How to Elope in Sedona, Arizona

The Ultimate Planning Guide and Sedona Elopement Packages

The Ultimate Guide to eloping in Sedona, Arizona. Throughout this post, you will find information about the city and required permits, local favorites, and sample timelines and activities for a Sedona Elopement.

About Sedona

Sedona is well known for its intense red rock in the heart of the Arizona desert. The bold color and dramatic rock formations make it an incredible landscape that almost seems like it comes from another planet. The moment your drive turns to views of the glowing red rock takes your breath away– it almost doesn’t even feel real.

The unique landscape is an inspiration to many, making it a popular travel destination and bustling little city for tourists, artists, and nature-lovers. While this adds a lot of character and charm to the area, it also means that you can expect in advance that trails and activities will be busy, no matter the season. (Just something to keep in mind as you plan your Sedona Elopement.)

Getting Married in Sedona

1. Pick a Wedding Date

Decide on a date a few months out so that you have plenty of time to plan your elopement and secure any permits and lodging reservations you may need.

2. Pick a Location

Your ceremony spot and activities are a big part in planning your wedding day, but I am here to help. All of my elopement packages include location and trail suggestions for your day.

3. Apply for Permits + Reservations

Sedona includes both National and State Park land, which both require a permit for the use of land in a wedding or elopement. You’ll need to apply for this at least 4 weeks in advance, but keep in mind that they can book quickly!

4. Book OTher Vendors

Pull together your dream vendors that will help make your wedding day a reality.

5. Get Married!

Finally, let’s get you married! Your adventure awaits.

Cost of Getting Married in Sedona

The average cost range of a Sedona elopement falls between $5,000- $20,000 depending on the travel, special activities, lodging and locations that you choose. There are tons of ways to create elopement packages to make your elopement trip unique in this city.

Best Season to Elope in Sedona

While there are very few places that are good for elopements year-round in any season, Sedona is one of these gems. There are unique perks to each season, so let’s review them one at a time.

(Pro tip: in each of the seasons, weekdays are your best bet for a little more seclusion on the trails you choose.)

SPRING: March to May provides the most blooming cacti and greenery after the rainy winter. The trails may be a little more muddy, but the temperatures will be a comfortable 60-80 °F. 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 90 °F, but it is a dry heat, with little to no chance of rain. Tourist season is at its peak in June-August, but a sunrise elopement will be your best bet to beat crowds and have comfortable temperatures.

FALL: With the cooling temperatures and the off-season approaching, fall is a gorgeous time to visit Sedona. September through November have the benefits of the dry 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 Sedona, but the temperatures do drop into highs of mid 50 °F. There is little precipitation and significantly fewer crowds, making it a beautiful place to elope in the winter. Every once in while Sedona gets a light dusting of snow, which makes the red rock pop against the white backdrop. If you’re packing for a winter elopement in Sedona– remember to bring layers!

Where to Elope in Sedona

(under 1.5 miles), with a small section of climbing near the top. Because of its popularity, it is a heavily trafficked trail, especially in the late afternoon since the sun sets behind the cliff.

Devil’s Bridge: This is another quite popular trail, running almost 4 miles long but an easy hike. In busier seasons, there can be a line to approach the bridge for photos, so make sure to take this time into account if you’re planning a Devil’s Bridge elopement.

Seven Sacred Pools: A 1.2 mile easy hike that brings you to beautiful rock formations and pools within the red rock. This is another very popular hike, so you can expect to make some friends!

Broken Arrow: another popular trail that is nearly 3 miles out and back. It provides beautiful scenery of the striped red rock and lots of stunning stops along the way.

Bear Mountain Trail: This is ranked difficult by All-Trails, with a 2,024 ft elevation gain in under 5 miles. It provides similar views to Doe Mountain, but the more intense hike makes it slightly more secluded to enjoy the stunning backdrop.

Bell Rock Pathway: Bell Rock is a 4 mile, moderate loop that can be accessed through hiking, or horseback riding for a fun way to explore the area. It connects to Courthouse Butte, which is a more gentle trail for another alternative.

Munds Wagon to Merry Go Round Rock: For a longer (6.5 mile) trail or an off-roading Jeep adventure, Merry Go Round rock is such a neat location! There are beautiful wildflowers in spring, and a rock cliff that makes for the perfect photos to show off your brave side!

Sedona is truly one of those places where you can place a pin anywhere on the map and find stunning scenery, so there are so many more places than just these popular trails! All of my Sedona elopement packages include location research and suggestions, so you’ll never be lacking in options!

