Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Arizona: Everything You Need to Know

1. Choose the Best Time of Year to Elope in Arizona

Timing is everything when it comes to planning your Arizona elopement. Here's a seasonal breakdown to help you decide when to go:

Summer (June–August)

Arizona summers are no joke. Unless you're from the desert and used to dry heat, it can be a tough time to enjoy the outdoors. Popular destinations like Sedona and the Grand Canyon are crowded this time of year, which can make your elopement feel less private and more stressful.

Fall (September–November)

Early fall is still hot in southern Arizona, but hotel rates start to drop and crowds thin out once school is back in session. By late fall, you’ll find more pleasant temperatures and even some fall foliage in places like Flagstaff and along the Mogollon Rim.

Winter (December–February)

Winter is one of the best times for an Arizona elopement. Think snow-dusted cacti in Tucson or a quiet ceremony in Sedona under frosted red rocks. While snow in the southern part of the state is rare, you’re more likely to see it in the north. Just be sure to plan ahead for weather variations and possible tourist traffic during peak travel months.

Spring (March–May)

Wildflower and cactus bloom season is absolutely magical. If the idea of exchanging vows surrounded by colorful desert flowers sounds dreamy, aim for March or April. Temps are warmer, but not unbearable, and accommodation rates in May tend to be lower than in peak spring.

2. Hire a Trusted Elopement Photographer & Guide

Planning an elopement from out of state (or out of the country!) can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to hire someone who doesn’t just take pretty pictures—but also knows how to guide you through the entire process.

When couples work with me, they’re not just hiring a photographer. I act as a guide, location scout, permit researcher, timeline planner, and local expert. I help my couples find the perfect trail, suggest trusted vendors, and make sure they’re prepared for the elements. On the big day, I’m there to ensure your elopement is joyful, meaningful, and stress-free—from start to finish.

Want even more help? I also collaborate with Wynn Events for full-service planning, perfect for couples who want a truly seamless experience. From finding accommodations to curating post-ceremony celebrations and handling logistics like decor, delivery, and setup, their planning services ensure everything runs smoothly.

3. Choose Your Dream Elopement Location

Arizona offers a huge variety of landscapes—desert vistas, red rock canyons, mountain forests, and crystal-clear lakes. But narrowing it down? That takes some thought.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of scenery feels right for us?

• How far do we want to be from an airport?

• Are we up for a long hike, or would we prefer an easy-access location?

• How private is the area during peak elopement seasons?

• What amenities and accommodations are nearby?

• Will we have guests? Do they have mobility limitations?

• Do we need permits? Can we get them quickly?

Now, here are some of my favorite locations for elopements in Arizona:

Tucson

Best in winter or spring, Tucson offers sweeping desert landscapes and towering saguaro cacti. It’s also a fantastic place to see blooming cactus flowers. The food scene is incredible, and there are tons of great campgrounds and stargazing spots for a romantic night under the desert sky.

Mogollon Rim

Love pine forests, fishing, and crisp mountain air? The Mogollon Rim is a hidden gem. Great for fall color or even a snowy winter escape—without the heavy weather hassles of places like Colorado or Montana.

Sedona

Sedona is iconic for a reason. With dramatic red rock formations, great hiking, cozy rentals, and cute shops, it’s a dream destination. But be warned—it's busy all year long. If privacy is important, consider working with a planner (hi, that’s me!) to find more secluded trails or book a venue for your ceremony. And definitely prepare for limited parking.

Flagstaff

Just north of Sedona, Flagstaff brings alpine vibes with aspen groves, Ponderosa pines, and cooler weather year-round. It’s a fantastic summer escape, and in the fall, the golden foliage is hard to beat. Plus, it’s close enough to Sedona to combine both areas in one trip.

Lake Powell (Page, AZ)

Looking for something adventurous and unique? Lake Powell is ideal. You can kayak, boat, or swim—and even say your vows on a houseboat. Bonus: it’s right near some stunning slot canyons! For water activities, aim for late summer (but expect heat), or go in June/September for cooler temps.

4. Build Your Dream Vendor Team

Elopements may be small, but they still deserve a thoughtfully curated team. With a smaller guest list, you can invest more in your actual experience—whether that’s a desert picnic or an off-road Jeep tour.

Here’s who you might consider:

Elopement Planner or Day-of Coordinator

Planners are a lifesaver, especially if you’re including guests or envision a styled setup. They handle logistics, setup, vendor communication, and can even help with permits. I love working with Wynn Events—they truly get the adventurous elopement vibe and make every wedding feel personal and intentional.

Photographer

Your photographer will be with you all day, so choose someone you connect with. My approach is candid and natural—your day shouldn’t feel like an all-day photoshoot. I also edit in a true-to-life style so the colors of the red rocks, green desert plants, and golden sunsets are just how you remember them.

