A Few Spots That I Have Used For Intimate Ceremonies …

  • Group of three people, two women and one man, standing outdoors in a garden with desert plants and cacti, smiling for the camera. The woman in the middle is holding a transparent umbrella and wearing a white lace dress, the man in a blue suit has a boutonniere, and the woman on the left is wearing glasses and a black floral dress.

    Desert Botanical Gardens - Trailside Ceremony

    On this day a massive downpour happened and we waited it out before finding a spot that was not under water.

    Each person coming to a Trailside Ceremony has to have a ticket for entrance. They do limit the amount of people and locations onsite you use. Click the link below for more details.

  • A scenic view of a mountain reflected in a calm river, with trees and bushes on the riverbank and a blue sky with a few clouds.

    Granite Reef Rec Area on Salt River - (Free, Public)

    This was taken in November 2023 and was just around 4 pm. Paddleboarders and Kayakers were leaving the river around this time. This is a public spot so you never know how busy it will be. Elopement ceremony is around 8-10 minutes and guests stand to watch.

    Parking lot is small and carpooling suggested. Parking permit needed. The ground is more dirt than grass but shade trees are around.

  • Three people standing outdoors with desert landscape and mountains in the background, smiling at the camera.

    Lost Dutchman State Park - Public Area

    This location is gorgeous and again it is a public space and you don’t know who will walk by or rent another ramada near you. But during the week it is fairly quiet. The “golden hour” photos are amazing!

    Entrance fee to park per car. Do NOT state Wedding happening.

    Photo by SierraBeltranPhotography

  • Three people taking a selfie near a river at sunset with palm trees in the background.

    Papago Park (Free, Public)

    Ramada 11 is my favorite and easy to get to and has a cute little wood bridge to walk over.

    This was during the week at sunset. Can’t do weekends due to larger ceremonies taking place.

  • Man and woman standing outdoors by a concrete wall with desert mountains in the background.

    Apache Wash Trail Head (Free, Public)

    Nice spot, can be quiet spot with desert backdrop. But again it’s a public location and patience if there are hikers out. This is ONLY for the 2 of you and your 2 witnesses. If you show up with more people I won’t do the ceremony.

  • A couple embraces while standing on a colorful rug outdoors near a river, under a large tree during sunset.

    Riparian Preserve - (Free, Public)

    This is a free public park with a variety of ponds and gravel walking path throughout the preserve. Pond #7 or Pond #1 are locations I have used before and fairly accessible from the parking lot. Flat and paved for the most part before getting to the gravel path.

  • Couple kissing under a decorative arch at a garden wedding ceremony.

    Angel’s Intimate Backyard Weddings by Stevi

    AirBnB Location in Phoenix off 51 and Lincoln

    Call Stevi for more information (480) 600-2402

  • Amy Stephens stands before an outdoor wedding setup with white chairs, gazebo, fountain, and string-lit tree.

    An Old Town Wedding & Event Center - Peoria

    They offer “mini” ceremony only options and a great outdoor location for photos.

    This is a great location and they do have a dinner option as well, no DJ and no dancing. Just a playlist of music in the background.

  • Large house with white deck railing, brick chimney, rose bushes, and palm trees under a clear blue sky.

    Sahuaro Ranch Park - Glendale (Public space)

    Small gathering of 4 guests we can stand and do an elopement in an off time of day and enjoy the rose garden while in bloom. They do offer rental of the space for a larger gathering and those details are at the link below. There are also Peacocks on this property. Entrance off 59th Ave then an immediate right into the parking lot to enjoy this space.

  • Amy Stephens takes a garden selfie with formally dressed guests, trees, and a stone wall behind them.

    Arizona Biltmore Hotel

    This is Cottage D - Room 5109 and comes with a private “backyard” area that gives you privacy off your room. This was a fantastic way to have close access to a restroom as well if needed. The couple got ready onsite and their guests all had individual rooms to get ready on the property. Reception dinner was onsite as well. This was AMAZING and PRIVATE at this resort property.

    The guests all stood and was informal 15 minute ceremony.

  • Indoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom exchanging vows under a balloon arch, guests taking photos.

    Mini Social - Old Town Scottsdale

    This venue is in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale to the West of Scottsdale Road. Great spot for a ceremony under 50 guests AND the owners will turn the room for you to then go from ceremony to reception with bar open in between.

    Photo by Lovelee Photos

  • Outdoor wedding setup with white chairs, candles, flowers, and string lights against a green backdrop.

    Red House - Gilbert

    This quaint venue is great for a small ceremony, bridal shower or baby shower. Up to 40 guests max in the heart of the main street area of Gilbert. Restaurants nearby or host reception onsite.

