Arizona has a variety of unique locations to offer, and this is a simple list we’ve created to help you decide the place that’s best for you and your partner. The locations are chosen by us based on their aesthetics, ease of access and workable space for a couple or engagement session. This is by no means a list of every possible option. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, send your photographer some photos of your personal style and any reference photos you’ve found inspiration from. This way they can get an impression of what you like and can give you suggestions. The options are endless, and here are our favorites:
Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix
This desert oasis is found right in the middle of metropolitan Phoenix and is filled with native cacti and succulents that cover over 140 acres of land. The Gardens are open seven days a week and are available to the public with the purchase of an entrance ticket of $24.95 – $29.95 per person. The large property allows for time to explore and relax during your session with the amount of space and privacy the gardens have to offer. They even have a beautiful butterfly exhibit, art installations, and events at different times throughout the year.
Check out their website here: dbg.org
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town is the best casual spot for an urban engagement session. There are plenty of rustic buildings with brick walls and cute local shops along many of the side roads. Throughout the year, N Marshall Way has lights strung across it for the perfect romantic evening ambiance. During the holiday seasons, many shops and the Scottsdale Waterfront also decorate with dazzling lights. Not only is there plenty of parking available along the streets, but also at the parking garage at Nordstrom. The area is filled with charming restaurants and cafes and is comfortably walkable. For those who want the city feel with an easy-going location, Old Town Scottsdale is the place for you.
Check out their website here: oldtownscottsdale.com
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Located in Peoria, this large desert park has some of the best sunsets and trails leading to mountain views. This location has many stopping points along the drive through the park with trails, cacti, and desert vegetation. The park is quite vast, so there are plenty of areas for a private session. White Tank is our top suggestion for couples who want to travel somewhere near Phoenix, but love saguaro and mountain ranges.
Check out information about the park here: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/white-tank-mountain-regional-park/
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
About an hour southwest of Phoenix in Superior, you’ll find Arizona’s oldest and largest arboretum. For the couple who want to get away from the desert, this Arboretum has 4.7 miles of scenic trails with plant life from all around the world; a lake with many ducks and birds, and two creeks that run through the property. With such an assortment of plant life that thrives in different seasons, the arboretum is full of appealing colors and beautiful trails all year long. They even grow their own cacti and yard plants that you can purchase as a memento of your session.
Check out their website here: btarboretum.org
Sedona
Last, but not least, Sedona will always be our top recommendation for an engagement session at any time of year. Absolutely nothing beats the gorgeous and iconic red rocks that you can see throughout the town. No matter where you choose for your session in Sedona, you can never go wrong. The surrounding lands have many green and luscious vineyards, while the hiking trails, mountains and campgrounds offer gorgeous views of the red rocks and desert. Its popularity causes parking lots to fill up quickly, so we recommend a sunrise session to beat the crowds or taking one of their new free shuttle buses to your chosen location.
Check out information about Sedona here: www.sedonaaz.gov
Arizona has plenty more to offer and your engagement session is an important part of your wedding journey. So take your time to think about the location that speaks to you and your partner the most and view the links we have provided for each. If you’re our clients, ask us about our detailed location guide! Please keep in mind that while many of these places are free to use, some have an entrance fee, parking fee, or require a photography permit. The regulations for photography at any location may change at any time. So just let your photographer know your favorite choices and ask them to call ahead before planning on where to do your session.