The Ultimate Guide to a Sedona Elopement

There’s a reason couples who are looking to take back control of their wedding day and book an elopement have made Sedona, AZ one of the top choices in the world. Not only is this vibrant community surrounded by stunning red rock formations, dramatic canyon walls, and dense pine forests, but it’s also a natural getaway that offers couples great food, incredible places to stay, and plenty of activities to build out their new beginning. 

A Sedona elopement is also the perfect choice for partners who like to add a little adventure into the mix of everything they do. Many of the most gorgeous outdoor spots for a ceremony can be accessed by a short hike or by 4×4- and the wildlife, blue skies, and rusty red soil infuse your experience with memories that will last a lifetime. 

Of course, if you’re already daydreaming of a Sedona wedding, that’s probably not something we have to tell you. In fact, we’re here to help you take your ceremony by the reins and turn it into the reality you and your partner deserve! 

Whether you’re looking to relax in your lover’s arms under the stars, rent a jeep and go on an off-road adventure, or anything in between, here’s our guide to creating your ultimate Sedona elopement. 

Why Elope in Sedona? 

Sedona is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful outdoor locations for adventure elopements and weddings for couples who want to tie the knot with epic nature backdrops in gorgeous scenic locations. When you elope in Sedona, your elopement planning will be filled with options for staging around a red rock pass and other locations that are perfectly situated in dramatic natural settings like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. 

Of course, you can have a Sedona wedding that is laid back, or you can transform the experience into an adventure elopement involving Jeep rental to get to remote locations or a bit of hiking along the way. Your elopement day can also keep it closer to the car with a loop trail, and there are quite a few options for easy ins and outs that don’t require special gear to get to a red rock crossing. 

Regardless of the elopement planning strategy you and your team put together, Sedona will deliver a beautiful outdoor ceremony in a location that will blow your minds! And with plenty of fun to be had in town when you’re relaxing, lots of incredible food, and gorgeous places to stay, you’ll be left wondering why everyone isn’t eloping instead of planning stuffy weddings elsewhere. 

Where to Start Planning Your Elopement

The best part about working with a Sedona elopement team is that they can take a simple wish and turn it into a moment that expresses that intimate connection only the two of you share. And because they know all the beautiful and magical nooks and crannies of Sedona inside and out, they can even guide you to hidden gems that will make your Sedona elopement a one-of-a-kind experience.

If we had one thought we’d like to share with all our clients craving an amazing Sedona elopement, it’s this: We’re here to help you create a wedding all about YOU! We have all the connections if you need a Sedona elopement photographer, private chefs, and hotels to make your elopement amazing, fulfilling, and carefree, and we handle all the details so you can focus on making memories together. 

Setting an Elopement Date

The clients we work with are as diverse as the scenery in Sedona. Whether you’re young and in love or you’re getting married a second time and don’t want the big, traditional wedding again, your Sedona elopement is the moment that journey begins! But what time of year should it start? 

Lead Time

When it comes to planning a traditional wedding around a specific date, couples can quickly find themselves looking one to two years out from the big day. The benefit of working with an elopement team like us is that we have all the connections—including some magical local partners tucked away in our phone contacts—to deliver a wedding any day of the week. We want to give you the intimate, fully connected experience you deserve, and that’s why we prefer weekdays over weekends. 

What to Expect from the Weather

Depending on the season you’re looking to elope, here’s what you can expect from the weather, nature, tourist traffic, and more. 

• Spring and fall are the mildest seasons of the year in Sedona—March and April tend to be particularly idyllic with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to mid-80s. October and November also provide near-perfect temperatures. Also, since this is the high season, parking and trail access can be crowded in many locations, so if there is inclement weather you’ll need to take this into account. 

• Summers aren’t as busy as spring and fall since the heat does a good job of thinning the crowds. In fact, a good friend would tell you NOT to get married in Sedona in the summer months. And we become friends with every couple we work with. Also, if you love the changing yellows of aspens in mountain locations, you can take a look at our Flagstaff Elopement Guide for helpful info about the breathtaking views and red rock contrasts.  

• Winter in Sedona tends to be rather empty, but with a dusting of powder on the buttes it’s a spectacular time to visit. If you are craving peace and freedom from the world, the cooler season may make for an ideal Sedona elopement. Also, parking tends to be easier during the off-season so you won’t have to worry so much about the weather when it comes to trail access in most locations. 

A Note About Weekends

Sedona’s gorgeous scenic overlooks and iconic outdoor elopement destinations create some of the most iconic backdrops for a ceremony—and that means they’re hardly a secret. It can feel very impersonal to have a few strangers sightseeing during your ceremony, much less a large group of hikers in the same area. 

