How to Elope in Arizona
Katie Berg Photo || Arizona Elopement Photographer – Updated Guide for 2025
Red rock deserts, massive canyons, giant saguaro cacti, otherworldly landscapes, national parks, state parks: no, I’m not talking about heaven itself – I’m just talking about Arizona! Welcome to my complete guide to how to elope in Arizona, where I’m walking you through everything you need to know to plan an epic Arizona adventure elopement, from getting your permits, to choosing your location, to picking a place to stay, and SO much more. Let’s do this!
Planning your elopement in one of the most dreamy desert destinations in the USA? Let’s make sure you’re fully prepped for your adventure in Arizona!
In this guide, we will cover:
Where is Arizona?
Starting with the basics – where the heck is Arizona?
Arizona is one of the states that shares the Four Corners region of the western United States, located south of Utah, west of New Mexico, & southeast of Colorado. It’s also connected to the eastern parts of California, Nevada, and borders Mexico to the north! If you were to drive from Seattle to Phoenix, it would take you 22 hours minimum– so my PNW friends will probably opt to fly there (unless you’ve got a rad van you love to take road trips in)!
Why elope in Arizona?
Where do I even begin?! Arizona is one of the most epic states you could elope in, with SUCH a huge variety of opportunities for adventure.
Arizona might be the elopement location for you if:
- You’re in love with the desert
- You want to walk through vibrant slot canyons
- You want to say your vows overlooking an unreal landscape full of textures & colors
- You like getting up at dawn to experience a stunning sunrise
- You want to go hiking
- You want to elope somewhere warm
- You want to find a desert/bohemian-themed place to stay
- You love to go swimming on a hot day
- You’re at your happiest when you’re on an epic outdoor excursion (such as sandboarding, riding a hot air balloon, or taking a 4×4 through a canyon)
- You want to go stargazing under the clear desert skies, without too much light pollution
How to get to Arizona
If you’re traveling to Arizona from out of state, you can either drive or fly!
There are 3 major airports in Arizona that you can fly into:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Tucson International Airport (TUS)
- Yuma International Airport (YUM)
Smaller airports you may travel through in Arizona:
- Page Municipal Airport (PGA)
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)
- Prescott Regional Airport (PRC)
- Grand Canyon Airport (GCN)
I definitely recommend renting a car if you’re flying into AZ so that you have the freedom to travel around wherever you’d like, and you won’t have to worry about getting an Uber or relying on public transportation.
With that said, if you’d rather not rent a car, you can travel via Amtrak train to certain locations around the state, take Ubers/Lyfts/taxis, or take public transportation such as a metro rail or transit bus. Check out your public transportation options for the larger cities of Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, & more on the Visit Arizona website!
Best time to elope in Arizona
“When is the best time to elope in Arizona?” is always a hard question to give a clear answer to, because it really depends on what kind of atmosphere you’re dreaming up for your elopement. So let’s go through what the weather tends to look like in each season in Arizona; that way, you can decide for yourself which season will help you craft the day you’re envisioning!
SPRING WEATHER: Spring is an amazing time to visit Arizona, because temperatures are still slightly milder, and you might get to see wildflowers depending on the locations you go to! That’s right, even the desert has flowers – if there’s a good amount of rainfall in the early spring, the deserts will bloom with gorgeous wildflowers that make for unreal views. Temperatures typically range from 75°F-100°F, so it is still pretty dang warm, but the evenings get to a perfectttt temperature to enjoy the desert.
SUMMER WEATHER: Summer is a popular time to visit Arizona because a lot more people have time off of work, but it’s really not the BEST time to visit – simply because of the heat! Arizona is obviously a desert climate, so it’s a dry, dry heat that you experience, with temperatures ranging from 85°F-115°F on average (whew – I’m sweating just thinking about it!). Evenings and early mornings are the coolest times to be outside, but not “cool” by any means. So if you’re eloping in Arizona in the summer, I highly recommend being outside in the early mornings and late evenings as much as possible to avoid the insane dry heat that the day brings – plus this way you can experience the magical desert sunrises & sunsets that Arizona has to offer!
FALL WEATHER: Fall in the desert is STUNNING if you’re eloping somewhere with a decent amount of foliage (and not the barren desert with no leaves/trees)! You’ll get amazing gold, red, and orange colors, milder temperatures, and long evenings (no Daylight Savings Time!). Arizona temperatures in the fall typically range from 60°F-95°F, so there’s a fairly big range of potential temps you could experience depending on your location & the month you choose.
