Sedona Elopement Guide

Sedona Elopement Guide

The Complete Guide to Planning Your Sedona Elopement

There’s something so magical about Sedona, nestled into the Arizona desert. Surrounded by stunning red rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and sprawling pine forests, Sedona makes a breathtaking elopement destination. The town is known for its spiritual vibes, vibrant arts community, and countless trails through the red rocks. 

Sedona is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places in America, and when you visit, it’s so easy to see why. This small town has endless little nooks and crannies to explore, making it the best elopement destination for adventurous couples! Whether you want something more accessible or a challenging adventure, you can find equally stunning views all around Sedona.

Your Sedona Elopement Checklist

Your Sedona Elopement Checklist

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Find Your Sedona Elopement Photographer

We highly recommend finding a photographer first to make sure that he or she is available during the timeframe that you plan to elope in Sedona, Arizona. We recommend choosing a photographer that you feel relaxed and confident that you’ll be able to be your natural selves. Every photographer has a different approach to how they capture moments throughout the day, so we think that it’s a good idea to ask how the photographer will guide you throughout the entire experience.

Our photography style is documentary focused to create a safe space for you and your other half to share authentic moments on your wedding day. We create a balance of guiding you if we have a specific vision for a shot, and allowing you both to melt into a private moment or experience. Our goal is to make you feel as if you’re adventuring with good friends that happen to take epic photos as we explore together!

Choosing the Best Time of Year to Visit Sedona

Sedona is absolutely STUNNING year round, but we recommend getting married in the spring, fall, or winter to escape the summer heat.

March to May: Many couples opt to elope in Sedona in the spring because of the mild temperatures and flowering plants! From March to May, enjoy weather in the low 60s to mid 80s and flowering desert flora all around (flowering cacti, anyone?). It’s also a great time to take advantage of fewer crowds and tourists. 

September to November: Fall in Sedona means less crowds and milder temperatures, but far less flowers than the spring. However, the fall weather looks beautiful on the Red Rocks. If crowds are your concern, an October or November elopement is close enough to the off-season that you won’t find too many people around!

November to March: Sedona can make a beautiful winter elopement destination. During peak winter, temperatures in Sedona will drop well below freezing and you can get an occasionally gets snowfall on the peaks!

Book other wedding services

We will provide a detailed guide for you immediately after booking with us! The elopement guide will have our recommendations from years of visiting this incredible part of the country. We’ve worked with several other wedding vendors that we highly recommend, which helps speed up your research process and allows you to book whichever vendor that you connect with the most.

We do not recommend booking an all-in-one elopement package because it doesn’t allow you to have options. We’ll share recommendations for videographers, officiants, florists, hair + makeup artists, musicians, and specialty bakeries.

How to Get Your Marriage License for Your Sedona Elopement

If you do plan to get married in Sedona, you’ll need to bring a few things with you: a valid ID, your social security number, and your partner!

No matter the county in Arizona, your marriage license costs $83. You can get your marriage license anywhere in Arizona, no matter the location of your ceremony. You will have to contact one of the county superior courts for your marriage license. The closest court to Sedona is Yavapai County Superior Court in Camp Verde, or Coconino County Superior Court in Flagstaff. You will need an officiant to perform your ceremony and sign your marriage license before mailing it to the Clerk of the Superior Court.

How to Obtain a Sedona Wedding Ceremony Permit

Unless you plan to use a traditional wedding venue, you will more than likely need a permit to elope in Sedona, Arizona. 

If you plan to elope in the Coconino National Forest, find all permit information here.

If you plan to tie the knot in an Arizona State Park, like Red Rock State Park, find all permit information here

In both cases, you’ll need to fill out applicable forms for your Sedona elopement. Each destination has different rules for what is allowed and how much the permit will cost. You should plan to send in your permit application as soon as possible, with a minimum of four weeks prior to your wedding.

How to get to Sedona

Most couples that elope in Sedona opt to fly into one of Arizona’s major airports, rent a car, and drive to Sedona for their ceremony. Sedona does have a small airport, but it mostly hosts small charter planes and private planes.  

If you fly into Phoenix, take the I-17 North until you hit Sedona. It’s about two hours by car, and it’s the most popular option for couples. You can also fly into the smaller Flagstaff Airport and drive around 45 minutes to Sedona. The drive passes through Oak Creek Canyon, a beautiful spot to stop. 

Some hotels and resorts may also offer shuttle services from Phoenix or Scottsdale to Sedona, though it depends on the resort.

Best Places to Stay in Sedona

Best Places to Stay in Sedona

Our Top 9 Accommodation Recommendations

Breathtaking Cliffside Spot

This breathtaking cliffside spot, complete with an infinity pool (and plenty of room for a party!)

The Enchantment Resort

The Enchantment Resort is a magical, secluded spot for your special weekend

Modest Guest Suite

A modest guest suite in the heart of Sedona with a pool and a view of the mountains. 

Sedona Dome Home

A Sedona dome home with a bright, open living space and views of the red rocks.

