How to Elope in Sedona

Table of Contents: 

• Pros/Cons of Eloping in Sedona
• Pros/Cons of getting married in Sedona
• How to get there
• How to get legally married in Sedona
• Do you need a permit to elope in Sedona? 
• Best time of year to get married in Sedona
• Where can you elope in Sedona
  • Best Places to Elope in Sedona
  • Best Micro Wedding + Reception Venues in Sedona
• How much does it cost to elope in Sedona?
• Micro Wedding + Elopement Packages
• What activities should you include for your Sedona Elopement?
• Where to stay in Sedona? 
• Getting around Sedona
• Best places to eat in Sedona? 
• What to pack for your sedona elopement? 
• LNT for Sedona
• Safety tips for your Sedona Elopement
• Where to Honeymoon near Sedona
• Bonus: Pro Tips for avoiding the crowds so you have an EPIC and PRIVATE elopement
• Book your Sedona Elopement
• Meet your Photographer

Pros/Cons of getting married in Sedona: 

• Pros:
  • Drop dead gorgeous backgrounds
  • Stunning year-round beauty
  • Variety
  • Accessibility
  • Unique experiences
  • Epic vendors
• Cons:
  • Crowds/Tourists
  • Permits may be required
  • Parking availability

How to get to Sedona

If long road trips aren’t your thing and you’re not an AZ local, you’ll want to book a flight and rent a car for your elopement or micro wedding. Here are a few different airports you can fly into rated by accessibility.

• Phoenix (PHX)- convenient with a two hour drive to Sedona from the airport
• Flagstaff (FLG)- Only a one hour drive to Sedona from the airport, but it does include a layover in Phoenix so you’ll have more travel time total
• Las Vegas (LAS) – flights here are typically cheaper, but you will have to drive 4.5 hours to get to Sedona. This is a fun way to incorporate a shorter road trip into your celebration whether it’s the adventure on the way to your ceremony or the honeymoon of a lifetime. As a bonus, you’ll be able to stop at a couple of national parks along the way or visit Page, AZ, for some stunning views.

How to get legally married in Sedona

An officiant is required to get legally married in Sedona – self-solemnization is not permitted under Arizona Law and you’ll need at least two witnesses, 18 or older, to be present for the ceremony

Once your officiant has solemnized your marriage by signing your marriage license, it must be filed with the county recorder’s office to be official! 

You can obtain a marriage license from any Arizona clerk’s office. If you live out of state, you’ll want to make an appointment online to pick up your marriage license. The state does not have a waiting period from when you pick up your paperwork to when you get married. Depending on how you’re getting to Sedona there are several clerk’s offices you can make appointments with, but the Sedona clerk’s office is definitely the most convenient.

Checkout this website to make your online appointment to pick up your marriage license in Sedona 

Do you need a permit to Elope in Sedona? 

As of right now the only places that require an elopement permit are state parks and Crescent Moon Ranch. This is also a popular place for micro weddings! 

While permits to elope elsewhere aren’t currently required, with Sedona becoming one of the most popular places to elope, I could see that changing, so be sure to check in with the forest service while you’re planning, or hire a bomb ass photographer to do the checking for you! 

If you plan to have any sort of styled set up, seating, arches, or anything like that you’ll need a special permit for sure.

What is the best time of year to get married in Arizona?

Sedona is an incredible place to get married year round, but the best times to celebrate are hands down March-May and mid September-mid November. That being said, if you decide to get married in Sedona during these months, be prepared to face insane crowds and traffic. 

I personally would avoid getting married in Sedona in June – August. I can speak from personal experience that wedding attire can be warm in general, so adding 100 degree heat with minimal shade to that? Let’s just say sweaty can be an understatement. Not to mention, that level of heat makes many activities unsafe and straight up not a good time.

Since Sedona has become one of the most popular places to elope, here are a few pro tips to avoid the crowds:

• Sunrise elopements, while I’m not a morning girlie myself, I will ALWAYS say hell yes to waking up in the middle of the night for a sunrise elopement. The opportunity for astro photos, dreamy morning light, privacy on the trail, and a mid day nap before you jump into more wedding day shenanigans? Count me IN! 
• Celebrate on a weekday! Some vendors have discounted pricing on weekdays and the crowds are not nearly as intimidating Monday-Thursday since most people are working those days. Obviously with holiday breaks/spring break being taken into consideration, you may still have some bigger crowds during those times so keep that in mind when choosing your wedding date! Plus, if you’re getting hitched on a weekday, you don’t have to wait around an extra day or two to submit your marriage license to the county before taking off for your honeymoon!