WINTER WEATHER: Finally, winter is one of the most popular times to visit Arizona because it’s not exactly “winter” – it’s still warm(ish)! That explains why so many people from the PNW and other places with cold winters visit often between November-February/March – we’re just looking to escape the cold and get some sun & warmth on our faces! Winter temps in Arizona usually fall between 44°F-75°F, so there is a pretty big range of possible temperatures depending on where exactly you’re at. Desert temperatures are wild because it can be super warm in the daytime and drop drastically once the sun goes down, so be prepared for that if you’re sleeping outside.
Overall, if by “best” you mean the time of year with the most comfortable temperatures and humidity levels, that would be spring or fall. If by “best” you mean when the amount of crowds will be lowest, that would be winter! And if you mean when you’ll get the best desert sunrises/sunsets, and the longest days + most light, that might be summer. Think through what’s most important to you (temperatures, comfort, humidity, potential extreme weather, tourists/crowds, etc.) and pick the season that accommodates that best for you.
Top 10 Best Arizona Elopement Locations
Let’s dive into the most fun part of planning an Arizona elopement: choosing your location!! I’ve listed 10 of the top best places to elope in Arizona for you below, but I’ve also got an entire blog post dedicated to the 25 Best Places to Elope in Arizona in 2023 – make sure you hop on over to that one, too, if you’re looking for even more options to explore.
1. Horseshoe Bend
You’ve probably seen photos of Horseshoe Bend before and didn’t even know it! It’s a super iconic spot in northern Arizona, near Page, where you get THE most unreal views of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It is a must-visit if you’re in the area and are looking for easy access to some of the freaking best scenery in the entire state!
Closest Major Airport + Driving Time: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport; 2 hours
Best Time of Year to Elope: Fall (October-November)
Permit(s) Needed: Special Use Permit
2. Sedona
Sedona is an area of northern Arizona famous for its red-rock buttes that surround massive canyons you could only dream of. There are tons of spots in Sedona that make for amazing elopement locations (such as the ones mentioned below), especially within the Coconino National Forest, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful ponderosa pine forests, red rocks, and southwestern desert landscapes!
Some of the best locations to visit in Sedona: Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Merry Go Round Rock, Lover’s Knoll, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa
Closest Major Airport + Driving Time: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport; 2 hours
Best Time of Year to Elope: Fall (October-November)
Permit(s) Needed: No permit needed for most trails; Special Use Permit needed only for weddings with 75+ people in the Red Rock District
3. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
You may have seen photos of the famous Monument Valley road before, too – it’s a stunning 17-mile loop that takes you through dramatic sandstone buttes, crimson mesas, and plenty of spots to stop & take in the incredible views. The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park lies on the Utah-Arizona border and is actually a part of the Colorado Plateau.
Closest Major Airport + Driving Time: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport; 3 hours
Best Time of Year to Elope: Spring (March-April), Fall (September-October)
Permit(s) Needed: Monument Valley Entry Pass, Navajo Tribal Park Special Use Permit for groups of 5 or more
4. Grand Canyon National Park
Behold, one of the most famous national parks in the country! The Grand Canyon is famous for pretty dang good reason, featuring some of Arizona’s most breathtaking views. Whether you want to go on a hike through the park, go white water rafting in the river down the Colorado River, or simply park your car & enjoy the scenery, the Grand Canyon offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure for everyone.
Closest Major Airport + Driving Time: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport; 1.5 hours
Best Time of Year to Elope: Early summer (April-June)
Permit(s) Needed: Special Use Permit
5. Slot Canyons
The slot canyons of Arizona are one of the most jaw-dropping features of nature you will ever see. There are tons of slot canyons throughout Arizona to visit, such as the iconic Antelope Canyon, where you can take tours through the magical world of the slot canyons and have a truly otherworldly experience! Slot canyons are a great option for couples looking for a beautiful place for portraits or just to explore, as many of them unfortunately do not allow wedding ceremonies anymore.
Some of the best slot canyon areas to visit: Antelope Canyon, Rattlesnake Canyon, Mountain Sheep Canyon
Best Time of Year to Elope: March-October
Permit(s) Needed: Varies by location
6. Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a crazy popular destination for tourists looking for some of the best views of Arizona & Utah. The area encompasses more than 1.25 million acres of land between the two states and offers absolutely unreal views of Lake Powell, which is an artificial reservoir along the Colorado River!
Closest Major Airport + Driving Time: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport; 2.5 hours
Best Time of Year to Elope: Spring (May-June), Fall (September-October)
Permit(s) Needed: Special Use Permit
7. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is the place to go if, when you imagine your Arizona desert elopement, you picture yourselves out in the middle of land filled with giant cacti & a glorious sunset in the background. Saguaro NP has the largest cacti in the whole country and offers plenty of hiking trails + camping opportunities for couples looking to take advantage of their time in the true desert!
