Sedona Wedding Venues for the Adventurous Couple

It’s no wonder so many couples looking for a meaningful and adventurous elopement choose Sedona for their ceremony and wedding reception—from open spaces like Oak Creek Canyon to great properties like Sky Ranch Lodge and the Hilton Sedona Resort. There are nearly countless possible Sedona, AZ locations for adventure lovers in this place where energies merge among the vibrations of its timeless red rocks.

Not only is the stunning Arizona town surrounded by iconic red rock formations that contrast spectacularly with the vast blue skies, but it has an almost magical quality that reflects the commitment to a lifetime of love. It’s a stunning backdrop and intimate setting for ceremonies and wedding receptions, but if hopping on a 4×4 or doing a little hiking is your vibe, Sedona will reward you with some of the most gorgeous visions you can imagine.  

With the help of a local elopement team with insider knowledge of Sedona, AZ, you can create a one-of-a-kind experience with endlessly customizable wedding packages for your special day. But for now, here are some of our top wedding venues for couples who share a spirit of freedom and adventure.

Merry Go Round—A Grand Ceremony Area

One of the most scenic places to elope in Sedona, AZ is Merry Go Round Rock, nestled in the Coconino National Forest. It boasts a 1,500-foot ledge that overlooks the valley and town below, providing an idyllic spot for couples to exchange their vows. 

The secluded location means access is not for the faint of heart. It requires off-roading or a 6.4-mile hike via the Munds Wagon Trail, one of Arizona’s first cattle routes between Flagstaff and Sedona. The walk is rocky which means you’ll need appropriate shoes with good tread. Some brides choose to tie the knot in their hiking boots, but you can always bring a change of heels if you want a dressier look. 

While there may be no other place in Sedona that can boast a red rock panorama like Merry Go Round, there is a downside. Many Jeep tours include the site on their itineraries, and it’s become a popular spot for elopements.

For the best chance of relative privacy, choose an elopement date in the middle of the week. Brilliant sunset colors can provide breathtaking pics, but the close of day tends to be the busiest time of all. Talk to your elopement team for all the details about this perfect venue for intimate weddings.  

Cathedral Rock—A Classic Sedona Wedding Venue

This one has it all, and its stunning natural beauty is particularly magical at sunrise and sunset. Reaching it is a short, straight-up climb that’s ideal for adventurous partners who crave some outdoor romance but don’t want to go over the top. It’s just a little more than a mile in total round-trip, although getting there is almost entirely an uphill climb that ascends over 740 feet. You’ll want proper hiking boots for safety and comfort on your wedding day, and you can always change clothes at the top with hidden spots off the trail for privacy.

There are typically few others here so early in the morning, and a weekday ceremony in the spring or fall is best for the fewest crowds and the most ideal setting. It’s also a more popular Sedona, AZ wedding venue, so you’ll want to check with your elopement team to make sure you’re good to go. 

Rattlesnake Point—A Sedona Wedding Photographer Paradise

For adventurous couples looking to truly get away from it all, Rattlesnake Point is one of the most remote and secluded settings you can choose. You’ll be far from the tourist crowds in the desert outback of the western part of Sedona. You’ll have to off-road the Diamondback Gulch Trail, snaking through rough country in the Verde Valley. Hold on tight, and you’ll be rewarded on your elopement day with a gorgeous ride including thrilling views of Chimney Rock, Capitol Butte, and Lizard Head.

Rattlesnake Point is all about incredible beauty meeting rugged adventure. It’s a scene synonymous with the Old West, providing an experience you and your guests will never forget— not to mention the jaw-dropping wedding photos! 

Doe Mountain—Great Views and Rolling Hills

For an elopement or destination wedding with a sense of adventure, Doe Mountain, with its classic mesa shape, provides an intimate, elevated spot for a ceremony with panoramic views from the summit. The short, moderate trek—just 1.5 miles out and back—leads to a spectacular plateau, providing the perfect platform for taking in its stunning views. Chimney Rock, Secret Canyons, Maroon, Bear, and Wilson mountains are just a short list of what you can see from this 400-foot-high perspective. 

Doe Mountain is another ideal sunrise elopement location that lends itself to exceptional early-morning photo ops. Your elopement team can give you all the details for staging the perfect moment!

Chicken Point—Over Eight Acres of Red Rocks

Chicken Point is a popular choice for couples with a more adventurous side looking for outdoor spaces and a secluded setting. An exclusive venue for a red rock escape, the lookout point is accessed by 4×4 or a moderate hike and boasts 360-degree panoramas that include legendary Sedona landmarks like Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, and Twin Sisters. The rock formations traversed and the views from Chicken Point are awe-inspiring, and it produces incredible sunsets. A great choice for those seeking more privacy, you’ll have the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind elopement. 

Step into Your Adventurous Sedona Elopement with Arizona Elopement Collective

This blog article is an extension of our ultimate guide to a Sedona elopement. If you are looking for more information on how to plan your perfect Sedona elopement, give our guide a read.

Now, whether one of these ideas has provided inspiration for an unforgettable Sedona elopement that explores the scenic beauty of this picturesque backdrop, or you have the perfect location for your destination wedding in mind already, Arizona Elopement Collective will give you the perfect elopement experience. 

With the inside scoop on the area and all the important connections from top photographers to resorts and private chefs, we can make your intimate dream wedding come true—and, without all the stress. We can also customize an experience for any taste, whether you’re looking for a romantic garden, stunning pools, an award-winning spa, custom cakes, in-house catering, an oasis setting, or just some old-world charm! 

We’re elopement experts who know how to create a wedding ceremony at the perfect Sedona wedding venue, and we offer all-inclusive packages as well as a customizable elopement experience. Explore our Sedona Elopement Packages to start planning the adventurous Sedona elopement of your dreams!