Updated for 2025
Arizona’s dreamy landscapes make it the spot for an epic elopement. Deserts? Check. Mountains? Check. Red rock cliffs? Double check. With easy permits, excellent vendors, and no-wait marriage licenses, it’s no wonder couples flock here for their big day. As your Sedona-based elopement photographer, I’ve shot 100+ AZ love stories—let’s make yours next! Here’s your guide to the best places to elope in Arizona, plus tips to crush it.
Reach out for planning help and epic photos—I help with locations, creating the perfect timeline, activities, vendor recs, and more!
Why Elope in Arizona?
AZ has deserts, peaks, and six biomes—snowy mountains to wildflower fields—meaning year-round options for your “I do.” Think Monument Valley’s iconic towers or saguaro-studded deserts straight out of a Western. It’s a southwest lover’s paradise, and locals like me can’t get enough. Ready for your Arizona elopement adventure? Let’s dive in.
Best Places to Elope in Arizona
Here are my top Arizona elopement spots—northern deserts to southern peaks—with vibes, permits, and quick activities. More hidden gems await—ask me!
Northern Arizona
Sedona
Sedona boasts red rock views that scream romance, just 1-2 hours from Phoenix. You’ll enjoy tons of ceremony spots (Cathedral Rock, Merry Go Round, Bell Rock, and more!), vendors, and mild weather most months. Sedona is my home base, and the most popular place in Arizona for elopements for a reason.
- Permits: Depending on your location- most of the area is Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District and doesn’t require one as long as you don’t have a setup.
- Mood: This artsy desert town comes alive with canyons, cacti, and ponderosa all around.
- Top Activities: Hiking and off-road adventures win here.
For more information on Eloping in Sedona:
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is a natural wonder—vows on the edge feel epic and humbling. South Rim’s a classic; North Rim’s wilder.
- Permits: You’ll need to budget $100 to $240 and book early through the park website to secure your spot.The park limits ceremonies to specific locations and guest count.
- Mood: Vast canyon as far as the eyes can see.
- Top Activities: Stargaze at an easy to reach point after your ceremony or full send it down into the canyon.
For more information on Getting Married at the Grand Canyon
Flagstaff
Evergreens and Mt. Humphreys (AZ’s tallest peak) are 2+ hours from Phoenix. Snowbowl’s a summer escape or winter wonderland.
- Permits: Requirements vary by location, so you’ll want to confirm with Coconino National Forest.
- Mood: This mountain college town thrives with pine forests everywhere.
- Top Activity: You can ski or hike Snowbowl trails for a scenic thrill.
Page
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon shine here—desert drama near Lake Powell. Kayak for privacy!
- Permits: Expect fees from $50 to $100+ depending on land ownership, and you’ll need to start the process early.
- Mood: A desert lake town glows with canyons, water, and big skies.
- Top Activities: You can kayak Lake Powell to a secluded cove, hike slot canyons, or off-road to surreal landscapes.
For more information on Eloping in Page:
The Mogollon Rim
Forests and overlooks are 2-3 hours from Phoenix—less crowded than Sedona. FR 300 near Payson is a go-to.
- Permits: You might need one, but checking with land managers for the Coconino National Forest makes it easy to figure out.
- Mood: Rustic towns shine with pines and desert views below.
- Top Activity: You can camp at an overlook for a starry night and campfire if there has been enough rain.
For more information on Eloping on the Mogollon Rim:
Prescott
Rolling hills and a quieter national forest make Prescott a sleeper hit, just 2 hours from Phoenix. Lakes like Watson offer granite boulder vibes and private nooks.
- Permit: You’ll pay fees through the City of Prescott, depending on your group size and chosen spot.
- Mood: This historic town blends rolling hills with unique boulder-strewn lakes.
- Top Activity: You can picnic or take a canoe at Watson Lake’s granite dells.
The White Mountains
A local secret near Show Low, the White Mountains offer surreal forests—perfect for privacy 3-4 hours from Phoenix. Think lush greens or snowy pines.
- Permits: You might need one, depending on your spot. Confirm with land managers.
- Mood: Rustic mountain towns glow with pines, rivers, and less people than more popular areas of the state.
- Top Activity: You can say “I do” by a babbling river in summer.
Central Arizona- Phoenix Area
The Superstition Mountains
Jagged peaks glow at sunset—my underrated fave near Phoenix.
- Permits: You’ll need to check with Lost Dutchman State Park or Tonto National Forest, depending on your spot.
- Mood: This desert area pops with saguaros and edgy rocks.
- Top Activities: You can watch the sunset from the Lost Dutchman trail or hike deep into the canyons for more seclusion.