Modern Zen Haven

This modern, zen haven with sweeping views of the red rocks right from the bedroom. 

L’Auberge de Sedona

L’Auberge de Sedona offers an upscale resort option to celebrate nature – and your love.

Sanctuary and Spa

The most lavish sanctuary with insane views and its own SPA! 

Family Home Vista

Located in a private neighborhood, this awesome home can fit a family – and even has a hot tub on the balcony!

Tiny Home Retreat

This tiny home has a hot tub, yoga deck, and sweet views in the middle of nature. 

Best Activities for your Sedona Elopement

Best Activities for your Sedona Elopement

Top 5 Activities In Sedona, Arizona

Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park: Fun fact: Sedona is home to one of the only natural waterslides in the world!! Visit Slide Rock State Park just north of Sedona for an insane experience unlike any other. The natural sandstone makes for a perfect slippery slide for a hot day.

Check out Page

Page, Arizona: Page is just three hours north of Sedona, just by the Utah-Arizona border. It’s an amazing base to explore Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, and more. If you’re thinking about adding a road trip to your elopement, there’s tons to do around Page.

Visit the Grand Canyon

Visit the Grand Canyon: Sedona is only two hours away from the Grand Canyon! You can visit the Grand Canyon year-round, and it’s a beautiful spot to explore – especially if you’ve never been!

Go on a Helicopter Tour

See Sedona from the sky: There’s nothing like a bird’s eye view of Sedona! Hot air balloon rides can be a romantic way to celebrate your love and see the Red Rocks from a new perspective. If hot air balloon rides aren’t your thing, try helicopter tours!

Take a Pink Jeep Tour

Take a pink jeep tour: The Pink Jeep tours in Sedona are a must-see! It’s one of the best ways to see some of Sedona’s most incredible sights that can only be accessed by off-roading vehicles.  

Best Places to Have Your Wedding Ceremony

Best Places to Have Your Wedding Ceremony

Top Places to Elope in Sedona

Cathedral Rock Trail

Cathedral Rock Trail: This iconic spot has a bit of an uphill climb, but the epic views of red rock formations and sweeping views are outstanding! There can be lots of crowds here, but it’s totally worth braving the crowds for the epic photos. Sunset and sunrise are the best times to capture that gorgeous, golden hour light.

 

Bell Rock Pathway

Bell Rock Pathway: This loop around Bell Rock has a lot of variety, with plenty of different types of flora and Red Rock formations. It’s also a great option for couples looking for accessible destinations with minimal hiking.

Merry Go Round Rock

Merry Go Round Rock: If you want to do something truly unforgettable, let’s get an off-road vehicle and head out to some of Sedona’s lesser accessible spots, like Merry Go Round Rock! This spot is truly glorious, especially during golden hour.

Devil's Bridge Trail

Devil’s Bridge Trail: This longer hike requires a bit more preparation, but this four-mile trail has some unbelievable Red Rock formations. The view at the end is totally worth it!

Teacup Trail to Coffee Pot Rock

Teacup Trail to Coffee Pot Rock: This lesser known spot has some beautiful Red Rock landscapes. It’s quite similar to Bell Rock, but much more quiet – and a lot of similarly stunning views.

Sugar Loaf Trail

Sugar Loaf Trail: This desert trail has plenty of prickly pear cacti, and you’re rewarded with unforgettable views of Red Rock buttes.

Best restaurants to celebrate your elopement

Best restaurants to celebrate your elopement

Top 7 Dining Experiences in Sedona

Tii Gavo

Come for the outdoor terrace and fire pits, stay for the mole-braised short ribs and ahi grilled churrasco at Tii Gavo.

Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits

Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits first opened in 1946 as a saloon and pool hall, but it now serves pecan-roasted ribs on Fridays and some outstanding fried chicken on Sundays.

René Retaurant

Looking for something a little special for your special occasion? René at Tlaquepaque is a cute French restaurant serving up elegant dishes like seared scallops (yum!) and roasted, stuffed squash.

Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano

Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano has homemade Italian recipes from the chef’s childhood. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it!

Tamaliza Cafe

It’s nothing fancy – in fact, Tamaliza Cafe is a counter-service Mexican spot, but their family-owned tamales are unreal – and the outdoor patio has some awesome views.

 

Layla’s Bakery

Layla’s Bakery is the perfect pre-hiking spot, with fresh, go-to sandwiches and sweet treats.

Red Rock Cafe

Don’t miss one of the best brunch spots in Sedona (and one of the best restaurants period). When you visit Red Rock Cafe, order the banana french toast.

Farm a Gogo

The fresh farm-to-table Farm a Gogo offers local food to die for: they bake their own bread, grow their own veggies, and even cure their own meats!

Violette’s Bakery Cafe

Try getting brunch in an old train car at Violette’s Bakery Cafe. They make excellent French pastries and crepes!

Okay, okay, so this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the amazing food in Sedona. BUT when we plan out your full elopement, we’re going to make sure we find the best place to celebrate your wedding!