Closest Major Airport + Driving Time: Tucson International Airport; 30 minutes
Best Time of Year to Elope: Spring (April-May), Fall (September-October)
Permit(s) Needed: Special Use Permit
8. Amangiri Resort
This location is *technically* in Utah, but it’s too beautiful for me not to mention!! Amangiri Resort is a freaking unreal desert resort located right on the border just 10 minutes from Arizona. It provides the most luxurious, secluded desert experience surrounded by vast canyons, mesas, and vibrant red rocks, along with delicious on-site dining, spa services, and incredible accommodations. Amangiri is the place to beat if you’re looking for somewhere that doubles as a place to stay and an elopement location!
Closest Major Airport + Driving Time: Page Municipal Airport; 30 minutes
Best Time of Year to Elope: Late Spring through early Fall
9. Lost Dutchman State Park
Lost Dutchman State Park is one of Arizona’s stunning state parks, located in the Sonoran Desert at the base of the beautiful Superstition Mountains (see the next section). You can enjoy a variety of hiking trails through the Tonto National Forest, find a campsite to spend the night at, or head on a mountain biking adventure if that’s more your thing!
Closest Major Airport + Driving Time: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport; 40 minutes
Best Time of Year to Elope: Winter
Permit(s) Needed: Entry Pass, Wedding Permit
10. Superstition Mountains
Last but not least, the Superstition Mountains are another iconic piece of Arizona’s landscape, located just east of Mesa! The volcanic mountain range provides a unique backdrop to the desert of jagged rock formations, changing colors, and beautiful textures to die for.
Closest Major Airport + Driving Time: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport; 40 minutes
Best Time of Year to Elope: Winter
Permit(s) Needed: Entry Pass, Wedding Permit
For more incredible options, head over to my full guide to the 25 Best Places to Elope in Arizona in 2025!
How to Get Married in Arizona
The first step to getting legally married in Arizona is to get your Arizona marriage license. The rules & requirements for marriage licenses varies by state, and may be different from your home state – so let’s go through what you need to know about getting a marriage license in Arizona!
You can obtain your AZ marriage license by visiting a Justice Court office together in-person
- License filing fee: $83
- Legal age to get married: 18
- Waiting period: none (meaning you can get married as soon as you have your license!)
- Witnesses needed: 2 witnesses over 18
- License expiration: 12 months after you obtain it
- Blood test required? No
- AZ residency required? No
Obtain necessary Arizona wedding permits
In addition to getting your Arizona marriage license, you’ll also need to obtain the appropriate wedding permits if you’re getting married on public land, such as a national or state park. Below are the permits you’ll need to get married in AZ national & state parks, in addition to links that will take you to further details on the specific permit rules and restrictions!
Grand Canyon National Park: Special Use Permit
- Cost: $240+
- Application process:
- Email the park office to check if your desired location & date is available
- Fill out this application form (at least 4 weeks in advance to allow time for processing)
- Send your completed form to grca_permits_mail@nps.gov
- Wait for instructions from the park office on how to pay your nonrefundable application fee
- Wait for permit approval
- Wait for your permit to be sent to you, then sign & return it to the office
- Things to note:
- You may schedule your wedding in the park up to 1 year in advance
- Chairs, tables, flowers, loud noises, signs, balloons, etc. are not allowed
Saguaro National Park: Special Use Permit
- Cost: $100 + potential additional monitoring fee of $35/hr
- Application process:
- Fill out this application form (at least 4 weeks in advance to allow time for processing)
- Send your completed form & $100 application fee via your credit card information to nps_sagu_sup@nps.gov
- Wait for permit approval
- Wait for your permit to be sent to you, then sign & return it to the office
- Things to note:
- You may schedule your wedding in the park up to 1 year in advance
- Chairs, tables, flowers, loud noises, signs, balloons, etc. are not allowed
Petrified Forest National Park: Special Use Permit
- Cost: varies
- Application process:
- Email the park office here and request the Special Use Permit application
- Things to note:
- You may schedule your wedding in the park up to 1 year in advance
- Chairs, tables, flowers, loud noises, signs, balloons, etc. are not allowed
Arizona State Parks: Wedding Permit
- Cost: varies by location
- Application process:
- Find the application for your desired location here
- Call your desired park to inquire about date & location availability, and to start a reservation request
- Fill out the general wedding pre-application form & send it to your park contact
- Arrange for payments to be made with your final park contact
- Things to note:
- You may schedule your wedding in the park up to 1 year in advance
- Chairs, tables, flowers, loud noises, signs, balloons, etc. are not allowed
Best Places to Stay in Arizona
Arizona is chock-full of unique accommodation options, from desert-themed resorts to glamping Airbnb’s to campgrounds in national parks to A-frame cabins with mountain views! I highly recommend finding a place to stay that you LOVE, and spending not just your elopement night there, but a few nights (or even a week) if you’re able to. This is your big celebration after all, and you deserve a beautiful place to stay, whether you feel most at home sleeping in a tent under the stars or in a 5-star luxury resort out in the middle of the AZ desert. Below are some of the most epic Airbnb’s, hotels, resorts, & campgrounds to look into!
