Planning your Arizona wedding? This wedding planning guide isn’t here to boss you around or give you a mile-long to-do list. It’s here to help you cut the noise and focus on what actually matters: crafting a day that feels calm, personal, and true to who you are. You don’t need to become a spreadsheet-obsessed, glue-gun-wielding version of yourself to pull this off. You just need some clarity, a little intention, and the right people in your corner (hi, that’s us, your Arizona wedding photographers).

Whether you’re dreaming up a desert elopement with just your ride-or-die humans (and maybe your dog in a bow tie), or a chill venue day with zero fluff and all the heart, this guide is here to help you plan the kind of wedding that doesn’t make you want to scream into a pillow halfway through.

We made this for the couples who care more about how the day feels than whether the napkins match the bridesmaids’ dresses. If you want to stay present, ditch the pressure, and maybe even enjoy the planning part, you’re in the right place. Let’s make this thing yours! 

Getting Ready (A Wedding Planning Guide Must-Have)

Let’s dive into the part of the wedding planning guide for the morning of your wedding. The first part of the day sets the tone, and it can either feel chaotic or chill. Getting ready isn’t just about hair and makeup or figuring out which sock is missing; it’s about the build-up, the anticipation, and the soft, slow moments before it all begins.

For Brides + Bridal Parties

This part of the day? It should feel like a deep breath before the “I do.” Choose a space with room to move and vibe, natural light, chill energy, and minimal chaos. Think less hotel clutter, more cozy Airbnb or your bestie’s dreamy guest room. Somewhere you’d actually want to hang out, wedding or not.

If you want to pop champagne while your dog snoozes on the bed, do it. If you’d rather sip coffee in your comfiest oversized tee while your playlist hits just right, also yes. The energy in the room becomes the foundation for the rest of the day. Have your little details ready to go, rings, vow books, heirlooms, and perfume. It doesn’t need to be staged like a magazine shoot. It just needs to be gathered so we can document it without interrupting the flow.

This is your soft launch into the best day ever. It’s not about perfect lashes or Pinterest-worthy flat lays. It’s about you, your people, and the kind of morning you’ll want to remember forever.

Quick Tips for the Girls:

• Don’t forget to eat something, you’ll feel better (and your photos will thank you).
• Delegate the chaos, let someone else track down the steamer or missing lash glue.
• If you cry (you probably will), have a tissue nearby that isn’t hot pink.
• Bonus: wear something that won’t leave bra strap dents or sock lines before you change.

For Grooms + The Guys

Let’s be real, most of the guys we work with aren’t out here dreaming about the perfect cufflink close-up. And that’s totally fine. You don’t need to put on a show. But there’s something kind of unique about the quiet lead-up, the calm before the ceremony buzz kicks in.

So here’s the move: keep the space clean-ish and chill. Open the blinds, turn on a playlist, maybe crack a beer with your people. You don’t need a fancy suite, but good light and good vibes go a long way.

Lay out your stuff, tie, cologne, handwritten note if you’ve got one. And don’t stress about the tie not being perfect on the first try (we’ve seen a lot of Google searches mid-morning, no judgment).

We’re not showing up to stage some overly stiff moment. We’re there to catch the in-between, the hands shaking out nerves, the jokes, the deep breath before go-time. It’s your story, your way. No awkward posing required.

Quick Tips for the Guys:

• Keep the space clean-ish. This helps so much with photos (and stress).
• Boutonnieres? Have them in the room, ready to pin when we arrive.
• Make sure dad or the best man is dressed and good to go, especially if there’s a special moment planned.
• Keep an eye on alcohol. A toast? Great. A six-pack before noon? Maybe wait till after vows.

Who to Get Ready With?

Okay, let’s talk about the guest list before the guest list. Who you get ready with on your wedding day? Kinda huge. The energy in that room? It sets the tone for everything that comes after. So here’s your permission slip: you don’t need to be surrounded by a dozen people if that doesn’t feel like you. Want to keep it to your two favorite humans and your dog snoring in the corner? Perfect. Want the whole gang hyping you up with mimosas and ’90s throwbacks? Also valid.

