Arizona is one of the most underrated destination wedding locations in the U.S. With easy travel access, diverse landscapes, and venues that feel intentional rather than overdone, it offers couples the chance to create a wedding experience that feels both elevated and relaxed.

Whether you are planning from across the country or simply want your wedding to feel like a true getaway for your guests, Arizona provides the flexibility, beauty, and atmosphere that destination couples are looking for.

This guide walks you through how to plan a destination wedding in Arizona with clarity, ease, and intention.

Why Arizona Works So Well for Destination Weddings

Arizona offers something many destination locations struggle to balance: accessibility and atmosphere. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport makes travel simple for guests, while the surrounding venues create an environment that feels transportive and thoughtfully designed.

Couples choose Arizona because:

•Guests can easily fly in from most U.S. states

•Venues range from historic estates to desert-modern spaces

•The climate supports outdoor celebrations for much of the year

•Wedding weekends feel natural rather than forced

Arizona allows couples to slow down and create a celebration that extends beyond a single afternoon.

Best Areas for a Destination Wedding in Arizona

Phoenix & Scottsdale

Phoenix and Scottsdale are ideal for couples who want refined venues, great accommodations, and seamless logistics. This area offers a mix of historic architecture, private estates, and luxury resorts, making it especially appealing for destination weddings with larger guest counts.

Venues like Monroe Street Abbey offer a European-inspired atmosphere that feels intimate and editorial, while still being centrally located for guests.

Explore our Monroe Street Abbey wedding guide for a closer look at one of Phoenix’s most distinctive venues.

Sedona

Sedona is best suited for smaller destination weddings and intimate celebrations. The red rock landscapes create a naturally dramatic setting that requires very little added design.

Sedona weddings tend to feel grounded, intentional, and experience-driven, making them a great fit for couples who want their surroundings to be a core part of the day.

Choosing the Right Location

When planning a destination wedding in Arizona, the venue sets the tone for everything that follows. Look for venues that allow flexibility in timeline and design so your day feels unhurried and personal.

Key things to consider:

•Indoor and outdoor flow

•Natural light throughout the day

•Space for welcome events or brunches

•Proximity to accommodations

Venues that encourage movement and connection often lead to the most meaningful celebrations.

See my curated list of Arizona wedding venues here.

When to Get Married in Arizona

Arizona’s wedding season varies by region, but most couples plan destination weddings between October and April when temperatures are comfortable and light is softer.

Spring brings warm days and blooming desert landscapes, while fall offers golden tones and cooler evenings. Summer weddings are possible but often work best indoors or later in the evening.

Planning with the season in mind allows your wedding day to feel enjoyable rather than rushed or overly structured.

Planning a Wedding Weekend in Arizona

Destination weddings in Arizona naturally lend themselves to multi-day celebrations. Many couples choose to host:

•A welcome dinner or casual gathering

•The wedding day celebration

•A relaxed farewell brunch

This approach gives guests time to settle in and allows the wedding to feel more like a shared experience than a single event.

Explore ideas for hosting an Arizona wedding weekend here.

Working With Vendors for a Destination Wedding

Planning from out of state can feel overwhelming without the right support. Choosing vendors familiar with Arizona venues and destination logistics helps create a smoother planning process and a more relaxed wedding day.

Having guidance on timelines, light, venue flow, and guest experience makes a significant difference, especially when planning remotely.

Is Arizona the Right Destination for Your Wedding?

Arizona is an excellent choice for couples who value experience, intention, and thoughtful design. It offers variety without chaos and beauty without excess, making it easy to create a wedding that feels personal and well-paced.

From historic Phoenix venues like Monroe Street Abbey to the natural drama of Sedona, Arizona provides a destination wedding setting that feels timeless rather than trendy.