If you’ve always dreamed of planning a breathtaking outdoor boho wedding or a chic ceremony with a natural backdrop, there are few places more beautiful than Sedona, Arizona. Surrounded by a gorgeous red rock backdrop, a Sedona outdoor wedding is perfect for saying “I do” in style.
But planning weddings can be daunting. After all, this is a day you will remember for the rest of your life. But not to worry, I have compiled a comprehensive guide for planning the perfect Sedona outdoor wedding, from venues to food to photography.
But first, let’s start with the basics.
Weather-Proofing Your Event
If you’ve spent much time in Sedona, you know it can get hot. That’s why it’s essential to think carefully about when and where you decide to have your special day.
Summer months can be especially tricky, with temperatures potentially getting into the hundreds at times. So if you are planning to have your ceremony and reception at the same location, you’ll need to be smart about it. Without careful planning, the heat can cause profuse sweating, melted cakes – it can even become dangerous for certain guests.
Those outcomes are the last thing you want on such an important day – but fear not! There are ways to get around this oppressively hot issue, and I generally recommend two solutions to this problem.
It’s All About Location
The first is to find a location that has both an indoor and outdoor section. That way your guests can enjoy an outdoor ceremony and even some outdoor activities while always having the option to go inside if the weather becomes unfavorable. This is especially helpful for preserving your cake and catering.
This also serves as an excellent backup in the event of rain and creates the perfect place for the couple to get ready before the ceremony. Not to mention it solves the issue of where to direct your guests when they need to use the restroom.
Get the Timing Right
You could also consider planning your wedding for the early spring or late fall. Temperatures in March, April, late October, and November tend to be in the mid-seventies during the highs so they are great choices for a mid-afternoon ceremony.
You could also try planning your event for later in the day when temperatures are lower. Some days in August and September can get into the low sixties at night, so if you have your heart set on an outdoor ceremony in the summer that is not completely out of the question. Not to mention it creates an amazing opportunity to get some stunning sunset photos with your new spouse.
The Attire
Your attire can also make or break how much you enjoy your event when planning a Sedona outdoor wedding. If you’re planning to wear a suit, it’s important to ensure that the fabric is breathable and not too thick to keep you as comfortable as possible.
If you’re planning to wear a dress, short-sleeved or sleeveless can help to keep you from overheating – especially while dancing. I also recommend getting a bustle put in if your dress is especially long so you can keep the train secured and out of the way during your reception.
As for your guests, the dress code should be set to fit the weather. While “black only” dress codes are very classy and make for great pictures, they can also make guests uncomfortable, as black fabrics absorb more heat. Requiring thick suits or heavy dresses can also become an issue, so it’s a good idea to encourage friends and family to wear lighter garments on your special day.
The Guests
Speaking of your guests, it’s important to take their comfort seriously during your ceremony and reception. If you’re planning to be outside for the majority of your day, it is a good idea to provide sunscreen at easily accessible locations.
Accessibility is also important for guests who may be mobility-impaired if your venue is in a very hilly location or on uneven, grassy terrain. Be sure to ask about accessibility features when touring your venue so you can best direct these guests when they arrive. I also recommend assigning them an assistant (perhaps someone from the bridal party) to make sure they can get to their seats and the reception safely.
The Cake
As I mentioned before, your cake is especially vulnerable to Sedona’a unpredictable weather, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep it safe and looking delicious.
Most bakers will recommend that you chill your cake before transporting it and allow it to thaw for a specific period of time depending on the size. If you’re booking in Sedona, however, it may be worth it to have your bakery deliver and handle the cake thawing themselves. If they’re local then they will have the proper experience to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Some cake styles and flavors can also be more prone to issues in an outdoor wedding as well. For example, whipped icing is often very thin and airy, and as such melts easier than fondant or thicker buttercream. Bigger cakes are also more likely to slip or have melted icing between the layers, so if your dream cake has more than two tiers it might be a good idea to have it professionally assembled at the venue.
Once you have ironed out the details for how you will keep your wedding fun, safe, and comfortable in the Sedona heat, it’s time to pick your venue.
Sedona Outdoor Wedding Venues
Sedona offers many amazing and surprisingly affordable venues to choose from. Here are some of my favorites.
Sedona Golf Resort
The Sedona Golf Resort is one of the area’s most magical venues. This venue offers a variety of customizable wedding and reception packages, all of which include setup, cleaning, and staffing. The resort is also an excellent location if you want to book a Sedona outdoor wedding ceremony with an indoor reception option, as their elegant indoor space can seat up to 150 people while accommodating dancing and entertainment. They also have a professional catering staff that can help you create the perfect custom drink and dining menus for your big day.
The views at this venue could not possibly be more stunning. Both Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are in full view at this location and make for gorgeous natural backdrops for your ceremony.
Why You’ll Love It
The views at this venue could not possibly be more stunning. Both Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are in full view at this location and make for gorgeous natural backdrops for your ceremony.
