How To Elope in Sedona: Your Guide To Planning a Sedona Elopement
How To Elope in Sedona: Your Guide To Planning a Sedona Elopement
As an elopement photographer based in Arizona, one of my favorite places to travel to is Sedona! It is one of the most magical places to say “I Do”, and the stunning views provide endless options for beautiful backdrops. I’ve photographed many Sedona elopements over the years - each one filled with so many adventures and emotion-filled ceremonies. Based on my experience shooting elopements in Sedona and helping my couples plan their epic Sedona elopement, I’ve put together the ultimate guide for how to elope in Sedona, Arizona!
Choosing the Perfect Ceremony Time and Date
Sedona is truly beautiful all year round, but the best times of year to elope are early fall through spring. It can get mildly cold during winter, so keep that in mind if you pick a date between November and February. If you choose a summer date, I recommend eloping early at sunrise or later at sunset to avoid tourists as much as possible. Sedona generally gets a lot of visitors (especially during summer), so a weekday elopement can help minimize the crowds!
Planning Your Sedona Elopement
After choosing the date and time of your big day, one of the first tasks in planning your Sedona elopement is making the guest list. Will it be a few of your closest friends and family or just you and your partner? Another thing you should plan for is getting the required permits. Don’t worry - they’re pretty affordable! For example, you’ll need a Red Rock Pass to park at trailheads for only $5 per day or $15 weekly. Just make sure to break down all your elopement decor and respect the area. As the park rangers say, leave no trace!
The Best Spots To Elope in Sedona
Cathedral Rock
This is the most iconic trail in Sedona! It is a popular location that offers some of the best views.
Bell Rock
Accessible via an easy 15-minute walk, Bell Rock has great elopement spots and picturesque backdrops.
Red Rock State Park
At this location, there are a couple of designated wedding spots. If none of those interest you, there are tons of other options for intimate ceremonies off the beaten path!
Devil’s Bridge
A beautiful three-mile trail that leads to absolutely breathtaking views! If you like hiking you’ll love going to Devil’s Bridge!
Broken Arrow
This is a popular spot for 4x4 off-roading. If you have the right vehicle and don’t mind getting a little dirty, this spot could be perfect for you!
The Best Places To Stay in Sedona
In Sedona, you’ll find a lots of Airbnb options perfect for any budget. If you’d rather opt for a hotel, Courtyard Mariott stands between the iconic red mountains and is an excellent choice! For a more unique experience, Amara Resort and Spa offers relaxed vibes in the uptown area. Or, if you’d love a more luxury vibe for your elopement experience, check out L’auberge in Sedona. No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be treated by Sedona’s beauty every time you step outside or gaze out the window!
Sedona Adventure Hikes and Activities
The perfect way to start or end your Sedona elopement day is an adventure hike to scenic views.! There are so many beautiful trails it’s almost unbelievable. I’d recommend using the AllTrails app to find nearby options. Alternatively, Jeep tours are a signature way to experience Sedona. There are a few different companies to choose from, each with its own niche. For example, Pink Adventure Tours is the only one permitted to drive their Jeeps up Broken Arrow Trail. If you’re interested in some metaphysical experiences, Safari Jeep Tours will take you to some of the spiritual vortexes that Sedona is known for. Or, Red Rock Jeep Tours can take you on an educational tour of some landmarks featured in classic western films!
Extra Elopement Planning Tips
Sedona has great weather, but it’s still home to the brutal Arizona sun. The last thing you want on your special day is dehydration or a bad sunburn! Always bring water and sunscreen with you when you’re hiking and wear sturdy shoes - even with your wedding attire when necessary.
If you’re traveling from out of state, the best way to get to Sedona is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor. It is a 2-hour drive straight north of the airport. Finally, know the logistics of your ceremony location beforehand! Hiring a photographer who knows the area will benefit you a lot, but if you and your photographer are not familiar with Sedona make sure to scout out your spot before you commit to it.
Sedona has so much to offer and is a place that you’ll want to come back to over and over, especially when it holds the beautiful memories of your elopement! Choosing a photographer who is familiar with the area and can provide you tips and expert resources for how to elope in Sedona is key.
If you are looking for someone to help plan your dream elopement experience in Sedona and capture all your memories, I may just be your photographer! I love the great outdoors and have a passion for not just taking pretty photos - but creating an unforgettable experience for my couples on one of the best days of their entire lives.