10 Things I Wish Every Couple Knew Before Getting Married at The Paseo in Arizona

For couples getting married at The Paseo in Arizona, there are so many reasons couples fall in love with this venue. From the breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains to the modern architecture and peaceful desert setting, it’s one of Arizona’s most iconic wedding venues. The scenery speaks for itself, but after photographing dozens of weddings here, I’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way in making the day feel effortless.

Whether you’ve already booked The Paseo or it’s at the top of your venue list, these are the tips I share with every couple to help them enjoy every moment and create a wedding gallery they’ll treasure for years to come.

1. Plan Your Ceremony Around Sunset When Getting Married at The Paseo

One of the biggest reasons couples choose The Paseo is the incredible mountain backdrop, and that backdrop is at its absolute best during golden hour.

When planning your wedding timeline, work backward from sunset. Ideally, your ceremony should end about 60 to 90 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon. This gives you enough time for family photos while still leaving space for those warm, glowing portraits that make Arizona weddings so magical.

Your photographer can help determine the perfect ceremony time based on your wedding date.

2. Why Getting Married at The Paseo Means You Can Keep Your Decor Simple

The Paseo doesn’t need excessive decor to make a statement.

The natural beauty surrounding the venue is one of its greatest features. Instead of competing with the landscape, choose decor that complements it. Neutral florals, organic greenery, soft textures, and warm desert inspired colors create an elegant look while allowing the mountains to remain the focal point.

Sometimes, less truly is more.

3. Build Extra Time Into Your Wedding Timeline

Nearly every wedding day runs a little behind schedule.

The easiest way to avoid unnecessary stress is by adding buffer time throughout the day. Give yourself room between getting ready, portraits, family photos, and the ceremony so you’re never rushing from one moment to the next.

A relaxed timeline creates space for genuine laughter, quiet moments together, and the unexpected memories that often become your favorites.

4. Consider a First Look

A first look isn’t right for every couple, but it can make your wedding day feel much more relaxed.

Seeing each other before the ceremony allows you to enjoy a private moment together before the excitement begins. It also gives you the opportunity to complete many of your portraits early, leaving more time to celebrate with your guests during cocktail hour.

If spending more time together on your wedding day is important to you, it’s definitely worth considering.

5. Arizona Weather Tips for Getting Married at The Paseo

Arizona is known for beautiful sunshine, but the desert has its surprises.

Summer afternoons can be extremely warm, while spring and fall often bring breezy conditions. Even winter evenings cool down quickly once the sun sets.

The Paseo does close during peak Summer months June-August. Sometimes depending on the weather that year, May and September can still be pretty warm. Consider investing in fans for guests to help keep them comfortable! For Winter months providing blanket favors, especially if utilizing the outdoor space for your reception and keeping the heaters or fire going is a perfect way to keep guests feeling good.

6. Wear Comfortable Shoes Between Portrait Locations

The Paseo offers several beautiful portrait locations around the property.

While your wedding shoes may be perfect for the ceremony, consider packing a pair of comfortable flats or sandals for walking between photo locations if you are hiking out to the desert. Your feet will appreciate the break, and you’ll be able to move around more comfortably without sacrificing your favorite heels in the final images.

7. Choose Vendors Who Know What It’s Like Getting Married at The Paseo

One of the best investments you can make isn’t just choosing talented vendors—it’s choosing vendors who are familiar with The Paseo.

Experienced planners, photographers, DJs, florists, and coordinators understand how the venue flows throughout the day. They know where the best light falls, how long transitions take, and how to keep your timeline running smoothly.

Trusting your team allows you to focus on what truly matters: marrying your best friend. The Paseo has a list of vendors they prefer working with, definitely check that out! They vet each vendor personally and make sure they are up to the highest standard on working your event.

8. Don’t Skip Sunset Portraits

Even if you’ve already taken portraits earlier in the day, plan to step away for another 10 to 15 minutes during sunset.

This is often when Arizona creates its most beautiful light. The warm glow across the desert landscape combined with the silhouette of the Superstition Mountains creates timeless, romantic photographs that simply can’t be recreated at any other time of day.

These images often become the ones couples frame in their homes for years to come. Sometimes during late spring and early summer weddings, this can fall during dinner time – consider eating quickly and then sneaking out for some portraits just the two of you!

9. Sneak Away for a Few Nighttime Photos

Once the reception is underway, consider slipping outside for just five minutes.

The soft lighting around the venue, the desert sky, and the peaceful atmosphere create a completely different look than your daytime portraits. These dramatic nighttime images add variety to your gallery and often become some of the most memorable photographs from the entire wedding day.

10. Slow Down and Soak It All In

Your wedding day will pass faster than you expect.

Take a moment after the ceremony to look around. Watch your guests laughing together. Hold your new spouse’s hand during sunset. Step onto the dance floor without worrying about what’s next on the timeline.