Florist

Arizona’s climate can be tough on flowers, so work with a florist who knows the environment. I highly recommend Wild Botanical – Marah’s designs are creative, durable, and perfect for the desert aesthetic.

Officiant

Some couples have a friend or family member officiate. If you're hiring a pro, make sure they're on board for a hike if needed, and that they understand your vision and vibe.

Hair & Makeup Artist

Arizona's heat and dryness are no joke. You’ll want a stylist who can prep your hair and skin accordingly—and ideally, one who’s willing to travel with you for touch-ups throughout the day.

Videographer

Video is a beautiful way to relive your elopement, but make sure you hire someone whose approach aligns with your photographer’s. Elopement videographers should be nimble, experienced outdoors, and able to blend in—not slow you down with heavy gear or staged moments.

Catering, Chefs, & Restaurants

There are so many ways to do food! You could book a private chef for an intimate dinner, have a celebratory meal at a local restaurant, or even enjoy takeout by the campfire. My favorite? A styled charcuterie picnic in the wild—elegant, simple, and oh-so-romantic.

Rental Companies

From chairs and tables to rugs, candles, and picnic setups, the right rental company can help bring your elopement vision to life. Just make sure they (or your planner) can deliver and pick up without harming the environment.

5. Add a Little Adventure!

The best part of an adventure elopement? You get to have fun! Plan something exciting to make your day unforgettable—go on a scenic hike, take a helicopter tour, paddle through a canyon, stargaze under the Milky Way, or cozy up by a campfire after a day full of love and laughter.

6. Get Legally Married in Arizona

Eloping doesn’t mean skipping the legal stuff—if you want your Arizona elopement to be legally binding, here’s what you need to know:

Marriage License

To get legally married in Arizona, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license through any Arizona county clerk’s office. You do not need to be an Arizona resident.

• No waiting period: You can get married the same day you receive your license.

• Both parties must be present with valid photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport).

• License fee: Usually around $83, but it varies slightly by county.

• License validity: The license is valid immediately and for up to 12 months.

• Return of license: After the ceremony, your officiant must sign and return the license to the county.

Most couples apply through counties like Coconino (Flagstaff/Sedona area) or Maricopa (Phoenix area), depending on where they plan to elope.

You can find more info and online applications on county websites. Here’s a quick link to Coconino County’s marriage license info.

Officiant Requirements

Arizona allows a wide range of people to legally officiate weddings, including:

• Ordained ministers (yes—that includes me!)

• Judges and justices of the peace

• Other individuals authorized by a religious organization or online ordination services

If you’re doing a symbolic ceremony on your elopement day, I can also legally officiate a short legal signing with just the two of you before or after.

7. Permit Requirements for Elopements in Arizona Parks

If you're planning to say your vows in a national park, state park, or other public land in Arizona, it’s crucial to check whether a special use permit is required.

1. Do I need a permit?

In most cases, yes—especially if:

• You're bringing a photographer (me!)

• You’ll have a ceremony setup (arch, chairs, etc.)

• You're in a high-traffic location or protected area

2. Popular spots with permit requirements:

• Grand Canyon National Park: Requires a permit for all weddings and elopements. You’ll choose from designated ceremony locations.

• Sedona’s Red Rock Ranger District (Coconino National Forest): Does not allow structures or decorations. Some spots are first-come, first-served, but it’s best to notify the Forest Service.

• Antelope Canyon: Located on Navajo land and requires coordination with a tour company and tribal permits.

• Lost Dutchman State Park & other AZ state parks: Typically have wedding packages or special use permits for small ceremonies.

3. Why it matters

Having the right permits:

• Ensures you won’t be fined or asked to leave mid-ceremony

• Helps protect fragile desert ecosystems

• Gives us peace of mind for your day

I help all my couples navigate permits as part of the planning process—I’ll guide you through what’s needed, when to apply, and what’s allowed at each location so your elopement goes off without a hitch.

Ready to begin planning your dream wedding?

I'm Carly, a destination wedding and elopement photographer + planning guide who's documented weddings from Hawaii to Scotland. My top priority on elopement days is to help you create an experience, not just deliver great photos. I want to tell your wedding story, share the emotions you felt that day and the fun you shared together, and provide you with memories that you'll love forever. And in addition to photography, I'll also provide:

✓  Location Scouting & Research

✓  Vendor Recommendations

✓  Customized Timeline Building

✓  Activity Recommendations

✓  Assistance with Permits

✓  An exclusive elopement planning guide

If you're ready to take the first step towards your best day ever, fill out the contact form on my site! We'll talk about all of the possibilities, ease your mind of any hesitations you may still have about eloping, and get planning!

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