Where to Elope in Sedona | A Complete Guide

Aug 30

Sedona is one of the most well-known towns in Arizona and in the Southwest. With it’s red rock mountains towering over the peaceful and artsy villages, and some of the most beautiful resorts you can stay in, this is one of the best locations to elope!

The summer months are by far the most popular to visit but the best times to go are Spring months (late February-May) and Fall (late September-November). The Winter months are gorgeous and the latter end of it will most likely have snow.

Being one of the most popular towns in Arizona, crowds and tourists from all over come to hike, walk around Downtown and fill up parking spaces. It is better to have your elopement on a weekday.

Now that you know when the best time to go is- let’s look at the best locations to have your epic red rock elopement at!

Cathedral Rock

One of Sedona’s most iconic red rock mountains is Cathedral Rock. Known for it’s giant and grand nature- this is a popular spot for hikers and tourists to visit. There is one main trail that takes you through a short forest and then up the mountain where you will need to scale a small section in order to reach the top. When you get to the top you are greeted with vast views of Sedona’s sage trees, red rock dust and towns in the distance. Towering rock formations enclose you with viewpoints scattered around for you to explore. This trail is for the adventurous couple that doesn’t mind getting their hands a little dirty but is rewarded with epic views. The best times to go are sunrise and just before or after tourist season. It is also recommended to go during the week and avoid the weekends if possible. Parking is limited so taking the new Sedona tram is a good way to access the trail.

Bell Rock

Bell Rock is probably one of the easiest hikes of this list. It is a slow incline up to the top with stunning 360 views.

You will most likely be passing it on the way to town as it is right off the 17 (about 10minutes from the main highway). There are 2 main parking lots that are not too hard to park at but it is best to give yourself 10-15minutes just in case.

You will want to bring good hiking/walking shoes and then can change into your nice shoes once you get to one of the many plateaus.

This is a great option for elopements with guests and for the guests that may have accessibility issues as it requires little hiking to get to gorgeous views.

Merry Go Round

For the adventurous and off-roading couple- this is your spot!

The road is rocky and bumpy but with a 4x4 or ATV, you will be just fine. The main parking lot is just outside of town (South) and is right in front of the f-road.

It takes about 45 minutes to go up by car/truck and about 30 minutes by ATV (recommend). There are plenty of ATV rental companies in town and are very affordable.

Once you get to the top, you are greeted with a vast view of the valley crested with red rock mountains.

West Fork Trail

Most people don’t know that we have forestry in Arizona. While most of the state is desert, Sedona, Flagstaff, Payson and Prescott have forests for miles and miles.

West Fork Trail is nothing short of gorgeous and competes with the red rock views. In the fall, the leaves change and you can walk through a kaleidoscope of colors, truly a site to see.

There is one main trail but you are welcomed to venture off and explore; just be mindful of the vegetation and try to stay on the small deer trails scattered throughout.

You will cross small creeks, walk on dirt paths and see gorgeous trees and lush foliage throughout the trail.

This is a great Elopement option with guests and a quieter scene.

Secret Sedona Location

One of my hidden secret locations, this spot is my favorite view in all of Sedona.

The hike only takes 25-30 minutes and is not difficult to get up.

When the sunset hits the mountains, gold rays of light illuminate the red rocks and leave you speechless.

For a private ceremony with gorgeous views of Sedona, this is your spot!

Aspen Grove

This location is technically is not in Sedona but is too stunning to leave out.

While only an hour from Sedona, Aspen Grove is a short drive up the Snowbowl mountain in Flagstaff and is super easy to get to.

With towering white trees with sage leaves, this is a serene place to share your vows.

Red Canyon Overlook

You can only access this location with an off-roading or ATV! This gorgeous area is the perfect blend between stunning background and seclusion.

Take the 89A East until you hit Dry Creek Road; from there take Boynton Pass Road until you hit the dirt road. The internet is a bit wonky there so it’s best to download the app All Trails and follow the GPS until you reach the destination!

It is a long stretch of dirt road but totally worth it once you get there!

Sedona Shuttle

This new free shuttle service is the perfect way to get around Sedona. With buses going out Thursday-Sunday, you won’t have to worry about finding parking on major trails.

Here are some of the trails the Sedona Shuttle takes you to:

Cathedral Rock
Little Horse
Soldier Pass
Dry Creek Vista, with access to Devil’s Bridge
Mescal

Shuttles run from 7:00AM-5:30PM and open 7 days a week drying peak seasons. Some major trail parking lots even close during peak season so it is best to check the website or the TransLoc App - iOS.