Sedona Elopement: The Ultimate 2021 Guide to Sedona Elopement Packages

Places to elope in Sedona

Places to elope

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Head to the Grand Canyon for a small, simple, and quiet ceremony amidst the large, complex, and breathtaking worldly wonder....

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Crescent Moon Day Area

Crescent Moon Day Area is located in the shadow of the stark Cathedral Rock. Oak Creek’s waters present a picturesque...

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Mariposa Meadow at Arizona Nordic Village

Located in Flagstaff’s nearby mountains, the Mariposa Meadow is perfect for a ceremony in the summer or fall. The site...

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Briar Patch Inn

The Briar Patch Inn is right along the lush banks of Oak Creek, a forested oasis in a Sedona canyon....

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The Arboretum at Flagstaff

The Arboretum is home to 750 species of plants in gardens and natural habitats. Enjoy an intimate weekday ceremony with...

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Chapel at Tlaquepaque

The private non-denominational chapel is an oasis of serenity with antique doors, adobe walls, wooden pews, and stained glass windows....

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Monica, Photographer

What do you think makes eloping in Sedona so special?

Why do I love Sedona? As both a resident of Northern Arizona and a nature lover, I can tell you that Sedona is a one-of-a-kind place! It’s no secret why people from all over the world come to see Red Rock Country. Known for everything from its signature red rocks to the old Western movies shot there, Sedona has truly stunning views and a rich history. It’s the perfect place to relax and get some much-needed sunlight. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, or just looking for a picturesque weekend escape, you’re sure to fall in love with this little town just as much as I have!

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Jen, Officiant

What do you think makes eloping in Sedona so special?

Spectacular views!

Tell us about one of your most magical elopements in Sedona!

A few weeks ago at the Grand Canyon it was a sunrise ceremony. Although it was chilly in the December morning, it was stunning. Right after the bride and groom said I do! it began to snow ever so lightly. Later the red rocks of the canyon were layered with snow-very special.

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Robin, Officiant

What do you think makes eloping in Sedona so special?

The exquisite vistas and light on the red rocks, fabulous hikes, and a general relaxed vibe.

What do you love about the work you do?

Giving couples a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony that may be shorter than usual, but just as professional, touching, personal and spirit-filled. It’s gratifying to know that I’ve helped a couple create such an important memory.

How to Elope in Sedona

If you’re the type of couple that loves feeling small in a stunning natural landscape then Sedona just might be the elopement destination for you. Sedona is one of the most scenic mountain towns in the country, known for its iconic red rock formations, nearby ponderosa pine forests, and numerous viewpoints that will take your breath away. Located just over two hours from the South Rim entrance of the Grand Canyon, and about 45 minutes from Flagstaff, Sedona is known for its spiritual vortexes and New Age vibe.

Choosing to elope in Sedona offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. World-class spas, unique shopping, and art galleries are plentiful in this artsy community, as are epic hiking and mountain biking trails (more than 400 miles worth). The town sits amidst red rock, bright blue sky, and green juniper trees, guaranteeing stunning elopement photos. Sedona is also a close drive to a handful of national monuments and state parks, as well as just under a two hours drive from Phoenix.

This guide will cover all your questions about eloping in Sedona, from what time of year is best to how much a Sedona elopement package will cost you. It will also outline all of our favorite locations for small weddings in Sedona, as well as what you need to make your big day legal.

What are the best places to elope in Sedona?

Crescent Moon Day Use Area
For Sedona elopements, we love the Crescent Moon Day Use Area, which sits between Oak Creek and Cathedral Rock. This is one of the most photographed locations in the Southwest and what a lot of people envision when they think of Arizona’s high desert and Sedona specifically. You can choose to elope wherever you want within the day use area. Reservations are required, a maximum of 15 guests are allowed, and no alcohol is permitted.

The Chapel at Tlaquepaque
This adobe chapel, located in Sedona’s quaint shopping district, is our favorite indoor venue in the region and ideal for daytime ceremonies when you want to beat the heat. Completely non-denominational, the Chapel at Tlaquepaque has beautiful stained glass windows and a tranquil, oasis-like feel. The maximum guest count for a small wedding here is typically 40 people, but due to Covid-19 that number is currently 16.

The Briar Patch Inn
We love this charming lodge, which sits adjacent to a peaceful creek in a shaded Sedona canyon. Choose to have your intimate ceremony here with up to 20 guests (currently 16 due to Covid-19) at the kiva area, creekside terrace, or lower garden. There are no televisions, phones, or WIFI in the onsite cabins, adding to the tranquil vibe. Note that the Briar Patch Inn only allows small weddings from May through September and that alcohol is allowed.