And hey, if you’re the kind of couple who find calm in each other (we see you introverts), you can get ready together. We’ve seen some of the sweetest moments unfold this way, reading vows privately, helping each other get dressed, sneaking in a quiet coffee before the whirlwind. Those moments? Gold. And the photos? Unreal. Bottom line: forget the rules. Choose the people who make you feel most grounded, hyped, loved, or just you. That’s the only vibe that matters. 

Our Approach: The Heart Behind This Wedding Planning Guide

We built this wedding planning guide for the couples who care more about how the day feels than how it looks on a shot list. The ones who want real moments, not rigid timelines. We’re not just here to take pretty pictures or roll on your vows like a Netflix docuseries (though let’s be honest, it’s gonna look cinematic). We’re here to help you feel the day while it’s happening. To hold space for the quiet nerves, the wild laughter, the sneaky happy tears, and the real stuff that doesn’t fit into a shot list.

Here’s what we believe: your wedding should feel like your relationship. Not a show or a checklist. Not a re-creation of something you saw on Pinterest at 2 AM. This is about making space for good stuff that happens when you get to be fully you,  in a place that feels good, with people who get it.

So if that means hiking out to a red rock ledge before sunrise, or doing a Target run the night before because the plan changed (been there, loved it), or building your whole timeline around golden hour because that light is your religion, we’re in. We’re about meaning over fluff, vibes over perfection, and real moments over rigid expectations.

We’ll guide where needed, fade back when it matters, and make sure the energy stays grounded, clear, and 100% true to you. Our job? To make sure you actually remember what your day felt like,  not just what it looked like.

Family Photos Without the Stress Spiral (Because Your Wedding Planning Guide Deserves Better Than Chaos)

You love your people, but let’s be honest, wrangling them into organized photo ops isn’t always the most peaceful part of the day. Big families? Loud personalities? Missing uncles who disappear right before their moment? We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you dodge the chaos!

Here’s the move:

Make a list ahead of time with the combos that matter to you. Keep it clean, realistic, and ideally capped around 15–18 groupings. Each shot takes about 1–2 minutes, so more combos = more time. This is where quality over quantity becomes your best friend.

Wedding day tip:

Pick someone who knows both sides of the family (and isn’t afraid to speak up) to help call out names and keep folks on deck. That way, we can focus on shooting the group in front of us, while your MVP sets up the next round. It seriously speeds things up and keeps things painless for everyone.

And remember, family photos don’t have to be stiff or stressful. We’ll grab plenty of casual, candid moments during the reception, too. Hugs, dance floor reunions, big laughs over cake… those photos hit just as hard.

How Long Do Family Photos Take? Totally depends on your crew. Here’s a ballpark:

• ~20 people (6–8 groups): 10–20 min
• ~30 people (9–12 groups): 20–30 min
• ~40 people (13–16 groups): 30–40 min
• 50+ (17–25 groups): 40 min to an hour

If there’s anything we should know, family stuff, dynamics that need a little extra care, or anything that might impact how folks show up in front of the camera, please tell us. You don’t have to give us the full family tree drama, just enough so we can navigate it with kindness and care. Our job is to keep things flowing, chill, and above all, respectful. We’ve got your back. You should feel supported, never stressed.

Planning Your Ceremony: A Wedding Planning Guide to Making It Mean Something

This part of your wedding planning guide should feel less like “what’s expected” and more like “what feels right.” You get to choose the tone, the vibe, the view, all of it. Your ceremony is the heart of the day, the moment everything slows down and gets really, actually real. This isn’t just about walking down the aisle; it’s about how it all feels when you look at your person and say, “Yep, this is it.” So let’s break down a few things to think about when planning your ceremony:

Things to Consider (According to Your Wedding Planning Guide, Not Your Group Chat)

Start with the vibe. Is this going to be emotional and intimate? Fun and a little cheeky? Somewhere in between? This sets the tone for everything, from your word choices to your music to how long the whole thing lasts (spoiler: short and sweet often wins).

