You know those weekends that feel like a deep breath? The kind where you’ve got sun on your skin, the people you love right beside you, and not a single email notification in sight? That’s exactly the kind of energy Riley and Garrett wanted for their wedding at Havasu Springs Resort—and honestly, they nailed it.

This wasn’t about elaborate timelines or Pinterest-perfect table settings. It was about presence. About slowing down. About soaking up the sunshine, the lake, the laughter. For them, this wasn’t just a wedding—it was a rare chance to spend an entire weekend with family and friends they don’t often get to see. And if you ask me? That kind of intentionality is what makes a wedding unforgettable.

Why Havasu Springs Resort Was the Spot

Riley and Garrett knew one thing for sure: the lake had to be front and center. It’s their happy place, their second home, and it just made sense to get married where they feel most like themselves.

If you’re scoping out resort wedding venues in AZ, especially around Parker, Havasu Springs Resort is the place—and not just because of the views (although, yeah… those are next level).

Here’s what makes this place such a win:

• It’s located right on the Colorado River with panoramic views of Lake Havasu—The Pointe, one of their ceremony sites, literally sits on a ridge overlooking the water.
  
• They offer a mix of indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options, including a romantic beach spot and the Harbor Room, which has big windows and gorgeous sunset light.
  
• Hosting a full-sized wedding? You’re covered. Guest capacity ranges from 75 to 220, so whether you’re planning something intimate or more of a party, there’s room.
  
• Pet-friendly? Yup. Bring your dog. The resort is totally down with furry guests (and I’m 100% here for dogs at weddings).
  
• You and your guests can stay on-site—there are 44 motel-style rooms with kitchenettes, patios, and lake or pool views. No one has to Uber anywhere. Win.
  
• You’ll also get access to the resort’s amenities like the golf course, swimming pool, and marina, which makes the whole weekend feel like a vacation.
  
• And bonus: They throw in a complimentary two-night stay for the wedding couple if the rooms are available.
  

Pricing depends on your setup, but most weddings fall between $5,000–$7,500 for full packages. If you’re going the ceremony-only route, it starts around $3,000–$3,500. Honestly, for a Parker AZ wedding venue with lakefront views, built-in accommodations, and weekend-long vibes, it’s a pretty great value.

It’s the kind of place where you can host your welcome dinner in a boat garage (which they did, by the way—complete with a massive photo wall full of lake memories), have your ceremony overlooking the water, and wrap up the night with dancing under the stars. And then? Wake up the next morning with coffee, a view of the lake, and no reason to rush home.

The Weekend Vibe: Laid-Back and Full of Heart

The welcome dinner was mellow and nostalgic. Everyone had spent the day out on the lake, so by evening, they were sun-kissed and ready to chill. They gathered at Riley’s parents’ place, swapped stories, laughed over drinks, and took in the photo wall lined with snapshots of lake weekends gone by.

On the wedding day, I met Riley at her getting-ready room. She was calm, glowing, and totally in her element. We did her first look and portraits by the beach (yep, it was HOT—but everyone was a trooper), and then headed up to the lookout point for the ceremony.

There was one emotional moment I’ll never forget—Garrett’s family spread his brother’s ashes into the lake. It was quiet. Sacred. The kind of pause in the day that brings everything into perspective.

After that, it was all celebration. Drinks were flowing. Music was bumpin’. And Riley and Garrett were on the dance floor, living their best lives and soaking up every second – just like they planned! 

What Riley and Garrett Didn’t Want

No disappearing for two hours to take endless portraits. No stress over sticking to a rigid timeline. And no pretending the day was about anything other than being with their people.

And as a Parker wedding photographer, I totally respect that. Honestly, I love when couples prioritize connection over perfection. We kept portraits quick, natural, and joy-filled—just enough to give them those timeless classics they can show their future kids, but never so much that they missed the party.

Why Havasu Springs is a Win for Couples Who Want to Actually Enjoy Their Wedding

Here’s the thing: not every venue makes it easy to relax. Some feel more like event centers than places you’d actually want to hang out for a whole weekend. But Havasu Springs Resort? It’s the opposite.

• You can stay on-site with your guests—no Ubers, no stress.
  
• The lake view is unreal and perfect for both ceremonies and casual hangs.
  
• There are spots for boats, kayaks, or just floating with a drink in hand.
  
• It’s got a good mix of nature-meets-comfort, so you get that outdoorsy vibe without sacrificing the essentials.
  

It’s the kind of place where you can have a meaningful ceremony, a rowdy reception, and wake up the next day still surrounded by the people you love. No rush. No goodbyes just yet.

Real, Candid, and Full of Feeling

Riley said it best herself: she wanted photos that felt real. None of that overly posed stuff—just genuine joy, timeless portraits, and the kind of images that bring you right back to the moment when you see them again.

We leaned into that. I focused on capturing the in-between moments—the happy tears, the bear hugs, the dance floor chaos. The result? A gallery that feels like a living memory. And yes, I’m a little obsessed too.

So… Should You Book a Wedding at Havasu Springs Resort?

If you’re the kind of couple who…

• wants to spend real time with your people
  
• feels most at peace near the water
  
• loves the idea of turning your wedding into a whole weekend hang
  
• cares more about the feeling of your day than staging every second for photos…
  

Then yes. 100 times yes.

Whether you’re in the early stages of wedding planning or knee-deep in your venue search, a wedding at Havasu Springs Resort is one of those options that checks all the boxes without making it feel like a performance.

Parker Wedding Photographer Tip: Make the Weekend Count

As a Parker AZ wedding photographer, here’s my advice: don’t over-schedule. Build in time for naps. Bring floaties. Let your friends help. And don’t stress if things run a little late—some of the best moments happen when you’re not looking at the clock.

And if you want photos that feel true to you? Find a photographer who sees your day the way you do. One who knows when to step back, when to step in, and how to catch the moments that matter most.

Riley and Garrett’s day wasn’t about flash—it was about feeling. About intention. About soaking up every moment and walking away with full hearts (and maybe a little sunburn). If that sounds like your dream too, Havasu Springs Resort might just be your perfect spot.

And hey—if you need someone to capture it all? You know where to find me.

Parker AZ Wedding Photographer | Kali M Photos

Whether you’re seeking to infuse a non-traditional vibe into a conventionally classic wedding or crafting an entirely unprecedented way to say “I do,” you deserve more than just an ordinary photography experience. So, you deserve an Arizona wedding photography and videography experience as distinctive as you are, and my friend, you’ve just discovered it. Secure your date here!

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