Canyon, Roosevelt, and Saguaro Lake Overlooks
These desert lakes west of Phoenix offer stunning overlooks—boat weddings, anyone?
- Permits: You might need one, depending on your spot and group size, and sorting it out is straightforward.
- Mood: Cactus and water blend in a desert vibe near Phoenix.
- Top Activities: You can rent a boat for a lakeside ceremony or take a jump in to cool down- just be sure your clothing is sink-proof.
The Salt River
A rafting hotspot near Phoenix with year-round beauty—wild horses might crash your day!
- Permits: Requirements depend on your location, but arranging them is usually simple.
- Mood: This desert river flows with cacti and mesquites nearby.
- Top Activities: You can snap pics with wild horses if you’re lucky, or plan a trail ride with the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch.
For more information on Eloping in the Phoenix area:
Southern Arizona
Saguaro National Park
Towering saguaros near Tucson—classic desert charm.
- Permits: You’ll pay $100+ and need to plan 4 weeks ahead for processing through NPS- Saguaro National Park.
- Mood: Desert landscapes with saguaros hug a nearby city.
- Top Activity: You can hike among the giants for a unique backdrop.
Mt. Lemmon
Rising above Tucson, Mt. Lemmon offers pine forests and snowy peaks in the Santa Catalinas—perfect for a mountain escape.
- Permits: You might need one, depending on your location, and checking with land managers is easy.
- Mood: This spot boasts ponderosa pines and mountain views near a city.
- Top Activity: You can ski or hike for a scenic “I do.”
Yuma area- Sand Dunes
Just outside Yuma, Glamis Sand Dunes feel like a movie set—barren, endless sand for a wild elopement.
- Permits: You might need one, depending on your group size, and arranging it with the BLM office ahead of time is the key.
- Mood: Desolate sand stretches near a mid-sized town.
- Top Activites: You can walk barefoot at sunset for a surreal vibe or cruze through the dunes in an OHV for more of a thrill.
For more information on Eloping at the Glamis Sand Dunes:
Best Time to Elope in Arizona
AZ’s landscapes mean wild weather shifts—here’s a quick vibe check:
Very Cold 🥶= Below 50 °F
Cold ❄️= Average highs between 51F-69 °F
Mild 🌞= Average highs between 70F-89 °F
Hot 🔥= Average highs between 90-99 °F
Extreme Heat 🥵= Average highs above 100 °F
Monsoon Rains ⛈️= The rainy season- more info below
| LOCATION | Spring (Mar-May) 🌸 | Summer (Jun-Aug) ☀️ | Fall (Sep-Nov) 🍂 | Winter (Dec-Feb) ❄️ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEDONA | Mild 🌞 | Hot 🔥+⛈️ | Mild 🌞 | Cold ❄️ |
| FLAGSTAFF | Cold ❄️ → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞+⛈️ | Mild 🌞 → Cold ❄️ | Cold ❄️ → Very Cold 🥶 |
| PRESCOTT | Mild 🌞 | Hot 🔥+⛈️ | Mild 🌞 → Cold ❄️ | Cold ❄️ |
| PAGE, GLEN CANYON | Cold ❄️ → Mild 🌞 | Extreme Heat 🥵+ ⛈️ | Mild 🌞 | Cold ❄️ |
| GRAND CANYON | Cold ❄️ → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞+⛈️ | Mild 🌞 → Cold ❄️ | Cold ❄️ → Very Cold 🥶 |
| MOGOLLON RIM | Cold ❄️ → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞+⛈️ | Mild 🌞 → Cold ❄️ | Cold ❄️ |
| WHITE MOUNTAINS | Cold ❄️ → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞+⛈️ | Mild 🌞 → Cold ❄️ | Cold ❄️ → Very Cold 🥶 |
| SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS | Mild 🌞 → Hot 🔥 | Extreme Heat 🥵+ ⛈️ | Hot 🔥 → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞 |
| SALT RIVER | Mild 🌞 → Hot 🔥 | Extreme Heat 🥵+ ⛈️ | Hot 🔥 → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞 |
| SAGUARO, CANYON, or APACHE LAKE | Mild 🌞 → Hot 🔥 | Extreme Heat 🥵+ ⛈️ | Hot 🔥 → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞 |
| MT. LEMMON | Cold ❄️ → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞+⛈️ | Mild 🌞 → Cold ❄️ | Cold ❄️ → Very Cold 🥶 |
| SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK | Mild 🌞 → Hot 🔥 | Extreme Heat 🥵+ ⛈️ | Hot 🔥 → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞 |
| YUMA- DUNES | Mild 🌞 → Hot 🔥 | Extreme Heat 🥵+ ⛈️ | Hot 🔥 → Mild 🌞 | Mild 🌞 |
Monsoon Season (Jun 15 – Sep 30) ⛈️
Monsoon season brings wild rain, haboobs, and flash floods. Skip slot canyons if storms loom—safety first!
