Part of the allure of Sedona is that it is remote enough to
offer wide opportunities to enjoy nature,
while not compromising on the "finer things."
- Karen Lynn, SedonaWeddingPlanner.com
Merely two hours away; nestled in red rock country, rests one of the most breathtaking landscapes to be found anywhere in the world--Sedona.
Surrounded by Coconino National Forest, you cannot help but feel a kind of reverence when you gaze upon the soaring re rock canyons, sandstone spires, and sienna cliffs. The sky is ablaze with hues of reds, pinks, and purples at sunset, helping to create a romantic setting most never forget. It is a widely held belief that there is a spiritual energy found in Sedona that brings inspiration and renewal.
According to Karen Lynn of Sedona Wedding Planner, "Sedona is a popular wedding destination because of its spectacular beauty, combined with so many great outdoor activities--there's something for everyone. The majestic red rocks provide a dramatic backdrop for a couple's wedding photos, and all the fun activities will leave them and their guests with memories to last a lifetime." Wedding venue options range from country-style inns to lavish European-influenced surroundings. You can float through the air in a hot air balloon, or you can exchange vows from a deck overlooking Oak Creek Canyon, with extraordinary views of red rocks and ponderosa pine, and the soothing sounds of waterfalls nearby.
Karen Lynn has her share of Sedona weddings, and none are exactly alike. "Our quintessential wedding venue features lush green grass on a lake surrounded by Sycamore trees and a butte with magnificent 360-degree red rock views, including Cathedral Rock." More adventuresome couples may choose to transport the guests to a remote location via jeep and then return to on of the area's gorgeous resort sites for the wedding reception.
The town itself offers a charming "old world" village featuring lovely courtyards, a quaint adobe chapel with leather pews and a beautiful wall mural as well as a large terrace with red rock views. "The village is further enhanced with an abundance of fountains, archways with carved wooden doors, artistic tile work and lush foliage. The refined beauty of the town stands in contrast to the rugged spectacle of the outdoors.
Jeep tours are among the most popular activities, while golfing and spa days also rank quite high for Sedona visitors. The day after the wedding, many couples arrange guided hikes, biplane tours and balloon rides for their guests. A trek to Grand Canyon, which is just two hours away from Sedona, is an ideal excursion.
Karen Lynn feels that part of the allure of Sedona is that it is remote enough to offer wide opportunities to enjoy nature, while not compromising on the "finer things" such as world class spas and terrific restaurants.
Given that there are so many weddings in the Sedona area, there are also vendors in the area that specialize in arranging celebrations of every style, to meet virtually any budget.
1 First and foremost, be prepared for the weather and the probability of renting a tent. Even during the dry months a tent may be needed to provide shade for your guests. Sedona cools of considerably once the sun goes down, so heaters may be needed in the spring and fall months.
2 Provide plenty of water! Sedona has an elevation of 4600'. Guests traveling from out of state may be unfamiliar with the desert dryness and the altitude, and providing water for you guests will help them adjust. Guest should also be reminded to wear sun block. If the ceremony/reception is creekside, you may want to provide insect repellent for you guests as well.
3 Arranging transportation for guest from their hotels to the wedding site and back is courtesy all couples should consider. Sedona's roads can be dark and winding, the venue may be hard to find, and of course it reduces the danger of drinking and driving.
4 Keep some "wiggle room" in your budget for unexpected costs. As stated in #1, an outdoor wedding and reception may require a tent and heater rentals. At the very least, you will need to have them on a 72-hour hold and allow for it in your budget.
5 At most "off premise" locations the bride and groom are allowed to to provide their own alcoholic beverages, often saving enough money to cover the site fee. Their caterer will provide a professional bartender and all the set ups (ice, fruits, sodas, etc.).
All photos on this website are from actual Sedona Weddings.
Sedona Wedding Planner - P.O. Box 4061 - Sedona, AZ 86340
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