Getting Married at Red Agave Resort
Planning Tips from a Local Wedding Photographer
Red Agave Resort is a relaxed, rustic wedding venue in Sedona, offering wide-open views of Bell Rock and on-site cabins and chalets for guests. The scenery is the key feature, while couples can customize their day by bringing in their own vendors, rentals, and décor.
This venue appeals to couples seeking an outdoorsy, communal wedding that feels more like a shared weekend getaway than a formal event.
Why couples choose Red Agave Resort for their wedding
Couples who love Red Agave usually prioritize experience and location over the formality of more modern options.
This venue is a great fit for couples who:
- Want iconic Bell Rock views as a constant backdrop.
- Those who like the idea of everyone staying together on site.
- Are comfortable coordinating outside vendors and rentals.
- Prefer a laid-back, country-chic atmosphere over modern luxury.
It may not be the best fit if you’re:
- Looking for a modern, elegant, or all-inclusive venue
- Hoping for a late-night party (music ends by 9 pm, weekdays/ 10 pm weekends)
- Wanting built-in décor, furniture, or an indoor event space
One thing that surprises many couples is how intimate the layout feels. All of the rooms face inward toward the central courtyard, making the entire day feel connected, even with a larger guest count.
Red Agave Wedding venue details
- Location: Sedona, Arizona
- Type of venue: Outdoor courtyard wedding venue
- Guest capacity: Approximately 80–100 guests
- Indoor / outdoor: Fully outdoor (no indoor event space)
- Vibe: Rustic, relaxed, wide-open views
- Lodging: Chalets and cabins on site
- Pricing structure: Rather than a traditional venue fee, weddings are tied to lodging requirements.
- For smaller weddings (1–29 guests), couples must book a minimum number of chalets per night.
- For 30+ guests, the entire resort must be booked.
- Pricing varies by season, so reviewing availability early is important.
- Sound & neighborhood rules: Because the resort is located in a residential area, music must end by 9:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 pm on weekends, and must stay within approved decibel levels.
Red Agave Wedding photos & best photo locations
From a photography perspective, this venue offers some of Sedona’s best red rock views.
Favorite portrait locations include:
- The main deck, especially later in the day
- The slim shady trail nearby for softer, directional light
- Nearby overlooks for couples open to a short walk and a more adventurous feel.
Best time of day for portraits:
Evening into sunset is ideal. This is when the red rocks glow, and the light becomes more forgiving.
Lighting notes:
Getting-ready photos inside the chalets tend to be dark and dramatic, creating a moodier look than bright, sunlit hotel suites and vacation rentals.
The ceremony space is in full sun, so the couple will be in direct light.
Planning a Red Agave Wedding: vendors, rentals & logistics
This is one of the most important things couples should understand before booking.
Red Agave Resort is a bring-your-own-vendors venue, which means:
- No tables, chairs, or benches are provided
- Ceremony décor (arches, backdrops, florals) must be brought in.
- All reception furniture and décor must be rented.
- Tents or canopies must be rented if you want shade or protection from the weather.
For smaller weddings with minimal décor, I’ve seen couples successfully coordinate this themselves.
For larger weddings, I strongly recommend hiring a planner or at least a day-of coordinator — unless you have a very organized friend or family member dedicated solely to logistics.
When one person is responsible for coordinating food, rentals, florals, hair, makeup, and the overall timeline, the day runs more smoothly, and you can enjoy it rather than managing the details.
Vendor notes:
- Outside vendors are allowed.
- Vendors must carry appropriate insurance (including bartenders and caterers)
- Vendors park in the main on-site parking area.
Best time of year for a Red Agave Wedding
Because everything is outdoors, the season matters here.
- Spring and fall have mild temperatures and fill up quickly.
- Summer is extremely hot. Monsoon season brings sudden, unpredictable storms.
- Winter is dramatic but chilly after sunset. Layers are key.
For comfort and photography, spring and fall are the easiest seasons. Winter is a good option for couples who don’t mind the cold.
From a Photographer’s Perspective
What sets Red Agave apart from many Sedona venues is its dramatic red-rock view of Bell Rock. At many venues, the red rocks are either not visible, far away, or create tricky lighting, leaving the couple in shade while a bright rock is behind them. Here, the sun is direct, but the couple is positioned right in front of Bell Rock, and the result is stunning.
The courtyard layout also enhances the guest experience. From nearly anywhere- dinner tables, the stage area, or the chalets- guests can still see Bell Rock and the surrounding canyon walls. Parents can easily check on kids, guests can step into their rooms to grab a jacket or take a break, and everyone stays connected without feeling crowded.
It feels a bit like a group of Airbnbs facing a shared gathering space- communal, comfortable, and easy.
Favorite moment photographed here:
A couple ending the night by jumping into the pool in their wedding clothes- a perfect reflection of how relaxed and fun weddings here tend to be.
Photographer tip:
Be prepared for harsh, direct light and plan timelines intentionally. This venue shines when the schedule is built around the sun.
Venue Details
- Official website: https://www.redagaveresort.net/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redagaveresort/
- Special events info: https://www.redagaveresort.net/specialevents
- Address: 120 Canyon Circle Drive, Sedona, AZ 86351
- Phone: 928-284-9327
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Southwest Wedding 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 weddings and elopements in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.
