Sedona Elopement Wedding Planning

I am so stoked you’re thinking about eloping in Sedona, Arizona! The red rocks are stunning. The spiritual energy there is incredible. Sedona is the perfect place for your wedding. There are lots of beautiful trails, outdoor locations, and Sedona wedding venues to choose from. 

When to get married in Sedona

Sedona is one of the most popular destinations in Arizona. To have the most privacy, the best time to elope is on a weekday at sunrise (if possible), but sunset works too. 

Spring is the best time to get married in Sedona. The weather is perfect and the desert blooms. Summer temperatures can get over 90 degrees, sometimes triple digits. August is usually monsoon season which I recommend avoiding since there are flash floods.

The Fall also has great weather and the forest parts of Sedona will have brilliant red and orange leaves. Winter is cooler but rarely does it snow.

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Best Sedona Elopement Spots & Small Wedding Venues

You’ll find that every inch of Sedona is magical. You can’t go wrong getting married there! Here are some of my favorite spots to get married but of course, finding your own trail can be just as amazing!

Where to Elope in Sedona

No matter where you decide…be sure to either have everyone ride together OR send a photo of a Sedona map with the exact pin location and directions. So many trails are misnamed/mislocated and cell phone coverage can be spotty. I photographed an elopement where the officiant never made it because they couldn’t find the place!

All Trails – Find your own trail 🙂 with mapped-out trails, reviews, and all the information you need to explore, All Trails is a great app to find your own unique Sedona elopement spot.

Doe Mountain Trail is one of the most underrated trails in Sedona! The hike was intermediate and the view at the top is absolutely incredible!

Wagon Mound Trail has two great spots for larger groups. To the West, is a great view of the valley. To the North, a cool “bowl” rock formation. This Trail is perfect for eloping with guests.

Lover’s Knoll: This spot is popular still but if you can get there early to save a section you will have a great view not far from the parking lot. It shows as “closed” on Apple maps currently which I think is a ploy to keep it from being overrun.

2023 Update: The spots below have become so popular now that I’m not sure they are the best spot for your vows. You could totally take photos there, but be prepared to be dropped off or ride the shuttle since the parking lots are full!

Merry Go Round Rock – Only accessible by an off-road vehicle, you will love this beautiful cliff view.

Cathedral Rock – One of the most popular spots in Sedona it is a beautiful monumental butte. Easy hike halfway up to 360 degree views, pretty steep hike to get to the top but oh so rewarding.

Crescent Moon Ranch – a beautiful river leading to Cathedral Rock. There is a cabin and picnic area to rest at here.

Devils Bridge – a natural, narrow rock bridge for all the adrenaline junkies out there!

Bell Rock – another famous butte surrounded by green shrubs. Beautiful views of bell rock from Courthouse Vista (and vice versa).

Sugar Loaf Trail – beautiful desert trail surrounded by prickly pear cactus that leads to ombre red rock buttes.

Be sure to snag your Sedona red rock pass to visit these beautiful places or pay for parking when you arrive.

Sedona Wedding Venues

Mesa Grill/Sedona Airport – amazing food and an amazing view. You’ll drive to the top of a mountain and have 360 degree views of Sedona. With the airport next door you can even do a small plane tour.

Tlaquepaque – charming and magical village dubbed “The Heart of Sedona” for housing beautiful art and architecture.

Enchantment Resort – luxury resort surrounded by red rock cliffs with beautiful adobe casitas you can stay in.

Red Agave – cozy cabin-like stays overlooking Sedona valleys. You can stay in adorable triangle chalets.

Sun Cliff – gorgeous, luxury adobe resort that offers elopement packages.

Sky Ranch Lodge – Perfect place for your small wedding where you can say your vows with a view and your guests will love it.

Chapel of the Holy Cross– Gorgeous reflective chapel, built into the desert butte overlooking the valley. You have to see it to believe it!

Airbnb – Sedona has some beautiful, large airbnb rentals you can host your ceremony and/or vows at. Just message the host to make sure it is okay!