Where can you elope in Sedona? 

While the possibilities are seemingly endless, there are some limitations to eloping in Sedona. Here are some things that may restrict where you can elope in Sedona:

• You cannot have a styled set up (arches, tables, etc.) without prior approval from the forest service. 
• Groups larger than 75 people are prohibited
• Special use permits are required if you have vendors other than an officiant and photographer. 

The most awkward thing ever is to have a ranger interrupt your vows and potentially issue you a fine because you weren’t following the rules. Even if you didn’t know they were rules. If you’re not sure if something is okay, or you have questions, hiring an expert elopement photographer and/or checking in with the Forest Service Ranger’s directly is your best bet to ensure everything runs smoothly on your wedding day!

Best places to elope in Sedona

Cathedral Rock

This is more than likely the location you see when you google, “Sedona Elopement Photos,” or, “hikes in Sedona.” This baby is a two mile trek with a scramble along the trail. I’d definitely recommend this to couples that are more comfortable with more technical hikes. The views here are incredible, but safety comes first. Nothing can ruin a wedding day faster than over-doing it on a trail you’re not quite prepared for. 

This trail can be incredibly busy, but the views at sunrise are typically a little more private. Bonus? If you’re up for a late night adventure, we may be able to get some dope astro portraits of you cuties before you exchange vows at sunrise! 

Keep in mind that you may need to take the Sedona Shuttle to get here as you may not be able to park at the trail head on some days/times.

Merry Go Round Rock

Merry Go Round Rock is an incredible location for couples wanting an off-roading elopement adventure! This trail is spacious and accessible by hiking, but if you’re looking for something a little different and maybe more family friendly, a jeep tour is definitely worth looking into. 

This is another popular location in the Sedona area to elope, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds I recommend looking into a weekday wedding.

Bell Rock

Bell Rock is the jack of all trades for elopement locations in Sedona, not only for its views, but also for the variety of activities you can do as you celebrate saying, “I do.” This trail offers views of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and more all in one place. You can also take your hiking adventure a step further “pun intended” by including some wedding day rock climbing or mountain biking. 

As with the other elopement locations I’ve mentioned so far, Bell Rock is fairly popular thanks to its versatility. You’ll want to be sure to plan extra time for parking or hire your own shuttle since the Sedona shuttle doesn’t go here.

Secret Slick Rock

Secret slick rock is a great elopement location option if you’re looking for the best views of Cathedral Rock, accessibility, and a little bit of privacy. One of my favorite features? If you’re lucky enough to get there after a rainy day, you may be able to snag a photo with a reflection pool that makes wedding photos look like something out of a magazine! 

Unique and Private Sedona elopement location options

One of the best parts of hiring an elopement photographer that offers full service planning for their elopement clients is having access to some of the best locations without having to do the work of researching locations yourself. Once you’re booked, we’ll plan your dream elopement together and that includes a complete 50+ page guide with options for locations, activities, lodging, food, and everything else you need to see your wedding day vision come to life!

Best Micro Wedding Venues in Sedona (or the perfect venue for your reception!)

• Red Agave
• The Wilde Resort and Spa
• Amara Resort and Spa
• Enchantment Resort ( Pet friendly!)
• Eagle Dancer 

How much does it cost to elope in Sedona? 

When calculating the cost of an elopement in Sedona here’s all the things you might want to take into consideration:

• Travel Costs
  • Flight
  • Rental Car
  • Gas
  • Parking permits
• Marriage License: $65-85
• Officiant if it’s not going to be one of your loved ones! (Officiants are required to get legally married in Sedona)
• Wedding attire
• Flowers (optional)
• Lodging
• Food
• Activities
• Ceremony permit (location dependant)
• Photographer
• Videographer and/or content creator
• Pet Attendant
• Misc. Vendors

If you’re flying in, I definitely recommend signing up for Southwest Airlines’ emails. They’re always putting out their $49.00 sale. Which if we’re being honest, the flights are never that low once you buy your return ticket, BUT STILL way cheaper than most airlines! Those sales typically apply to flights that are at least 21 days away from being booked minimum so keep that in mind when looking at flights!

