Updated for 2025
Planning Guide for Eloping in Sedona
If you know you want to elope in Sedona, Arizona but you’re not sure where to begin, I’ve been a Sedona elopement photographer since 2021 and can give you the best tips and advice on how to plan an elopement in Sedona.
Located between Phoenix and Flagstaff, Sedona is famous for it’s iconic red rock mountains, epic landscape views, hiking, delicious local restaurants, hot air balloons, and jeep tours.
Sedona offers so many different experiences for tourists, adventurous elopements, and even traditional weddings at a local Sedona wedding venue. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out a unique place to stay, where to share your vows, and what time of year to visit. This is my complete Sedona Elopement Guide for couples considering this amazing location for their wedding or adventurous elopement.
When Is the Best Time to Get Married in Sedona
Because Sedona is mostly desert, the best times to visit Sedona are in the early Spring and Winter. These times of year have less tourist crowds and moderate weather. My favorite months are February, April, September, and November because the tourist crowds are usually lower and the weather is cooler. The summer months of May – August can get extremely hot and have possible flash floods from the monsoon storms.
WINTER ELOPEMENT (December – February)
If you don’t mind the cooler weather, the rain, and snow, then this is the perfect time to elope in Sedona. The tourism crowds are smaller and lodging is also cheaper around this time of year. Temperatures can range from 20 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
SPRING ELOPEMENT (March – April)
Spring weather starts to warm up with highs in the 70s-80s. It is the windy season but with the flowers and cactus blooms, it’s worth it.
It is best to plan your elopement during the week due to the spring break crowds, but I can recommend more private places to elope in Sedona.
SUMMER ELOPEMENT (May – September)
Arizona summer brings in monsoons, dust storms, and triple digit heat. Planning a Sedona elopement during this time is not the safest idea, unless you’re planning a sunrise elopement.
FALL ELOPEMENT (October – November)
Fall is my favorite time of year for planning to elope in Sedona. September and October are the busiest time of year to book your Sedona elopement package so I highly recommend eloping during a weekday and near sunrise to avoid the larger crowds.
Where to get married in Sedona
When planning to get married in Sedona there are a lot of things to consider: how popular is your elopement location? How difficult is the hike to get to your ceremony spot? Will your elopement location be effected by unpredictable weather? Thankfully, having a Sedona elopement photographer to not only photograph your day but also help you plan your adventurous Sedona wedding is a big help. We’ll work together to find the perfect place to elope in Sedona that matches your wedding vision full of epic views and privacy.
Here are my favorite places to get married in Sedona:
1. Cathedral Rock
If you’re open to going on a crazy hike for your wedding and don’t mind tourist crowds, this popular hike in Sedona is perfect for your newlywed portraits before or after your ceremony. I have other places I can recommend with more privacy for your wedding ceremony in Sedona.
Need to Know: This is a one mile hike, up to 800ft elevation gain. Can take 45 minutes to an hour from the trailhead to get to the top.
Ceremony Set Ups: Not allowed
Parking: Parking can be tricky because of how small the parking lots are and how popular this hike is. During the holidays, busy tourist season, or Thursday – Sunday, you will need to take the Sedona Shuttle instead of parking at the Cathedral Rock trailhead parking lot.
Best Time of Day: Cathedral Rock is best for photos during sunrise or sunset. Sunrise tends to be more private with less people around. Sunset is when it’s most popular due to the epic views of the sun setting in the distance.
2. Bell Rock
This is a more easily accessible place to elope in Sedona if you or your guests can’t go on a crazy hike for beautiful views. It has multiple locations to explore for your wedding ceremony and newlywed portraits.
Need to Know: You can hike anywhere around the Bell Rock area and as high as you feel comfortable climbing to the top of Bell Rock. I know a few spots that are more private around the area too if you want to avoid tourist crowds.
Ceremony Set Ups: Not allowed
Parking: Parking fills up quickly so be prepared to wait for a parking spot or hire a drop-off shuttle service. You will need to pay for a parking pass before starting your Bell Rock hike. You can use the parking pass for other trailhead parking lots if you plan on hiking throughout the day.
Best Time of Day: Of course sunrise and sunset are the best times for taking elopement portraits, but Bell Rock is beautiful any time of day.
3. Merry Go Round Rock
This once private Sedona elopement spot has become the most popular place to get married in Sedona. Because of it’s epic views and adventurous 1 hour off-roading drive to get to, everyone dreams of taking photos at Merry Go Round Rock.