Location

Arizona gives you options. So many options. Desert backdrops, pine forests, cozy garden nooks. Go with something that feels like your relationship, not just what photographs well (although don’t worry, it’ll still look amazing).

Lighting

Golden hour is your BFF. In Arizona, that soft, glowy light right before sunset is unbeatable. Avoid harsh midday sun if you can, and always scope out the shade situation for guests. Comfort is key.

Unplugged Ceremony

We highly recommend it. Ask your guests to be fully present (and not watching your vows through their phone screens). We’ll capture everything beautifully, you’ll thank yourself later.

Personal Vows

Not required, but always powerful. Even just a few heartfelt lines can make the ceremony feel incredibly you. If you’re nervous about reading them aloud, consider writing private letters to each other to read before or after.

Choosing Your Celebrant

Officiant, best friend, grandma, your cousin with theater flair, whoever it is, pick someone who gets you and can guide the ceremony with presence and personality. Their energy matters just as much as the words.

Confetti Exit?

Yes, please! Make sure to check with your venue first. Biodegradable confetti, dried florals, bubbles, even ribbon wands, there are fun ways to add that pop of celebration as you walk back down the aisle together.

Bottom line is your ceremony doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s rules. No tradition is mandatory, no script is sacred, and you absolutely don’t need to squeeze yourselves into something that doesn’t feel true. If it means something to you, it belongs. If it doesn’t, skip it. This is your moment, make it feel like home, not a performance.

Hot Tip for Feeling Great in Your Couple Photos

Most people aren’t out here moonlighting as models. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands or need a signature laugh-smile. You just need to be present.

Our biggest pro tip? Stop thinking about “getting good photos.” Start thinking about how it feels to be together. That’s what translates.

We’ll cue the vibes, you bring your realness. Movement is what brings it together, a walk, a lean, a laugh, a whisper. We’ll catch the in-between beats: the way your hand finds theirs without thinking, the way you exhale after a long hug. No stiff posing, no fake laughing, no “now look at each other and giggle.” Just you, being together in real time.

If you’re nervous (so normal), we start slow. We read the room. We play your favorite song. And suddenly you’re not thinking about your hair or the angle of your face, you’re just in it. And that’s when the energy hits.

Where to Get Married in Arizona: A Location-Obsessed Wedding Planning Guide

Arizona might be known for its wild sunsets and cactus silhouettes, but a great wedding planning guide will help you match the right location to your specific vision, not just what looks cute on Pinterest. One of the best things about getting married in Arizona? You’ve got options. And we’re not talking “barn or golf course”, we’re talking cactus-lined sunsets, pine forest hideouts, sandstone cathedrals, and luxe desert resorts that somehow feel both editorial and easygoing.

So if you’re still scouting locations, here’s a little taste of what’s out there:

Desert Vibes (Phoenix / Scottsdale / Superstition Mountains)

Think sun-bleached terrain, cactus standing tall, and golden hour light that makes everything look like a dream sequence. Whether you’re eloping in the middle of nowhere with boots and a bottle of champagne or partying at a resort with serious Palm Springs energy, the desert gives drama. In a good way.

Sedona Gold

This is the spiritual core of Arizona weddings. Red rocks, wind in your hair, and a kind of glow you just can’t fake. Perfect for couples who want a ceremony that feels equal parts intimate and epic. Hot tip: weekdays = way less foot traffic, way more breathing room.

Northern Arizona Escapes (Flagstaff, Pinetop, Prescott)

If the desert’s not your thing and you want tall trees, cooler temps, and a more secluded vibe, northern Arizona delivers. Pine forests, open fields, snowy winters, we’ve shot foggy first looks and fireside receptions that feel like actual fairy tales.

Southern AZ (Tucson, Sonoita)

Southern Arizona brings that artsy-meets-rustic mood. Picture: Adobe venues, wine country backdrops, soft dusty light, and cactus silhouettes that go hard. It’s a little bit old western, a little bit indie film.

