February 2022

Elope in Arizona : Ultimate Planning Guide (updated 2022) The Ultimate “How to” Wedding Planning Guide to Elope in Arizona (complete with pricing, paperwork, and locations) Arizona is popular for its picturesque lands which consist of red rocks, mountain streams,  pine forests, and an expansive desert. Sedona, a desert town here, is known as a year-round paradise which makes it one of the most beautiful locations for weddings. You do not really have to tie the knot in the courthouse because there are many wonderful wedding venues to elope in Arizona!  Why Elope in Arizona? Considered a desert paradise, you’ll find some of the most scenic wedding venues in Arizona. This sun-drenched state is home to many natural wonders of the world. Couples not only elope in Arizona to marry in bliss but can also enjoy their big day with outdoor adventures like hiking and mountain biking. It has everything if you are looking forward to a truly unique wedding experience! How to Elope in Arizona – Legal Stuff Before jumping to the wedding venues in Arizona, you should be aware of the requirements of getting married in this heavenly place. You and your partner shall be 18 years or older to get married unless you have parental consent. You do not neccesarily have to be a resident of Arizona to apply for a marriage license in Arizona. To obtain an official marriage license, you need to file at an Arizona courthouse which costs $70-86. Both parties’ presence is required when you are applying for your marriage license. No waiting period is necessary to get married. Marriage licenses are only valid for 1 year after receiving them, but you need to mail or hand over the license to the courthouse within 30 days of your ceremony to be properly recorded. You should have at least two witnesses over 18 years during your ceremony to sign your marriage license. Best Places to Elope in Arizona Many popular wedding venues in Arizona are surrounded by gorgeous red rocks, mountain ridges, canyons, deserts, and sunsets. With over 400 wedding venues to choose from, you sure can find your perfect location! I’ve listed some of the best ones below.    Grand Canyon National Park Fee: $2,375 Capacity: 2-10 The Grand Canyon National Park is seen as one of the seven natural wonders of this world. Whether your wedding is in summer, spring, or winter, it is one of the most scenic venues in Arizona that’s full of natural beauty. It has countless breathtaking views that will make the wedding of your dreams even more special!  L’Auberge de Sedona Fee: $2,800-15,000 Capacity: 175. Located on the banks of the Oak Creek, this elegant resort is a fabulous venue for elopement. L’Auberge de Sedona is an inclusive resort that warmly welcomes all couples.  Amara Resort and Spa Fee: $1,000-6,000 Capacity: 60 The Amara Resort is one of the most elegant wedding venues in Arizona that is nestled between the Uptown Sedona and the Oak Creek. This luxury resort and spa offers breathtaking views of the red rock landscape, has picturesque indoor and outdoor event spaces, and top-notch amenities for you and your guests to enjoy.  Mesa Grill Fee: $500-750 Capacity: 60 The Mesa Grill provides the opportunity to host your special wedding with the most fascinating views in town. They have such a exquisite location perched on top of Sedona, making it one of the most picturesque wedding venues.  Agave of Sedona Wedding & Event Centre Fee: $1,800-10,000 Capacity: 200 The Agave is well-known for its romantic and unforgettable wedding ceremonies. It is situated just 1.3 miles away from Sedona airport. Couples can host their dream ceremony here surrounded by their loved ones and a gorgeous ambiance. Los Abrigados Resort and Spa Fee: $400-2,000 Capacity: 90 This marriage site is one of the top picturesque wedding venues with scenic views of Oak Creek. The Los Abrigados Resort and Spa collaborates with the Wild Thyme Group to cater all events on its premises. So, you’ll have an extensive array of classic, Southwestern-inspired menus, as well as serving options that include action stations, buffets, family-style, and plated dinners.  Crescent Moon Day Area  Fee: starts at $150 Capacity: 50   This site is one of the most picturesque wedding venues in Arizona from where the towering Cathedral Rock is reflected in the waters of Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing.  It is not surprising that this place is considered an ideal wedding destination!  Mariposa Meadow at Nordic Village Fee: $1000/day Capacity: 100 Located in the Coconino National Forest, this mountain retreat offers a great destination wedding for couples to disconnect from their urban life and celebrate their love. Featuring scenic outdoor wedding venues in Arizona, camping locations, and more, the newlyweds and their guests can spend an adventurous, relaxing getaway here.  Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch Fee:  $4,250 Capacity: 300 The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa is a beautiful hotel wedding venue located in Scottsdale. It offers indoor and outdoor wedding venues in Arizona for your ceremony with breathtaking views and exceptional service. The Arboretum at Flagstaff Fee:  $1,800 Capacity: 250 The Arboretum is home to approximately 750 species of plants, pine forests, mountain views, patios, gardens, and dazzling skies which will make your outdoor wedding venues in Arizona unforgettable. The Arboretum offers your guests the beauty and peace of being surrounded by the Coconino National Forest paired with first-class amenities. How to Get to Arizona There are three main airports throughout Arizona : Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), Scottsdale Airport (SCG), and Tucson International Airport (TUS) that navigate you throughout the state. Phoenix is the largest airport in Arizona, and is 231 miles from the Grand Canyon and 119 miles from another popular elopement destination, Sedona. Best Times to Elope in Arizona You can get married in Arizona throughout the year.  Although it doesn’t snow here, it can get quite cold during the winter in the northern part of the state, and