Remember wherever you hike to consider Leave No Trace in your adventures. Stay on the durable trails to avoid cryptobiotic soil, take out everything you bring in (including trash and waste), and respect the wildlife and hikers around you!

Applying for Your Permit

Depending on the trail location you choose, a Special Use Permit may be required for a wedding ceremony. Some areas limit the use of carried-in arches, chairs, or other elaborate decor and props. Some Sedona trails are located in Red Rock State Park, where you can find Special Use Permit information here: https://azstateparks.com/red-rock/group-planning/weddings

Other Sedona trails are part of the Coconino National Forest, and you can find more information on permit requirements here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/passes-permits/event-commercial

The best way to discover the permit requirements for your Sedona elopement location is to call the local land stewards. If you don’t know which district your location falls in, the right number can be found in a Google search of “[Location Name] ranger district.”

Applying for an 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 the state of Arizona is $83 no matter where in the state you are located, but applying for the license is based on the county.

Sedona Municipal Court does not issue marriage licenses, so the closest County Superior Court is Yavapai County Superior Court in Camp Verde. You can find more information for Yavapai County Marriage Licenses here: https://courts.yavapaiaz.gov/clerk/Marriage-Licenses

The state of Arizona 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!

Activities to do for your Sedona Elopement

Wondering what to do for your Sedona Elopement? The city offers tons of local activities that can make your day a unique adventure fit for the two of you.

Sedona is famous for their Pink Jeep Tours that explore the local landscape and can be spotted often throughout the city, or consider a private Off-Roading Tour that can take you to some local hidden gems.

Adventure elopements are perfect for Sedona, since the area is full of hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and bouldering.

Horseback riding in Sedona is another fun way to see the local landscape and stunning views the area has to offer.

Stargazing in Sedona should be at the top of your list, as Sedona is one of only twenty certified Dark Sky Communities in the world. They make an active effort to reduce light pollution, creating a clear view of the night sky year-round.

If you’d like to start off the day in a relaxed spa or hot tub, there are lots of local options.

Sedona Hot Air Balloon rides occur 7 days a week as long as the weather permits, and can provide the most beautiful view of the landscape from above.

Wine tasting or other local eats gives a whole new set of ideas for fellow foodies. Keep reading below for a bunch of local favorites.

Local Food Favorites

Mesa Grill is located right next to the tiny Sedona airport, giving you a fresh and local menu with mealtime views of red rocks, and the occasional small plane landing or taking off. (Their menu is subject to seasonal changes, but when I was there in March I had one of the best blueberry cocktails I’ve ever tasted!)

Mariposa is a fine dining experience with a Latin Grill menu and extensive wine list. 

Elote Cafe has a wonderful menu of fresh foods for their Mexican dishes. They have a long list of awards and high rankings!

Creekside Sedona is an American Bistro with a delicious brunch menu, as well as dinner menu! 

If you are fans of Italian, Hideaway House offers a delicious Italian menu with a gorgeous view of the Red Rocks from your table.

Continuing with the Italian theme, Dahl & Di Luca is an award-winning restaurant specially branded for their romantic environment. 

For a slightly more casual environment, The Hudson creates a fun-loving atmosphere with an upscale, neighborhood feel.

There are so many more local eats that you could enjoy on your wedding day, so please feel free to dive into Google or Yelp and find your own favorites!

Unique Sedona Lodging

Enchantment Resort: Overlooking the Boynton Canyon, this resort has the most adorable casitas and suites that will be perfect for your getting-ready photos. It also has a wide range of amenity experiences that are worth checking out for your stay! 

Amara Resort + Spa: Another location with beautiful red rock views and a relaxing atmosphere. Their luxury stay includes a pampering spa menu and resort amenities available to you.

L’Auberge de Sedona: A luxury style resort and spa that provides unique lodging cottages based on the type of stay you’re looking for.

Sky Rock Sedona: A boutique hotel with incredible balcony views overlooking the landscape– the perfect place to sip wine and watch the Alpenglow after your day of adventures.

Junipine Resort: Nestled into the Oak Creek Canyon, this transports you right out of the desert into a peaceful forest setting.

Traveling to Sedona

The most common flights to travel to Sedona will be through the Phoenix Airport (PHX), about 2 hours driving distance. It is a large airport with affordable flights, and the drive is very easy. A closer option is the Flagstaff Airport (FLG), which is about a 50 minute drive from the city and a very small airport.

The local public transportation is very minimal, so a rental car will be necessary for your trip. However, there is lots of cell service and GPS is easy to navigate around the city and to trailheads/hiking.

Sample Timelines for a Sedona Elopement

Finally, let’s bring it all together with a few sample timelines for Sedona hiking elopements. 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