Top 5 Best Places Elope in Arizona
Best Places to Elope in Arizona in 2026
Arizona is one of the most stunning places in the U.S. to plan an adventurous and unforgettable elopement. With its iconic red rock landscapes, dramatic canyons, sandstone cliffs, and one-of-a-kind sunsets, it’s easy to see why couples from all over the world choose Arizona for their elopement.
In this blog, I’ll go over my top places to elope in Arizona as well as provide you with some other resources to consider when planning your Arizona elopement!
Table of Contents:
Best Places to Elope in Arizona with Scenic Views
Getting a Marriage License for Your Elopement in Arizona
What to Pack for Your Arizona Elopement
How to Elope in Arizona
Eloping in Arizona is surprisingly simple, but there are a few things to consider before booking your flights. Here’s a quick roadmap on what to do to plan a successful elopement:
1. Choose Your Location - Arizona is filled with public lands, national parks, state parks, and tribal lands to elope in. Depending on where you want to elope, you may need a special use permit (especially for places like Grand Canyon National Park, and Horseshoe Bend). Your elopement photographer (like myself) will help you with applying for any special use permits that are needed.
2. Get a Marriage License - Arizona marriage licenses are easy to obtain (details below). You don’t have to be an AZ resident, and once you get it, there’s no waiting period.
3. Plan Which Month and Day to Elope - Arizona is beautiful year round, but trust me in that you do not want to be out in the desert in the summer (at least not during the daytime anyways). See below for my recommendations on when is the best time to elope in Arizona!
4. Hire your Elopement Photographer - As someone who eloped as well, having someone who is knowledgeable in the locations you want to elope and who will help you with your timeline and planning is a very important piece of the puzzle to make sure your wedding goes exactly as planned!
Best Places to Elope in Arizona with Scenic Views
Arizona is a paradise for couples who crave dramatic landscapes and crave adventure. Here are my top 5 best elopement locations across the state.
1. Sedona - Sedona is the elopement capital of Arizona, and for good reason. Towering red rock formations, glowing sunsets, and magical desert energy make this a dream location. It’s also close to Flagstaff Arizona and a less than 3 hour drive from Phoenix.
Best spots include:
Cathedral Rock
Bell Rock
Sedona really is perfect for couples who love rugged red rock landscapes with easy access to town, resorts, and epic trails. Into mountain biking or hiking? This is the place for you.
2. Horseshoe Bend - One of the most recognizable natural formations in the Southwest, Horseshoe Bend offers jaw-dropping canyon views. This hike is short and accessible at just shy of 1.5 miles round trip. Because of this though, it is a highly popular location so I recommend eloping during the weekday here and maybe slightly outside of the popular season.
3. Grand Canyon National Park - Few places on Earth compare to the scale and drama of the Grand Canyon. You can elope on the South Rim or North Rim, depending on accessibility and season.
Popular overlooks include:
Lipan Point
Moran Point
Shoshone Point (requires reservation but offers privacy)
4. Superstition Mountains -Located just east of Phoenix, the Superstitions offer dramatic desert peaks, saguaro cacti, and those 10/10 Arizona sunsets. This elopement spot is ideal for couples who want a desert elopement but want to be close to town.
5. Page, Arizona + Lake Powell - My personal favorite! You’ll find smooth, wave-like canyon walls, incredible water against sandstone cliffs, and white sand beaches to go sandboarding. Page is truly filled with many stunning elopement locations and has many hidden gems.
Top choices:
Antelope Canyon (permit + guided access required)
Lake Powell overlook
Lone Rock Beach
Getting a Marriage License for Your Elopement in Arizona
Thankfully, Arizona makes the marriage license process pretty easy!
Here’s what you need to know to get a marriage license for your Arizona elopement:
Cost: Usually around $98, depending on the county.
No residency required. Anyone can apply.
No waiting period. You can marry the same day you receive it.
Valid for 12 months.
What you need:
Both partners must be present in many counties
Valid government-issued ID
Social security numbers
After the ceremony:
Your officiant (could be me as I am ordained!) signs the license and returns it to the county for filing.
To learn more about Marriage Licenses in Arizona, you can check out the Maricopa County License website by clicking the link here.
What to Pack for Your Arizona Elopement
Arizona’s desert climate can be unpredictable, especially between sunrise and sunset. Packing smart ensures you’re comfortable, safe, and ready for adventure.
Arizona Elopement Packing Essentials
Water + hydration packs (a must in the desert)
Sturdy footwear
Layers — desert temps swing dramatically
Sunscreen + lip balm
Hat + sunglasses
Snacks or picnic food
Headlamp or flashlight
Backup battery + phone charger
Small first aid kit
Any hair and make up stuff for last minute touches
Your elopement outfits protected in garment bags
Best Time of Year to Elope in Arizona
Arizona is gorgeous year-round, but some seasons offer better weather, less crowds, and more accessibility.
Spring (March–May) – Best Overall. Offers mild temps, wildflowers, and comfortable hiking conditions make spring a favorite.
Fall (September–November) – Second Best. Fantastic temperatures and soft golden light. Sedona and Page are both especially stunning during this time of year!
Winter (December–February) – Great for Lower Desert. Perfect for Phoenix, Superstitions, and lower elevation deserts. You may have some snow in Sedona, but if snow in the desert is your vibe (it’s pretty awesome), then go for it!
Summer (June–August) – Best for Sunrise Only. Desert heat can be extreme, but sunrise elopements are magical. Northern regions like Flagstaff and the North Rim stay cooler and would be more doable. But if you can wait for other seasons, then I highly recommend it. Or better yet, come elope in Washington when the weather is at its best!
Arizona Elopement Packages
Included in Every Elopement Photography Package:
— 6-14 hours of photography coverage anywhere in AZ
— In-depth location scouting, obtaining availability & quotes for all your vendors, day-of activities
— Planning portal, personalized day-of timeline, planning & logistics, special permits acquisition
— Beautiful high resolution photos in your personalized online digital gallery for you to share and cherish
— All travel & lodging fees included in Washington, Oregon, & PNW
Photography packages start at $5200
Meet Your Arizona Elopement Photographer!
Hey! My name is Doug, your Arizona elopement photographer! If you’re ready to get married anywhere in Arizona let’s chat and make it happen! Let me help you plan (and capture!) your elopement from start to finish so you have one less thing to worry about.
Feel free to send me an email at info@seatosummitphotos.com or fill out the contact form below, I can’t wait to hear from you!