Elope in Montana : Ultimate Planning Guide (updated 2022) The Ultimate “How to” Wedding Planning Guide to Elope in Montana(complete with pricing, paperwork, and locations) Lincoln called this U.S. state the last best hope of mankind. True love is hopeful and when paired with beauty and serenity, is passionate. If you want to elope in Montana and enjoy some scenic locations with jaw-dropping backdrops, this guide has just what you need!  Why Elope in Montana? Montana is one of the many mesmerizing locations people have on their minds while planning their wedding. This is because of the beautiful and serene environment. The vast blue skies paired with the lush greenery at scenic wedding venues in Montana, are immensely captivating and can win hearts over in seconds!  Apart from this, everyone wants to commemorate their wedding day with gorgeous pictures that capture the beauty of the wedding venue along with the happy couple. The outdoor wedding venues Montana is known for, are guaranteed to make for some breath-taking memory logs to reminisce on. Since these venues are amid the beauty of nature, a lot of them also offer fun outdoor activities which are perfect for some adventurous couples or wedding guests. These include tour bus rides and treks. If you choose to elope in Montana, I guarantee that it will be one of the best decisions that you have made so far! How to Elope in Montana – Legal Stuff Every state has different laws when it comes to getting married and it is of paramount importance that these be adhered to. So if you plan to elope in Montana, do make a note of the following: There are three ways of getting married in Montana: by ceremonial marriage, common law, or by a declaration of marriage.  You are required to be at least 16 years of age to get married. At 16 or 17 however, you are a minor and require the consent of a parent or a judge, along with pre-marriage counseling. Wait a little longer and the hassle is all driven away when you are 18. As legal adults, your partner and you will not require any consent as such. Best Places to Elope in Montana The wedding venues in Montana are quite serene and quiet and would be perfect for an elopement. These picturesque wedding venues hit just the right spot whether you opt for a small wedding with only a few loved ones or choose to have a big wedding party to share your special day with you.  Listed below are the scenic venues for weddings in Montana along with their fees and capacities. Glacier National Park Fee: $11000 plus permit cost of $100.Capacity: 200  First up, we have one of the best outdoor wedding venues Montana has to offer; the Glacier National Park. This expansive venue has a lot of lovely remote areas where you can go to escape from the crowd and hassle of urban landscapes. It has six different areas to choose from, out of which the West Glacier is the most popular for its breathtaking scenery. Other options include the Saint Mary area which you can select depending on your preference and venue availability.  Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Fee: $8000Capacity: 50 The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is another perfect spot couples opt for when they elope in Montana. It includes several forested areas and is spread out over 920,000 acres of gorgeous land.  The towering Beartooth Mountains are just near Alaska and create a serene backdrop. There are many locations to choose from and it is easy to feel like you are on top of the world while you celebrate your special day here! Isn’t this just one of the perfectly picturesque wedding venues you have ever seen? Tom Miner Basin Fee: on demand Capacity: 200 If you are looking for something which signifies diversity, the Tom Miner Basin is the perfect option for you. While it can be quite risky because of the presence of many grizzly bears, if you are well-versed with bear safety, you have nothing to be concerned about.  The Tom Miner Basin is easy to access so getting there using vehicles is not a hassle. If hiking is not something you prefer, but you still want to enjoy the scenic venues for weddings in Montana, then there is no better alternative. Fair Lake and Sacajawea Peak Fee: on demand Capacity: 200 Why choose between a hike or using a vehicle? You don’t have to if you opt for Fair Lake and Sacajawea Park to be your wedding venue! Like many scenic wedding venues in Montana, you can park your vehicle at the lower trailhead and then make the rest of the 2 and a half-mile to the venue by foot.  Depending on the vehicle and the condition of the road, you may also be able to park near the lake itself. Out of the many picturesque wedding venues of Montana, the top of the Sacajawea peak, which is just a few miles away from Fair Lake, takes the cake! Kootenai National Forest Fee: starts at $2100Capacity: 150 In the vast 2.2 million acres of land this forest covers, you will find both beautiful scenery and secluded spots to host your wedding. You will love the vibrant photographs that you will get here.  This local hotspot has not yet been discovered by many tourists which makes it a great venue if you are planning to elope in Montana. Flathead National Forest Fee:  $1700-$4500 for the wedding ceremony aloneCapacity: 250 This is just outside the Glacier National Park and is perfect if both you and your partner enjoy going on adventures. You go off-roading and hike right up to a mountain summit, all while enjoying the alluring sunset. Do you need a bigger reason to elope in Montana? Best Times to Elope in Montana The most popular time to visit Glacier National Park is June – September although it will be crowded. Wildflowers appear, and temperatures are more pleasant in the high 70s and