The Paseo is an unforgettable place to begin your marriage, and some of the best memories happen when you simply allow yourself to be fully present.

Where to Stay When Getting Married at The Paseo

If you’re getting married at The Paseo, one of the first questions your guests will ask is, “Where should we stay?” Fortunately, there are plenty of great accommodations within a short drive of the venue, whether your guests are looking for a luxury resort, a cozy vacation rental, or a budget-friendly hotel.

Aquila Place: Next door to The Paseo with a private walkway to the venue.

Gold Canyon Golf Resort: 8 miles from The Paseo.

The Vistas: Nearby Airbnb. Sleeps 16+

Casa Blanca: Nearby Airbnb. Sleeps 22+

Casa De Oasis: Nearby Airbnb. Sleeps 22+

The Bolero Casa: Nearby Airbnb. Sleeps 13+

Final Thoughts on Getting Married at The Paseo

The Paseo has earned its reputation as one of Arizona’s most sought after wedding venues for good reason. The breathtaking mountain views, stunning sunsets, and thoughtfully designed spaces create an unforgettable experience for both couples and guests.

With a well planned timeline, an experienced vendor team, and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, your wedding day can feel every bit as incredible as you’ve imagined.

If you’re planning a wedding at The Paseo and are looking for a photographer who knows the venue, understands its lighting, and loves capturing authentic moments, I’d love to connect and hear about your wedding plans. Feel free to reach out to me here! I also have many other blogs on The Paseo if you’d like to read more about this incredible space!

Featured Winter Wedding at The Paseo: Brittney & Trever

If you’re wondering what getting married at The Paseo looks like during the winter months, Brittney and Trever’s wedding is the perfect example of why this season is one of my favorites!

Arizona winters offer comfortable temperatures, soft golden light, and some of the clearest views of the Superstition Mountains you’ll find all year. Their wedding day embraced everything couples love about a winter wedding at The Paseo. From a beautiful outdoor ceremony with the mountains as their backdrop to a stunning sunset that created the dreamiest portraits, a cozy indoor reception and even a fun outfit change for Brittney – it was what couples dream of when planning their weddings here.

One of my favorite moments from their day, and every wedding day at Paseo if we’re being real, is watching couples soak in those first few minutes together as newlyweds while the sun dips behind the Superstition Mountains. Winter sunsets tend to create soft warm light making it one of my favorite times of year to photograph weddings at The Paseo.

If you’re considering a winter wedding, don’t let the season discourage you. In fact, many couples find that the cooler weather makes the day more comfortable for both guests and the wedding party, while still allowing you to enjoy everything that makes The Paseo such an incredible Arizona wedding venue.

Take a look through Brittney and Trever’s wedding gallery to see how magical a winter wedding at The Paseo can be. Their day is full of inspiration for couples planning a timeless desert wedding, from thoughtful details and emotional moments to breathtaking portraits with the Superstition Mountains in the background. The stunning black and white color palette for their bridal parties, Brittney’s cathedral veil, the matching cowboy hats during reception and the cutest fur ring bearers were some of my absolute favorite parts of their day.

Vendors featured in this blog:

Photography: Charlotte Francis Photo

Venue: The Paseo Venue

Hair & Makeup: Bethany’s Brides

Lighting: L&B Wedding Design

Catering: Santi’s Catering

Cake: Sugarlips Bakery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for couples getting married at The Paseo?

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons thanks to comfortable temperatures and beautiful sunsets. Winter is also a wonderful option for couples looking for mild weather and clear skies.

How long should we schedule for wedding portraits?

Plan for around 30 minutes of portraits throughout the day, including a short session during golden hour for the most flattering light. This is ideal for a standard 7 hour wedding package. If doing a first look or having longer coverage on your wedding day, you can get up to 60-90 minutes of portraits.

Is a first look recommended at The Paseo?

If you’d like a more relaxed timeline and more time with your guests after the ceremony, a first look is a great option. It also gives you additional opportunities for portraits and family photos prior to the ceremony so that you can either take advantage of the full cocktail hour for golden hour photos OR enjoy a portion of cocktail hour with your guests.

What makes The Paseo unique?

The venue is known for its unobstructed views of the Superstition Mountains, beautiful desert landscape, modern design, and unforgettable sunset backdrop.

How far in advance should we book our wedding vendors?

Many of Arizona’s most sought after wedding vendors book 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for spring and fall weddings. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred team.

Does The Paseo require specific vendors?

The Paseo requires you to use one of their preferred caterers, DJs, and their preferred bartending service for the site rentals. All other vendors brought in must be licensed and insured. You may also bring in your own alcohol with the complete mixer package.

What is the Paseo’s minimum and maximum guest count?

For the Saguaro Package the minimum guest count is 75 guests. The maximum for the Saguaro Package and Site Rental is 200 guests.