How to Elope in Sedona

If you’re wondering how to elope in Sedona, here are some great resources for you to use as you plan it out!

How to Elope in Sedona

As an Arizona native, I’ve spent a lot of my spare time exploring all the nooks and crannies of this red city. Sedona is one of the best places to get married. Not just because of the jaw-dropping backdrops, but also because of the consistent weather, the easy access to restaurants and lodgings, and the accessibility to some of the most beautiful rock formations. The landscape is also exceptionally diverse. Even though it’s a desert, you’ll see rivers, fields, red rocks, cacti, and pine forests. No matter what vibe you’re going for, Sedona will make an excellent location to elope.

When to Elope in Sedona?

Sedona Weather

The weather in Sedona is pretty moderate. However, you definitely don’t want to be in suits and wedding dresses in the middle of summer. Sedona doesn’t get as hot as Phoenix, but June through mid-September are generally over 100ºF (37.8ºC). If you want to avoid the heat, October through May is the best time of year to have your elopement.

The end of October is when the fall leaves generally peak, and the leaves last through mid-November.

Snow can happen in the high desert anytime between November and March. However, it is most likely to happen in January and February. Snow is the most unpredictable part of Sedona. I love photographing the powdered sugar red rocks, but the snow never sticks long.

Sedona Crowds and Traffic

As far crowds go, the busiest times of year are generally October and March (spring and fall break). You can bet that hikes like Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and other popular trails will be overrun with hikers and tourists. In the busiest seasons, the road to Cathedral Rock Road will be closed to manage the crowds.

Traffic is another thing to consider during the busy seasons. Sedona has a lot of roundabouts, and only one road in and one road out. Sedona’s infrastructure wasn’t meant to hold as many tourists as visit every year (nearly 3 million). If you’re thinking about eloping during busy season (October, November, March, and April), plan extra time in the car.

Weekend or Weekday

Sedona gets pretty crowded, and the crowds only get worse on weekends. If you’re thinking about eloping in Sedona, I highly recommend choosing a weekday date. This way, you minimize the crowds and have less stress driving between spots.

Sunrise or Sunset?

There are pros and cons to both of these. Sunrise is a beautiful time in Sedona because there isn’t any traffic, and hikers are minimal. Things are quiet and peaceful. However, you’ll have to wake up pretty early if you want to get your hair and makeup done in time for the the sunrise.

Sunset is very crowded. It’s the most popular time to be hiking in Sedona, so you can guarantee there will be traffic and most hikes will have crowds. However, the GLOW at sunset is absolutely worth all the crowds you have to navigate.

At the end of the day, you should ask your photographer what time is best depending on your location. For example, I will only shoot Devil’s Bridge at sunrise. The crowds are unbearable in such a tiny spot. The sunrise lighting also hits the bridge better than the evening sun.

Where to Elope in Sedona?

A lot of couples have never been to Arizona, which makes planning a Sedona elopement difficult.

Sedona has literally dozens of spots you can choose to elope. That’s where I come in as your photographer! After booking with me, I send my clients a location guide that goes into detail about each of my favorite locations. If you have questions about this process, feel free to reach out to me!

Ceremony locations

Here are some things to consider when deciding where to elope in Sedona:

• What kind of elements do you want to be in the backdrop of your ceremony? Some ideas include: views, mountains, arches, rivers, pine trees, red rock formations, etc.
• Consider how far you’re willing to hike to reach your ceremony. If guests are involved, hiking will be affected by their abilities. Decide if you’re ok with changing into your wedding attire behind bushes. If you don’t want a hike at all, that’s also ok!
• Are you willing to rent a Jeep or ATV to get to less accessible places? (Check out Red Rock Rubicon for Sedona Jeep rentals)
• Decide if you want to have pets present at the ceremony.
• How many guests will be in attendance?
• How far from your lodgings are you willing to travel?

Where to stay?

Sedona is filled with amazing resorts, airbnbs, and hotels. It may be helpful to decide on a ceremony spot BEFORE you choose lodgings, if you want to be close by. My all time favorite Airbnb is Simply Be Sedona, which is big enough to lodge you and 30 of your guests.

What can you do on your elopement day in Sedona?

Sedona has no lack of things to do. Here’s a list of things that you can incorporate into your elopement day:

• hot air balloon rides
• helicopter rides
• hiking
• off-roading on some of the bumpy back roads
• enjoying a lunch picnic together
• cater food to your airbnb after sunset
• pop champagne and/or toast with guests
• try the local breweries or restaurants
• have a first dance on a mountain top
  

I always help my couples create a timeline that makes them excited to elope, and they often incorporate one or more of these elements during their elopement.

What to bring?

Depending on what season you decide to elope in, you’ll want to pay attention to the weather in the weeks before. It could snow unexpectedly in March or a heat wave could hit in October.

For every elopement you’ll want to bring:

• headlamps (especially if you’re planning on hiking after sunset)
• water
• snacks
• good hiking boots with traction
• champagne or craft beer from your favorite brewery
• a comfortable backpack to carry everything

For winter months (December through March) you’ll want to bring:

• gloves
• warm jackets (it will get below freezing at night)
• a blanket to keep you warm
• handwarmers

This checklist will be different for every elopement, so contact me and we can build a checklist specifically geared towards you!

How to Make it Legal in Arizona?

These are the things to remember when eloping in Arizona. You need an officiant to sign the marriage license. Whether you hire one, like Let’s Knot and Say We Did, or have a friend ordain themselves online, you do need an officiant present. I am also ordained, which works if you don’t mind if no one says any words during the ceremony, and you just read your vows to each other.

You will also need to have two witnesses over the age of 18 sign the marriage license. Licenses can be obtained at the Yavapai County Court. Licenses are $85 and copies are $30.

Why elope in Sedona?

If you’re still unsure if Sedona is where you want to elope, check out my blog, 5 Reasons to Elope in Sedona. I go into details about weather, activities, and permits.

If you’re ready to start your next step…

If you’re ready to take the next step in planning your Sedona elopement, reach out to me! I’m not only a photographer, but also your guide to Sedona. I’ll help you create a timeline, choose vendors and lodging, and create a day you won’t forget.