Need to Know: You need a high clearance, 4×4 off-roading vehicle to reach Merry Go Round Rock. This location is better for smaller groups or couples eloping without guests. Because of it’s popularity, you should expect to have 2 – 6 other couples taking photos at this iconic spot.
Ceremony Set Ups: Not allowed
Parking: You will need to pull over on the side of the dirt road and hike down.
Best Time of Day: Sunset only
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Sedona
If you’re planning a Sedona elopement, most locations do not need a permit. If you’re getting married in the Red Rock State Park or Crescent Moon Ranch you will need a permit and is limited to a group size of 30-70 people.
Most public trails in Sedona require a Red Rock Site Pass to park at trailheads. It is a small fee of $5 per day/per car or $15 weekly.
Other Sedona Elopement Rules:
Sedona Wedding Venues
If you’re planning an elopement in Sedona with more than 20 guests or planning a traditional wedding, it is best to get married at a Sedona wedding venue. The great thing about Sedona is the variety of wedding venues to choose from. You can have a venue with epic mountain views, access to Oak Creek, or be in the middle of the forest surrounded by your close friends and family.
Here’s more information and suggestions for Sedona Wedding Venues:
Where to Stay For Your Sedona Elopement
Sedona has a ton of accommodation options for your elopement from unique Airbnb’s, comfortable hotels, to large houses to host you and your guests. They even have super cool options like Tiny Homes or glamping in Oak Creek!
Here’s more information and suggestions for places to stay in Sedona:
Places to Eat in Sedona – The Best Local Restaurants
There are so many yummy local places to eat in Sedona. The area offers everything from quick grab-and-go cafes to fine dining date night experiences. Some locations may require a reservation, so it’s always best to call ahead to confirm.
Sedona also likes to close early (especially on the weekdays) so be sure to confirm hours. Many restaurants in Sedona do not offer seating for groups larger than eight so if you want to have a nice dinner following your elopement, consider hiring a private chef!
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
GROUP-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS (reservation required)
Things to Do During Your Sedona Elopement
My favorite part about eloping in Sedona is there is literally so much you can do to celebrate your wedding day. I know it can be overwhelming figuring out what to do during your elopement. If you’re still unsure, think about these important questions: what are your favorite things to do together as a couple? Is there anything on your bucket list you’ve always wanted to cross off? Is there something that you’ve never done before and now you’re open to trying?
Here are a few ideas Sedona has to offer:
Check out this post with even more adventurous elopement activity ideas to make your wedding day more unique and exciting.
What to Pack for Your Sedona Elopement
This is a general list of what to bring for your Sedona wedding. Of course, keep in mind the weather during your Sedona elopement and if it’s raining or snowing.
General Packing List:
- Permit (if needed)
- Rings + ring box
- Vow book
- Unity ceremony items (optional)
- Water & healthy snacks (required)
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Hiking boots
- Change of shoes/socks for portraits
- Blanket for sitting/changing behind
- Portable phone charger
Winter Add-ons:
- Sweater or jacket to wear during portraits and a casual one for warmth
- Hand warmers
- Gloves
- Beanie or ear muffs
- Thermos with a warm beverage like hot cocoa or coffee
How to Get Your Arizona Marriage License
If you are planning an Arizona elopement, you have to take into consideration how laws may differ from your own home state.
The following are Arizona’s marriage license requirements:
The Sedona Municipal Court does not issue marriage licenses so you can choose from the following courthouses:
Elopement Planning Tips From Your Sedona Elopement Photographer
You are not alone in planning your Sedona elopement. If you were to ask me my top 5 tips on eloping in Sedona, here is what I would tell you:
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Sedona – Sedona Elopement Packages
Ready to start planning your Sedona elopement and looking for a Sedona elopement photographer? I would love to offer my photography and planning services to help you plan your Sedona elopement.
All Sedona Elopement Packages Include:
Here’s more information about my elopement packages.
To learn more about my elopement photography services, contact me to schedule a free consultation call to chat about your day.
Looking for More More Sedona Elopement Inspiration?
Check Out These Other Resources to Start Planning
Hey, I’m Kelcee!
I would love to be your SEDONA ELOPEMENT Photographer
I’ve been documenting Sedona elopements since 2021, and it’s my passion to help adventurous couples like you create the perfect wedding day.
Your elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you deserve the support to make it uniquely yours. Together, we’ll create quality memories that beautifully tell your love story, lasting a lifetime.