To hike or not to hike…
As Sedona wedding officiants, it is our mission to help couples choose the perfect location for their ceremony. For couples who know they want to get married in the iconic Sedona red rocks, one our first questions is “would you like a location that is easy to get to, or are you looking to do some hiking?”
Fortunately, Sedona offers wonderful choices regardless of the answer given. From stunning overlooks to creekside, we have a lot of options!
That being said, it is worth considering the pros and cons of a quick stroll from your car compared to a 10 minute or more hike. Here are some things to consider when choosing between an easy or gentle access versus a more remote ceremony location for your Sedona wedding:
Easy and gentle access Sedona wedding locations:
As experienced Sedona wedding officiants, we have found several areas that we love for couples seeking easy or gentle access wedding locations. The truly “easy access” wedding locations offer rudimentary outdoor bathroom facilities, and flat, short walks on even ground.
Similarly, the gentle access locations involve a short walk from your car, although some small inclines and declines may be involved.
In addition to the obvious benefits of staying near your vehicle, having your Sedona wedding at an easy or gentle access makes it easier for the couple to stay fresh before the ceremony – simply step out of your car and you are practically there!
These locations are also great for summer weddings when heat or sun exposure (or sudden monsoons!) can create challenges.
And, as we see in the pictures below, easy access does not mean you have to sacrifice that Sedona beauty!
It’s hard to come with a list of cons for these sites … perhaps just at some of them there may be more people passing through your area.
Sedona wedding locations requiring moderate hiking:
For couples and guests comfortable with hiking to the wedding location, choices abound. And nothing beats the feeling (and view!) of standing on an iconic Sedona red rock formation with panoramic views! Many spectacular wedding locations requiring hiking can be reached in under 15 minutes. The time spent on the walk can allow everyone to detach from their daily stresses – to feel themselves surrounded by the grounding energy of nature as they journey to their ceremony.
The longer walk to your wedding site gives you time to chat with your wedding officiant, and can provide additional photo opportunities with your photographer. Similarly, locations requiring a bit of hiking also tend to offer more options for photography once you have reached your site. And there is something so charming about that little line of red dirt on your hem!
There are a few possible downsides to choosing a more remote location, such as the need to wear walking/hiking shoes, carry additional water, greater exposure to the elements, and lack of bathroom facilities. But for those willing to get a little ruffled, the rewards are waiting!
Want to find out which Sedona outdoor wedding site is best for you? Give us a call at (928) 301-9288, or use our easy contact form - our Earth Elopements wedding officiants love to talk about all things wedding!
