Picture beautiful red rocks, sprawling deserts, and majestic flora, all drenched in sunshine. Does that sound like your dream wedding backdrop? Then Arizona is your dream wedding destination. This beautiful Southwestern state has outdoor venues with the most stunning views. And if you want to escape the heat, Arizona has historic and unique indoor venues for your nuptials.
In Arizona, the average wedding cost $18,782 in 2020. In Phoenix, the average cost was higher at $29,948. Venues are the lead contributor to wedding costs, accounting for an average price of $14,788 of the overall budget. But don’t let these numbers scare you away from planning your dream wedding. Arizona has beautiful venues in every price range.
Every couple wants their wedding to be unforgettable. Make a grand impression on your guests with Arizona’s gorgeous scenery. Here’s a guide to the best wedding venues in Arizona to help you find your dream wedding venue.
The Ashley Castle
A beautiful backdrop for a fairytale wedding, the Ashely Castle is a stunning Medieval-inspired gorgeous wedding venue located in Chandler, Arizona. Two hundred-year-old doors found in an antique store inspired the owners to develop this marvelous estate.
The grounds of the venue are just as impressive as the Medieval facade. There are meticulously designed gardens with pathways leading to fountains and statues. A gazebo in the center of the beautiful gardens provides the perfect outdoor ceremony space.
The Ashely Castle also has another unique feature: fireworks. Since their doors opened, the owners have put on spectacular fireworks shows after their events. It’s one of the few wedding venues in Phoenix that can legally display fireworks, so your wedding guests will undoubtedly enjoy a theatrical end to the night.
Venue Cost: The basic package starts at $7,000; the Imperial package starts at $10,878
Maximum Capacity: 300 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
Desert Botanical Gardens
Surround yourself with Arizona’s natural flora at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Though it’s located in Phoenix, you’ll feel like you stepped right into the desert with this peaceful venue. The Desert Botanical Gardens features a maze of gorgeous gardens lined with various cacti species.
With majestic mountain views and a vibrant sunset in the background, you won’t need to do much decorating. You may even be visited by some wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds. Your wedding will feel intimate when held in the charming courtyard or open-air pavilions. Or go for the wow factor by hosting your ceremony in the Amphitheater.
Venue Cost: $2,600-$4,200
Maximum Capacity: 400 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
The Showcase Room
Food lovers rejoice because there is a venue made with you in mind. The Showcase Room is a new venue in Tempe, Arizona that has tons of young couples buzzing. The industrial space features wooden vaulted ceilings, giving the venue an open loft feel. This cool wedding venue is like a blank canvas, so you can create any wedding vibe.
There’s a variety of interior spaces, from an intimate lounge and private dining room to a banquet hall and ballroom. But the biggest drawl of The Showcase is the food. The venue boasts some of the best culinary talents in the city. Owned by Fox Restaurant Concepts, the chefs are eager to create a customizable menu to fit all tastes and price ranges.
Venue Cost: $3,000-$14,000
Maximum Capacity: 300 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
The Saguaro Scottsdale
Take advantage of Arizona’s balmy and beautiful weather with an outdoor wedding at The Saguaro Scottsdale. Located just outside Phoenix, this venue is close to the famed Arts District and Old Town.
The colorful venue has a retro mid-century modern touch perfect for lively, bold couples. Guests can stay in the on-site hotel, enjoying the amenities like the pool and patio.
Host your wedding inside in one of the grand ballrooms or outside on the lush green lawns. You can hold other wedding events like your rehearsal dinner and afterparty in the restaurant and bar. The venue hosts a post-wedding day brunch so you can keep the party going into the next morning.
Venue Cost: $1,000-$50,000
Maximum Capacity: 200
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
Enchantment Resort
Unofficially, the Enchantment Resort is the hidden gem of Arizona weddings. There is no place more quintessentially Arizonian than the desert vistas in Sedona, Arizona. This secluded resort puts nature at the forefront. The beautifully dramatic views of the red rocks in Boynton Canyon will take your guests breath away.
You and your guests can stay in the newly remodeled casitas and suites right on the resort. Host your rehearsal dinner at the on-site restaurant and pamper yourself at the exclusive spa.
Soak in Arizona’s natural beauty with the canyon views in one of the outdoor wedding ceremony locations. There are also four indoor ballrooms for receptions. And don’t forget to venture out on the rock formations for show-stopping wedding photos.
Venue Cost: $2,000-$10,000
Maximum Capacity: 200 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
Heritage Square
Charming and historic, Heritage Square is the perfect quaint wedding venue. Located in the heart of Phoenix, the Heritage Square Foundation aims to preserve the historic buildings and educate the public about the local history.
You’ll love getting married among the beautiful Victorian architecture, rose garden, and lush grounds. Host a small, intimate wedding in the Rosson House Museum. The Lath House Pavilion can host larger weddings and events.
Heritage Square doesn’t have a preferred vendor list, so it’s the ideal venue for couples who want to customize their wedding ceremonies. You’re able to hire your own catering service, bartender, and food trucks for your event.
Venue Cost: $2,500-$3,500
Maximum Capacity: Rosson House Museum, 30 guests; Lath House Pavilion, 500 guests seated, 1000 guests unseated
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
El Chorro
Picture the red rock Camelback Mountain and the granite slopes of Mummy Mountain as the backdrop of your wedding. This incredible view is possible at El Chorro in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Nestled between these two mountains are lush, historic grounds and a quaint Herb Garden that make an ideal outdoor wedding venue in Arizona.
