In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Arizona.
Weddings in Arizona: What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a unique destination for your wedding, Arizona is the perfect place.
With its stunning desert landscapes and relaxed atmosphere, Arizona is a popular choice for couples who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of traditional wedding venues.
Whether you want a traditional ceremony or something more adventurous,Arizona has a venue to suit your every need.
And if you’re interested in a truly one-of-a-kind experience, you can even get married at one of the state’s many national parks.
From the majestic Grand Canyon to the tranquil red rocks of Sedona, Arizona offers couples a wide variety of options for their big day.
So if you’re looking for a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photos, Arizona is the perfect place to say “I do”.
But first: you need to know where in the world Arizona is…
Where is Arizona?
The state of Arizona is located in the southwestern of the United States.
Arizona shares borders with Mexico in the south and the U.S. states of Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and California.
Area: 113,990 sq mi (295,233 sq km), Population: (2020) 7,151,502, Capital: Phoenix.
Arizona Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Tucson International Airport (TUS)
- Official Tourism Website:https://tourism.az.gov/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Arizona for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Arizona
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Arizona:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Arizona or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having an Arizona wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Arizona:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Arizona
Arizona Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Arizona:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Arizona?
- What are the marriage requirements for Arizona?
- What is the weather like in Arizona?
- What should you pack for a trip to Arizona?
- What things are there to do in Arizona?
- What are the best Arizona wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Arizona Cost?
A marriage license costs $83, and can be paid in cash, by money order, debit card, or credit card. When purchasing a license from the Justice Courts, only money orders are accepted.
Both parties must present two forms of identification – a picture ID like a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport, and come to the courthouse together. Both parties will also have to provide their Social Security numbers (if they have one).
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Arizona
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old, but the minimum age is 16 with parental consent.
- According to Arizona law, 2 witnesses are needed.
- A marriage license in Arizona is valid for 12 months.
- Blood tests are not required.
- If you apply for a marriage license and have all the necessary paperwork on hand, you may be married the same day.
- You don’t need to provide a copy of your divorce decree if you were previously married.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Arizona, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All additional documents (like a certified copy of your birth certificate) need to be translated into English.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Arizona?
November through March is the ideal time to visit Arizona. Although it might sometimes rain or turn a little chilly, the winter season, which lasts from December to February, is typically pleasant and sunny (especially in December and January).
What should you pack for your trip?
Summer temperatures in Arizona frequently approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 C), so bring lightweight attire such as tank tops, shorts, and light skirts.
Anyone who easily gets sunburned should wear light clothing that protects their shoulders, back, and chest.
Winter temperatures in Phoenix and Tucson may dip to the 30s and snowstorms can occur. Pack some long trousers or jeans, lightweight long sleeve shirts, a coat, gloves, and a scarf, as well as a hat.
Daytime highs in Phoenix and Tucson are in the mid 60s Fahrenheit (16 C), so bring along some shorts and T-shirts to enjoy the warm weather.
Arizona Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Arizona:
Average Temperatures in Arizona
The table below shows the average temperatures in Arizona each month:
Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
January | 7.8 | 19.8 | 13.8 | 46 | 68 | 56.8 |
February | 9.4 | 21.6 | 15.5 | 49 | 71 | 59.9 |
March | 12.5 | 25.6 | 19.1 | 54 | 78 | 66.3 |
April | 16 | 29.7 | 22.9 | 61 | 85 | 73.1 |
May | 20.8 | 34.7 | 27.8 | 69 | 94 | 82 |
June | 25.9 | 40.1 | 33 | 79 | 104 | 91.4 |
July | 29.2 | 41.4 | 35.3 | 85 | 107 | 95.5 |
August | 28.7 | 40.6 | 34.6 | 84 | 105 | 94.4 |
September | 25.6 | 38 | 31.8 | 78 | 100 | 89.2 |
October | 18.7 | 31.8 | 25.2 | 66 | 89 | 77.4 |
November | 12.1 | 24.7 | 18.4 | 54 | 76 | 65.1 |
December | 7.4 | 19 | 13.2 | 45 | 66 | 55.8 |
Year | 17.9 | 30.6 | 24.2 | 64.2 | 87.1 | 75.5 |
Average Rainfall in Arizona
The table below shows the average rainfall in Arizona each month:
Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
January | 20 | 0.8 | 4 |
February | 20 | 0.8 | 4 |
March | 20 | 0.8 | 3 |
April | 5 | 0.2 | 2 |
May | 5 | 0.2 | 1 |
June | 0 | 0 | 0 |
July | 25 | 1 | 4 |
August | 25 | 1 | 5 |
September | 15 | 0.6 | 2 |
October | 15 | 0.6 | 2 |
November | 15 | 0.6 | 2 |
December | 20 | 0.8 | 4 |
Year | 185 | 7.3 | 33 |
Sunshine Hours in Arizona
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Arizona each month:
Month | Average | Total |
January | 8.5 | 255 |
February | 9 | 260 |
March | 10.5 | 320 |
April | 12 | 355 |
May | 13 | 400 |
June | 13.5 | 410 |
July | 12 | 380 |
August | 11.5 | 360 |
September | 11 | 330 |
October | 10 | 310 |
November | 8.5 | 255 |
December | 8 | 245 |
Year | 10.6 | 3875 |
What To Wear in Arizona? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Arizona so that you can make the most of your time there.
- The desert regions can be extremely hot during the day, so it is essential to pack light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics.
- Sunscreen is a must, as the intense desert sun can quickly lead to sunburn.
- A hat or visor can also help to keep the sun off your face, and sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes.
- Don’t forget your hiking shoes! Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country, and you’ll want to be prepared to explore them.
- The night-time temperatures can drop significantly in the desert, so it is also important to pack a sweater or jacket.
- If you are planning on hiking in any of Arizona’s many national parks, you will need to pack plenty of water and snacks, as well as a map and potentially a compass.
- And don’t forget your camera – there are plenty of photo opportunities in Arizona!
- Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Arizona
There are many different things to do in Arizona, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Grand Canyon
- Sedona
- Monument Valley
- Yuma
- Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam
- Lake Powell
- Flagstaff
- Jerome
- Horseshoe Bend
- Antelope Canyon
- Tombstone
- Tumacacori National Historical Park
Best Arizona Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Arizona?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Arizona
- Enchantment Resort
- Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain
- El Chorro
- The Boulders in Scottsdale
- Granite Creek Vineyards
- The Hermosa Inn & LON’s
- The Windmill Winery
- Blazin’ M Ranch
- Poco Diablo Resort
- The Carriage Place
- Hidden Lake in Buckeye
Hotels in Arizona
- La Quinta by Wyndham Williams-Grand Canyon Area
- Little America Hotel Flagstaff
- Home2 Suites By Hilton Phoenix Avondale
- The Clinkscale in Jerome
- My Place Hotel-Phoenix West/Buckeye