Arizona Wedding Venues: A Photographer’s Guide to Stunning Locations in Phoenix & Beyond
When you’re planning your wedding, the venue is more than a backdrop — it’s the setting where your promises are spoken, where your people gather, and where your story begins in its new chapter. In Arizona, we’re lucky to have wedding venues that are as breathtaking as the love stories they hold: sweeping desert views, charming farms, glamorous resorts, and modern downtown spaces.
As a Phoenix wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing weddings at some of Arizona’s most beautiful venues. I’ve also walked alongside couples as they dreamed about the right place to celebrate their day. Today, I want to share a guide to a few Arizona wedding venues I’ve personally photographed, plus some of the dreamy locations still on my bucket list. My hope is this helps you feel inspired — and maybe even sparks an idea for where your own vows could unfold.
Venues I’ve Photographed in Arizona
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing couples at four unique Arizona wedding venues. Each one tells a different story, and each one offers something special for couples searching for the perfect place to begin their forever.
Scottsdale Fairmont Princess
If luxury and desert elegance are what you’re after, the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale is an iconic choice. Think palm trees swaying against the desert sky, sparkling water features, and the soft Arizona light falling across manicured lawns. This venue is perfect for couples who want the sophistication of a resort experience with the bonus of incredible photo opportunities — lush gardens, reflective ponds, and desert sunsets.
The Big Tin Cotton Gin
For couples dreaming of something rustic and nostalgic, the Big Tin Cotton Gin is a gem. With its historic charm, exposed beams, and warm, inviting atmosphere, it feels like stepping into a storybook. I love photographing here because the textures and details — weathered wood, twinkling lights, wide-open dance floors — bring out the authenticity of a celebration. If you’re someone who values family, simplicity, and a touch of country charm, this venue creates the perfect stage for your wedding day.
Schnepf Farms
There’s something so wholesome about a wedding at Schnepf Farms. It’s full of farmhouse warmth, wide fields, orchards, and a kind of quiet beauty that grounds you. I’ve captured couples exchanging vows under trees and dancing beneath the stars here, and it never feels overdone — just honest, sweet, and full of joy. It’s perfect for couples who value a down-to-earth celebration that still feels magical.
Soho63
If modern and chic is more your style, Soho63 in downtown Chandler is an incredible spot. Clean lines, crisp white walls, and versatile indoor spaces make it a blank canvas for any couple’s vision. I’ve loved seeing how couples transform this space with florals, candles, or bold pops of color. For couples who want a city vibe with flexibility, Soho63 strikes that beautiful balance between sophistication and personalization.
Arizona Wedding Venues Still on My Bucket List
Even though I’ve photographed some beautiful spaces, there are so many Arizona venues I’m still dreaming of capturing. These are places where architecture, landscape, and atmosphere combine to create unforgettable settings.
El Chorro
Nestled in Paradise Valley, El Chorro is iconic for its desert garden charm and stunning views of Camelback Mountain. It’s timeless, intimate, and effortlessly romantic — the kind of place where every corner feels like a page from a love story.
Royal Palms Resort & Spa
For couples who dream of old-world elegance, the Royal Palms is a dream. With Spanish architecture, lush courtyards, and intimate spaces tucked away, it feels like stepping into another era. I can only imagine how beautiful vows sound here, echoing through historic archways and gardens.
Desert Botanical Garden
Arizona’s desert landscapes are unmatched, and the Desert Botanical Garden brings them to life in such a striking way. Cacti, wildflowers, and desert light — it’s pure magic. A wedding here feels like a love letter to the Arizona desert itself.
The Paseo
Set against the Superstition Mountains, The Paseo is for couples who want dramatic desert backdrops with a touch of elegance. With open-air ceremony spaces and breathtaking mountain views, it’s the kind of venue that makes every guest stop and take a deep breath in awe.
How to Choose the Right Arizona Wedding Venue
Choosing a venue is one of the biggest decisions in your planning process — but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to guide you as you think about your perfect Arizona wedding location:
Guest Size & Atmosphere
Think about how many people you want to share your day with. A rustic barn might feel intimate with 50 guests, while a resort ballroom could hold hundreds without feeling too big.Backdrop & Photography
Your venue sets the stage for your photos. Do you imagine desert sunsets, modern downtown vibes, or lush greenery? The right setting will reflect your personality and create timeless images you’ll treasure.Season & Light
Arizona weddings are unique because of our desert climate. Outdoor ceremonies are dreamy in spring or fall, but summer may call for indoor spaces with great natural light.Flexibility & Style
Ask yourself how much you want to customize. Some venues are all-inclusive with packages, while others are blank slates ready for your personal touch.
Why the Venue Matters in Your Story
At the end of the day, your wedding venue isn’t just a location — it’s part of your story. It’s where your loved ones will gather, where your vows will echo, and where your joy will live on in photos. My role as your photographer is to capture the essence of that space and the way your love fills it.
Whether you’re drawn to rustic barns, elegant resorts, modern downtown spaces, or the desert itself, Arizona has a venue that’s waiting to hold your story. And I’d be honored to help you preserve every moment of it.
Ready to Find Your Venue & Capture It Beautifully?
If you’re dreaming of your Arizona wedding day and still searching for the perfect venue, I’d love to connect with you. Whether you’ve already chosen your spot or are still exploring options, let’s talk about how I can capture your day in a way that feels timeless, personal, and true to you.
to start planning your Arizona wedding photography experience.