Enjoy Southwest-inspired cuisine that previous couples have raved about. This menu features locally-grown, organic ingredients throughout the daytime and evening menu.
Your guests will not only be stunned by the gorgeous views but also by the incredible atmosphere. With an outdoor fireplace, this venue will create an intimate setting to celebrate your love. Choose from beautiful indoor ballrooms or outdoor patios to host your ceremony and reception.
Venue Cost: $2,500-$5,000
Maximum Capacity: 250 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
Lido
Lakefront views on 52 acres create the perfect wedding outdoor location. This waterside restaurant in Tempe, Arizona will take you from the city’s hustle to a majestic and serene retreat. Your guests will savor the European-inspired menu crafted by Lido’s chefs, who strive to create the perfect menu to satisfy every palate, including appetizers and desserts.
The lake at sunset offers a stunning backdrop to exchange vows. Lido offers eight event spaces ranging from large banquet halls to intimate lounges to accommodate weddings of all sizes. Those wanting an outdoor reception can enjoy the outdoor patio overlooking the lake.
Venue Cost: $5,000-$12,000 per 100 guests
Maximum Capacity: 600 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
The Place to Be
Cool and casual, The Place to Be is the wedding space for modern brides. Located in the Triangle Complex in Phoenix, Arizona, this open-air venue is the perfect spot for intimate nuptials.
The space mixes industrial and rustic aesthetics with lush green park views. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining from your choice of vendors. The Place to Be partners with unique entertainers like fire breathers and flash tattoo artists, so you can give your guests a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
Venue Cost: $2,500 for Elopement Package, $3,000-$5,000 for Party Package
Maximum Capacity: 75 guests
The Windmill Winery
Take in the countryside views at this historic venue in Florence, Arizona. Your ceremony will have lush greenery, the Superstition Mountains, and lake views as the backdrop. The Windmill Winery is ideal for couples who love stunning rural scenery.
Choose from the rustic barn or the lake house for your ceremony and reception. You and your guests can enjoy glasses of local Arizona wine made in Florence with Arizona grapes.
The venue also has space for live music and food trucks, so you can create a party atmosphere in this scenic escape.
Venue Cost: $13,000-$18,000 for 100 guests
Maximum Capacity: 300 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
Phoenix Zoo
As a staple in the community, the Phoenix Zoo offers couples an exotic location to hold their ceremony and reception. Each of the zoo’s fifteen venue spaces is inspired by the habitats they strive to conserve. So you can get married while overlooking a savannah, a tropical forest, or a lakeside.
You can rent two locations–one for your ceremony and another for the reception–so you can explore different exhibits of animals. The zoo has a list of preferred vendors to choose from to work together to create the most magical wedding day for you.
Venue Cost: $1,500-$3,500
Maximum Capacity: 300 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
Arizona Biltmore
Historic and luxurious, the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix is a stunning hotel originally inspired by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. For decades, it has been the go-to hotel for celebrities and dignitaries.
This iconic hotel is ideal for couples seeking a chic wedding venue. There are beautifully lush gardens and elegant ballrooms to host your ceremony and reception.
The Biltmore offers plated dinners chosen from an extensive menu, including hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and a late-night snack. The culinary packages also include a champagne toast and a hosted bar.
Venue Cost: $4,500-$6,000
Maximum Capacity: 400 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
The Wrigley Mansion
You probably know the name Wrigley from the iconic chewing gum. The Wrigley Mansion was constructed in 1932 by the chewing gum magnate himself, William Wrigley Jr. It was a 50th-anniversary gift to his wife, which makes it the perfect romantic location to start your married lives together.
Marvel at the vintage luxury of the Wrigley Mansion, including hand-painted ceilings, a grand fireplace, and the original Wrigley family Steinway player piano.
The Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired mansion has multiple facilities for indoor and outdoor ceremonies. The Garden Room and Garden Terrace have breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain. Or enjoy an intimate setting inside in the Formal Dining Room.
Venue Cost: Starting at $3,000
Maximum Capacity: 250 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
Aldea Weddings at The Landmark
Constructed in the 1920s, this historic venue in Mesa, Arizona offers glorious ballroom and garden sites to host your wedding and reception. Aldea Weddings at The Landmark has been owned and operated by the same family since 2015.
Because of this family-oriented service, the experience is one to boast about. The planning team helps each couple create a custom, all-inclusive wedding package and offers day-of coordination services and vendor management. Previous couples rave about the service and attention they received from the Aldea Weddings staff.
Whether you get married under the elegant gazebo in the luscious gardens or the luxurious banquet hall, you’ll have a remarkable venue space to say “I do.”
Venue Cost: Bronze Package: $12,000-$14,000; Silver Package: $15,600-$18,600; Gold Package $21,000-$23,000
Maximum Capacity: 200 guests
Find them here: Facebook, Instagram
The Madison Center for the Arts
At over 24,000 square feet, this one-of-a-kind venue in Phoenix, Arizona offers a private and picturesque setting for your nuptials. The Madison Center for the Arts is a theatre with a 908-seat auditorium, elegant 40-foot ceilings in the lobby, and an outdoor event space on the veranda.
The Madison Center is a truly unique venue that can create your dream wedding atmosphere with audio equipment and lighting. The staff strives to provide quality services, including catering, bar, and event planning services in line with such a momentous celebration.
Venue Cost: $2,600
Maximum Capacity: 200 guests
