The red rock deserts, cactus gardens, deep canyons, towering mountains, and scenic rivers found in Arizona make the state a perfect backdrop for any adventurous couple. If you want your wedding day to be unlike any other - if you want to ditch the traditional venue and be surrounded by jaw dropping scenery as you read your vows, eloping in Arizona might be for you!
But with so many natural wonders, how do you choose just one spot to say your vows? While narrowing it down might still be a challenge, in this guide I’ll tell you the best places to elope in Arizona - so that you can start dreaming up your elopement and planning the adventure of a lifetime!
Best Places to Elope in the Desert in Arizona
Of course, Arizona is best known for its vast desert landscapes. If you want to tie the knot amongst the red rocks, or the cactus gardens, or the desert canyons, here are the best places to elope in Arizona!
Monument Valley
On the border of Utah and Arizona is Monument Valley, a unique landscape made up of red rock formations and towering buttes, sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The desert has been the site of several old western films, and whether you take the winding road and drive through the valley, or you hike some of the trails, the views are one of a kind! The southwest is known for its incredible sunsets, and when the red rocks glow with the setting sun in Monument Valley, this place is no exception.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is perhaps the most iconic landmark in Arizona, with it’s layered rocks telling the story of the Colorado River that carved through the landscape, forming the plunging canyon you see today. This is one of the best places to elope in Arizona for couples who want easily accessible but stunning views, as the park has several overlooks and short trails. But, there are also miles of long trails that lead you through the walls of the canyon - so whatever kind of adventure you’re looking for, you’ll find it at the Grand Canyon!
Saguaro National Park
You have to see them to believe them - the cactuses at Saguaro National Park tower at an average of 48 feet tall. They can get up to 70 feet high, and wandering through the park surrounded by the giant Saguaro’s is a surreal experience, and the unique landscape makes this one of the best places to elope in Arizona - especially in the spring, because the wildflower fields are in full bloom!
Sedona
The town of Sedona is known for being a spiritual vortex - promoting healing, peace, and meditation! Sedona is full of artisan shops and local eateries, and the red rock formations that surround the town contain miles and miles of trails. Cathedral Rock is a popular place to elope, but there are tons of lesser known spots that offer some incredible desert views!
I have a whole guide on how to elope here. Click HERE to check it out!
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a popular spot close to Page, Arizona, where the Colorado River carved a horseshoe-shaped incisor through the rocky walls. If you elope at Horseshoe Bend, be sure to plan for a weekday, and have your ceremony at sunrise. Even then, you’ll run into some crowds, but it will help you get a little more privacy! (I also have a whole blog on how to elope in this city! Click HERE.
Best Places to Elope by the Water in Arizona
If you’re eloping in the hotter months, getting married by the water will help you beat the heat! But no matter what time of year you elope, these spots are gorgeous, and perfect for couples who want to experience a different view of Arizona’s landscape.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is located in the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, spanning both Arizona and Utah. There are several resorts along Lake Powell, providing a perfect place to relax during your elopement, and a cozy home base to come back to after a day of exploring. The rocky formations and cliffs peeking out of the water make this a unique spot along the Colorado River, and one of the best places to elope in Arizona - whether you want to explore the backcountry or relax by the water!
Watson Lake
Watson Lake is located in the city of Prescott, Arizona. The blue water surrounded by desert rocks and boulder formations offers some incredible views, and this is also the perfect place to go for couples who love to spend time on the water. You can rent kayaks or canoes, hike through the Watson woods, or rock climb!
Best Places to Elope in the Mountains in Arizona
The desert may be what Arizona is best known for, but there are also plenty of mountain views! Whether you want to hike or find an easily accessible overlook, these are the best places to elope in Arizona if you love the mountains.
Lockett Meadow
Lockett Meadow is a gem just outside of Flagstaff, offering views of aspen trees and pine trees that decorate the hills. In the spring, the wildflowers bloom, covering the landscape in bouquets of different colors! If you’re looking for a little more greenery, this is the perfect place to see some non-desert scenery, and there are mountain peaks to explore all around Lockett Meadow.
Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim offers sweeping views, encompassing the different landscapes of Arizona. You can stand at the top of the 2,000 foot drop to see some of the most incredible scenery the state has to offer - pine forests, mountains, and the desert. The sunsets here are epic, and it’s one of the best places to elope in Arizona for breathtaking views and a variety of scenery!
Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital of Arizona, known for year round sunshine and warm weather! In the city, you’ll find luxurious spas and resorts that would make a great place to stay when you elope in Arizona, and just outside of town you’ll find some incredible mountain views. The Superstition Mountains aren’t your typical snow capped peaks, but the landscape combines mountain and desert scenery with the towering rocky mountains and cactuses all around.
Tucson
The city of Tucson is surrounded by four mountain ranges, making it one of the best places to elope in Arizona for mountain views! The landscape of the Sonoran Desert is unique, with giant cactuses sprawling across rocky hills, with mountain peaks in the distance. Catalina State Park is a less traveled spot just outside the city, with towing mountains and Saguaro cactuses.
Arizona Elopement Packages
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to finding the perfect place to elope. Good views, privacy to say your vows, maybe its proximity to a Chipotle… it can be overwhelming! But as an elopement photographer and an Arizona local who’s explored all the hidden gems and secret spots, I’m ready to help you find the best place for your elopement.
Contact me, tell me what you’re dreaming of, what kind of scenery you want to be surrounded by, and what your perfect wedding day looks like - and let’s make it come to life!