5 Top Tips to Elope in Arizona
Eloping anywhere outside of your home location can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn't have to! Arizona is an extremely memorable place to elope.
Location: Decide on your location you'd like to go to first and foremost. Ask yourself what you're hiking capabilities are. Do you want a location you can walk up to, or one you may have to hike to? Arizona offers diverse landscapes, from the Grand Canyon to Sedona's red rocks. Research locations that resonate with you and your partner's preferences.
Seasons: Consider the season you chose to get married in. January in Arizona can be pretty chilly still and some locations may not be open. Be sure to book your accommodations well in advance as Arizona is a heavily visited state.
Vendors: Just like a more traditional wedding, you'll need to hire a few vendors. You'll need a photographer, videographer, florist, hair and make up artist, and depending on your location you may need transportation. There is a company called "Pink Adventure Tours" you can book to take you into some of Sedona's most remote locations. You can look at their info here: www.pinkadventuretours.com/tours
Obtain Permits if Necessary: Some locations in Arizona, especially national parks and protected areas, require permits for ceremonies and photography. Check if your chosen location has any permit requirements and obtain them in advance.
Marriage License: What I suggest to all of my couples is to actually go to your local court house and make it official in your home state before or after doing your ceremony & pictures. This elevates the need to accommodate or adhere to each and every states requirements.
suggested locations to check out
Cathedral Rock
Located in Sedona, Cathedral Rock is an absolutely stunning location for adventure seekers! Even though the climb is only .75 miles, the majority of the climb is pretty steep.
Cathedral Rock can be a stunning backdrop for those who like to have a moderately hard hike. Many places are required to scramble. Majority of the rock formations are smooth from so many hikers, so proper hiking shoes should be worn. You should not do this hike if it is raining or icy.
Broken Arrow Trail
If you're not looking for a challenge but more of a beautiful location, Broken Arrow Trail would be one to earmark. This trail is considered an "easy" 3.5 mile hike. It is an in and out trail so you can turn back at any point.
There is a parking lot with ample parking and a small $5 fee.
You can walk just a short 10 minutes and find a location with the most amazing views and backdrops.
I would suggest going later on in the day to try and capture that sunset.
Merry Go Round
Merry Go Round is located on Schnebly Hill Road, 5 minutes from downtown Sedona.
To get here you have two options: You could hike the 6.5 mile roundtrip hike via the Munds Wagon trail, or drive directly to Merry Go Round Rock via Schnebly Hill Road with a 4×4 high clearance vehicle.
If you feel as though you're not an experienced driver, you may want to hire the Pink Adventure Tours to get you there. Schnebly Hill Road is not maintained at all, and there are many spots on the road that require more advanced driving techniques.
Lost Dutchman
Just East of Phoenix, The Lost Dutchman is one of the easiest locations to walk up to. With minimal effort you end up with the most amazing backdrop! There is an entry fee of $10 per car (1-4 people.)
If you're hunting for HUGE cactus, this is the place to go. The saguaro Cacti grow here, along with the jumping cholla cactus that I may or may not have stepped on a time or two (ouch!)
The trail to the Lost Dutchman as a backdrop is very easy to navigate.