L’Auberge de Sedona
L’Auberge de Sedona is an elegant selection if you’re planning a Sedona outdoor wedding. This venue offers several different location choices for your celebration with both indoor and outdoor options. Get married surrounded by the gorgeous Red Rocks of Sedona at the Vista Overlook, or say “I do” at the Creekhouse next to peaceful Oak Creek – the choice is yours. Afterward, you can enjoy your reception under the twinkling lights on the outdoor garden terrace or by the wood-burning fireplace in the garden ballroom. At L’Auberge de Sedona, the possibilities are endless.
Get married surrounded by the gorgeous Red Rocks of Sedona at the Vista Overlook, or say “I do” at the Creekhouse next to peaceful Oak Creek
Why You’ll Love It
This venue offers a lot of versatile options for outdoor weddings, and several breathtaking locations to choose from on a single property. It also has options for very intimate ceremonies for couples that want to have micro weddings or elopements, so it’s perfect for a variety of different event styles.
Red Agave Resort
The Red Agave Resort offers a variety of customizable wedding packages for your big day. Nestled beside Coconino National Forrest, this venue offers one-of-a-kind views of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. This location is also known for being a great “blank slate” for your wedding, with the option to create a personalized ceremony that’s as natural and casual or decorative and extravagant as you desire.
This location is also known for being a great “blank slate” for your wedding, with the option to create a personalized ceremony that’s as natural and casual or decorative and extravagant as you desire.
Why You’ll Love It
This venue is unique because the entire resort can be booked for a 100% private experience. This allows you to have your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and first night all at one location without having to move from place to place. This creates an easy and unique experience for you and your guests and can extend your wedding from a single day to a weekend-long celebration.
Amara Resort
Voted one of Sunset Magazine’s eight wedding venues with jaw-dropping views, the Amara Resort offers beautiful indoor and outdoor locations for your event. Highly customizable, this resort has options for everything from your rehearsal dinner, to your engagement photos, to elopements – making it an ideal pick for couples looking for an all-in-one experience for their big day.
Voted one of Sunset Magazine’s eight wedding venues with jaw-dropping views, the Amara Resort offers beautiful indoor and outdoor locations for your event.
Why You’ll Love It
This venue has a spa on location, making it the perfect relaxing destination for your wedding weekend. Put your guests up in style and enjoy extended time with your loved ones in this stylish resort venue.
Once you have selected the perfect venue for your big day, it’s time to start thinking about vendors.
Sedona Outdoor Wedding Vendors
Sedona has no shortage of great catering, decorating, and cake options – but here are some of my favorites.
The Cake: Sedona Bakery
Receiving awards from The Knot in 2021 and 2022, Sedona Bakery was purchased in 2023 by Brittanie of Abbie Cakes Sweet Kitchen. At 19, Brittanie took her first cake decorating class with her mother and grandmother. While she did go on to get her nursing degree, she always felt called to get creative in the kitchen, making beautiful, delicious custom desserts in her free time. Eventually, this would blossom into her opening Abbie Cakes Sweet Kitchen, named after her daughter (and main taste tester).
Why You’ll Love It
Not only does Sedona Bakery offer couples the opportunity to support a family-owned business on their big day, they also are known for creating cakes that look like real works of art. This is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a classic, stylish cake that tastes as good as it looks.
The Catering: Sedona Catering Co.
Receiving Wedding Wire’s Bride’s Choice Award for four consecutive years in a row, the Sedona Catering Co. is a highly decorated wedding favorite. Offering custom menus, this full-service catering company is experienced and ready to deliver on your big day.
Why You’ll Love It
This vendor specializes in everything from wood-fired pizza to barbecue, to taco trucks, to bartending services – so they are ready and willing to make your culinary dreams come to life. They also cater rehearsal dinners and other events, so you don’t have to go through multiple vendors for your event.
The Decor: White Sage Florals & Fine Rentals
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of decorating your venue, then look no further than White Sage Florals and Fine Rentals. The lifelong dream of owner Jana Heetland, White Sage was born out of years of hands-on event-planning and floral experience. Passionate about helping people create their dream events, the talented team at White Sage can take a vision and bring it to life.
Why You’ll Love It
White Sage offers a one-stop shop for all your decorating needs. From floral arrangements to arches to aisle decor to table settings, you’re in great (and experienced) hands when you choose this vendor.
Sedona Outdoor Wedding: Photographers
Sedona is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Northern America to have an outdoor wedding. The views are stunning, the venues are to die for, and the local vendors know how to bring your special day to life. There’s just one thing left to do – find a photographer who can capture the magic and preserve your memories for years to come.
That’s where I come in.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tess Gearhart, and I own and operate TG Photo and Film.
I love country music, morning hikes, long road trips, my adorable dogs, and spending time with my lovely partner, Kate. I like to say that photography is just one aspect of my life, but it’s not the core of who I am, much like your wedding is a reflection of you – not who you are.
That’s why I dedicate time getting to really know each and every person I work with, so I can capture who you are, not simply what you’re doing. My clients are more than just clients to me, I hope to eventually see them as friends. That’s why documentary-style photography is so important to me – it allows me to see people as authentic individuals with their own unique stories to tell.
Feel free to reach out to learn how I can capture the love and beauty you and your loved one share. I’d love to hear from you.
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