Often when people mention eloping, a sandy beach or European mountain range might come to mind. I suggest a consideration for running away to the desert! I am going to give you three reasons to elope to Arizona. There are many gorgeous destinations unique to Arizona that can play host to your big day. There is no shortage of amazing vendors, from photographers to florists (hello!), in Arizona that can bring your vision to life. And, an Arizona elopement can take place any time of the year, due to the varying climates available. Get ready to drop a pin for an Arizona destination elopement. It’s sure to be one for the ages!

Location, Location, Location

Do you want to get married at one of the seven wonders of the world? Come to Arizona! The Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and the slot canyons outside of Page, and Mt. Lemmon north of Tucson, only begin the list of breathtaking nuptials backdrops Arizona has to offer. Couples who call The Copper State home and others from around the world, choose these insane views. A couple might seek an Arizona elopement because they love hiking, and want to really kick up some dirt. Or, they might just be a fan of the idea of not planning a huge party because, I get it, some people just don’t want to be the center of attention for the whole night.

No matter the motive, I love meeting folks who decide to elope in Arizona. It is fun to chat with locals that can’t wait to get back to that perfect spot to exchange vows. Hearing a bride states away describe what she is expecting to see during her Arizona elopement gives me a spark of excitement. I can’t wait for her to experience the beauty of Arizona.

I had the privilege of creating floral arrangements for Hannah and Nathan’s elopement to Horseshoe Bend and the slot canyons of Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona. My first time experiencing these destinations on a road trip up to Zion National Park. I was blown away by the views. The two spots offer such different visual experiences within miles of each other. The close proximity makes for some amazing photos.

Bringing your Elopement to Life

Do you have a favorite photographer back home? Bring them with you! Don’t worry if you don’t have a photographer picked out for an Arizona elopement. The Valley of the Sun has a pretty stellar gambit of photographers that love to adventure around our great state. I definitely know a few, if you are looking for suggestions! If planning out the details isn’t your thing, hire a local to do the planning that embraces your vision. They may have done a shoot at your location already. They will have some great spots in mind, and be able to cater your experience to you and create a unique and special day.

You can also have an amazing photographer back home that you bring with you. Hannah and Nathan reached out to me after their local stellar photographers, Rad Red Creative, did a little research on Phoenix vendors. I’m so glad they did, and that they had thoughtful photographers that helped them connect with me!

A photographer, no matter the location, can help you to orchestra a seamless adventure elopement. They will have experience with reaching out to fellow vendors, and know how to use their connections. They can connect some of the dots about logistics, or anything else you might need recommendations on. There are some amazing Airbnb options in Arizona. Some of my favorites are by Chisel Built. You can check out my blog post for tips on booking one also, here. I am happy to share any lodging or yummy food recommendations! Phoenicians are pretty proud of our beautiful state, and love to help visitors have a great time with local recommendations.

When to Come

Once you have your Arizona destination picked and people hired to make your elopement perfect, it’s time to figure out when to come! Arizona might feel like the surface of the sun at the height of summer. You don’t want to have sweat dripping down your face and showing through your clothes while you are trying to take photos to last a lifetime! That is when you can adventure north of the valley to the destinations in cooler parts of the state. You might consider cooler locations such as the Red Rocks of Sedona, the forest and mountains of Flagstaff, the rim of the Grand Canyon or a fun spot your photographer has in mind. Hannah and Nathan’s elopement took place in late summer when the weather was perfect in Page. It can actually get cold up north in fall and winter, so don’t plan for locations there if you are looking for warmer temps.

Late fall through spring is gorgeous down in the greater Phoenix area. It is so fun to hear folks you meet visiting in the winter talk of their amazement of our gorgeous weather and plentiful outdoor hiking activities. So, while it might be time to hibernate at home for the rest of the country, you can come to the Valley of the Sun and have an amazing outdoor adventure. During non-summer months, the Superstition Mountains, Camelback Mountain, Dreamy Draw, Four Peaks and Mt. Lemmon outside Tucson are just some of the locations that will provide great backdrops.

Time to Adventure

An Arizona elopement can be a perfect choice any time of the year.  There is an endless list of unique and breathtaking destinations. Partner with a great photographer who can help you choose other people or vendors to hire. Pick the best time of year to come, depending on your destination. If you have been tossing around the area of an elopement, but aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to break the mold and tie the knot however it fits you two. It’s not about the size of the celebration, it’s about the life long commitment you’re making to your love.

At Array Design, we love bringing floral design arrangements to life for couples putting on a big wedding celebration to couples celebrating with an intimate destination elopement. I love how each couple is so different, from their story to how they want to tie the knot. We offer packages for full weddings, but also options at a lower price point for those couples wanting to pick up their bouquet and boutonniere and head to the mountains! Get in touch with us today to see how we can make your big day flower dreams come to life!

Photography | Rad Red Creative