The fact is, during the week is a much better time to secure the privacy your new beginning deserves. Your elopement team can give you the best insider info for the outdoor locations you’re considering, and they will know where and when Sedona will be at its peak for you.

And if we’re perfectly honest? You deserve to take a few days to explore and enjoy your time together! By scheduling your ceremony on a weekday, you’ll have plenty of trajectory going into the weekend to do everything you want to do. Sedona has a lot to offer, and you could easily spend a lifetime wandering its rusty red pathways. But if a weekend is all the time you have, we’ll definitely make sure you get the very best it has to offer.

The Most Beautiful Sedona Elopement Destinations

Couples who come to Sedona have the opportunity to tie the knot in some of the most beautiful and iconic places in North America. Depending on how you roll, getting to one of these spots can be a part of the adventure. You won’t need a permit unless you’re headed into Red Rock State Park, but you’ll definitely need an experienced guide, a water bottle, and some solid shoes for the trek. And if you’re the type to take the wheel, you can hop on a 4-wheeler and drive there yourself!

Regardless of how far you want to travel, Sedona will definitely have a spot that fits you perfectly. Here are some of the top places to stage your dream Sedona elopement in this colorful landscape. 

Bell Rock is a renowned Sedona monument with fabulous views of the valley in front, Cathedral Rock and the Twin Buttes in the distance, and Courthouse Rock beside it. Bell Rock is said to have powerful energy as a major vortex site, known to promote feelings of tranquility, peace, and harmony, enhancing the experience. 

As the parking lot is small and often full, it’s best to use a shuttle service to reach it. From there, you’ll take a moderate 10- to 15-minute hike to Bell Rock. Most elopements in this location need to anticipate cooler temperatures depending on the time of day, so make sure your elopement planning takes this into account. 

2. Merry-Go-Round Rock

This secluded spot is one of our absolute favorites. It’s got all the beauty you could dream of for a Sedona elopement, but because it’s less accessible and takes an experienced guide to find, it’s an ideal backdrop for an intimate ceremony. 

Getting to Merry-Go-Round Rock is nearly five miles into the wilderness, and one of the best ways to get there is through Jeep adventure tours. They’re one of our favorite partners because they’re extremely knowledgeable and make sure our couples are treated like royalty.

And once you’ve enjoyed the ride in, be prepared for a stunning and secluded overlook of Merry Go Round’s towering red rocks, a forested landscape, and of course, the merry-go-round feature itself! 

3. Seven Sacred Pools

The Seven Sacred Pools is a moderate, easily accessible trail just 1.1 miles out and back. It will lead you through trees and, as the name suggests, seven pools of water surrounded by stunning red rock formations. You’ll enjoy views of soaring crags, towering pillars, and high terracotta terraces. 

The trailhead parking lot is closed from Thursdays through Sundays, but the city offers a free shuttle service from a designated park-and-ride with no charge to park at Posse Grounds Park in central Sedona. 

4. Cathedral Rock 

Cathedral Rock is accessed via the Cathedral Rock trail, just off Arizona state route 179, between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. This is a strenuous but short 1.2-mile out-and-back hike that’s best for an adventurous bride and groom. You can always hire a private shuttle service to make getting to your perfect choice both easy and exciting. 

Your ceremony can only be held around the first rock shelf at the base of Cathedral Rock as they’re only allowed on Forest Service land and the top of the rock is considered wilderness land. This actually works to your benefit as this area is less crowded, providing a more intimate ceremony.

Secret Sedona

If none of these spots is quite perfect for you, you can always ask us about one of Sedona’s “secret” places (shhh!). Arizona Elopement Collective is a local company with staff who knows the area inside and out, and we have plenty of off-the-beaten-path spots in our back pockets that are just as alluring as some of the region’s most famous destinations—but without the crowds. 

Remember: just because a location isn’t on your Sedona elopement planning guide doesn’t mean your team can’t take you there. Even if they’ve never done a ceremony at a particular spot, their job is to make your dream come true. Always feel free to share your ideas with the team—they’ll use their connections and know-how to figure it out!

Accommodations

Sedona offers five-star resorts, intimate bed and breakfasts, boutique Airbnbs, and plenty in between. Here are some of our top choices for any lodging tastes, and you can contact us for more information and options. A Sedona elopement offers nearly unlimited possibilities, and we’d love to match you with your perfect stay. 

Hotels 

• Enchantment Resort is set on 70 acres in Boynton Canyon, 8.5 miles from Sedona and 16 miles from Slide Rock State Park. A private golf course, outdoor pool and poolside bar, spa, and multiple restaurants are all on-site.

