One of the top places to elope in Arizona is in Sedona. And it’s not hard to see why. The red rocks that Sedona is famous for is only available here in the Southwest. And the views are epic and the stargazing is phenomenal. Sedona itself is such a cute town with lot of options of where to stay during your elopement: from Airbnbs to cute old school hotels and full on resorts. It has tons of delicious options for dining out. A huge arts community. And other fun activities like pink Jeep and helicopter tours, glass blowing classes, and some of the most popular hiking/mountain biking trails in the state. So, if you are an outdoorsy or adventurous couple, it only makes sense to take advantage of Sedona for your elopement! Here are some of my favs:
Cathedral Rock
This is a pretty well known location for engagement photos and elopements alike. The start of the hike is pretty easy, like climbing stairs. You soon reach a large flat area with amazing views of the Sedona valley and Cathedral Rock. This is where your ceremony at Cathedral rock will take place.
But, for those brave enough, more epic views are available at the very top! Though, it is not for the faint of heart. You literally have to climb up a crack to get there (and then climb back down it at dusk on your way out)! I suggest bringing a change of clothes for the more difficult part for two reasons. First, you will have more mobility to head up and down that crack. Second, you will keep your wedding attire free of that famous red dirt. (I have a pop up tent for outfit changes if the thought of changing behind a bush doesn’t suit you!) If you have an adventurous bone, then it is definitely worth the climb. I have not been all the way to the top with a couple yet, but my husband and I had a lunch date with the most epic views.
Important Note on Choosing a Date and Access: The parking lot is closed whenever the Sedona Shuttle is running. This is typically Thursday – Sunday from 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. The shuttle will also run during spring break and some holiday weekends. So, if you want a sunset session, you will be stuck at the trailhead hoping that you can catch one of the few Uber or Lift options in town.
My suggestion is to choose a Monday – Wednesday date for your elopement.
Access: Paved, car accessible
Hike: Easy to Difficult (see above). 15 minutes to the first area for the ceremony. 45 minutes – 1 hour to the top.
Fee: $5 Red Rock Pass or America The Beautiful Pass. Pass can be purchased at the trailhead with a credit card.
Parking: Lot is often full. Arrive early to allow for time to wait for a parking space to open.
Permit: None
Bell Rock
This is my favorite hidden gem! Bell Rock is located just between Oak Creek and Sedona. There is a lot of traffic at the parking lot, but it is mostly people stopping to take a picture and leaving! So, it is pretty easy to find a parking spot. The hike is pretty easy too! You just walk up a hill with a fenced off trail until you get to the massive flat area at the base of Bell Rock. This is where most people choose to have their elopement ceremony.
You also have the option of hiking up a bit further to the second flat area with even more epic views. There is a small section where you do have to climb up some pretty tall rocks, but it is smooth sailing from there! If you are up to visit the vortex during your elopement, you will need to hike all the way up to the top. Because the sun sets behind the mountains well before it gets dark at Bell Rock, there is plenty of light to head back down the mountain!
Access: Paved, car accessible
Hike: Easy to Moderate (see above). 10 minutes to popular ceremony locations.
Fee: $5 Red Rock Pass or America The Beautiful Pass. Pass can be purchased at the trailhead with a credit card.
Parking: Courthouse Vista parking lot. You may need to wait a few minutes for a spot. This location is popular for quick 5 minute stops from tourists.
Permit: None
Crescent Moon Ranch
This one is another hidden gem. Mostly, because you don’t actually elope at the ranch! It is just a great access point to Oak Creek behind Crescent Moon Ranch. After you park, you will walk over the grassy field to the creek. There is a trail along the creek where you can pop down into the water! From the creek, you can see Cathedral Rock in the back. As you continue along the trail, you will come to a huge field that has the best views of Cathedral Rock! You can have your ceremony in the field or anywhere along the creek, there are so many locations available. And if that is not enough for you, we can stop at the top of the road to capture some of the epic views of the Sedona valley below on the way out!
Access: Paved, car accessible
Hike: Easy. Literally just a stroll down a flat trail.
Fee: $11 per vehicle or Grand Annual Pass
Permit: This location is a State Park, so you will need a permit and reservation for your elopement.
Parking: Large parking lot with multiple areas. Typically plenty of spots available.
Merry Go Round Rock
Merry Go Round is a pretty popular spot for engagement photographs and elopements. But, it is definitely the most difficult to get to from the list. You will need a high-clearance vehicle and 4 wheel drive is suggested. (Unfortunately, my Prius doesn’t cut it! But I am down to jump in your truck or rental jeep and head up the mountain.) It is a bit of a drive up the mountain, like a good 45 minutes if you are used to off road driving. Once you get up the mountain, if you don’t know where you are going, you will miss it! You literally just park on the side of the road!
Once you get a parking spot secured, it is a pretty easy hike over to Merry Go Round Rock. Most couples will venture just past the rock to have their ceremony on the edge of the cliff overlooking the Sedona valley. After the ceremony, just around sunset, is the best time for pictures at Merry Go Round Rock. If you are feeling extra adventurous, just north of Merry Go Rock is another trail where you can climb up onto the tip tops of the red rocks for some portraits as well.
Access: 4 Wheel Drive and Clearance Required
Hike: Easy. Short walk on a pretty flat trail.
Fee: None if parking at Merry Go Round
Permit: None
Parking: Off the side of the road. Spots are typically available.
If you are interested in having an adventurous elopement in Sedona, I would love to photograph you! That goes double for elopements!!! Just fill out my contact from and I will be in touch soon.