Downtown & Urban (Tempe, Tucson, Phoenix)

Yes, Arizona has architecture too! If you’re into sleek rooftop vows, mid-century modern hotels, or quirky downtown art spots, there’s a place for that. City weddings don’t have to be stuffy; they can be sexy, stylish, and full of unexpected detail.

Bottom line? Arizona lets you create a wedding that feels like you, whether that means hiking boots or heels, black-tie or barefoot. You can keep it luxe or go low-key. The landscape will still do her thing.

Arizona Wedding Planning Guide for 2026

Planning a wedding in Arizona is a little different (in the best way). Thankfully, this wedding planning guide will help! You’ve got red rock sunsets, cactus silhouettes, cozy pine forests, and vineyard views all within a few hours of each other. Whether you’re dreaming of Sedona glow, Tucson charm, Flagstaff forests, or a Scottsdale resort weekend, the options are so damn good!

That said, Arizona couples planning for 2026 need to know a few key things:

• Book early. Spring and fall are prime time here, mild temps, golden light, and packed vendor calendars. If you’re eyeing a Saturday in October, book it now.
• Have a weather backup. Arizona isn’t just dry heat. Monsoon storms, high winds, or even snow (hey, Flagstaff) can sneak in. Have a Plan B, and you’ll stay chill no matter what.
• Don’t pack your timeline. Give your day space to breathe. Arizona light is a dream; don’t rush through it.
• Prioritize what matters. Don’t keep traditions just because your aunt says so. If it’s not meaningful to you, skip it.
• Trust your vendors. This is a big one. You’re hiring people who know the landscape (literally), the light, the venues, and how to pivot when needed. Choose folks you genuinely like and then let them do their thing.

Arizona gives you freedom. The freedom to elope barefoot on a mountain, or host a full-out bash under the stars. You can keep it luxe or keep it low-key; there’s no wrong way to do it. And at the end of the day, the best Arizona weddings we’ve shot weren’t the ones that went off without a hitch. They were the ones where the couple looked so damn happy to be there, with each other, with their people, and fully in the moment.

If that’s what you want, welcome, you’re our kind of couple.

Should I Hire a Wedding Planner?

Here’s the honest answer: you don’t have to… but wow, it can make your life a whole lot easier.

If your wedding has layers, multiple locations, more than a few vendors, or even just the potential for a runaway toast mic, a planner is gold. They’re the behind-the-scenes calm when things get wild. They chase the florist, wrangle the timeline, and make sure your aunt isn’t setting out the DIY signs upside down. Basically? They handle the chaos so you can be fully present.

That said, if you’re doing something small and soulful, like a backyard elopement with your dog as the witness, you might not need the full package. Some couples feel great coordinating with their venue or leaning on a day-of bestie with clipboard energy.

But even if you’re Type A with the spreadsheet receipts to prove it, you deserve to not be the one checking your watch or wondering if the cake arrived. So if you can swing it, hand off the logistics. Let someone else carry the mental load. You’ve got vows to focus on.

Book Us As Your Arizona Wedding Photographer and Videographer

Whether you’re trading vows on a cliffside with your pup by your side, or throwing a laid-back backyard rager with grandma’s pie table as the centerpiece, we’re here for all of it. Our whole thing? Helping you craft a wedding day that feels easy, intentional, and real as hell, while capturing every honest, blink-and-you-miss-it moment along the way.

So if you’re feeling that mix of calm and clarity, like, “okay, wait, maybe this won’t be so overwhelming after all”, save this wedding planning guide. Revisit it when the group chats get chaotic, or you start second-guessing that sparkly jumpsuit.

And when you’re ready to turn the Pinterest boards into real-life magic? You know where to find us, shoot us a message! 

Planning your Arizona wedding and looking for more tips and inspiration? Keep scrolling! 

Desert View Weddings: What You Actually Need to Know Before You Get Married Here
The Paseo Arizona Wedding Guide for Couples Who Want More Than Pretty Pictures
Getting Married at the Cove at Bartlett Lake Wedding Venue: What to Know Before You Book