Sedona Wedding Photographer

Look no further, I would love to be your Sedona wedding photographer. Whether you’re having an intimate Sedona elopement or small wedding, I can help make it magical. Reach out at https://kacilou.com/contact

How to get married in Sedona

You can always take a quick trip to your local courthouse, before traveling to Sedona to say your vows. If you want to legally get married in Sedona – here is what ya need to know:

• You have to get your license in person
• There is an $83 fee (last updated 2023) Sedona doesn’t issue licenses so you’ll have to pick one up on the way – Maricopa county is popular.
• Marriage licenses are usually processed within 15-20 minutes.
• You need two witnesses over 18 to sign it during your ceremony
  
  https://www.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov/records/marriage-licenses-passports/marriage-licenses
  

Sedona Wedding Permit

Another reason Sedona is so popular for eloping is that many places do not require a permit! I’ve found it is best if you (the couple) contacts the land management for where you want to elope. They are more leniant with couples than with vendors and can give you the most up to date information. Typically photos are allowed along most major trails, they just ask that you don’t go into the “wilderness”.

Some places do require a wedding permit like National Forest, State Parks, and Private Property-

For weddings in the Coconino National Forest, you can get started here.

For weddings in an Arizona State Park, you can get started here

Each place will have different rules for what is allowed and how much it costs (permits can be anywhere between $25-$500 depending on the place). I recommend sending in your application as soon as possible, 4 weeks before minimum, in order to ensure you can get your permit in time for your wedding.

How to get to Sedona

Sedona has a small airport that mainly hosts small charter and private planes. Sedona is North of Arizona’s capitol of Phoenix. The higher elevation helps Sedona be a little cooler than in the valley. Most couples have to drive to Sedona, here is how to get there:

Phoenix to Sedona

Take the I-17 North until you hit Sedona, about a 2 hour drive

Scottsdale to Sedona

Take the 101N, then the I-17 North the rest of the way

Las Vegas to Sedona

4 and a half hours South East, take the I-40 to US-93

Sedona to the Grand Canyon

About 2 hours North of Sedona. You can get to the Grand Canyon by taking the 89 North to the US-180

Sedona to Flagstaff

45 minutes North of Sedona is Flagstaff filled with pine trees and even aspens. Just take the 89A North.

Sedona to Page

You can get to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell from Sedona by going North on the 89A for about 3 hours to get to Page, Arizona on the border of Utah.

What to do in Sedona

Visit a vortex -Sedona has a peaceful, magical energy. You can find spiritual energy vortexes throughout Sedona. It is a mystical experience!

Get Mystical – There are many psychics and mediums in Sedona. You can get a reading, tarot, align your chakras, and buy crystals.

Red rock pass – There is so much to explore in Sedona, you can’t go wrong.

Pink Jeep Tour – the infamous pink jeeps of Sedona are a MUST. You will see some of the most beautiful places in Sedona that can only be accessed by 4x off-road vehicles. Travel in safety with an experienced driver and guide.

View Sedona from above – hot air balloon, small airplane tour (my husband is a pilot and can take us up!), or helicopter tour. A bird’s eye view of Sedona will take your breath away!

Eco-Friendly Sedona Wedding

I’m a Leave No Trace Photographer! As much as I love epic photos, I want to ensure that we are not disrupting the beautiful Earth in the process. To me, photography is another way to preserve what these beautiful places look like! They are everchanging, but I hope we can help them last for future generations.

Like Moab, Sedona has special grounds that are living biological organisms. “Don’t disrupt the crust”. The crackling red, desert ground is fragile. Footprints can last lifetimes on it. Not to mention the plants and wildlife that depend on that soil. Please stay on designated trails while exploring Sedona!

Ready for your Sedona Wedding?

I’m a Sedona elopement and wedding photographer here to help you plan an amazing wedding day. I grew up in Arizona and have had a special place in my heart since my first visit there. There is different energy there, it is peaceful and healing. The landscape is absolutely stunning.

No lie, it is where we want to renew our vows! I would love to help you find the perfect spot to get married in Sedona and capture beautiful wedding photos to remember it all with. I know the best Sedona wedding vendors to make your day extra special! You can get started at https://kacilou.com/contact

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