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Within a two-hour drive north from Phoenix or four hours
from Tucson, nestled in red-rock country, rests one of the most
breathtaking landscapes to be found anywhere in the world—
Sedona.
Surrounded by Coconino National Forest, you cannot help
but feel a kind of reverence when you gaze upon the soaring
red rock canyons, sandstone spires, and sienna cliffs. The sky is
ablaze with hues of reds, pinks, and purples at sunset, helping
to create a romantic setting most never forget. It is a widely
held belief that there is a spiritual energy found in Sedona that
brings inspiration and renewal.
According to Karen Lynn of Sedona Wedding Planner, ”Sedona
is a popular wedding destination because of its spectacular
beauty, combined with so many great outdoor activities—
More adventuresome
couples may choose to transport
their guests to a remote location
via Jeep and then return to one
of the area’s gorgeous resort
sites for the reception.
there’s something for everyone. The majestic red rocks provide
a dramatic backdrop for a couple’s wedding photos, and all the
fun activities will leave them and their guests with memories
to last a lifetime.” Wedding venue options range from countrystyle
inns to lavish European-influenced surroundings. You can
float through the air in a hot air balloon, or you can exchange
vows from a deck overlooking Oak Creek Canyon, with extraordinary
views of red rocks and ponderosa pine, and the soothing
sounds of waterfalls nearby.
Lynn has seen her share of Sedona weddings, and none are
exactly alike. “Our quintessential wedding venue features lush
green grass on a lake surrounded by Sycamore trees and a butte
with magnificent 360-degree red rock views, including Cathedral
Rock.” More adventuresome couples may choose to transport
their guests to a remote location via jeep and then return to
one of the area’s gorgeous resort sites for the reception.
The town itself offers a charming “old world” village featuring
lovely courtyards, a quaint adobe chapel with leather pews and a beautiful wall mural as well as a large terrace with red rock
views. “The village is further enhanced with an abundance of
fountains, archways carved wooden doors, artistic tile work and
lush foliage. The refined beauty of the town stands in contrast
to the rugged spectacle of the outdoors.
There is plenty for friends and family to do while in Sedona
for the special occasion. Hiking, horseback riding, jeep tours are
all options. The town is filled with enough boutiques, galleries
and dining options to satisfy any palate. Many couples plan wedding
weekends that begin with a “meet and greet” night rather
than a traditional rehearsal dinner. Lynn notes that this allows
couples to be more relaxed at their receptions because they have
already spent some time with their guests.
Jeep tours are among the most popular activities, while
golfing and spa days also rank quite high for Sedona visitors.
The day after the wedding, many couples arrange guided hikes,
bi-plane tours and balloon rides for their guests. A trek to the
Grand Canyon, which is just two hours away from Sedona, is an
ideal excursion.
Lynn feels that part of the allure of Sedona is that it is remote
enough to offer wide opportunities to enjoy nature, while not
compromising on the “finer things” such as world class spas and
terrific restaurants.
Given that there are so many weddings in the Sedona area,
there are also vendors in the area that specialize in arranging
celebrations of every style, to meet virtually any budget.
The Sedona Wedding Professionals Association is a valuable
resource for researching venues and vendors and for gathering
ideas for creating an unforgettable Sedona wedding. Visit www.
sedonaweddingpa.com for more information.
Five tips for
Sedona weddings
1 First and foremost, be prepared for the weath-
er and the probability of renting a tent. Even
during the dry months a tent may be needed
to provide shade for your guests. Sedona cools off
considerably once the sun goes down, so heaters
may be needed in the spring and fall months.
2 Provide plenty of water! Sedona has an eleva-
tion of 4600’. Guests traveling from out of state
may be unfamiliar with the desert dryness and
the altitude, and providing water for your guests will
help them adjust. Guests should also be reminded to
wear sun block. If the ceremony/reception is creek-
side, you may want to provide insect repellant for
your guests as well.
3 Arranging transportation for guests from their
hotels to the wedding site and back is a cour-
tesy all couples should consider. Sedona’s roads
can be dark and winding, the venue may be hard to
find, and of course it reduces the danger of drinking
and driving.
4 Keep some “wiggle room” in your budget for
unexpected costs. As stated in #1, an outdoor
wedding and reception may require tent and
heater rentals. At the very least, you will need to
have them on a 72-hour hold and allow for it in your
budget.
5 At most “off premise” locations, the bride and
groom are allowed to provide their own alco-
holic beverages, often saving enough money
to cover the site fee. Their caterer will provide a
professional bartender and all the set ups (ice, fruits,
sodas etc.).
Visit www.sedonaweddingpa.com for more information.
Photography courtesy of:
Sedona Bride |
