_edited.png)
If you're planning on eloping in Sedona, Arizona, it's important to have a timeline in place to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your Sedona elopement.
6-12 Months Before the Elopement
Decide on the Date: Choose a date for your elopement that works for both you and your partner. Consider the weather, the location, and any other events happening in Sedona that may impact your elopement. The best time to get married in Sedona is during the Spring and Fall season. Unless you want a winter wonderland type of experience for your wedding because it does snow in Sedona. Or perhaps you love the heat! We have hosted summer weddings and it's been great too!
Choose Your Ceremony & Reception Location: Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, and there are plenty of beautiful locations to choose from. Consider popular spots like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or Red Rock Crossing.
As far as reception dinner goes...
If you are looking to involve an intimate number of family and friends on your big day, consider booking The Elysian Retreat Sedona for your elopement/ micro-wedding venue and experience. We help plan and coordinate your entire wedding experience for you, give you recommendations for vendors, and set up/tear down your entire intimate reception dinner for you. This way, you can still include your closest family and friends on your wedding day even if you do plan have a private elopement ceremony.
Photography by Olivia Murray
2-6 Months Before the Elopement
Purchase Your Wedding Attire: Choose your wedding attire and purchase it well in advance. You'll want to make sure that it fits well and that any alterations are completed in plenty of time. If you’d like to stay on the budget-friendly side of things you can always opt for a pre-loved wedding dress. There are plenty of dresses out there that look like new and have only been worn once. Here’s a good website to check if you’re trying to save on your dress.
Make Travel Arrangements: If you're traveling to Sedona for your elopement, book your accommodations and any necessary travel arrangements. If you’re planning on staying with us at The Elysian Retreat Sedona the great news is that your reception and venue and where you and/or your guests sleep is all in one place. We provide coordination in our package in case your guests want to stay elsewhere in Sedona. But staying at The Elysian Retreat mean you don't need to travel anywhere after dinner. Sedona is not known to be a party city anyway, and is considered a dark-sky community so it’s important that you find accommodations that will be convenient for you and close by.
Photography by Maria Camila
Plan Your Ceremony: Work with your officiant to plan the details of your elopement ceremony. You'll want to choose any readings or vows, as well as the location for your ceremony. We recommend having your ceremony at the Red Rocks in Sedona and coming back to the Elysian Retreat Sedona for a nice intimate reception dinner.
1 Month Before the Elopement
Apply for a Marriage License: You'll need to obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk's office in Flagstaff, Arizona. Be sure to research the requirements and bring any necessary documents with you. Typically the officiant you go with will be able to help you with this process.
Finalize Your Plans: Confirm all of your arrangements, including your photographer, officiant, and any vendors you've hired.
Create a Timeline: Create a detailed timeline for your elopement day, including the time you'll start getting ready, the time of your ceremony, and any other activities or events you have planned. If you decide to go with The Elysian Retreat Sedona, our in house wedding planner will help you come up with a timeline.
Elopement Day
Get Ready: Start getting ready for your elopement ceremony, whether that means doing your hair and makeup, getting dressed, or simply taking a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.
Have Your Ceremony: Exchange your vows and celebrate your love with an intimate and meaningful elopement ceremony.
Take Photos: Take advantage of Sedona's stunning scenery and take plenty of photos with your partner.
Celebrate: Whether it's a romantic dinner or a toast with champagne, be sure to take some time to celebrate your elopement and your love for each other.
In conclusion, planning a Sedona elopement can be an exciting and memorable experience. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your elopement day goes smoothly and that you and your partner have a day to remember for years to come. We understand how stressful it can be to plan a wedding, even if it’s just an elopement or a micro-wedding. That’s why at The Elysian Retreat Sedona, our wedding package is designed to help you and your fiancé focus on your love for one another rather than all the stressful details.
Happy planning!
The Elysian Team