Elope in Sedona: Ultimate 2023 Guide to Sedona Elopement Packages

Places to Elope in Sedona

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

Crescent Moon Day Area is located in the shadow of the stark Cathedral Rock. Oak Creek’s waters present an idyllic Cathedral Rock elopement or Cathedral...

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

The Briar Patch Inn wedding venue is right along the lush banks of Oak Creek, a forested oasis in Sedona Canyon. From May to September,...

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

Celebrate outside a Carmel cabin nestled in the redwoods! Organize an intimate ceremony from your dreams in one of the finest Redwood Forest wedding venues....

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Add videography to your Sedona elopement

Starting at $1,600

Our videography package comes with an edited 1 – 2 minute highlight reel (perfect for sharing on socials!), as well as a longform, minimally-edited film of the full ceremony.

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.

What are the best places to elope in Sedona?

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. We also love The Chapel at Tlaquepaque, an adobe chapel located in Sedona’s quaint shopping district. It’s 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.

It would be amiss not to add the Grand Canyon National Park to our list! 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 is also 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.

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.

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 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 ceremony coordinator who can stream your ceremony, as well as hair and makeup services for one person.

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.

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.

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Read the real stories of couples that eloped in Sedona!

Jennifer + Sean

Most couples have had Covid to blame for wedding woes, but Jennifer & Sean were thrown together at work due to the pandemic. They discovered they wanted to spend all of their time together…forever! After an epic proposal (it involved pipe cleaners and a rented jewelry store!), these two knew they wanted something equally epic for their wedding day. What is more amazing than a sunrise ceremony on Valentine’s Day at the Grand Canyon? The light was perfect as Jennifer & Sean stood together to promise each other their lives. Jennifer wore a lace gown topped with a blush jacket, and Sean was splendid in a grey suit topped by a rose boutonniere. A bridal bouquet of burgundy, blush, and cream flowers beautifully brought the wedding style together. Read on to find out about their quirky proposal, elopement road trip, fine Vegas cuisine, and why Simply Eloped made all of this a seamless experience.

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Jennifer: We met at work. We actually didn’t talk much at all when we first met. It’s funny thinking about that now, understanding how well we get along and how well our personalities click. We really were not on each other’s radar until much later.

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

Jennifer: It was quick and intense. We have two personalities that are drawn together like gravity. We don’t know that we can point to a specific date, but, thanks to Covid, we spent all day working next to each other and were giddy at the idea of spending more time together after work. Every. Day.

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Sean: Two words. Pipe Cleaner. Every woman wants a story for ‘how did he propose?’. Well, this chap spent a lot of time planning, thinking of the unique, fun, and exciting ways this could be done. Covid had other ideas, and our hero in this story was getting tired of delays and waiting. So one random Tuesday night in October, during a conversation in the kitchen, our hero popped the question. One problem. There was no ring in sight. Our quick-thinking hero fastened a blue, 12 carats pipe cleaner from a 6-year-old’s arts and craft set! The real ring was promptly purchased the following night after our hero rented out the jewelry store for a private shopping session.

What do you love about your partner?

Jennifer: How much time do you have? I love how attentive he is to the little things and details. I love how loving and affectionate he is. I love his sense of humor and how often he can make me laugh until it hurts. The feeling of being with him feeds my soul. I love that he is my best friend and a person I desire to be with – in the good times and the bad. My ride or die.

Sean: I love the warmth every fiber of my being has when I am around her. I love getting lost in her eyes because of how inviting they are. I love the nurturing and supportive side she has. I love that she drops just about anything to feed my childish desires and have a middle-of-day Nerf Gun war. I love that she takes an interest in my passions, supports who I truly am, and loves me at my most raw self.

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Jennifer: The depth of love we have for each other and our emotional connection.

Why did you decide to elope?

Jennifer: We always wanted to elope. We wanted an intimate elopement that was about us. We felt that many weddings were geared more towards the ceremony than the commitments that two people are giving to each other for the rest of their lives. Additionally, we wanted to get married outdoors in an epic setting and truly make our day something we would not forget.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Jennifer: Online!

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you?

Jennifer: Photos, reviews, and the simplicity of choosing a location. Additionally, the professional and knowledgeable staff made it a no-brainer.

What attracted you to the venue where you held your wedding?

Jennifer: It’s the Grand Canyon! How much more epic can you get? We were able to have an amazing elopement and honeymoon. We flew right into Las Vegas and drove to the Grand Canyon National Park.

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Jennifer: We flew into Las Vegas, had a dream meal at Gordon Ramsay’s steak restaurant, hiked the red rocks outside Vegas, made a beautiful road trip, stopped at the Hoover Dam, and ended by arriving at the snow-covered Grand Canyon. We were beyond excited leading up to the wedding, although nervous. We both knew we were about to say ‘I do’ to the person we loved more than anything in the world. Oh…and on Valentine’s Day.

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leady up to and on your wedding day.

Jennifer: It was incredible. We actually had to change locations because of the weather and Covid. Simply Eloped made this transition seamless and stress-free.

How did you celebrate after your elopement?

Jennifer: Heh!…. we had some fine Italian cuisine.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Jennifer: Just do it. Your bank account will thank you, your stress levels will thank you, and you will have a far more intimate moment with you and your partner. You will have less stress leading up to your big day. Additionally, you will have far more flexibility on where you can go, and it’s just plain fun!

Photography by: Danielle Holman
Flowers by: Sedona Mountain High Flowers
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Ceremony Venue:Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, Arizona

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