Elope in Towering, Energetic Sedona AZ
Everything you need to plan your intimate wedding in Sedona, Arizona with Foster Creative
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Sunny Sedona is set deep in the red rock high-desert of central Arizona. Many travel from around the world to experience these picturesque mountains and canyons.
At certain nearby sites flow sacred, healing energies called vortexes, or vortices. As you will see, these energies influence the culture and attitudes that make Sedona such a unique place to elope. Local cuisine prioritizes sustainability, locality, and delicious flavors. Many trails include points where vortexes converge, and it is common to find others spending time in self-reflection and meditation. Sedona is known for its hiking, but we’ve got some jeep and hot air balloon tours listed too! With as much as Sedona offers outdoors, Sedona boasts tasteful boutiques, thrift stores, breweries, and much more.
Sedona feels just right autumn - spring,
and we’d love to join you in Sedona, and help you plan the elopement experience of a lifetime! Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorite activities, lodges, airbnbs, restaurants, and more. Please use this guide as a resource as you plan your elopement, and when you’re ready to chat, you can reach us below!
Table of Contents
What Your Elopement Could Look Like
Getting to Sedona
Local Activities
Scenic Hikes
Ceremony Location
Lodging
Dining, Drinking, and Après
Elopement Essentials (Florals, Officiants, Courthouse)
Elope with Foster Creative in Sedona, Arizona
What Your Elopement Could Look Like
Devil’s Bridge Arch above Sedona
Beginning at your Airbnb, you’ll get dressed and ready while we capture details
At sunrise, we’ll share a 2 mile hike out to Devil’s Bridge for your first look, ceremony, and some portraits.
After hiking back to our vehicles, we’ll drive 25 minutes to the Crescent Moon Picnic Site to shoot portraits & share champagne along Oak Creek with Cathedral Rock in the background.
We’ll finish our day with a small dinner with a few friends back at our Airbnb.
Cathedral Rock near Sedona
Getting to Sedona
The most common route to Sedona is from Phoenix via I-17N, however there are some alternate routes worth mentioning. Anyone traveling from Phoenix ought to consider taking exit 298 and heading west on SR 179, which offers both scenic and historical stops along the way. Looking for a closer option? There is a commercial airport in Flagstaff, AZ only 25 miles north of Sedona. For those who like it easy, Sedona has a charter airport (KSEZ) located atop of one its gorgeous mesas.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport to Sedona: 25.6 mi / 41.2 km (39 min)
PHX to Sedona: 120 mi / 193 km (2h)
LAS to Sedona: 277 mi / 446km (4h 22min)
Local Activities
From red rocks to red wine, Sedona offers a variety of ways to experience its unique natural surroundings. Luckily there are a number of tour services that share their knowledge and expertise to help make the most of your time! Start the day up in the air with Red Rock Balloon, and glide effortlessly over the beautiful sunrise. Fill your day with tours through wine country and wilderness. At night, visit Evening Sky Tours to take a completely new look at the skies. For more ideas, feel free to browse the Sedona event calendar.
Glide effortlessly, weather-permitting, over Red Rock County with an experienced crew for 60-90 minutes
Adult tickets are $225 per person and include a DVD
Reservations must be made via phone 800-258-3754
View over 10 types and classes of objects in some of the best viewing conditions
Tours offered to local wineries, microbreweries, and raw chocolate shops, with tasting fees included
Complimentary pickup in Sedona, customizable tours, and on-board wifi
Tours in and around iconic spots and backcountry/offroad ranges near Sedona
Prices range from a $45 open-roof van tour to a $190 tour that ends with a wine tasting
Attend group or private sessions of guided yoga , meditation, and hiking tours
Tours include in-depth explanations with ample time to reflect in solitude concluded with energy balancing and clearing ceremonies
Beginner classes start at $80 and go up to $120, offering lessons on different objects
Keep your creations at the end of each class!
Scenic Hikes
Sedona boasts over 400 miles of beautiful trails set in the red rock wilderness. This otherworldly terrain draws locals and visitors alike, so circling the parking lot for a minute or two before finding a spot isn’t often unheard of during busier times. To those looking to avoid the crowds, aim for pre-dawn mornings or sunset, and weekdays. Be sure to pack sun protection and water! Both sunrise and sunset offer unique views at each destination, so don’t be afraid to visit a few trails more than once! Many trails require passes, so click here to find out which pass would best suit your stay.
Devil's Bridge (4.2 mile heavily trafficked out-and-back)
This trail offers beautiful wildflowers, and gorgeous views of red rock country from atop the largest natural sandstone arch near Sedona
The bridge itself is quite steep, but doable for any age!
Without a high-clearance vehicle, it is recommended to park at the Dry Creek Road trailhead at the paved section, about 1 mile from the trailhead, or at the Mescal Trailhead located on Long Canyon Road
Cathedral Rock (1.2 mile heavily trafficked out-and-back)
Gorgeous views of formations in the heart of red rock county make this trail a local favorite, so expect to see plenty of people there
Moderately easy trail with another steep portion at the end
Trailhead and overflow parking are often full, so consider starting from either Baldwin or Templeton trails
Teacup Trail to Coffeepot Rock (2.4 mile heavily trafficked loop)
Another popular spot, some visitors have recommended the local school parking lot if trailhead parking is full
This hike involves a steep scramble at the end, but offers amazing views along the way!