Grand Canyon National Park
Gorgeous colors of orange, red, and purple combine at this natural world wonder, which changes drastically depending on the time of day and the light. No matter what viewpoint you choose to elope at in the park—options include Pima Point, Grandeur Point, Shoshone Point, Moran Point, or Lipan Point—your photos will capture the vast valleys and mind-blowing scenery. We highly recommend a sunrise or sunset elopement here.

Permits for a Grand Canyon elopement are required and can be purchased up to a year in advance (permits typically process in about four weeks). Your small wedding here can include up to 20 guests typically (currently 16 due to Covid-19) and no alcohol is allowed.

Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a charming mountain town, home to Humphrey’s Peak, Arizona’s tallest mountain, Northern Arizona University, and Arizona’s best ski resort, the Arizona Snowbowl. Surrounding Flag, as the locals call it, is great hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, as well as a handful of Native American pueblo sites and cliff dwellings. The Mariposa Meadow, located at the Arizona Nordic Village in Flagstaff, is a great option for a DIY-style small wedding with onsite yurts for overnight stays. For elopements, we also love the Arboretum at Flagstaff, which offers forested backdrops and panoramic mountain views.

Can you get married the same day in Sedona?

Arizona does not have a waiting period, meaning your elopement can take place the same day you get your marriage certificate.

What’s the best time of year for a Sedona elopement?

We highly recommend eloping during shoulder season in Sedona, which is roughly September through November, as well as March through May. During those months there tends to be less people and more mild temperatures. Because of the high desert environment winters can actually get quite chilly in Sedona, although snow is rare (if you want a snow-filled wedding, plan on eloping at the Grand Canyon or in Flagstaff). Despite Sedona’s higher elevation, summers can still be very hot, with daytime temps reaching upwards of 90-degrees. Thus, many people find daytime summer elopements in Sedona intolerable for more than a couple minutes without shade.

What time of day is best to elope in Sedona?

We recommend eloping during golden hour, or the hours surrounding sunrise and sunset. Our favorite Arizona elopement locations are mostly in the high desert and as such, we advise avoiding midday and afternoon ceremonies when temperatures are at their hottest and the sun can be a photographer’s worst nightmare. If you’re drawn to a more popular elopement location, such as the Crescent Moon Day Use Area, we highly recommend eloping on a weekday when the likelihood of a more intimate ceremony increases. Because it’s so awesome, Sedona is incredibly popular!

How much will a Sedona elopement cost?

Eloping or hosting a small wedding in Sedona can be a great way to save money. Although there are a plethora of high-end spas and resorts in the area, there are also numerous affordable Airbnbs and other lodging options. On average, a vacation to Sedona costs about $930 per person per week. There are also two airports in Phoenix, ensuring flights remain affordable year round. We do recommend renting a car for your Sedona elopement, so you’ll also want to factor in that cost.

Our Sedona elopement packages begin at $450 for a basic ceremony, which includes advice on ceremony locations, custom officiation services, and the actually enactment of your ceremony. Prices rise if you want to include photography and flowers. Our top-end package costs $2,525 and even includes a day of helper who can stream your ceremony, as well as hair and makeup services for one person.

It’s important to note that some Sedona elopement locations also require additional permit or venue rental fees.

What’s the best way to get to Sedona, Arizona?

Many people choose to drive to Sedona for their elopement or small wedding, flying into one of Phoenix’s two airports and taking in the scenic drive from a rental car. Some hotels and resorts also offer shuttle services. Flagstaff Airport is the closest small commercial airport to Sedona, located roughly 45-minutes drive away via AZ 89A, which passes through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon.

What do I need to legally elope in Sedona?

To get married in Sedona you’ll need a valid ID (a birth certificate, passport, or state-issued ID works), your social security number, and the presence of both parties when picking up your license. An Arizona marriage license costs $83 and no matter what county you get it in, your marriage license can apply to a wedding ceremony that takes place anywhere in Arizona. You will need an officiant to perform the ceremony and sign your marriage license, which can then be mailed to the Clerk of the Superior Court.

Note that Sedona Municipal Court does not issue marriage licenses and you have to contact one of the county superior courts to obtain a marriage license. The superior court closest to Sedona is Yavapai County Superior Court located on Highway 260, in Camp Verde, or the Coconino County Superior Court in Flagstaff.

Do I need witnesses to elope in Sedona?

The state of Arizona does require two witnesses. If you’re looking to have a private Sedona elopement with just you and your partner, then you might have to improvise by asking a kind stranger to sign your marriage certificate. While your photographer can always serve as a witness, your officiant can’t legally marry you and serve as a witness.

Article written by

Kiran Herbert

Kiran Herbert is an elopement officiant and writer who takes pride in making all of her ceremonies magical. Kiran grew up around the world but having spent a year living in national parks, she’s convinced that the U.S. is the most beautiful.