The ultimate guide to planning an Arizona Elopement
There is no place like Arizona! I don’t say those words lightly either. 20 plus years of travels and no place has captured my heart and will capture yours like the raw and untouched beauty of our 48th state. Sure you could elope in places like Zion National Park or even Yosemite, which are both just as beautiful.
But trust me as an Arizona elopement photographer when I say that you’ll be hard pressed to find a day that those places won’t be constantly crawling with tourists with you being desperate to find some peace and quiet and you won’t have to constantly bug park rangers to get a permit. If you can even snag one!
But with Arizona, you could go elope among the slot canyons and be completely alone (and maybe a few snakes?) while you say your handwritten vows. We are here to help you decide location, time of year, and what all you will need in order to make this adventure into marriage a beautiful and wild memory!
Let's get you two married!...but where to go??
From the red rocks of Page and breath taking views of the Grand Canyon, to the countless saguaro’s of Phoenix. Here is my favorite top 10 places to elope in Arizona, click on name to explore more!
All the details of how to elope in Arizona
Questions to ask before making it official
Do you need an officiant? Your friend or family member can do it if you prefer to not find an officiant. But I have a short list of officiants all over the state. A little known fact, I can even sign as I am ordained!
Do you need any witnesses? Two actually! Jesse can be one (if you have video done) otherwise it can be friends, family or even strangers (done that before!)
All states have different rules for getting a marriage license. In Arizona, marriage licenses are issued by the local courthouses. I would start there and depending on where exactly you were wanting to go might determine where you have to get your license.
How much does it cost? Currently is $83. Also, like most marriage licenses, there is a 3 day waiting period (valid for 90 days), and you will also need your ID and also your birth certificate. If you are mailing your application, you’ll have to have what is called a Notary Public to witness it before you send it off. So some hoop jumping to get you married, but all in all not that hard.
Don’t forget the permit! In many different state and national parks you may need a Special Use Permit to get married there. Depending if you want to get married in a state or national park like Grand Canyon you have to go through the National Park Service. They can range from $0-$200+ Once you have decided where in Arizona you want to elope we can find out if one is needed.
Location,Location, Location...
As someone who has travel the country and the world, I can confidently say that the best part about Arizona though is by far the sunrises & sunsets! So no matter what time of year you can get lost in the wild beauty of the true wild west.
Whether or not to think of the weather...
If you are a brave soul and you want to get married in the summer time then I salute you and your crazy courage! But 112 degrees is not my jam. But if you are more wanting a shoulder season (October-May) then you can likely count on it being cooler and more comfortable. Funny enough there seems to be less snakes and creepy critters out in the cooler months.
The plus side of avoiding summer besides the heat, the monsoons. Last thing you want on your wedding day is to be swept away in a flat flood! Which monsoon season is typically late June through September.
Thinking of having a video to relive the day even more lividly? Add on video!
let's get you hooked up!
If there is anything I can do to help you as an Arizona Elopement Photographer to make your day easier for you. It’s hook you up with other vendors you might need to make your day complete and as uncomplicated as possible! Some of the types of vendors I can get you in contact with and save you time and stress…
Hair & Makeup artists
florists
Wedding Planners
Officiants
