What does an Arcosanti wedding look like?

Danny & Caroline traveled from Colorado to Arizona because they love the Southwest, but they wanted an Arcosanti wedding because they loved the unique atmosphere.

Good food, health conscious and gorgeous scenery were just some of the words Caroline used to describe their dream wedding. And well, Arcosanti delivered.

The small experimental community houses about 80 to 100 people with a focus on merging human buildings with the greenery of the high-desert. The community has private event spaces, including a perfect wedding-sized amphitheater and space for people to stay overnight.

Check out what made Arcosanti the perfect venue for Danny & Caroline.

bride and groom kissing
groom getting ready
Bride getting ready

What is Arcosanti?

The Cosanti Foundation first started working on the community in Arizona’s high desert in 1970.

Arcosanti is a self-described experimental living project focusing on the idea of Arcology — a merging of architecture and ecology. The Cosanti Foundation explains that architect Paolo Soleri saw cities as vital to the human experience but built over some of their essential environmental values. Arcosanti was an attempt to re-imagine urban sprawl in order to preserve critical farmland and ecosystems.

The community also designed and sold bronze wind bells that have become an iconic part of their history. Not to mention, their wedding space is magical!

Arcosanti Wedding Ceremony
cloth and flame wedding decor
Arcosanti Wedding Venue at night

How do I get to an Arcosanti wedding?

The community of Arcosanti is set in Yavapai County, which means its about smack-dab in the center of Arizona.

From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Arcosanti is about 70 miles north on the Interstate 17 toward Flagstaff. The surrounding communities of Mayer, Cordes Lake, and Spring Valley are all nearby.

Those looking to explore more of Arizona from Arcosanti should note that Sedona is 52 miles north, Flagstaff is about 80 miles north, and the Grand Canyon is about 160 miles north (depending on your route.)

arcosanti wedding venue
Arcosanti Wedding in Arizona
bride and groom kissing

Is booking a sustainable venue important?

For some, it’s critical.

Sustainability means a venue that doesn’t build over the landscape but incorporates it. The result is an open-air location that does not feel disruptive and focusing on reducing or reusing waste. For Danny and Caroline, a water-rights lawyer and documentarian, their Arcosanti wedding allowed them to celebrate their love with as little impact on the planet as possible.

The two also knew their money was going toward sustaining a community that respects the landscape.

bride and groom sitting together
arcosanti sustainability
wedding at arcosanti

Can we stay overnight in Arcosanti?

Arcosanti has a wide variety of private options for couples looking for an easier experience and to stay at their venue.

From AirBnBs to private accommodations, the Cosanti Foundation has multiple spaces that provide a quiet night to satisfy any newlyweds. The nearby communities can also provide some interesting places to explore for those adventure lovers.

groom getting ready
bride overlooking Arizona landscape

Should you choose an Arcosanti wedding?

Arcosanti is a timeless location that supports all kinds of weddings and private events.

While it excels at sustainability, Danny & Caroline’s Arcosanti wedding shows that you don’t need to compromise beauty, a timeline or happiness in the name of sustainability. As their review shows, these two were so happy with their event and photos.

Can you see yourself in Danny & Caroline’s gown and suit? If so, Arcosanti may be the venue for you.

girls dancing at wedding
Bride and groom at arcosanti

Victoria Nabours, a Northern Arizona local, founded White Desert Photography in 2018. Since then, the company has bloomed into one of the most in-demand wedding, elopement and engagement photography companies in Sedona. Additionally, her years of expertise has taken her to international wedding destinations and attracted the eye of local and bridal magazines.

Check out her photo galleries, elopement and wedding packages, and inquire today!

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Arianne & Eric

“My husband and I planned a small elopement in Sedona. I found Victoria on Instagram and loved her style. We went through the planning process without a wedding planner which proved to be difficult. Victoria was so helpful in making suggestions and pointing us into the right direction, even though I know she really didn’t have to do that as our photographer. On the day of the wedding, she was prompt in arrival and swift in ensuring that she captured everything. In our evening shoot, we went to 2 locations but looking at our pictures it appears that we went to at least 20. She has an amazing eye for photography and truly captured the spirit of our relationship. The quality is excellent and we could not be happier with how our photos turned out. Victoria is a gem. If you are looking for a down to earth and talented photography, choose White Desert Photography!”


If you are looking for a down to earth and talented photography, choose White Desert Photography!

Karina & Zach

“Totally WORTH IT! Highly recommend!

Victoria is amazing behind the camera. I am usually really camera shy but I was so comfortable. It literally felt like a DREAM! We enjoyed each breath taking moment!”

It literally felt like a DREAM! We enjoyed each breath taking moment!

Izza & Reenan 

“Our wedding was originally March 2020 and she was so great during that difficult time of unexpected rescheduling. When we finally met 2 years after our first email exchange she made us feel so comfortable and at ease.

We would 100% recommend her to anyone and would be thrilled to have her take our photos again.”

We would 100% recommend her to anyone and would be thrilled to have her take our photos again.

Sarah & Aaron

“We hired her for our engagements, bridals and wedding day and we absolutely LOVED having her to capture these special moments. Victoria, is personable yet professional, and by the end of these shoots we felt she was a dear friend.”

by the end of these shoots we felt she was a dear friend.