You can’t picture Arizona without those red rocks, and honestly, neither can I. For seven years of shooting here and Sedona still makes me pull the car over. If you’re picturing an elopement that’s adventurous, a little wild, and completely, unmistakably yours, this is the place. Here’s everything I actually tell my couples when they’re planning theirs.
To get married in Sedona, you’ll need an officiant (fun fact, I’m ordained), 2 witnesses (these can be elopement guests, an elopement vendor, or any friendly person you meet throughout the day), and a marriage license from the state of Arizona. But there’s so much more to your elopement than the legal stuff, so this guide will tell you all about how to plan your epic adventure, and everything you need to elope in Sedona.
Table of Contents
- Getting to Sedona
- When to Elope in Sedona
- Sedona Elopement Locations
- Where to Stay in Sedona
- Where to Eat in Sedona
- Things to Do When You Elope in Sedona
- Tips for Your Sedona Elopement
- Sedona Elopement Packages
Getting to Sedona
By Car
Sedona is about two hours from Phoenix, Arizona. Driving up, it can get pretty backed up with traffic! I recommend leaving in the morning to avoid the delays, and leaving at least two hours earlier than you think you need to, just in case you get stuck in traffic.
By Airplane
If you’re traveling to Sedona by plane, there are two options for airports nearby.
The Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is small, and I only recommend it if you fly with American Airlines or United. The airport is in Flagstaff, about a 50 minute drive from Sedona.
The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is usually a better option, with more flights! It’s serviced by all the major airlines, and is much bigger than the tiny local airport. From here, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive to Sedona, but traffic conditions can vary.
When to Elope in Sedona
No matter what time of year you elope in Sedona, I recommend planning your ceremony for a weekday. You’ll miss the weekend crowds, and ensure a little more privacy for your day!
I don’t recommend the summer months for your Sedona elopement. The Arizona heat can be pretty brutal from June through August, especially in the desert. You probably don’t want to be sweating on the big day – but, if you elope during sunrise or sunset, you can beat the heat! As an added bonus, the sun setting over the red rocks is an incredible sight.
Fall is a great time for an Arizona elopement, because from mid September through November, the weather is much more mild, and the tourist season is over, which means less crowds, and better deals on lodging!
Winter is the best time to elope in Sedona if you want to avoid crowds. You’ll definitely want to wear layers, especially in the mornings and evenings, but the chilly temperatures mean less people out and about, and you can get a unique view of the red rock desert with the occasional dusting of snow!
In the spring, Sedona comes to life with blooming wildflowers. Starting in the beginning of March, the temperatures slowly warm up, and by the end of spring, Sedona is in the comfortable high 70s. It’s a great time for an elopement!
Sedona Elopement Locations
One of the most exciting things about your Sedona elopement is choosing where you’ll tie the knot! The scenery is breathtaking, and there are countless beautiful places to explore.
Here are some of my favorite Sedona elopement locations! As an elopement photographer, my job is to find those secret spots that are a little off the beaten path, so while these can serve as inspiration for your Sedona elopement, you can contact me for more recommendations.
Crescent Moon Picnic Site
This is the perfect Sedona elopement location for couples who want the red rock scenery, without having to hike! There’s a river that runs right through this spot, and the views are amazing. The best time to elope here would be anytime from spring to fall, and you’ll have to get a wedding permit – but the fee is well worth it!
Lovers Knoll
Lover’s Knoll is located on the scenic Red Rock Loop drive. It’s super easy to get to, and from the top, you’ll be greeted with views of Cathedral Rock and some other famous views in Sedona.
Boynton Canyon
I recently fell in love with this Sedona elopement location. It’s tucked away in the southeast part of town, and it’s such an amazing hidden gem! There are so many spots to choose from, with great views of the buttes and the desert garden.
Cathedral Rock
This is one of the most popular places to elope in Sedona, and one of the most hiked trails. After just a short hike, you’ll be right in the middle of the towering red rocks and desert foliage. It’s a breathtaking place to say your “I do’s!”
Bell Rock
Bell Rock is another well known spot in Sedona. The hike is only 1.5 miles long, but most of it is uphill – so be prepared to work a little! It can take about an hour to get up there, but the view is so worth it. If you want to tie the knot here, plan for a sunrise ceremony or a weekday elopement to avoid the crowds.
Where to Stay in Sedona
During your Sedona elopement, you’ll need a place to stay! There are countless options all over town, from unique Airbnbs to upscale hotels.
