adventure. This is the perfect spot if you want to stay the night somewhere in the Phoenix Metro, but still experience all the views that the desert has to offer.
Check out more photos & details about having a Saguaro Lake elopement here: Saguaro Lake Elopement.
Things to do:
Stay right near the water at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, book a tour on the Desert Belle, in the summer time take a Salt River Tubing trip.
Know Before You Go:
Get a Tonto National Forest Parking Pass.
Best Time of Year to Elope:
Late October through early May. Thinking you want to elope in the hotter months? Avoid June through August & consider a sunrise ceremony to beat some of the heat!
Lost Dutchman State Park
One of the most gorgeous areas in all of the Phoenix Metro – located in Apache Junction (& less than a 40 minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor) – is Lost Dutchman State Park.
The Superstition Mountains are the second most photographed landmark in Arizona after the Grand Canyon.
If you’re looking for a place to elope with just a little hiking, but an amazing backdrop – this is the place. Or if you’re looking for a big adventure that includes all day hiking (& even camping if you want) – this is also the place!
Despite their name, the mountains are indeed real. Don’t believe me? See the photos for yourself.
Things to do:
Take a drive on the Apache Trail (AZ 88) for a scenic drive, explore Goldfield Ghost Town (a bit touristy, but still a fun stop on a weekend trip), book a twilight dinner cruise on Canyon Lake nearby, hike the Wave Cave Trail.
Know Before You Go:
Entry Fee - $10/car
A photo permit is required & certain fees/permits may apply for ceremonies.
Best Time of Year to Elope:
Late October through early May to avoid the Arizona heat.
The Grand Canyon
The most famous & most photographed landmark in all of Arizona. What better place to elope in the Grand Canyon state than THE Grand Canyon!! Such an epic place to say your vows & explore one of the most famous U.S. National Parks.
Just about a 4 hour drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor (about 6 hours if you’re going to the North Rim), you can experience breathtaking views of the canyon without even hiking into it. Paved trails surrounding the canyon lead you to beautiful overlooks. Or if you’re looking for a hiking adventure, take a small trip into the canyon (most trails that go into the canyon are rated as moderate to hard).
Things to do:
Take the Desert View Drive (State Route 64) to see all different views of the Grand Canyon, take a smooth water raft trip, explore the Grand Canyon Village, book a helicopter tour to get insane views, wake up at sunrise & head to a viewpoint to capture all the amazing colors the Grand Canyon has to offer.
Know Before You Go:
Entrance into the park is $30/car & certain fees/permits are required to have a ceremony inside the park.
There are designated areas throughout the Grand Canyon National Park where ceremonies are allowed.
Best Time of Year to Elope:
Although it gets pretty hot in the summer & snow in the winter –depending on what you want out of your elopement – majority of year is great at the Grand Canyon. Late fall & spring will offer the most mild temperatures!
Papago Park & Papago Buttes
Less than 4 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Papago Park & Buttes offers classic desert landscape with towering red buttes without having to go far. A perfect spot if you’re looking to keep your elopement day simple & not looking to hike much.
Papago Park & Papago Buttes are located across the street from each other. Papago Park offers palm trees, saguaros & water - while Papago Buttes gives you open desert & red rocks close up & in the distance (also catch a good view of the Phoenix Skyline in the distance).
Still thinking about Park Park or Buttes, but not sold yet? Get inspired with this intimate elopement.
Things to do:
Catch sunrise or sunset at Hole in the Rock, grab a bite to eat to celebrate in Old Town Scottsdale, & hike Camelback Mountain or South Mountain for epic views of the valley.
Know Before You Go:
Papago Park is open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. (hours may vary during certain times of year) & Papago Buttes is open sunrise to sunset. Both parks are free to visit & do not require photo permits.
Best Time of Year to Elope:
Late October through early May to avoid the Arizona summer heat!
Watson Lake
Escape the typical desert & head to Prescott, Arizona to elope at Watson Lake. Located just 1.5 hours from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport – this place has a variety of hiking trails & rock formations. A perfect spot to enjoy a small picnic & take in the views. In the summer time you can camp overnight in the park to make it a weekend adventure (or you can stay in the town of Prescott if camping isn’t your scene).
