Sedona Elopement: A Seasonal Guide
Let’s go through each season and talk about their benefits and drawbacks for a sedona elopement. Sedona sits around 4,300 feet so you see both wintery conditions and blistering heat.
Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb): You can expect it to be cold, even rainy at times while further up north there is snow in Flagstaff. This can be a reallllllly excellent time to avoid crowds and get some random special cold and sunny days, but don’t count on it. This may be an option for last minute inquiries where you can see a 10 day forecast and you elopement photographer just HAPPENS to have availability. While this is always a hopeful option you may not be able to book your dream adventure elopement photographer if they are planning on being somewhere else (warmer) during this time.
- Benefits: The fewest people you will see in Sedona year round
- Drawbacks: Potentially crummy, overcast, rainy weather.
Spring (March, April, May): Okay, now we’re talking as far as March and April for your Sedona elopement. For myself who lives in Flagstaff, we call this Sedona Season! It is GLORIOUS weather. I’m talkin’ 60-70 degree sunny days. Absolutely perfect for hiking, mountain biking, recreating in general. May starts to get a bit warm for my taste, but still a good time to elope, especially if you prioritize sunrises. Crowds start to rise, but lean on your photographer to know and guide you to locations that can get you away from them while still getting a gorgeous location.
- Benefits: Weather. Is. Amazing.
- Drawbacks: Crowds start to increase, especially for the more well-known locations like Cathedral and Bell Rock.
Summer (June, July, August): Expect DRY, HOT temperatures in the 90-100’s. Sunrises are okay until they aren’t and then you are sweating, overheated and miserable! Hopefully your elopement photographer will guide you to a different month or at least warn you of the absolute hell you may go through if you choose to elope during this time. I would personally shift my elopements to Flagstaff during these months or somewhere in the mountains to keep cool. Keep in mind that Arizona has a monsoon season that typically runs from July to September which can be pretty predictable! Every year is a surprise for exactly how much rain there will be, so ask your photographer for specific details on the weather for the dates you are looking at.
- Benefits: Still gorgeous, okay for early morning or late afternoon recreating. Avoid late morning to afternoon activities in my opinion… and that’s coming from a gal that grew up in Texas.
- Drawbacks: Too dang hot. Potential of monsoon. Go to Flagstaff 45 minutes north!
Fall (September, October, November): September is STILL hot, but there’s a glimmer of hope. October and November are proooobably my favorite time to live in Arizona in general, but Sedona specifically can be quite awesome and a GREAT time to elope. Crowds are a smidge lower than summer, but still expect busy parking areas and trails. This is still shorts weather with some cooler temps sneaking in every now and again, especially in November.
- Benefits: It is FINALLY cooling off.
- Drawbacks: Crowds, once again.
Other things to know about Sedona
Accommodations: It is my recommendation to book at least 6 months in advance. It is rare that you can find a last minute booking, so don’t sleep on this.
Travel: Plan on having a rental car from the airport because the transportation is limited. Uber is pretty dang unreliable due to the small workforce of Sedona. It’s not like other towns where you can get away with a 5 minute Uber up the road.
Passes: A Red Rock Pass is required for many of the trailheads in Sedona. You can purchase the pass at self-serve station or you can do what I did and purchase a Red Rock Pass from rec.gov. The annual is $20 at time of writing this which is a no-brainer for me, but maybe the day-week pass is most suitable for you ($5 and $15 respectively).
What to Pack
Outside of the normal travel items, SUNSCREEN regardless if it is peak or off-peak season. Since this is considered a high desert you can expect vastly different temperatures between daytime and nighttime, so pack layers!
In Summary
- Peak tourist season is spring and fall, so expect traffic and even long wait times for restaurants.
- Ralk to your photographer about other Arizona locations during summer or if peak times are not your jam!
There ya have it! A little guide to get you started on your Sedona elopement planning! Contact me for further information if you are looking for a Sedona Elopement or Adventure Session photographer.
-Clarice