Destination elopements: Should I consider Northern Arizona?

Sedona is not the only elopement destination

If you know anything about Northern Arizona elopements and weddings, you probably know that Sedona is the premiere wedding destination. And for good reason. Sedona is an iconic spot in the wedding and destination elopement industry because of its stunning landscapes, natural beauty, accomodations and high quality resorts.

However, Northern Arizona has several hidden gems and much more to offer than just Sedona.

If you’ve only been to Phoenix, I’ll let you in on the Arizona secret — there’s so much more you’re missing. In the space north of Phoenix there are sprawling forests, reaching peaks, twisting waterfalls and canyons that are open for destination elopements.

Destination elopement or wedding?

The timeless outdoor scenery of Northern Arizona includes public, state and tribal lands. While most of these areas are free for small elopements some areas do require a smaller fee. For the couple looking to save for their future life together, destination elopements in the beautiful outdoors can still save couples thousands by reducing the a major wedding cost — venue.

And the costs of Northern Arizona venues drop off of a Grand Canyon-sized cliff once you head out of Sedona. Northern Arizona’s lands have everything a couple looking for a secluded get away needs.

The Grand Canyon

Nothing deserves the first spot on our destination elopement mention more than the Grand Canyon — one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The canyon’s stunning color variation in its reaching canyon walls contrast the vast Arizona sky. Finding a quiet location to watch birds soar and your cherished loved one, safely away from the canyon’s edge, make it a serene location for many adventurous fiances.

Flagstaff

Certainly underrated among the Arizona elopement spots, Flagstaff and the surrounding landscape are known as one of the few places in the Southwest to experience a true forest destination elopement. The crisscrossing trails through the ponderosa pine trees perfectly frame the remnants of a dormant volcano, popularly known as the San Fransisco Peaks.

Flagstaff also has another benefit — it is the largest city in Northern Arizona. Because of its relation to the Grand Canyon, it also has many hotels and amenities that you can enjoy during your destination elopement.

Prescott

Prescott is a city that feels plucked right out of the heart of an old Western. It is located about halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff and is surrounded by the Prescott National Forest. For those who want a more tame elopement at an affordable price, Prescott’s downtown area includes the lawn of the Yavapai County Courthouse that runs along Whiskey Row for a quaint, old town setting.

Outside of the city streets, the rolling hills, colorful rocks and peaceful waters are all open for the adventurous couple.

Page

While the city is small; its surroundings are vast. Page sits on the border of the Arizona and Utah and benefits from the nearby Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. This city of a little more than 7,000 people is a hidden gem because of the nearby Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

For those looking for a more adventurous elopement, there are some extra locations that aren’t widely known that are just as stunning.

Vendors

For those of you who are considering Northern Arizona for your special day, make sure you have a vendors who knows the ins and outs of the area. Ceremonies in the wilds can be fun, but they also must be taken seriously to minimize impact of the wildlife.