Use the list above to create a budget based on which items are a top priority for you, and keep track of your actual expenses to make sure you’re staying within your budget! Just because you’re splurging in some areas, doesn’t mean you’re paying an arm and a leg. Budgeting for the things you actually care about will allow you to save in other areas and stay within your budget! – Staying within budget is something I help with for all of my elopement clients since I offer full service planning for elopement clients. 

Sedona Micro Wedding + Elopement Photography Packages: 

My packages are built for couples who want to celebrate their love their way—without feeling like you have to put on a whole ass production, please your third cousin twice removed, or doing things just because tradition says so. Whether you’re dreaming up a half-day or full-day adventure, or a multi-day celebration, I’ve got you covered. From intimate micro weddings (10–65 guests) to just-the-two-of-you elopements, surprise proposals, or adventurous engagement sessions, each package is designed to capture your story exactly as you want it told. And because no two love stories look the same, I also build custom packages to fit your vision to a T.

While each of my services has something different to offer, here are some things you can find included in each package:

• Customization – Your love story is unique, so your photography services should be as well. If you aren’t seeing something that totally fits your vision in my packages, I offer customization options for each package so we can tailor your experience to be exactly what you’re looking for.
• Planning + Support – Each package includes some form of planning help (timeline creation, location scouting, planning assistance (for elopement, engagement and proposals only), vendor recommendations, etc.
• Vendor + Location Recommendations/Expertise- Access to all of my favorite vendors as well as activities or locations I’ve spent years curating for you!
• Next-Day Sneak Peeks – Each package includes quick access to your previews so you don’t have to wait two months to see some of the memories I’ve captured for you
• Full Gallery Delivery – Each package includes a full online gallery that allows you to download images to any device and order prints on your own without having to pay additional fees for printing services
• Pricing transparency – I will always be clear and upfront about any costs associated with your services. As a newlywed myself, not knowing pricing or getting surprised with hidden fees after booking was so frustrating. I don’t want that for you.
• Leave No Trace Education – I’m always down for an adventure, as long as we’re taking care of this amazing world we call home while we do it. 

Optional Add-Ons – Albums, luxury table magazines, or other keepsakes are always available if you want something custom to showcase your moments without the stress of designing it yourself.

Best places to stay in Sedona

• Juniper House
• Roca Vista
• Lux Oasis
• Quail Ridge
• Red Rock Luxe Villa
• Enchantment Resort
• The Wilde Resort and Spa
• Amara Resort and Spa

Things to do during your Sedona elopement

• Jeep tour
• Horseback riding
• Hot air balloon tour
• Helicopter tour
• Hire a private chef
• Spa day
• Mountain Bike
• Rock Climb
• Yoga
• Cliff Jumping at one of the local swimming holes
• Star Gazing
• Shop and Dine at Tlaquepaque
• Get a tattoo!

Best places to eat in Sedoa

Breakfast/Coffee:

• Black Potion Coffee
• Coffee Pot
• Local Juicery
• Sedonuts: Leave it to the cop to recommend a donut shop… buuuttt it’s a must, and they typically sell out before noon, so get there early!

Lunch

• Pumphouse
• Sedona Organic Taco Company (you know I love me some tacos!!)
• Hideaway House
• The Cowboy Club

Dinner

• Tlaquepaque is a Spanish inspired outdoor arts and shopping center along Oak Creek, complete with live flamenco music April-October that hosts a few different restaurants. 
• Elote Cafe: Reservations required months in advance for dine-in
• Mariposa: Dinner with a view! Reservation required.
• Picasso’s: Italian with GF and Vegan options!
• Shorebird
• Vespa Cafe

Getting around Sedona: 

Hacks for travelling around Sedona

• Avoid the Sedona Y (the main roundabout in the heart of Sedona) in the afternoon during rush hour. This is where you’ll see most of Sedona’s traffic, and it’s best practice to pass through as little as possible to avoid getting stuck, especially on the weekends!
• Most trailhead parking lots require you to pay for parking. Parking in Sedona is $5 per day, but there are discounted options if you’re staying a little longer. If you’re going to stay a while, an annual pass is $20 – available for purchase at the Bashas Red Rock Ranger Station and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Crescent Moon Ranch still requires an additional permit even with a parking pass. Bonus: If you have an America The Beautiful National Parks pass, you can display it on your dash as a parking pass in most areas in Sedona, but not all, so be sure to check the signs.