“I eloped in Sedona, AZ and the best decision I could’ve ever done was booking an elopement photo session with Shannon. She’s such a kind, easy going, cool person to work with. I love how special she made my day. It was unforgettable. Shannon is very organized, well informed, and provides many suggestions. Don’t worry, if you’re lost or overwhelmed she’s there to help which I loved! She recommended the best officiant (Patricia) which was the most kind hearted and sweetest person. I’m so glad I came across Shannon’s page because she captured the best memories of my life! She made us feel comfortable and truly live in the moment. I will forever be grateful for her and her work! 🫶
P.S. Don’t even think about it twice just go ahead and book with her. You won’t be disappointed. 😊”
~ A & J
“Shannon was great throughout the whole Arizona elopement experience! First of all she scheduled us in on a pretty short notice, she worked with me to find a date and location that was perfect for us. She picked us up and hauled us to the spot we needed to go (over a river) It was the perfect low key and fun day we were looking for!! And I can’t even get started about the pictures, just AMAZING!!! I couldn’t imaging finding anyone better, thanks Shannon!!!!”
~ H & J
“Our Arizona elopement photographer Shannon was absolutely incredible! Not only did she capture stunning, breathtaking photos, but she was also an expert in guiding us (especially me) through some of the most beautiful and difficult landscapes. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, ensuring we had the perfect spots for our ceremony and photos. Beyond that, she went above and beyond by helping with the wedding planning timeline, making sure everything flowed smoothly and that everything we wanted to do was included in our day. From our morning hike to starry night, she truly made our day unforgettable!”
~ V & E
Planning Your Arizona Elopement
Airports
- Phoenix Sky Harbor: Best for most—central, big, rentals galore.
- Tucson Intl: Great for southern AZ—smaller, easy rentals.
- Flagstaff: Sedona-adjacent—limited flights.
Transportation
Rent a car—AZ’s too spread out for public transit.
Lodging
Hotels, resorts, rentals—options everywhere!
How to elope in Arizona – legal stuff
- License: The marriage license costs $83, has no waiting period and is valid for one year. Both of you visit a county clerk with ID.
- Officiant: Arizona doesn’t allow self-solemnization, but I’m ordained and can sign as your legal officiant for your ceremony! (I can’t perform a ceremony and take pictures, so if you want to be lead then you will need to plan ahead.)
- Witnesses: You’ll need two people to sign your license—they don’t have to see the vows, so we grab “trail angels” for the quick legal bit later.
Packages
Arizona Elopement & Micro Wedding Inspiration
Tips from your Arizona Elopement Photographer
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned Arizona elopement photographer, go-to problem solver, and Adventure Buddy
Are you ready for a nature-filled wedding or an epic elopement adventure? Let’s make it unforgettable. I’m here to do more than take photos—I’m here to help you create a day that feels as incredible as it looks. From scouting jaw-dropping locations and sharing vendor recommendations to crafting timelines that catch that golden-hour magic, we’re building more than a wedding day; we’re creating art while putting your experience first. Whether it’s hiking a mountain, off-roading to a secret spot, or chasing sunsets, we’ll make memories as unique and extraordinary as your love story.
I specialize in capturing both intimate elopements and weddings in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.
I love how you’ve included permit info and the mood for each location here! Your color-coded weather guide is so useful, too. Thank you for putting together all this great information!
Love how in depth this Arizona Elopement Guide is. Superstition Mountains and Salt River are both amazing and perfectly intimate places to say I do!
I feel like there’s so much variety of landscapes in Arizona, I had no idea! This article is so useful, now I want to elope there haha!
I love the variety of locations you showed in this guide and the really thorough information on how to elope in Arizona. It’s such a gorgeous state with so much to offer it would be easy to get overwhelmed with choices, it’s so helpful to have everything broken down here.
This guide is amazing! Thank you!
Adding ‘permit’ and ‘mood’ info after each location is so useful, and I appreciate the info table too. Beautiful work Shannon 🙂
This is such an incredible resource you’ve put together! I really like the “mood” comments for each place and the weather chart is super useful. Thanks for sharing!
Flagstaff is one of my favorite places in the world! Super great resource for couples considering an Arizona elopement. And beautiful images!