  • View of the sunset with dark clouds over a cityscape, seen from a rooftop pool area with glass railing.

    Orange Sky Restaurant - Talking Stick Resort

    Private indoor dining options on the top floor of Talking Stick Resort OR enjoy the sunset over Camelback Mountain (show above).

  • A person wearing a white chef coat preparing thin pasta sheets at a kitchen counter.

    Restaurants with Private Rooms

    Olive & Ivy - Old Town Scottsdale

    Tommy Bahama - Kierland

    Roka Akor - Scottsdale

    Sanctuary - private room and balcony area (Paradise Valley)

    Andaz Scottsdale - Chef’s table room

  • Formal round table with elegant settings, green chairs, and bright dining room decor.

    The Henry (Restaurant Arcadia)

    This restaurant has 2 spaces that I have done weddings in. One more intimate around a kitchen island feel and the other in a closed off area for ceremony that then opens into a dining space and can accommodate 80-100 people. The photo shown is of North & South rooms opened up fully.

  • Newly wed couple and Amy smiling outdoors with desert mountains and cacti behind them.

    AirBnb in Gold Canyon AZ

    This says it sleeps 10, I believe that would be on sofas as well. The views were incredible and it was on a quiet cul-de-sac. This shows a deck off the dining room area overlooking the swimming pool with mountain backdrop. It was just this couple in the entire home and I provided witnesses. So we did the ceremony at the front door area with a long view to other mountains.

  • Bride and groom holding hands under a wedding arch, with officiant and black dog nearby.

    AirBnB in Arcadia area - Grand Adobe

    This traditional Spanish “compound” was absolutely amazing and such a gem to find in the busy Phoenix landscape. Pool onsite. NO DJ or loud parties allowed but what a great option to be with your family and friends at the time of your celebration as well.

  • Large rust-colored cylinder with flat top, on paved ground with tree shadows and clear blue sky.

    Estrella Star Tower (Public)

    Estrella Pkwy, Goodyear, AZ 85338

    A bit of a walk from the area you park and it is a paved pathway to get to the Tower. I only do ceremonies at the base of the stairs near the tree and the bench you see in the photo, this straight on view. The top of the Tower is too narrow. This is a spot I have used a few times and only good for 6 people total.

  • Stone building with large windows and a sign reading "This is Scorpion Gulch" under a partly cloudy sky.

    Scorpion Gulch, South Mountain (Public)

    Scorpion Gulch was built in 1936, and was first listed on the historic preservation register in October 1990.

    10225 S. Central Ave, Phoenix AZ

    Base of South Mountain before their entrance and there is a small “hill” we could use across the street with plenty of parking.

  • Lakeside scene with covered picnic spots, gravel-sand ground, shrubs, parking, water, mountains, and clouds.

    Bobcat Day Use at Lake Pleasant

    39345 N Overlook Rd, Peoria, AZ 85383

    Fee is $7 per car to enter into Lake Pleasant area. There is a restaurant at Scorpion Bay Marina as well or enjoy the cruise on the Lake.

  • Amy and newlyweds smiling at sunset with red rocks, desert plants, and mountains in the background.

    Lovers Knoll - Sedona

    This spot is a hard one to find but just down the road on the main road area is a Marriott Courtyard. There was a bit of a hill to walk up but it was not a hike out to a location. Great view off the right where this photo is shown.

  • Log cabin with detached garage, pine trees, gravel driveway, and blue sky with white clouds.

    AirBnB - Flagstaff

    This beautiful log cabin backs up to tall pine trees and gives you a nice small area for up to 10 people to enjoy the ceremony. Not far outside of Flagstaff in town and easy drive up from Phoenix on the I-17.

  • House interior with spiral staircase around a tree trunk, wood floors, large windows, and cozy seating area.

    Torreon - Show Low

    This gorgeous location was perfect for an intimate gathering, no music, just great fun with family and friends and great food!

    The couple moved the furniture from the great room to the garage and moved it back in.

    The couple also rented folding chairs to line up with an aisle and bride came down the stairs by the tree for her entrance where her parents walked her down the aisle to the windows.

  • Modern house with stone and wood exterior, black garage doors, dark gray roof, and outdoor lighting.

    Torreon - Show Low

    This Luxe Lodge is Amazing! We ended up doing the ceremony at the front porch and guests stood around the couple who were on the stairs. They had a caterer from the Valley who set up a late lunch for them and it was a fabulous day of celebrating the couple!

    Some guests arrived the day of while others did stay the first night with the couple.

    There was no music or loud partying taking place. Just great support on this special memory!