How to Plan a Sedona Elopement
Tips for Wedding Gowns on the Red Rocks: “Yes, You Can (and Should) Wear Your Dream Dress for your best adventure elopement experience” says Sedona’s best photographer for elopements in Sedona, Bon Miller.
Do I wear my gown on the trail? Absolutely!
Most of my Sedona elopement couples’ hike in their wedding attire, and yes — your dress will likely touch the rocks during photos. That natural contact actually creates some of the most authentic, dramatic images. Personally, I love dresses with movement and flow that draw the attention of the eye. The kind of gown with many layers of lightweight fabric that look magical when they catch the breeze (or sometimes a wind gale). They add a flavor of playfulness as well as some serious drama, especially when hiking across a ridge with a crosswind and cross-light highlighting your gown (and veil?) … the kind of language that photographers will swoon about endlessly. The lightweight wedding jumpsuits are popular, especially the western themed fringe styles with cowboy hats and boots. Yes, those red rocks are commanding with tall spires of Jenga rock that feel incredibly powerful to stand upon. Your gown will set the mood for your personal vision.
Shoes:
Always wear hiking shoes on the trails in Sedona, Arizona. Sedona has prickly plants that are beautiful to look at, however not something to touch with a bare toe. You can pack your dress shoes for photos, along with personal items. To maximize your photo time, choose shoes that are easy to take on and off. Some parts of Sedona require all fours to scramble, especially Sedona’s famous Cathedral Rock. See video.
Weather:
Seasonally, Sedona allows for sleeveless and short sleeve styles essentially most of the year. February & March are Sedona’s winter weather months … my favorite time of year, as the skies are full of dramatic clouds, possibly a snow shower if you’re lucky, and lovely low light for that cinematic look. Summer months can be hot between June-August, however if you are from Florida or Texas you will probably think nothing of 100 degrees. Sunrise elopements are very popular during the summer months, leaving plenty of the afternoon for poolside play or creekside dreaming. Warmer weather sunset elopements are the most popular for that golden glow light. Early Sunset’s during the winter months are a plus, leaving plenty of time for evening dining and a small reception back at your Airbnb or VRBO.
Recommendation for Winters in Sedona: Wear warm fleece leggings under your gown, along with wooly socks and comfy hiking boots. Bring a warm bridal wrap (or cape). Plan to bring your warmest coat to throw on and off as needed. Bring warm tea or coffee in a travel thermos, along with some hand warmers inside your gloves. Winters are a good time if you want to travel with your furry best friend.
Recommendation for Summers in Sedona: Hydrate extra and bring electrolyte water on all hikes. Lightweight fabrics only, especially for the grooms! Gowns that are lightweight and move easily. Think twice about inviting your guests out into the heat, especially the elderly. Absolutely no pets during the summer months on the red rocks… their paws will sizzle, not to mention the risk of rattle snakes they might want to sniff out accidentally.
Guests or No Guests:
Let’s talk logistics about how many guests you plan to invite to your adventure elopement, easy access trail wedding, or hybrid wedding. How far can your guests hike safely? Where will everyone stay? Where will you take them for dinner? If you want a small reception at a restaurant after your wedding, be aware that Sedona only has a couple restaurants that cater to wedding parties, so book far in advance or hopefully choose an off season week-day for more flexibility in booking. Private catering companies such as Thyme & Travel are popular for prime wedding season catering as they will come to your Airbnb or VRBO.
When you Invite Guests:
The Red Agave, located in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, offers lodging, the ultimate in views outdoor ceremony patio, private trail access to Slim Shady and Templeton Trails, and has a long list of food trucks or catering vendors to book. Click here for wedding gallery at the Red Agave. AND … See More.
The DA Ranch, located just outside of Sedona in Page Springs Wine Country offers a large log home, private pond, acres of park-like settings, giant shade trees and a private vineyard. A more personal experience with the ultimate privacy for your multi-day celebration.
Juniper Resort, tucked away from the bustle in Oak Creek Canyon of Sedona, offers lodging, a restaurant, creekside ceremonies and a rustic private vibe for smaller wedding parties. Click here for wedding gallery.
The Agave of Sedona, located near the heartbeat of Uptown Sedona, offers close proximity to a few trails as well a full service wedding venue for your 100+ guests. The hyprid of a wedding day plus the benefits of the elopement experience. Click here for wedding gallery.
The El Portal of Sedona, a boutique hotel of historic art & hospitality is located next to Sedona’s most popular arts & crafts plaza with old world architecture, Tlaquepaque. Smaller intimate wedding parties will stay at the elegant old world decor of the El Portal and have their wedding at the famous Tlaquepaque Chapel. Over flow guests have the option to stay at Los Abrigados, at the same creekside plaza, all within walking distance of the Chapel. Tlaquepaque Chapel Gallery.
Enchantment Resort, located remotely amidst the red rocks is Sedona’s most premier intimate wedding locations for the discerning guest. Offering Elegant casitas and the full Sedona experience without ever leaving the resort. Restaurants, catering, tennis courts, mtn biking, yoga and spa, swimming, golf and wedding planners. They will help you plan your elopement, full-wedding or point you in the direction of your personalized union. Kachina Woman Trail Wedding.
Final Thoughts:
Simple elopements: Will be your easiest and most intimate experience as well as your most budget friendly.
Adventure elopements: Are a lot of fun, with possibly a few different locations, ranging from 3 hours to several different locations over the course of 8 hours, and might include a hot air balloon ride, a jeep excursion, a trail ride or an ATV wilderness experience. Click here for Merry Go Round Gallery. Adventure elopements can range in budget, depending on your enthusiasm level. The amount of photography coverage will determine much of the price.
Hybrid Weddings: A hybrid wedding is a combination of both an elopement and a traditional wedding with guests. Your most expensive option. You can invite guests, have a formal dinner and reception, that might include decor and a wedding coordinator, you may offer a cake, a DJ and dancing location. The price will basically combine both an elopement as well as a wedding venue. On a budget, you can plan to have your elopement on an easy trail access location, and offer a small reception gathering (less than 70 guests) at a wedding event location such as The Cabin and keep the decor, cake and florals to a minimum.
Traditional Wedding: Bring your deep pockets and plan to spend a minimum of $60,000. (2025 pricing). Traditional weddings require a wedding venue, a coordinator, a timeline, catering $$$$, decor rentals and a photographer, not to mention the ability to orchestrate lodging for your guests. Add-on’s may include a rehearsal dinner, the dance floor, the DJ, cocktails and hoers d’oeuvres, a dessert bar, and late night munchies for your favorite party friends. It adds up quickly. Hence the popularity of elopements.
I hope you found this helpful!