Things to do:
Check out more hiking & views at Lynx Lake Recreation Area, there are endless trails to explore throughout the Prescott National Forest, stroll through the Downtown Historic District, hike the 4.5 mile flume trail around Watson Lake.
Know Before You Go:
There is a $3/car entrance fee. Some fees/permits may apply for elopement ceremonies. Swimming is not allowed at Watson Lake!
Best Time of Year to Elope:
Depending on the scenery you want, Watson Lake can get snow in the winter & the summers still get pretty hot. September through November & March through May will give you the most comfortable temperatures.
Flagstaff
Is the desert not quite your scene for your elopement day? Luckily just a little over a 2 hour drive north from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is Flagstaff, Arizona. When people see photos of Flagstaff, they can’t believe how close of a drive it is from Phoenix, but an entirely different scenery.
Immerse yourself among the pine trees & aspens for an elopement celebration in the woods with your love. Whether you’re looking to camp among the trees or stay in a classic A-Frame Cabin, there’s so many options for hiking in the mountains & saying your vows at a scenic overlook.
Things to do:
Drive up Snowbowl Road for epic scenery & ride the ski-lift (summer time), stroll through Historic Downtown Flagstaff for amazing food & shop options, walk through Buffalo Park, explore Sunset Crater National Monument, for the extra adventurous - hike Arizona’s Highest Point - Humphrey’s Peak.
Know Before You Go:
Depending on the time of year & day of the week you visit - Flagstaff can get very busy. Weekdays will give you a better chance of avoiding the crowds. Various parts & parks through Flagstaff require an entrance fee and/or photo permit.
Best Time of Year to Elope:
For warmer temperatures & lush greens: May through early September.
For changing fall colors: Late September through early November.
For fans of the snow: Late November through early March.
Saguaro National Park
The second most popular National Park in Arizona – Saguaro National Park! Such a dreamy place to elope, it’s truly a cacti wonderland. Whether you’re looking for a small hike or an all-day excursion, everywhere you turn you’ll be surrounded by 100+ year old saguaros. The park is HUGE & has so many different spots for an intimate ceremony with you & your love.
Spend the weekend camping in the park or stay somewhere in Tucson. Watch the park light up during a sunrise ceremony or stay until the sun goes down.
Things to do:
Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, take the hour+ drive up Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway – make stops along the way to take in the changing views, take a bike tour through Historic Tucson, explore Downtown Tucson for food & shopping.
Know Before You Go:
Entrance is $25/car & certain fees/permits may apply for elopement ceremonies.
Best Time of Year to Elope:
Late September through May to avoid the heat!
Bonus Location:
A self portrait I took of my love, Brannon, & I in Saguaro National Park at sunrise in Tucson, Arizona.
There are SO many amazing spots to elope in Arizona – and these are just nine of my favorite locations. There are endless hidden gems & other unique spots throughout the entire state.
I hope you’re able to find a location that feels like home for you & your love to say your vows & get married.
Want more elopement resources? Check out my blog posts: How to Plan an Elopement, Everything to Know About Eloping, How to Elope in Arizona, & How to Have an Eco-Friendly Elopement.
We are SO lucky to get to enjoy so many epic places in the outdoors – whether it’s in Arizona or somewhere else. I want my couples to be able to elope in these amazing places for years to come & I want these places to be preserved for years & years even once we are gone. I am a Leave No Trace Aware Photographer. Leave No Trace is a set of ethics & practices we should follow to enjoy & protect the outdoors at the same time. This is an access tool to help enjoy public lands responsibly & leave less impact. I guide my couples ahead of time to know the best practices for Leave No Trace & make sure we are following the 7 Principles of LNT & leaving as little impact as possible, while still enjoying the great outdoors.
Samantha Rose Photography is an Arizona based elopement photographer. When she’s not photographing couples in love she can be found hiking, exploring the National Parks, looking up photos of golden retrievers, or binge-watching the Office.