Phoenix features both stunning desert landscapes and vibrant city views, with more gorgeous scenery just outside of the city! It’s the perfect place to elope for couples who are dreaming of tying the knot with a rugged mountain backdrop, amongst the towering Saguaro cactuses, or in a chic urban setting. Whatever your dream day looks like, this guide has you covered! We’ll dive into the details of how to elope in Phoenix, and give you some tips for planning your elopement.

Choosing the Best Places to Elope in Phoenix

As they say in real estate, location, location, location! Where you get married sets the scene for your elopement day, and it’ll forever be the place where you married your best friend. Luckily, Phoenix has plenty of incredible places to choose from. Here are some of the best places to elope in Phoenix!

Superstition Mountains

For adventurous, nature loving couples, the Superstition Mountains are an absolute dream! Driving east from downtown Phoenix, you’ll find yourself in the mountains in under an hour. You can say “I do” against a backdrop of rugged, rocky peaks, sweeping desert vistas, and cactus gardens. If hiking’s your thing, you’ll love the trails here, and there are plenty of other activities, like horseback riding and stargazing that make the Superstition Mountains one of the best places to elope in Phoenix.

Lost Dutchman State Park is a great elopement location in the Superstition Mountains, named for the fabled lost gold mine.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a desert oasis just outside of Phoenix, where you can find both natural beauty and luxurious resorts and spas. You can get married at an upscale resort, surrounded by manicured lawns and gardens, or head somewhere out on the trails, where you can tie the knot in front of the granite mountains. Scottsdale is a versatile place to elope in Phoenix, so you can choose what kind of elopement day you’re dreaming of – a simple, intimate ceremony on a hiking trail, or a relaxing day at a resort and spa.

For couples who want a bigger wedding, Scottsdale also has some amazing wedding venues, but many of the resorts also have options for small elopements!

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden, located right in the city, is one of the best places to elope in Phoenix. The garden features thousands and thousands of desert plants, with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and lots of different trails and plant collections that offer plenty of options for your ceremony. Elopements with up to 10 guests can take place right next to the trails, while bigger ceremonies will need to rent one of the dedicated event spaces.

Phoenix Courthouse

A courthouse elopement might be perfect for couples who want a laid back, straightforward way to tie the knot. The Phoenix Courthouse offers an easy ceremony option, and you can go take photos elsewhere afterwards. There’s the Old Courthouse just down the street, which features gorgeous architecture outside that’s perfect for photos. Or, head to Papago Park for photos with the iconic rock formations – or just wander around the city and take photos in the urban landscape!

The Best Time to Elope in Phoenix

Weather is definitely a factor when choosing a date for your elopement, as Phoenix is extremely hot in the summer. I don’t recommend  June through August for weddings, as temperatures often get into the triple digits, but the good news is that any other time of the year is great for elopements! Spring and fall are the most popular times for couples to tie the knot, but winter weather is warm and sunny too.

Things to Know Before You Elope in Phoenix

Eloping in Phoenix isn’t as simple as putting on a nice outfit and heading out! There’s still some planning involved, so here are some things to know about your elopement.

Elopement Permits

Most places require a permit for wedding ceremonies, even for small elopements! These typically range from $100 – $300, and the rules for how to apply for a permit vary depending on the location you choose. Don’t worry – as your elopement photographer, I’ll take care of this for you! That way, you can focus on enjoying the day and tying the knot without worrying about the red tape.

Rules and Regulations

Each location has its own rules about things like number of guests, decorations, and other logistics. Most of the elopement locations in nature don’t allow things like chairs, large props, or decorations, so if you want to tie the knot outdoors, nature is your backdrop! I’ll help you with this as well, making sure that you know what to expect and what the rules are for your specific location.

Guest Considerations

If you’re planning on inviting a few friends or family members for your elopement ceremony, this might be a factor in choosing a location. Some places allow a small number of guests, while others don’t really have the space for it. 

I recommend thinking about your guest list before you fall in love with a location, so that you know how many people you want to invite and can plan accordingly! Some couples want a quiet, personal moment that’s just the two of them, while others want to share the experience with their loved ones – whatever feels right to you is absolutely okay, but you just need to consider this when choosing where to elope in Phoenix.

Getting Legally Married When You Elope in Phoenix

There’s a little bit of paperwork to make things official. You’ll need to get a marriage license, which you can do at any county clerk’s office in the state. Both of you need to be there to apply, with a photo ID and $83.

You’ll get your marriage license and can use it right away, and it expires in a year. To sign the marriage license, you need an officiant and two witnesses. I work with many great officiants in the valley, so just ask me if you need guidance!

Phoenix Elopement Packages

Eloping is all about creating a day that’s uniquely yours, whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Superstition Mountains or the elegance of Scottsdale. And as an elopement photographer, my job is to create an experience for you – rather than a quick photo session where you put on fake smiles and feel weird in front of the camera. I’ll make sure that you’re having fun, and it starts with elopement planning – I’ll get to know you, and help you create the day of your dreams.

To learn more about Phoenix elopement packages, or to start planning, contact me!