Planning information for a Sedona Elopement: 

Leave No Trace

• Minimize damage by staying on marked trails to avoid destroying the fragile desert ecosystem and causing erosion
• Pack in/Pack out! Whatever you bring with you while hiking, needs to leave with you!
• Leave the beauty of the landscape for everyone else to enjoy. It’s so important to minimize the footprint we leave behind by leaving things where we found them, not carving into trees or rocks, and not picking flowers! 
• Always check the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management website for current fire updates before striking a match. Sedona’s wildfire risk is typically really high, so being mindful of the restrictions will prevent wild fires and hefty fines that may dip into your honeymoon fund. Make sure you drown your campfire and it’s completely out before leaving. And never leave your fire unattended. 
• Keep, “a look, don’t touch,” policy with any and all wildlife. Sedona is home to some deadly, but cute, little creatures so while they may be adorable, it’s best to look with our eyes as my mom always says. 
• Keep pets on a leash where required, not only for the safety of others, but also for their safety. You never know who you’ll meet on the trail, and keeping those furbabies safe should be a top priority!

Safety Tips for your Sedona Elopement

Heat and dehydration are two of the most dangerous factors to consider when Eloping in Sedona. The summer temperatures can reach up to 110 degrees, and in the event something goes wrong, you need to be prepared! 

• Use AllTrails for navigating while on the trail. AllTrails not only provides inspiration for choosing which hike you decide to explore, but it also allows users to leave reviews so you can see what the trail may look like within the recent weeks/days prior to your arrival, and it has a built in navigation feature! While the app itself is free, their upgraded subscriptions include offline maps which you can download and have access to even without phone service. 
• Hike early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the mid day sun in the hotter months to avoid the risk of overheating. 
• Bring lots of water!! I cannot stress this enough. So many people die from dehydration in desert climates each year, and when you add in celebratory alcohol to that? Oof. Plan on drinking at least one liter of water per hour on hotter days.
• Pack electrolytes!! My favorite right now is the strawberry flavor from LiquidIV. By including electrolytes in with your water, you’ll prevent the consequences that come with depleting your body of salt and keep you feeling good throughout your whole adventure.
• Wear sunscreen! The desert sun is no joke. I like to apply sunscreen before I leave the house so it has time to dry, then once again before I hit the trails and apply as needed on the trail to ensure I’m not getting burnt!
• Pack Tweezers! One of my favorite features of the desert can also be one of the most prickly. Cacti have their way of sneaking up on you, so it’s nice to have some tweezers handy just in case one of them gets a little too friendly.
• Bring chapstick! Arizona is DRY, so having a little somethin’ somethin’ to keep those lips kissable will make sure your first kiss as newlyweds is everything you dreamed it would be!

What to pack for your Sedona Elopement

• Day pack – Light weight, with room for snacks, water, layers
• Hiking shoes or trail runners – with good grip for slick rocks or gravel!
• Wool socks
• Hydration bladder or water bottles (2L per person minimum is recommended!)
• Navigation
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Trekking Poles (optional)
• Sunscreen + Chapstick w/ SPF
• Hat + Sunglasses
• Light jacket or windbreaker
• Layers
• Mini first aid kit – blister care, bandages, tweezers, pain reliever, etc.
• Snacks! 
• Comfy shoes
• National Park pass
• Wedding outfits
• Vows/Vow books
• Jewelry
• Swimsuits 
• ID (to get your marriage license)

Where to honeymoon after your Sedona elopement

• Phoenix, AZ
• Flagstaff, AZ
• Grand canyon national park
• Page, AZ
• Kanab, Utah – The Wave (permit required) Sand Caves, Wire Pass Trail
• Zion National Park – Observation Point, Angel’s Landing (permit required), Belly of the Dragon
• Las Vegas – Valley of Fire, Cathedral Gorge, Arizona Hotsprings

Bonus: Pro Tips for avoiding the crowds so you have an EPIC and PRIVATE elopement

Get hitched on a weekday – I know this one can be intimidating if you’re inviting  guests because everyone will likely need to take off work, but for the folks that want to be there to support you, this will be a no-brainer! Travel is even cheaper on weekdays which you can use as a selling point. PLUS you can still extend the wedding day shenanigans into the weekend if you want to.

Exchange vows at sunrise – Listen, I am not a morning person, but I will HAPPILY drag my ass out of bed to hike to your ceremony spot with you in the early morning hours before the sun rises. If you’re willing to swap sleeping in for a mid-day nap, you’ll likely have the whole trail to yourself while you say, “fuck yes,” to forever.

Book a photographer that will help you find an epic, private location for your Sedona elopement!

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