• Amara Resort & Spa is a sunny retreat just steps away from Uptown Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. Morning yoga sessions, cocktails by the pool, a lavish spa, and an outstanding restaurant serving Southwest fare and seafood are all on the menu.

• L’Auberge de Sedona is the cream of the crop when it comes to breathtaking scenery with spectacular mountain views along the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of town. Every room has a furnished patio or balcony. There’s a pool, an award-winning creekside restaurant, a wine bar, yoga classes, and stargazing.

• Hyatt Residence Club at Pinon Pointe is a condo-style hotel that sits on a hill above central downtown Sedona surrounded by majestic red rocks. The Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village is just a short walk away and the property includes a heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, and various eateries as well as offering massage services.

Airbnbs

• Sundance: An exclusive gated luxury home on almost two acres, accommodating up to six guests in three bedrooms. It includes an infinity pool, jetted hot tub, a poolside flat-screen TV, outdoor speakers, a koi pond, an infrared sauna, a fully-equipped fitness room, and a full-size pool table.

• Sedona Mountain Sunset is a gorgeously renovated new property that offers panoramic views of the West Sedona landscape. At 2200 sq/ft over two levels, it’s big enough for you and your friends and offers spacious luxury for couples who want to spread out. With a huge dining table and outdoor seating areas, Sedona Mountain Sunset is the perfect place to host an epic elopement feast.

• Sedona Top Notch is exactly what it says it is: one of the most beautiful and spacious West Sedona properties you can find. Its incredible wrap-around deck is both a place to party with your guests and a space to wind down under the stars, and the cool sculpted interior instantly connects you with the Southwest spirit. It’s one of our highest recommendations to round out your Sedona elopement. 

Building out Your Elopement: Fun Before & After the Wedding

One of the many reasons a Sedona elopement is a top choice is because the area offers access to a wide range of activities for fun before and after your wedding, some of which are ultra-romantic. Here are a few of AEC’s favorites, and there are many more we’d love to talk to you about.

• Hot-air balloon rides that provide a bird’s-eye view of the awe-inspiring red rock landscape. In fact, you’ll be able to see many of the locations you discussed during your elopement planning, so if there’s a trail you feel like you missed you’ll still get a chance to see where it leads!

• Miles and miles of scenic hiking trails are here to explore—and if you want to camp in the desert under the stars, we can help make it happen. Eloping in Sedona is all about picking the perfect activities and location for you as a couple, and with a great elopement planning team you’ll be able to pack in everything!

• Mountain biking with a vast network of trails and grippy red rock makes Sedona a paradise for those who like to explore on two wheels.

• Off-roading Jeep tours range from mild to rugged and travel into remote areas of Coconino National Forest. You can even visit Diamondback Gulch on a century-old backwagon trail. When you elope in Sedona, you’ll quickly realize that there are many hidden gems around every red rock crossing that are worth exploring, so take your time. 

• Swimming and wading at Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon includes a slick rock serving as a nature-made waterslide that splashes into a shallow pool.

• Scenic horseback riding in nearby Campe Verde delivers panoramic views of the Verde Valley and Sedona canyons in the distance via Wild Western Horseback Adventures. 

• Wine tasting at tasting rooms located at the small production estate vineyards on the hillsides just outside of town offers a relaxing getaway. 

• No Elopement adventure in Sedona would be complete without taking a few minutes to lay back and enjoy its epic skies. Stargazing on your own or via a stargazing/astronomy tour delivers views of endless stars and the Milky Way using high-powered equipment.

• Hike Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. It’s a narrow rock bridge accessed via a moderate 1.8-mile out-and-back hike with just a 400-foot climb in altitude. The trek won’t leave you breathless, but the views likely will.

Picking a Sedona Elopement Photographer 

You’ll be signing a marriage license on your elopement day but your wedding photography will be where your memories are truly solidified. Wedding ceremonies—whether you’re going with an adventure elopement or a laid-back Sedona wedding—always need a dedicated professional photography expert, and picking the perfect match can be extremely stressful. 

Fortunately, when you elope in Sedona with Arizona Elopement Collective, you’ll have access to our incredibly photography team. You shouldn’t just like your photographer’s vibe and style—you should LOVE it! We work closely with you to make sure we know exactly what resonates with you both, and we do documentary-style photography so it never feels posed or artificial. With us, you won’t be spending six hours staring at a camera on your wedding day. You’ll be enjoying the moment while we capture every detail. 