Vortex access is not only limited to tour guides! Plan your own itinerary with this map
Include some extra time at any of these spots for some quiet reflection and meditation, it is well worth it
Bell Rock (2.2 mile heavily trafficked loop)
Not to be confused with Bell Rock Pathway, this moderate route stretches along three distinct trails. It’s recommended to save the trail map for offline use.
Includes views of Courthouse Butte
If parking is full, Yavapai Vista Point Trailhead parking is a good alternative
Airport Mesa (3.2 mile heavily trafficked loop)
This trail is easy going, but be aware that the trail is very rocky!
Panoramic views of the Sedona area
Devil's Kitchen (0.4 mile heavily trafficked out-and-back)
A short, but scenic hike that includes Arizona’s largest sinkhole, the seven sacred pools, and a cave that is known to be tricky to find!
Ceremony Locations
Sedona and the surrounding area are packed with outdoor elopement locations. This is helped by the fact that special permits are not required for groups under 75. Any questions can be directed to the Forest Service. The gorgeous red rocks make almost anywhere a great location, so we’ve gathered a list of some of our recommendations. We’d love to help you find your perfect location, so don’t be afraid to ask us about any unlisted locations!
No hiking involved!
Enjoy views of Red Rock Canyon, trails along Oak Creek and through beautiful orchards
Click here to make reservations, permits are required and tend to range between $100-$200
Famous views of Cathedral Rock, reflected in Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing
Click here for the park’s wedding policy
Fees run $50 for groups up to 15, and $150 for groups up to 50
Hiking Trails / Secret Locations
Work with us and our knowledge of the Sedona area to find perfect locations for your first looks, ceremonies, picnics & sunset / sunrise portraits!
Lodging
Sedona offers both modern and rustic accommodations set in the natural red rock beauty. We’ve compiled a list of highly-rated airbnbs, but options range from resorts to upscale cave dwellings so don’t be afraid to look around. No matter what you’re looking for, Sedona has the right spot for you!
A-Frame cabin w/view of Bell Rock
2bd/1ba for 4 guests
Gorgeous views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, located close to every major sight and experience Sedona has to offer
SERENE ZEN HAVEN - Panoramic Views & Vortex Hiking
2bd/2ba for 4 guests
Located in a quiet neighborhood, not far from restaurants and uptown. Great views from the loft bedroom
House of the Rising Sun-Taste of Europe in Sedona!
1bd/1ba for 4 guests
European-inspired rental with lots of amenities, a few miles outside of Sedona
Cozy Cabin Nestled in the Heart of Sedona
2bd/2ba for 6 guests
Tucked away in the heart of Sedona's famous Oak Creek Canyon, this home backs up to forest service land and is surrounded by majestic mountains, native wildlife, and mature Ponderosa Pine trees
Mountain View 2 Bed/2 Bath Home
2bd/2ba for 5 guests
Living room with large picture window and a beautiful over sized private deck to enjoy the beauty of Sedona!
2-Acre Sedona Casita w/ Deck & Red Rock Views!
Studio/1ba for 2 guests
With breathtaking views of the Cathedral Rock and the Seven Warriors red rock formations, this casita sits on 2.25 acres of land bound by the Coconino National Forest
Dining, Drinking, and Après
Sedona is home to some of the Southwest’s best dining experiences. Most locations offer ample window and outdoor seating with relaxing views of the red rock surroundings. With the focus on local, organic ingredients, finding restaurants with dietary accommodations is no challenge. Wherever you decide to go, be sure to try a prickly pear margarita during your stay!
Food, Drink & Libations
Wonderful Craft Beer and delicious Pub Dinners
Even on the busiest nights they deliver a great experience
Awesome merch selection (pick up a hat!)
Delicious authentic Mexican food and drinks
Overlooking the Red Rocks of Sedona
One of the best restaurants in Sedona, expect to find classics and southwest inspirations for any time of day
Get dinner and a show with Red Rock views out the windows and outdoor seating
Located on top of Airport Mesa, this restaurant offers aerial views of the valleys and formations in the Sedona area
Menus change seasonally, and offers delicious locally-sourced recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Lunch and dinner menu for foodies and families alike
Stunning views from in and outdoor seating
Recipes from around the world made with home-grown ingredients, and love!
Raw chocolates and on-site chocolate farms
Traditional Italian menu including hand-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas
Notable wine selections
Elote
Creekside Coffee & Bakery
Elopement Essentials
It’s easy for small details to slip through the cracks when planning a destination elopement, so we’ve gathered a few bits of info that you’ll want to plan in advance. There are a few florists in Sedona, be sure to check out their succulent arrangements! If you’re planning to have your marriage recognized in the state of Arizona, be sure to schedule an officiant and pick up your license too.
Officiants
County Courthouse
Arizona has a few requirements for obtaining a marriage license, you can find the full list here. The closest superior court, where licenses are issued, is in Camp Verde, about 40 minutes from Sedona.
2840 Commonwealth Drive, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Elope with Foster Creative in Sedona, Arizona
When I think of red rock country, my mind fills with thoughts of the towering mesas, spires and cliffs of Sedona. Sedona feels like a world of its own, away from the cares and worry that come with living our busy lives. It’s a place we’d love to show you. It turns out a couple real guys named Steven and Seth compiled nearly all of the information in this guide, and we’d love to chat with you about planning your elopement. Foster Creative offers Elopement planning, photo, video, and even some decor rentals. When you’re ready to plan your elopement or intimate wedding, we’ll be ready to chat!