Top 10 Locations to Elope in Arizona
Eloping in Arizona
Arizona has some of the vastest scenery in the country ranging from sun-drenched deserts, cactus views, stunning overlooks, and mountainscapes. Also enchanting red rocks, slot canyons, forests, and even winter wonderlands in the right seasons. So it’s no wonder couples travel far and wide to elope in Arizona!
Arizona is home to 24 National Parks including the infamous Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Park. Along with 31 state parks and 6 National Forests. With the many parks and forests to choose from, there are many hidden gems off the beaten path to adventure. Couples can enjoy as well as spiritual journeys in everyone’s favorite destination, Sedona. Thus, making Arizona a destination fit for every type of couple’s wedding dreams.
As an Arizona Elopement Photographer, I’ve explored everywhere finding the best locations to share with couples. It’s best for making the decision to journey to Arizona for their elopement day. If you aren’t sure how to elope, make sure you check out my 10 steps on eloping blog!
The top 10 locations to elope in Arizona
Sedona
Grand Canyon
Horseshoe Bend
Slot canyons
Flagstaff
Monument Valley
Lake Powell
Superstition Mountains
Mogollon Rim
Coal Mine Canyon
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Sedona
When couples decide to elope in Arizona, it’s no surprise that Sedona is on the top of their list. Sedona is known for its colorful, surreal red rock formations. Its unique energy surrounds the vortex sites, with the infamous pink jeep tours. In addition amazing food, views, and incredible hikes throughout the town. The list of locations to elope in Sedona are endless, but here are a few favorites. The West Fork Trail, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Red Rock State Park, Merry Go Round Rock, Seven Sacred Pools. The Red Rock Airport, Red Rock Crossing, Crescent Moon Ranch, Bear Mountain Trail. These are just a few incredible options for couples choosing Sedona as their destination!
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the main reasons couples choose to elope in Arizona. It is one of the most famous national parks in the entire United States. Containing 277 miles of the Colorado River, many-branched canyons, filled with a multitude of geologic features and rich archeological history. The Grand Canyon also has some of the most breathtaking lookouts you could ever dream of including :
Mather Point, South Rim
Redwall Bridge, North Rim
Hopi Point, South Rim Trail
Plateau Point, Bright Angel Trail
Horseshoe Bend
With its incredible views and natural beauty, Horseshoe Bend is a top destination for those who elope in Arizona. Its 270° bend in the Colorado River offers a lookout view over the river and unique Navajo sandstone walls. Horseshoe Bend is a popular tourist attraction for those exploring the Southwest. There are also tons of activities near Horseshoe bend for those who are planning a road trip through Arizona. Suggestions in seeing the Grand Staircase Escalante, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, or a Horseback ride through the canyon!
Slot Canyons
Slot Canyons are formed by millions of years of wind and water erosion. These incredible rock formations are known for their flowing smooth shaped sandstone. It makes them one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It is also with being one of the deepest gorges on the Earth. It’s no mystery why flocks of tourists seek to explore these canyons every year. It is truly one of the most magical places you can explore when planning to elope in Arizona. Some beautiful slot canyons to explore include Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, Rattlesnake Canyon, and Mountain Sheep Canyon.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is the perfect location for couples who want to elope in Arizona but don’t want the desert heat. Nestled at 7,000 feet near the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff reigns as the mountain jewel in the crown of the desert state of Arizona. Flagstaff is popular among the outdoor adventure community who come to see the vast aspen forests, cool crisp weather, hiking, and historical sites, you can even stargaze at the Lowell observatory! Flagstaff is also perfect for couples who love the a-frame elopement vibe, here is my favorite a-frame AirBnB for you to stay if you are considering eloping in flagstaff!
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is not a valley at all, but rather a wide, flat landscape interrupted by colorful red buttes and spires rising hundreds of feet into the air. Couples eloping in Arizona choose Monument Valley to experience one of the most majestic and most photographed places on earth. This great valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that roam the desert floor. The angle of the sun accents these graceful formations, providing scenery that is absolutely breathtaking.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is part of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The beautiful rocks and cliffs are majestic against the turquoise blue water. The long and winding Lake Powell is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities including houseboating, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, water skiing, and jet skiing. Lake Powell is top on our list of where to elope in Arizona!
Superstition Mountains
This mountain range, less than an hour east of Phoenix, is famous for more than its beauty. Its very name derives from the mystery surrounding it. The Superstition Wilderness offers a stunning desert environment to explore. Sun-drenched mountains, golden light with massive saguaro’s, and cotton candy skies are some of our favorite things about the Superstition Mountains and one of the reasons many couples decide to elope in Arizona! At the base of the Superstition Mountains, is Lost Dutchman State Park – one of Arizona’s most popular state parks! Lost Dutchman is a perfect spot to experience the beauty of this desert region and a great spot to elope in Arizona! They even allow hourly rentals as well as unique setups for couples wanting to say “I do” in the desert!
Mogollan Rim
Stretching 200 miles from Yavapai County to New Mexico, the Mogollon Rim provides breathtaking views overlooking an expansive forest of pine trees. The Mogollon Rim offers some of the most far-reaching scenery in Arizona, you’ll find breathtaking overlook spots for sunset photos, and can even enjoy a picnic, hiking, biking, rock climbing, boating, fishing, and horseback riding, and stargazing there!
Coal Mine Canyon
Coal Mine Canyon is an incredible hidden gem in Arizona we’ve been wanting to tell you about for a long time. And it will blow your mind. It is one of the most remote canyons in Arizona and its main characteristic is the rainbow of colors painted on the badlands, the pinnacles, the hoodoos, the ravines, and the unique balanced rocks that emerge from the base of the gorges. This canyon gets around 200 visitors each year making it the perfect place to elope in Arizona if you are longing for privacy and breathtaking views.
This list is only a glimpse into some of the absolute gems Arizona holds, and it was so hard to narrow it down to just 10! But any place in Arizona will give you a magical experience. Hopefully, this list helps you begin the search for your dream elopement location. Let’s start planning your elopement day!