Airbnbs in Arizona
- A-Frame Mountain View Cabin | Flagstaff
- The Howard Bungalow | Tempe
- Private Boulders Resort Villa | Scottsdale
- The Brexley, Scottsdale’s Secret Sanctuary | Scottsdale
Lodges & Resorts in Arizona
- The Joshua Tree House Tucson | Tucson
- Under Canvas Grand Canyon | Grand Canyon National Park
- Amangiri Resort | Canyon Point, UT (close to the AZ border)
- Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa | Scottsdale
- Boulders Resort & Spa | Scottsdale
- Enchantment Resort | Sedona
- Sanctuary Camelback Mountain | Paradise Valley
Things to Do for Your Arizona Elopement
Your trip to Arizona should include so much more than just your elopement ceremony – this is your time to have fun, escape from normal life, and celebrate with the people you love most (whether that’s just the two of you or you & your BFF’s)! That’s why it’s important to plan some intentional activities during your time in Arizona, both on your actual elopement day (so I can be there to capture it all!) and on the days surrounding it, to make the absolute most out of your trip.
Luckily, Arizona is FILLED with incredible activities, especially for those of you who love exploring the outdoors more than anything. You have to take advantage of the insane variety of otherworldly landscapes and explore as much as you possibly can! Pick out the activities that will bring you the most joy, make you feel most alive, and be able to celebrate as meaningfully as you can with your partner and/or your loved ones. Here are some ideas to get you started – the world is your oyster, and you can truly do whatever the hell you wanna do!
- Go hiking through the desert
- Take a 4×4 Jeep off-roading tour through a canyon
- Go stargazing under the clear desert sky
- Stay in a glamping tent at the Grand Canyon
- Take a horseback riding tour
- Go stand-up paddle boarding
- Ride in a hot air balloon over the scenic views
- Go kayaking
- Go white water rafting on a hot day
- Take a stroll through epic slot canyons
- Go sandboarding
- Enjoy a helicopter tour over the desert
- Go rock climbing
- Ride a dune buggy through the sand dunes
meet your
Arizona elopement photographer
Hi friend, I’m Katie – your Arizona elopement photographer, adventure buddy, right-hand woman, tour guide, lover of all things outdoors! I’m a big believer in the power of crafting an intentional elopement day that represents you & your partner in the most authentic way possible, so that’s what I’m here to help you with.
Not only will I capture the moments of your day for you to have as magical memories forever; I’m here to encourage you to build a day that looks & feels like YOU, not anybody else. I’m pretty freaking bomb at doing this – just ask any of my past couples! – so I’m confident in my ability to give you an incredible elopement experience as a whole, in addition to telling the story of your day through photographs.
Arizona Elopement Packages & Pricing
Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about eloping in Arizona & have gotten to know me a little bit, ya might be wondering what it would be like having me as your elopement photographer!!
You can take a look at my Arizona elopement package & pricing below, and then head to my contact page to get in touch about your elopement – I’d be SO honored to photograph your epic day in the desert!
STARTING PACKAGES BEGIN AT $6,500
Best Elopement Vendors in Arizona
Looking for the perfect elopement vendors can be a daunting task when there are SO many out there! I always recommend asking friends or vendors you’ve already hired (such as your photographer!), first, so that you can get recommendations from people you trust. Then Instagram, Google, & directories like Wandering Weddings will be your friend after that as you continue your search! Below are some rad Arizona elopement vendors to consider hiring for your big day.
ARIZONA ELOPEMENT VIDEOGRAPHER:
ARIZONA ELOPEMENT OFFICIANT:
ARIZONA ELOPEMENT FLORIST:
Other Elopement Destinations to Consider in the United States
It’s not easy to choose your elopement location when there are SO dang many incredible options! That’s why I’ve put together not just this guide, but also full elopement guides to some of my favorite locations in Washington, Oregon, & California, from state parks to national parks and more. Check them out below to help get your ideas flowing, and to get you closer to finding your dream adventure elopement destination!
California Elopement Guides
How to Elope in Yosemite National Park
How to Elope in Northern California
Washington Elopement Guides
How to Elope in the North Cascades
How to Elope at Mount Rainier
How to Elope at Olympic National Park
now booking 2025 & 2026 ARIZONA elopements and intimate weddings
Contact me to get started planning your dream elopement adventure!
In order to make your dream elopement day happen, it’s super important that we connect and that you feel comfortable with me! The best way to do this is to reach out and schedule a call so you can learn more about me and I can learn about you two so i can document what’s real + the most important to you.
