Once you decide to elope, the universe is your limit— which is exciting, until decision fatigue sets in, and you can’t settle on the elusive “perfect” experience for one of the biggest moments of your life. I get it. Planning details surrounding the biggest promise of your life is overwhelming. Thankfully, I’m here to help you, so you don’t have to guess, and you can make a well-informed, intentional decision about your elopement.

Why Arizona?

Arizona is an absolute minefield of breathtaking views, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and timeless wild-west charm. I could wax poetic about the desert, the ways my life has changed since embracing the art of southwest living, but I’ll stay focused on the parts you CANNOT miss.

What I love most is the variety that Arizona has to offer. Our state boasts three National parks, thirty-one state parks, six Navajo Nation Parks, and plenty of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. We also have amazing eats, beautiful sunsets, and good weather more often than not. When you put all this together, you create the perfect storm for an unforgettable elopement for you and your partner— no matter what you love most. From a day trip to a weekend adventure, you’ll never forget your personalized experience.

Maybe you’re sold, or maybe you need a little more convincing. Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty to share! I’ll start by breaking down my top suggestions for elopement locations. While your options are endless when it comes to planning your elopement, Arizona is known for its natural beauty, so I always begin my suggestions with outdoor locations you and your love can plan your whole experience around— and for the super invested, this is a great list for those of you looking to plan a weeklong road trip honeymoon!

Here are my top six location recommendations for your elopement, and everything I love about them.

1. Saguaro National Park

Settled in southern Arizona near Tucson, Saguaro National park is the perfect place to elope if you want to be surrounded by the ethereal beauty of the southwest. The ancient cacti reach over forty feet in height, and the sunsets are accompanied by a desert chorus of rustling animals, coyote songs, and the smell of creosote. Perfect for the southwest at heart.

2. Sugarloaf Mountain

One of my favorite spots in this whimsical town, Sugarloaf is highly underrated as a Sedona elopement spot! You and your lover can head up a relaxed walking trail up to the perfect outlook where you can share vows against a gorgeous sunset, with the beautifully unique mountain keeping you company. Not to mention this is a dog-friendly trail, so your favorite pup can come with!

3. Monument Valley

I will preface this one with an important note: Monument Valley (and most Native landmarks) tend to have higher permit fees than other locations. This is disappointing to learn, especially for couples looking to budget, but I swear it’s worth it! These higher permit fees mean less people are interested in navigating them, which leaves you a better chance of getting your preferred elopement date, and give you showstopping photos to look back on. If you’re concerned about navigating permits, don’t worry. When you hire me, I will help you ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork, so you’re not caught off guard on the day of!

4. Horseshoe Bend

An iconic Arizona location, you cannot go wrong with a first kiss in front of Horseshoe Bend! Plus, since it’s part of the Grand Canyon, you’re close to other amazing locations where you can sign your paperwork, crack open a couple beers, and celebrate right.

5. Imperial Sand Dunes

While these sand dunes are technically right over the state border in California, I couldn’t help but add them. If you’re a Star Wars fan, they might look familiar! As the sun starts to set, the lighting gets magical, and it’s easy to imagine forever while being engulfed in a pink and purple sunset.

6. Superstition Mountains

Right outside of Phoenix, the superstitions are the second most photographed landmark in the state! Beautiful scenery is easily accessible, and you’re close to Apache Junction, where you can visit some ghost towns and amazing museums (for my fellow history buffs). Another reason to love the Superstitions: since they’re so close to downtown Phoenix, you can easily head back into town to celebrate over an incredible dinner with friends or family!

If none of my top location recommendations feel like you, I’ve got an arsenal of location suggestions that are exclusive to my couples. (Lovingly, I value the wild west and don’t want to jeopardize lesser-known locations. There are more stipulations, permits, and fragile landscapes that come with these recommendations, and I want to do my part to ensure folks are well-educated and responsible when visiting.)

Once you have your dream location picked out, we can start planning your entire day (or weekend)! Thankfully, Arizona weather is event-ready for most of the year. October to March is the generally accepted “wedding season” out here, however depending on your ideal location I do offer more specific seasons to get the best weather and overall travel experience.

Another perk of eloping in Arizona is how EASY it is to get married! The state of Arizona makes the process simple and straightforward, and you don’t have to stress about making your marriage legal. I could try and explain it all here, but my friend Samantha at Samantha Rose Photos wrote an amazing article on this exact thing so I’ll link it here for you! (I went through the process myself, and it’s really simple. I promise!)

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Don’t worry. That’s where I come in. If you’re trying to plan a unique, personalized elopement in Arizona, I’ve got your back! From finding the perfect AirBNB for your stay, to booking a horse-riding lesson among the saguaros, to choosing the best restaurant in town for your post-elopement dinner, I help every one of my couples create a timeline that feels true to who you both are, and includes everything you love on a day you don’t want to forget.