Your Guide to Planning an Arizona Elopement

Is an elopement right for me?

Are you finding yourself overwhelmed with the thought of planning a wedding? Does the idea of a traditional wedding elicit an eye roll? Not to worry- It’s 2020, and there are so many unique ways to celebrate your marriage that will truly reflect your style and personality!

If an intimate wedding ceremony with just the two of you, or a handful of your closest family and friends, in a gorgeous location sounds like a dream- eloping just might be the best option for you! Whether you are an Arizona local or you are admiring the scenery from afar, here are some tips for planning your perfect Arizona elopement!

Arizona Elopement Basics

What makes an Elopement an Elopement?

Long gone are the days of the whirlwind courthouse elopement. These days, elopements are far more customizable. Looking for a beautiful, intimate ceremony with just the two of you? That’s an elopement! Would you love to have your parents, your best friend, or even your adorable dog as witnesses? That’s an elopement too!

Your elopement can be as casual or as involved as you like. I always, highly recommend you hire a photographer to capture the day and preserve your wedding memories for you. Want a little something to dress up those photos? You can hire a florist to create a bouquet, boutonniere, or even a floral accent piece to top a rented arch. Want to keep your ceremony small but still celebrate the occasion with friends and family? A separate reception is a great option!

With modern elopements, there is endless room for customization and personal touches.

Arizona Marriage Laws

The legal marriage age in Arizona is 18.
You do NOT need to be a resident of Arizona to obtain a marriage license
The fee for a license, depending on the county of Arizona, ranges between $70-$86.
To obtain an Arizona marriage license, both parties (you and your partner) must appear at one of the state’s justice court locations. You can find information on these locations here.
You must bring government-issued photo i.d.
Once obtained, the marriage license is valid for 12 months (meaning you have one year after receiving the license to get married)
In Arizona, there is no waiting period so you can obtain a license and get married immediately afterwards. (I recommend picking up your license at least one day before your ceremony to play it safe with time.)
Your ceremony must be performed by a Justice of the Peace, registered Clergy or otherwise authorized officiant to be legally recognized.
You must also have two witnesses, other than your officiant, present to sign your marriage certificate after your ceremony. If you don’t plan on having any guests attend, your photographer and planner can sign as witnesses!

Where to Elope in Arizona

The entire state of Arizona is full of gorgeous outdoor locations! One of the benefits of choosing Arizona for your elopement is that there is a wide range of scenery styles to choose from. Whether you are partial to the desert and saguaro cacti, lush green woods, or mountain views, Arizona has something for you. Here is a breakdown of a few of our popular areas:

Phoenix

Also known as “the valley”, Phoenix is the expansive, central hub of Arizona and home to our capital. The central city areas are modern and conveniently located near our main airport and many resorts, and it is only a short drive to the unique, surrounding areas like the Lower Salt River and the Superstition Mountains.

Tuscon

About two hours outside of Phoenix you will find the city of Tuscon. This southern Arizona city is home to the beautiful Mt. Lemmon, great desert views and some of the best urban art and murals in the state.

Flagstaff/Payson

Flagstaff, Payson and the surrounding areas of northern Arizona are your best bet if you are looking for green! Mountainous and wooded, northern Arizona is perfect for hiking, camping and all kinds of outdoor recreation and sightseeing.

Sedona

Sedona is home to some of the most beautiful mountains and rock formations in Arizona. A unique and artistic town, Sedona is surrounded by rich, red mountains and high desert scenery.

A Note on Arizona Weather

If you have not yet had a chance to visit Arizona, it is important that you know about our unique seasons, or more accurately, lack of seasons! While we are lucky to have enviable weather for a large portion of the year, the summers in Arizona can be downright unbearable. From mid-May to September, our high temperatures can easily reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit and soar all the way up to 120. Heat isn’t the only summer weather to keep in mind. Mid-to-late summer also means the arrival of monsoon season and an onslaught of heavy thunderstorms. While atypical weather can always be a possibility, generally the best times to visit Arizona are October-April, depending on the area and weather you prefer.

Are you ready to plan an amazing elopement in Arizona? Let’s chat!