Arizona’s desert landscape is unmatched – with the Saguaro cacti, vibrant sunsets, and rugged mountain ranges, it’s the best setting for couples who love desert views! If you’re dreaming of tying the knot amongst these backdrops, this guide will tell you about some of the best desert wedding venues in the state. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement out in nature, or a big celebration in a private venue, this list has something for every couple who loves the wild, rugged beauty of the desert!

Choosing Your Perfect Desert Wedding Venue

Before we get into it, here are a few tips for how to choose the desert wedding venue that’s perfect for you!

Seasons for Desert Weddings

Being in the desert usually means it’s much warmer than other parts of the country. Summers in the Arizona desert can be a little brutal, so if you want an outdoor wedding, fall, winter, and spring offer much more comfortable temperatures. 

Guest Count

Deciding on a guest count – or at least a ballpark figure – can be a good idea before you start looking at venues. This way, you know how big of a venue you’ll need and what you’re looking for, and you’ll avoid falling in love with a venue only to find out that it’s too small! There are venues for every wedding, but knowing what you’re looking for will help narrow it down. 

The Best Desert Wedding Venues

There are plenty to choose from – but here are a few to help you narrow it down! 

The Willow

The Willow is incredible for couples who want a modern space that still feels connected to the natural beauty of the desert. The ceremony area has a view of the Superstition Mountains and is framed by two towering saguaros, while the indoor spaces are sleek and modern! The space is customizable and easy to make your own, so it works for every style. It’s luxurious and modern, but it’s got plenty of personality too. 

Location: Surprise, AZ

Capacity: up to 150 guests

Cost: Starts at $17,000 (throughout this guide, keep in mind that costs and ranges are estimates! Venues vary in what pricing information they have available before inquiring, costs can change, and it also depends on your date, number of guests, and more – so it’s always best to inquire for the most accurate estimate.)

The Paseo

For a desert venue with jaw-dropping views of the Superstition Mountains, The Paseo is hard to beat. The outdoor ceremony space is surrounded by saguaros and open desert, giving you that wide, epic view. The reception space is a modern barn building with tons of windows, blending some rustic style indoors with the wooden beams, string lights, and of course, views of the sunset outside! 

Location: Apache Junction, AZ

Capacity: up to 200 guests

Cost: Starts at $10,500

Desert View Weddings

This one is a newer venue in a private, desert setting. Desert View Weddings has an outdoor ceremony location with the Superstitions in the backdrop, as well as climate controlled indoor spaces! The ceremony Chapel and the reception space both have a glass wall, so you can enjoy the view all night. With open space, gorgeous sunsets, and design that blends modern and rustic elements, it’s the perfect canvas for any wedding.

Location: Apache Junction, AZ

Capacity: up to 225 guests

Cost: Starts at $10,000

Lost Dutchman State Park

If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, Lost Dutchman State Park is a dreamy desert destination perfect for elopements or smaller weddings. You can actually host up to 150 people in the group camping area, so it does work for bigger celebrations too! It’s not a traditional “venue,” but there are little outdoor shelters called ramadas at the sites – so you’ll have a roof and a few picnic tables.

Location: Apache Junction, AZ

Capacity: up to 150 guests, but the biggest site only has parking for 29 vehicles

Cost: $680 – $3,000 (depending on the site you choose)

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is one of the best desert wedding venues if you want a gorgeous place to tie the knot, without leaving the city! It’s located in Phoenix, in Papago Park, so it’s easy to get to, but the garden is filled with desert plants and cacti, with ceremony spaces designed to showcase the beauty of the desert. There are a few different venue options that you can choose from depending on your guest count and what kind of backdrop you want.

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Capacity: up to 250 guests

Cost: $1,000 – $4,200

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

The Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is truly something special – it’s set along the Salt River and framed by cliffs, so you get water, mountains, and desert views! There are cabins for you and your guests, and tons of adventures nearby, from paddle boarding on the river to hiking trails to a relaxing spa. It’s a quiet escape with tons to do, so it’s one of the best desert wedding venues for a full wedding weekend. 

Location: Mesa, AZ

Capacity: up to 200 guests

Cost: Starts at $20,000 for a full wedding weekend, but there are also options for weekday weddings and small elopements

The Joshua Tree House

This isn’t your typical wedding space – and it’s also in Tucson, not Joshua Tree! The Joshua Tree House is an inn designed for intimate gatherings and creative retreats. It’s thoughtfully designed to be warm and personal, with unique elements like the rock canyon pool, hot spring style hot tub, bath house, and more! The setting is gorgeous, with the desert landscape surrounding the house. This desert wedding venue is ideal for elopements or very small microweddings.

Location: Tucson, AZ

Capacity: up to 18, but there is only room for 14 overnight guests

Cost: Inquire for pricing

Boulders Resort and Spa

If you want the desert landscape and a luxury experience, Boulders Resort and Spa offers both. This upscale venue is is built around huge boulders that come up from the desert, creating a really dramatic, truly unique backdrop! You’ll get incredible views, a luxurious experience, and a peaceful atmosphere that still feels connected to nature.

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Capacity: up to 300 guests

Cost: Starts at $15,000 

Troon North Golf Club

Troon North is known for its golf course, but it also has some of the best ceremony views in the Sonoran Desert. You get panoramic mountain views, blooming desert flowers, and of course, the iconic Saguaro cacti. The grounds of the venue are beautifully maintained, but the sweeping views and vast desert landscape makes it still feel wild! 

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Capacity: up to 200 guests

Cost: $20,000 – $30,000

Planning a Desert Wedding?

As a wedding photographer based in Phoenix, desert weddings are my jam! The golden sunsets, the cacti, the peaceful stillness… there’s truly nothing like it. If you’re ready to plan a wedding in this gorgeous setting, contact me to get started!