Best Places to Elope in Arizona

Arizona Elopement Packages + Guide

Arizona is one of the most beautiful states: with scenic gems from the infamous Grand Canyon, to red rock canyons, miles of Saguaro forests and sparkling lakes. The state gives you so many options for an epic adventure elopement, and it makes for the perfect backdrop for my fellow desert lovers.  Throughout this post, you will find Arizona’s best elopement locations, information on how to elope in here, as well as customizable Arizona elopement packages.

Arizona Elopement Locations

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT: Saguaro National Park (pronounced: /sah-wah-ro/) is named for its forests of infamous saguaro cacti (you know, what we picture when we hear the name “cactus”: tall with arms jutting out from the sides that give each one a different personality). The city of Tucson has expanded around the National Park, leaving miles of untouched desert to explore just outside of all of the access to a sprawling city. It’s the perfect elopement location if you want the classic desert elopement, and I have a whole Guide specifically for Saguaro National Park Elopements that you can find here.

GLEN CANYON ELOPEMENT: In the northernmost part of the state, Glen Canyon crosses from Utah into Arizona. This area has some of the most stunning views, including a few gorgeous potential elopement locations. (And since they’re all close to one another near Page, AZ, you could also do a multi-location elopement and visit more than one on your elopement day!)

GRAND CANYON ELOPEMENT: Of all of the iconic places that I’ve already mentioned, the Grand Canyon is the most well-known in Arizona. You can elope with overlooks into the canyon, or join the less than 5% of visitors that actually venture into the hiking trails into the canyon.

FLAGSTAFF ELOPEMENT: The greener alternative to all of these desert locations is a Flagstaff elopement. A few hours north of Phoenix, you’ll find Flagstaff, Arizona is full of mountain peaks, pine forests, and lush meadows.

SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS ELOPEMENT: The Superstition Mountains are the range that provide the beautiful eastern backdrop to the Phoenix/Mesa area. There are many parks here that provide a beautiful backdrop for your desert elopement. It’s a great area for adventures into the mountains– whether that’s hiking, ATVs, or just exploring the desert landscape.

SEDONA, ARIZONA ELOPEMENT: Sedona is easily one of my favorite cities I’ve ever been to. It is well-known for its vibrant red rock, which seems to glow as you begin to enter the city, and only gets brighter and more dramatic as you reach its heart. Every direction you look has a different view of unique rock formations, which makes it heaven for adventurers. I made an entire Guide for Sedona Elopements that goes into details about activities in the area, local food and lodging, as well as Sedona Elopement Packages.

Best Seasons to Elope in Arizona

While there are very few places that are good for elopements year-round in any season, Arizona is truly one of them. Each season has different pros and cons, so let’s review them all.

(Pro tip: no matter the season, weekdays are your best bet for a little more seclusion at an adventure elopement.)

SPRING– March to May provides the most blooming cacti and greenery after the rainy winter. The temperatures are in a comfortable range of 60-80 °F, but overall trails might be a little muddier with melting snow in the north half of the state and more precipitation in the south. The latter months can be busy in tourism, so if you are looking for more privacy, keep this in mind.

SUMMER– You are in the desert, which means summer will be both hot and busy. The daily temperatures often reach over 100 °F. This is monsoon season, so don’t be surprised by storms on the radar. A sunrise elopement will be your best bet to beat crowds and have more comfortable temperatures.

AUTUMN– With the cooling temperatures and the off-season approaching, fall is a gorgeous time to visit Arizona. September through November have the benefits of the summer without the scorching temperatures. It gives the best conditions for hiking or biking, and thins out the busy crowds.

WINTER– December to February make for mild winters in Arizona, but the temperatures do drop. There is little precipitation and significantly fewer crowds, making it a beautiful place to elope in the winter. The northern locations in the state might get a light dusting of snow, which makes red rock areas pop against the white backdrop. If you’re packing for a winter elopement in Arizona, bring layers!

Getting Married in Arizona

Applying for Your Permits

Depending on the trail location you choose, a Special Use Permit may be required for a wedding ceremony. The best way to discover the permit requirements for your Arizona elopement location is to call the local land stewards. If you don’t know the details or district that your location falls in, it can be found in a Google search of “[Location Name] ranger district” or “[Location Name] Special Use Permit.”

Applying for Your Arizona Marriage License

No matter where you are from, you need to obtain a marriage license in the state where you elope. The cost for a marriage license in Arizona is $83 no matter where in the state you’re eloping, but applying for your license will be through the nearest county court to your location.

The state requires signatures from an officiant, two witnesses, and you as the couple (over 18). Keep in mind, if you want a “just us” elopement, other hikers on the trail can even be your witnesses!

Sample Timelines for Arizona Elopements

Finally, let’s bring it all together with a few sample timelines for an adventure elopement package in Arizona. (Keep in mind, your day will look unique to the activities, plans, and places that you want to include. These are just a few ideas to get your plans rolling.)

For more information and ideas about planning your elopement timeline, check out the post How to Plan an Elopement Timeline.