Cathedral Rock & Devils Bridge LGBTQ+ SEDONA ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE
SEDONA ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE
Looking to arrange a small wedding in Sedona? I created this guide on how to elope in Sedona for everyone's use. One of the best spots to elope in the US is in this wild and vast area of Arizona. Sedona has been a popular destination for adventurous elopements because of the incredible red rock formations that can be seen for miles in every direction.
About Sedona, AZ
Near Flagstaff, in the Arizona desert, is Sedona's town, encircled by red-rock formations, massive canyons, and trees. It is a popular tourist destination and playground of outdoor enthusiasts and has a thriving art scene. There is a ton of area to explore, offering countless opportunities for adventures and pictures!
PERMITS FOR SEDONA
The location and specifics will determine if a permit is required to elope in Sedona. Most of the time, special use permits are not needed for the trails in Sedona, although they could be needed for State Parks, along with an additional charge. Special usage permission and/or a photographer's permit are almost always necessary for visiting national parks. There are guidelines that you must abide by in Sedona:
No setups of any type, including ceremony arches, tables, chairs, etc., are permitted on National Forest Service property. Land
It is forbidden to introduce non-native species. This implies that using rice, rose petals, or birdseed is prohibited.
Due to resource damage, some parts of the area cannot accept groups.
For trails in Sedona, you may need a Red Rock Pass to park at trailheads for $5 per day/per car or $15 weekly. You can purchase this in advance online here or at self-service machines at the trail. However, not all areas require the pass but charge a separate admission fee. You can find more information about Sedona Tourism here!
To confirm that no permit is necessary for the place where you plan to elope, it is recommended to get in touch with the Forest Service or a Sedona elopement photographer. We can talk about this during the elopement planning phase!
WEATHER
Although you can elope at any time of the year, some months could be more challenging due to tourism and the weather! In general, the finest seasons for weather are Fall and Spring. During school breaks, tourist destinations like Sedona may become overrun with visitors, and the heat can be problematic. The busiest months for crowds are March/April and October/November.
A lovely sunrise or sunset ceremony is unquestionably advised if you wish to elope in the summer in Arizona. It's best to avoid weekends because of the unpredictable traffic. Sedona has one road that runs from end to end with numerous roundabouts, so on a busy day, traffic may back up rapidly.
The greatest times for more private elopements are during the week and the off-season when fewer tour buses carry students on holiday. I can always help you schedule the ideal time for an Arizona elopement if you don't have a specific date.
Sedona frequently has days with highs of 100 degrees from June through September; not fun! The phrase "summer in the sun" has a new meaning in Arizona, so be ready! Snowfall is possible anytime between November and March during the milder months. While a fine white dusting of snow may seem stunning in the desert, a few extra safety measures should be taken beforehand.
HOW TO GET MARRIED IN SEDONA, ARIZONA
Marriage License
Planning a successful elopement requires taking care of all legal requirements. Some couples file their paperwork at home in advance, while others choose to wed in the county where they elope. Here are some details and resources to get you started if you wish to lawfully wed in Sedona:
Sedona Municipal Court does not grant marriage licenses. Thus, to obtain a marriage license, you must get in touch with one of the county's superior courts. Yavapai County Superior Court in Camp Verde, situated on Highway 260, is the courthouse closest to Sedona. Marriage Licenses (yavapaiaz.gov)
There is no residency requirement. You can obtain a marriage license in Arizona even if you do not live in the state.
The fee for a marriage license is $83.00
Both parties must be over 18 years old and present at the time of application.
Two witnesses over the age of 18 are required
Other Locations to Obtain Arizona Marriage License
If you fly into Phoenix, you could also schedule an appointment at any of these locations before heading up to Sedona: Marriage Licenses | Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court
WHERE TO STAY IN SEDONA
If you’re coming in from out of town, or want to make your elopement experience more unique, here are some unique places to stay in Sedona!
NEARBY AIRPORTS
Chances are, you might be flying into Arizona from out of state, so here are a few nearby airports and the general travel time it takes to get to Sedona.
Sedona Airport: Sedona does have a local airport located two miles southwest of the central business district of Sedona. It is roughly a ten-minute drive from the heart of Sedona. However, it is more expensive to fly in and out of.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Likely the most cost-effective option, located about a two-hour drive from Sedona.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR SEDONA ELOPEMENT
Here's a guideline to follow if you need tips on what to bring to your Sedona elopement!
General packing list:
Permit (if needed)
Water bottles/hydration pack
Hiking boots
Sunblock/glasses
Change of shoes/socks
Blanket (to sit on or change behind)
Portable phone charger
Rings
Vow books
Winter add-ons:
Layers (jacket, sweater)
Gloves
Beanie
Hand warmers
Thermos with a warm beverage
FUN THINGS TO DO AT YOUR ELOPEMENT
Planning an adventurous elopement allows you the freedom to spend the entire day together (or however long you like!) Stay for a week, plan enjoyable activities, and venture out to discover all of Arizona's natural beauty! Here are some suggestions for adventurous elopement experiences in Sedona.
Helicopter ride (Home – Sedona Air Tours)
Cater food to your Airbnb Home | MAGI Private Chef Services and Services 3 — Taylor Mae Dean
Reserve dinner at one of Sedona’s best restaurants.
LEAVE NO TRACE
During your elopement adventure in Sedona, it’s important to follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Stick to Trails
Dispose of Waste Properly
Check Campfire Restrictions
Leave What You Find
Respect Wildlife
Share the Outdoors
FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU LOVE THAT’S AN EXPERT FOR ELOPING IN SEDONA
Make the first step in planning your elopement by hiring a talented Sedona photographer! Hiring someone familiar with all the details of eloping in Arizona will be extremely beneficial. I have spent numerous hours researching and scouting locations for my clients, so I can assist as you arrange your elopement!