Of course, there’s always the question of a sunrise or sunset wedding to consider, and the timing of your elopement adventure in a perfect location can vary significantly depending on the exact light you pick. Here are some things to think about:

Sunrise

When you visit Sedona, one of the things you notice is that it can be a little chilly in the mornings. Most beautiful locations that are outdoors will be a bit on the colder side as well until the sun comes up.

Also, even if you love Sedona, its weather doesn’t always love you back. Your team needs to be ready the night before with umbrellas, additional lighting, wraps for warmth, and anything else that will make sure your elopement experience isn’t uncomfortable while you’re waiting for the sun to come up.

Sunset

Sedona elopements are often at their most picturesque as the sun starts going down and the epic red rock formations become bathed in shadows and dimming light. Whether it’s Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, or Merry Go Round Rock, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful backdrop that makes for true elopement perfection in the evening. 

Of course, elopement planning in Sedona needs to take into account that it will get a bit chillier, and your photographer will need to be prepared for lighting that—unlike during sunrise—will get harder and harder to manage. Capturing your elopement experience among the red rocks will need to happen in a timely fashion so you don’t end up with a limited pic set. 

For elopement experiences in easy-access locations and shorter loop trails, it’s usually not a problem for your Sedona team to stop by and check out the changing light before the big day. However, for adventure elopements that involve more extreme experiences like off-roading, a helicopter ride, or Jeep rentals, an evening light check should be part of your location scouting plan. 

Dining in Sedona Before and After Your Wedding Ceremony

No ultimate guide to a Sedona elopement would be complete without a few restaurant recommendations, and there’s definitely no shortage of options. One of the advantages you’ll enjoy with a smaller group is that you won’t be limited to restaurants that can handle 30+ diners. Here are some of our favorite fine dining choices, and we’re always happy to pair a dining experience with your preferences and tastes. 

In Sedona

• Shorebird (Fresh Seafood Grill + Oyster Bar)—up to 6 ppl. We put Sedona’s Shorebird first because it deserves a special note! Lunch on the patio is an outstanding experience, and the kitchen flies in fresh fish for sushi every day. They also offer high-end steaks, incredible starters, and the only thing more impressive than their cocktail game is the red rocks you’ll be enjoying. 
• Mariposa (Closed on Tuesdays, fine dining/Latin inspired)—up to 8 ppl.
• Elote (Closed on Sundays and Mondays, Fine Dining Mexican Food + Experience)—up to 8 ppl, Also, if you buy their cookbook (you should), the head chef will sign it for you!
• Rene (Italian) – offer partial buy-out options from 12-35 guests.
• Steak House 89 (Live Music, closed on Mondays)—up to 15 ppl.
• Mole (Upscale Mexican) – up to 6 ppl.
• Stage Coach (turns into a saloon after 10 p.m., private room available for up to 20)

Oak Creek

• Cucina Rustica (Italian cuisine in multiple dining rooms & outdoor courtyard)—up to 20
• Della Piane (Argentinean flair, empanadas, laid-back atmosphere)—up to 20

And of course, there’s no reason you have to go out on the town, especially if you booked one of our spacious Airbnb choices. Sedona has several excellent catering options like Phoenix Palate, Picazzo’s, Bobby Q, and Atlasta if you want to stay home, and we even know a few private chefs who can create your perfect elopement feast before your eyes. 

Don’t Forget the Details for Your Sedona Wedding

After the destination is chosen, the accommodations are set, the location and date are in stone, and it’s time for the flowers, photography, food, and transportation. A perfect elopement can be all about the details. If you want to dive deeper, we have written 4 more blog on everything Sedona elopement:

1. Sedona Wedding Venues for the Adventurous Couple
2. What NOT to Forget When Planning Your Sedona Elopement
3. 9 Elopement Ideas That You Never Thought Possible
4. Why You Should Consider a Sedona Micro Wedding

We know. It’s a lot.

That’s why we started Arizona Elopement Collective–to give couples a beautiful and adventurous start to their shared life… without the stress. We take care of everything so you can focus on savoring your perfect moment. These “done for you” and all-inclusive Sedona elopement packages convey everything a wedding should be: nourishing, uplifting, and stress-free.

We bring all the connections and experience to ensure you have the perfect accommodations booked, dinner reservations made, activities scheduled, and the venue of your dreams without lifting a finger. It’s a completely different approach to your Sedona elopement: sacred and intimate, with every couple unique. Our team can make any dream come true—even on short notice—and you’ll never have to worry about a thing.

If you’re ready to create an exciting, joyful, and one-of-a-kind Sedona elopement, apply now to start exploring an authentic celebration of your love.