Tori and Mikey’s Blackstone Country Club wedding is one I still think about all the time. The second I walked onto the property that day, I knew we were in for something special. They chose a different ceremony spot than other couples I’ve photographed here, and honestly? It couldn’t have been a better fit. The way the mountains framed their vows, the ivy climbing over the arches, and the soft light filtering in, it felt like the space was waiting just for them.
What I loved most, though, was how they made this stunning venue completely their own. Blackstone has all the polished luxury you’d expect, hacienda-style architecture, lush greens, and that golden Arizona light, but Tori and Mikey added their own energy to it. Cowboy boots tapping against the stone, wildflowers tucked into every corner, tattoos happening mid-cocktail hour, and the YETI cooler turned guestbook (which I’m still obsessed with). It wasn’t cookie-cutter or overly formal; it was them, through and through.
That’s what makes Blackstone such a fun venue to photograph. The bones of it are gorgeous, but the real magic happens when couples like Tori and Mikey layer in their personalities and stories. It’s not just about the arches or the mountain views, it’s about watching two people lean into their day, surrounded by their people, in a place that feels elevated without losing that easy, real vibe.
We’ve shot at a lot of Arizona wedding venues. And Blackstone? It gives you that elevated, old-world feel without feeling overly formal. Think:
From an Arizona wedding photographer’s POV, the flow is a dream: first looks in the ivy-covered entrance, vows on the Rose Lawn, sunset portraits on the stairs or tucked-away balconies, and then dancing under string lights as the stars come out. It’s a total vibe.
Blackstone isn’t your budget venue, but it is one of those places where you actually see where the value goes. Most couples spend between $23,000 and $29,000 for the full experience, depending on the season, guest count, and level of customization. From the lush ceremony lawns to the top-tier service and dreamy reception setups, it delivers. For the nitty-gritty breakdown, we recommend checking in with the Blackstone events team directly.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests (but smaller ceremonies feel just as special).
What’s included (the underrated MVPs of your wedding day):
The Rose Lawn is the main ceremony spot here, and for good reason. Desert views. Red blooms frame the aisle. A clean layout that works with any style, from classic to colorful to downright funky.
Tori and Mikey kept their ceremony setup simple, letting the view speak for itself. The sun dipped behind the mountains just as they said their vows, and the light wrapped them in glow. Literal magic.
Want to mix it up? You can explore:
Lighting tip: Aim for ceremony start time about 90 minutes before sunset for that golden, glowy, everything-looks-like-a-movie light.
Reception-wise, you’ve got two options: the indoor ballroom or the courtyard patio. Tori and Mikey chose the courtyard, and honestly? 10/10 recommend.
The setup: open air, string lights overhead, hacienda fireplace as a backdrop. It feels warm, romantic, and social all at once. Guests can wander, mingle, or chill by the fire while you hit the dance floor in boots and a high-slit gown (Tori, you legend). Inside or outside, the venue’s flow makes it easy to keep the energy high without forcing people to stay in one place. Bonus points for natural golden hour light spilling into cocktail hour.
Just because it’s elegant doesn’t mean it has to be formal. Blackstone gives you structure, but you bring the soul.
Tori and Mikey knew exactly how to keep things elevated and completely true to them! They kicked things off with a floral welcome sign that doubled as art (yes, it was frame-worthy), treated their guests to a tattoo station during cocktail hour (because why not commemorate the day with some ink?), swapped a traditional guest book for a YETI cooler full of notes and signatures, and had their first dance under the string lights, her in a gown and cowboy boots, naturally. It was everything we love about weddings at Blackstone: dialed-in details, big personality, and that electric kind of joy you can’t fake. The kind of day that doesn’t just look good in photos, but feels good in real life too.
Other ideas to make it personal:
Basically, lean into whatever makes you feel most like yourselves. Blackstone will rise to meet the moment.
Is it open to non-members?
Yep! You don’t need to be a member to tie the knot here; Blackstone is all about letting your love story take center stage, no membership required.
Can we take photos on the golf course?
Usually yes, with a quick heads-up to your planner or Blackstone’s team. We’ve snagged some of our favorite golden hour shots on those winding cart paths.When’s the best time to get married here?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots; March, April, October, and November deliver that perfect mix of dreamy light and not-sweating-through-your-dress weather. If you’re doing summer, go for a later start and pack a hand fan (or three).
Are there getting-ready spaces?
Yes for both sides. They’re locker-room style with balconies, which give you a nice view and a little fresh air. They can be a bit dim, though, so we always bring lighting backup to keep your detail shots crisp and glowy.
What if it rains?
It’s rare, but not impossible. Luckily, the indoor ballroom gives you a solid Plan B without sacrificing the vibe. You can also plan ahead for tenting if you want to stay outside no matter what.
We’ve shot enough weddings here to know the secret sauce:
Tori and Mikey didn’t want just another pretty wedding. They wanted something that felt like them. So they brought color. Joy. Boots. Tattoos. Their people.
Tori and Mikey’s portraits felt like film stills. Their vows made the guests laugh and cry. And when they hit the dance floor under the string lights, you could feel every guest leaning in, not for the photo op, but because it felt real. It’s the kind of day that reminds us why we do this, where the timeline disappears, the people show up fully, and the love feels loud in the best way.
If you’re looking for a venue that’s romantic, bold, and gives you room to be creative, Blackstone is it. It’s classic but not stuffy. Luxe but not over-the-top. Structured enough to hold your plans, and flexible enough to hold your personality.
If this sounds like your kind of day, we’d love to photograph it. We know the light here like old friends. We know how to move through the day in a way that keeps it flowing (and keeps it you). Send us a message today, we’d love to be the photographers capturing the best day of your life!
Looking for more Arizona wedding inspiration and guidance? Check out a few more blogs!
Getting Married at the Cove at Barlett Lake Wedding Venue: What to Know Before You Book
Why Getting Married at Desert View’s Chapel Might Be the Best Wedding Decision You Make