Choosing a wedding venue can be one of the hardest decisions you make when it comes to your wedding. A wedding venue sets the tone for the type of event you are going to have. And so many decisions about the event itself are hinged on this one decision. It can be so stressful. We are going to show you some of our favorite wedding venues in Arizona and tell you what we love about them. But first here are some tips on how to choose the perfect venue for your wedding.
In This Case Size Matters:
The amount of people you are planning at your wedding determines the number of venue options you have… Having over 150 people at your wedding basically limits you to 5 properties in town. So think long and hard about that guest list because having over 150 may mean you are limiting yourself to resorts with larger ballrooms.
What’s Your Wedding Style?
Next you have to determine what your wedding style is… Are you going to for a garden wedding? Do you want the whole barn look? Are you a contemporary clean lines couple? So many choices… Determining your vibe will help you narrow down your options.
Where Are Your Guests Coming From?
Next you need to think about where your guests are coming from… Is everyone local or do you have a lot of out oft owners. Local guests open your venue options to places other than resorts. If you have a lot of out of towners then you need to think about accommodations. Having it at a resort or near a resort would be important to accommodate those traveling to your wedding.
And Then There Is The Money…
Weddings aren’t cheap… In fact it’s a billion dollar industry. Every couple has a budget they are generally working within. So that has to come into play when you are selecting your venue. Most resorts have what is called a food and beverage minimum that you have to meet. Meaning a certain level of spending of food and beverage to even have the event there. During peak season it can be even higher than the average minimum. Other types of venues don’t have a food and beverage minimum but they have a total cost or fee for having an event there. Often those venues are a flat fee but then you need to hire a caterer to provide food and a bartender to take care of the drinks.
So Many Choices… Let’s Take A Look At Some Of Our Favorites.
The Four Seasons
I mean come on… Who doesn’t want “The Four Seasons” to be listed on their wedding invitation. This property is stunning… It is quiet, tucked into the desert, and away from the hustle and the bustle of the city. We love that it has multiple ceremony sites and the option to have your reception indoors or outdoors. We have seen it done both ways!! It also has accommodations for your guests with lots of activities for them if they come in for a weekend. Plus its a Four Seasons so the service and food are incredible.
El Chorro Lodge
El Chorro Lodge is rich in Arizona history. It dates back to 1934 when it used to be a girls school. It was renovated in 2009 and has quickly become one of the valleys premier wedding venues known for its exquisite food, most especially its sticky buns and Paradise Valley exclusivity. Its got an incredible lawn for your Ceremony and a fabulous patio for cocktails complete with a fireplace. The ballroom is a blank canvas that can work for any color palette. It is a one stop shop for your vendors. Since it is not a hue resort it is really easy to navigate and move guests about. Its backdrop is Mummy Mountain, the backside of Camelback Mountain.
The Sanctuary
The name speaks for itself. This resort built into the back of Mummy Mountain is just that… A Sanctuary. It is quiet and peaceful with only one wedding per day allowed there. Perfect for the couple looking for that contemporary, sleek and clean lines look for their wedding. It has some of the most picturesque locations for photos. You can choose from the Praying Monk as your backdrop, Mummy Mountain or Paradise Valley down below. The sunsets are absolutely incredible and can be enjoyed by your guests during cocktail hour.
The Royal Palms
If you are wanting a garden wedding this is your venue. It has one of the most private and lush gardens in all the valley to say “I Do”. The Allegria Garden at The Royal Palms is spectacular. Nestled in the property its lush foliage makes for a wedding that could come right out of a storybook. The garden is gorgeous but the grounds themselves make for the perfect backdrop for photos with lots of nooks and crannies to sneak away with your partner to get some romantic snapshots.
Mountain Shadows
Mountain Shadows is the valleys newest luxury resort and property. Its backdrop is Camelback Mountain with a sprawling lawn looking up at the mountain. It’s stunning. It also has an awesome rooftop patio for your cocktail hour. The design of this resort is very contemporary and chic. Lots of white so it’s crisp.
The Paseo
The whole get married in a barn thing is big right now… And do we have the barn for you… But it is “barn chic”… The Paseo… It has an incredible view of the Superstition Mountains and the location is in the desert so the photo session will have that classic Arizona look. The reception site is “barn” so to speak but classy barn. It is a blank canvas so you can do whatever you want with the space. It will come out looking just like the barn wedding you designed on your Pinterest board!!
L’Auberge De Sedona
The red rocks… I can pretty much just end this post with that. Oh L’Auberge… views of the red rocks or be creekside… You can have both… You don’t have to choose!! Lots of couples want a destination wedding and you only have to drive 2 hours north to get that!! Your guests will love it because the event becomes a weekend affair. Your photo session will be a stunner if you choose Sedona as your destination location.