Hotels in Sedona
One of the best places to stay in Arizona is the Sky Ranch Lodge. From here, you’ll have incredible views of the red rocks, right from a place that feels like home!
The Poco Diablo Resort is truly the best place to combine adventure and relaxation. The full service hotel and spa offers a place to get pampered and unwind, with views of the desert. It’s also a gateway to the adventures that Sedona has to offer!
For a cozy bed and breakfast, check out the Creekside Inn! This quiet oasis is close to the heart of Sedona, yet it feels totally private – it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of adventures.
Airbnbs in Sedona
An Airbnb can be the perfect home away from home, offering a private place to stay.
The Chapel Area Sanctuary with Cathedral Views is surrounded by the gorgeous red rock scenery, and offers a charming place to stay in one of Sedona’s peaceful neighborhoods.
Nestled right on a hill adjacent to the national forest is the Grand View WithInn, a cozy homestead with some of the most incredible views!
Where to Eat in Sedona
You’ve gotta eat! When you elope in Sedona, you’ll have your choice of local restaurants and eateries to choose from. Here are my favorite places to grab a bite.
Breakfast in Sedona
- Coffee Pot Restaurant– go here if you want a stack of pancakes the size of your face before a big hiking day
- Casa Sedona — quieter, better if you want an easy morning before the ceremony
- Pump House Station — my go-to for coffee that actually wakes you up
Lunch in Sedona
- Tamaliza – order the tamales, you won’t regret it
- The Hudson – good patio, good for a slower afternoon between locations
- Momo’s Kitchen -quick and solid if you’re tight on time between shoots, locations, or hikes
Dinner in Sedona
- Canyon Breeze – book ahead if you want the sunset view with your table
- Mesa Grill – great if you want to actually celebrate after the ceremony, not just eat
- Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill -my pick for a proper “we just got married” dinner
Things to Do When You Elope in Sedona
Your elopement deserves an all day adventure. Celebrate tying the knot and getting married in a way that’s unique and true to you with one of the many adventures you can have in Sedona! Here are some ideas for your elopement day.
- Go on a wine tour
- Watch the stars – Sedona is a dark sky community and I knew a few great spots to stargaze or stop by Lowell Observstory
- Jeep Tour – genuinely one of my favorite ways to see Sedona you can’t get to on foot. Also makes going to multiple locations easier and in style
- Hike – pick a trail in Sedona with the ceremony location already in mind, don’t do two separate treks in one day
- Put the pedal to the metal by going on an ATV ride
- Enjoy the relaxing views by kayaking down the Verde River
- Go camping in any of the many sites around Sedona
Tips for Eloping in Sedona
Here are a few things to remember when you elope in Sedona!
Hydrate Yo’ Self!
In the desert (well, anywhere, but especially in the desert), it’s so important to stay hydrated! Bring more water than you think you’ll need, and if you plan on hiking or doing any physical activity, bring even more.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Crowds
Sedona is a popular place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some privacy! It takes a little planning, but if you tie the knot on a weekday, get married at sunrise, or talk to an elopement photographer about the lesser known locations (or all of the above), you’ll avoid some of the crowds!
Closing Tip
One thing I tell every couple: build in more buffer time than feels necessary. Sedona’s beauty means you’ll want to stop for the view you didn’t plan for, and rushing through your own wedding day to stay on schedule defeats the point of eloping in the first place. Give yourselves room to actually be there.
Sedona Elopement Packages
Have you fallen in love with the red rocks of Sedona? If so, let’s start planning your epic adventure, and let’s get you married! As an elopement photographer, I’m ready to help you plan a personalized, totally custom day.
Here’s what you’ll find in my Sedona elopement packages, starting at $5,800
- Full day coverage
- Customized Adventure Guide filled with personalized elopement plans from ceremony locations, where to stay, what to do, things to see, and vendor recommendations personalized to your interests & needs
- 90+ Page Elopement Planning Guide with step by step instructions on how to plan an adventure elopement
- Unlimited planning discussions & guidance
- Assistance with permits and marriage licenses
- A huge gallery of fully edited, high resolution photos for you to download with personal printing rights
- Option for me to be your ordained officiant and sign off on your marriage license if you want to have a ceremony with just the two of you
- No travel fee
If you are considering eloping in Sedona, then contact me today. Let’s make your special day one to remember. Interested in seeing more? Check out my Sedona Elopement Photography page.
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