Intimate Tucson Botanical Gardens Wedding in Tucson, Arizona
The Tucson Botanical Gardens is an oasis in the middle of Arizona’s second largest metropolitan city. Surrounded by towering cacti and lush foliage, the gardens let you escape the urban vibe for a more secluded feel, while still being near the amenities that a city has to offer.
The moment you enter the front gates you are greeted with cultivated terraces and walkways, ranging from a tropical paradise to the diverse beauty of the desert.
The Tucson Botanical Gardens has two different venue options for events to choose from. The Porter Hall and Reception Garden and the Xeriscape Garden are both stunning, depending on the look and size of your wedding or reception. The add on bonus of the Butterfly Magic Experience is available in the cooler months, October- May. With on site tables, getting ready areas, and vendor services available, this is a wonderful option for any couple wanting the feel of the gardens with the convenience for friends and family.
- Location Cost: $2000- $3000+
- Guests Allowed: Up to 150 in the Porter Reception Garden/ Up to 65 in the Xeriscape Garden
- Setup: Chairs and tables available on site
- Times: Available after normal business hours by reservation
- Parking: ample, no fee
- Restrooms: On-site
Get Inspired…
Kristin and Adam’s Tucson Botanical Gardens wedding
There is something special about couples who were able to overcome the complications of 2020. A certain tenacity and vigor that they embody, a strength and resilience they can forever wear as a badge of honor.
Kristin and Adam are the human embodiment of that fierce will to move forward, and I am so incredibly honored to have captured their intimate wedding day surrounded by their closest family and friends.
Avid travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, they met and fell in love through their love of hiking and canyoneering. When Kristin first reached out she dreamed of saying their vows in Saguaro National Park encircled by the towering desert giants it is named after. Unfortunately, covid had placed extreme limits on group size, and we had a quick scramble to find a gorgeous outdoor location that still offered the self professed desert lovers a backdrop that spoke to their adventurous spirits.
Kristin is a witty, confident force to be reckoned with, and Adam is quiet with a calming spirit. He hid his nerves well (mostly!) until they melted away watching his wife to be walk down the isle in her fire red satin dress. They had chosen not to see each other until the ceremony, so watching his eyes light up as Kristin’s father walked her down the isle was emotional, and you could feel the tension in the air release and the joy of the day come rolling in. After their ceremony in the gardens, we enjoyed family portraits by the desert cacti, followed by a sunset walk through the gardens with just the two of them, allowing a moment to breath and let the day sink in.
From the live music played by classical guitarist Lucas Carballeira, to the succulent florals crafted by Kristin’s mom, to the two best friends as their officiants, and so many more little details, it was a perfect day celebrated amongst the beautiful Dia De Los Muertos exhibit at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
Every beautiful wedding day is made possible by the hard work and talents of amazing vendors!
Below are the wedding vendors who brought this vision to life.
- Venue: Tucson Botanical Gardens – Porter Hall and Reception Garden
- Floral: DIY by Kristin’s Mom
- Hair: Gadabout Salons
- Dress: Etsy
- Guitarist: Lucas Julián Carballeira
- Desert: Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery
- Getting Ready & Reception Venue: Lodge on the Desert
Wedding Featured On
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Southwest elopement photographer, go-to problem solver, and Adventure Buddy
Are you ready for a nature-filled wedding or an epic elopement adventure? 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 the planning tips + story of a real couple! Thanks for sharing their day!
This is so unique! I love that her mom did the florals DIY and her dress is gorgeous. It always makes me happy when eloping couples choose a dress that matches who they are!
WOW!!!! This whole gallery is so stunning! You captured their love so perfectly!
Wow, this is such a neat intimate wedding! I’m completely transfixed by the plethora of colors and rich tones!
I love how much detail you photograph and equally the amount of time spent sharing everything that went INTO making this day as awesome as it was! It puts things in perspective and helps give clients a birds eye view of how the magic really happens !! beautiful images, your tones are moody and incredible
This botanical garden is beaaaauutiful. I’m so obsessed! And you captured so many lovely moments.
I absolutely love brides that step away from some of the traditions– her red dress is perfect!! You did an amazing job capturing these two sweethearts <3
WOW, what a unique wedding, this is seriously amazing! Great work!