Elope in Colorado : Ultimate Planning Guide (updated 2022) The Ultimate “How to” Wedding Planning Guide to Elope in Colorado (complete with pricing, paperwork, and locations) With luxurious mountain ranches, stunning panoramic views, and scenic trails for hiking, Colorado is considered one of the most perfect destinations for couples who want to elope. There are various reasons why people choose to elope in Colorado out of all the places around the globe. Wondering why? This state is ideal for lovebirds who dream of having a rocky and adventurous elopement. There are no guidelines or rules that you need to follow while deciding to elope in Colorado.  This article will help you understand why Colorado is the perfect place to elope for couples with an adventurous soul and free spirit. Read below this ultimate guide on how and where you can elope in Colorado! Why Elope in Colorado? One of the main reasons why people elope in Colorado is because they don’t have to follow any strict guidelines. The best part about having no rules is that you have the power to marry yourself legally. With a stunning view, an adventurous mindset, and no rules to follow, who wouldn’t want to elope in Colorado? Besides, it offers a wide variety of things to explore with breathtaking scenic views, amazing hiking trails, open wedding venues, and wild trails to explore.  How to Elope in Colorado – Legal Stuff Elopement preparation is essential since there are a myriad of factors to be considered while eloping in Colorado.  Having it all organized ensures that everything goes smoothly, especially when your guests arrive! Most importantly, have tabs on wedding-specific information. In addition, Weather, route closures, rock falls, blizzards, and other factors can all disrupt your elopement plans, so carefully get to know about these in advance!  Below are some tips to help you streamline this hectic planning and implementation phase!  What does an elopement ceremony in Colorado look like? Eloping in Colorado is an all-day elopement if you want to make the most out of it. Elopements may be so much more than simply a few vows and a few minutes of fast photography.  So start by getting dressed into your wedding attire. Pick a spectacular place to say your vows. It could be on the peak of a mountain or inside an ancient church or maybe in the middle of a wildlife century!  Once you have tied the knot, you have an option to go on an incredible trip hiking in a jeep or on a snowmobile or ski slope! Finish the day with a supper prepared by your favorite chef. Most importantly, live in those moments to make your elopement in Colorado one to remember and relish. Marriage license in Colorado To legalize your marriage in Colorado, an officiant’s signature is not compulsory to pronounce you and your partner legally married. You can just sign your own marriage license!  A judge, magistrate, pastor, or even one of the parties to the marriage can solemnize the marriage in Colorado. However,  there is one catch, and this is you would need permission from a friend or family member, and they should be a witness to your union! Best Places to Elope in Colorado Lionscrest Manor Fee: $8k – $12k (100 guests) Capacity: 250 Lionscrest Manor is considered to be one of the best Colorado picturesque wedding venues. The mesmerizing view of this scenic Colorado destination will charm all your guests’ hearts! This perfect destination provides a private and luxurious venue with an astounding view of the mountains. The 50-acre estate located in the foothills of the Lyons has got mountains as its backdrop that augments its beauty by hundred folds. Evergreen Lake House Fee: $3K – $5k (100 guests) Capacity: 200 This beautiful destination is the perfect mountain getaway for your elopement. Its surreal log cabin can charm your guests with its tranquil beauty. You can give your vows right on the deck that is surrounded by the foothills and the wooded park and soak in the captivating view of this lake house!  This is undoubtedly one of the best Colorado picturesque wedding venues you can choose! Windsong Estate Fee: $4K – $6K (100 guests) Capacity: 300 If you are looking to elope in an indoor venue, then the Windsong Estate is just the destination venue that you were looking for. This place provides you with one of the best views there is to see in North Colorado. The magical views of the rocky mountains with a private venue make this place one of the best Colorado indoor wedding venues. The Stanley Hotel Fee: $16K – $23K (100 guests) Capacity: 250 From an intimate elopement to grand ballrooms, The Stanley Hotel has got about nine different options for various types of wedding venues to choose from! It offers you a chance to witness the gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountain National Park and revel in its natural beauty, which is why it stands as one of the best Colorado Outdoor Wedding Venues.  Telluride Ski Resort Fee: $5,000 Capacity: 250 What can be more adventurous and beautiful than saying ‘I do’ on top of a 10,000 feet high mountain? The Telluride Ski Resort is unquestionably one of the best and most unique  Colorado Scenic Wedding Venues that you can pick. It provides a variety of wedding options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. The best part about this resort is the panoramic views of the mountains that will leave your guests awe-struck! Garden of the Gods Resort and Club Fee: $20K – $33K (100 guests) Capacity: 200 Garden of the Gods is a spellbounding place that can fuel your desire to get married soon! This could probably even be your dream destination that you have always wished for! Wondering what makes this destination so tangible?  Situated near Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is one of the most stunning and unique landscapes to visit in Colorado. It consists of huge pieces of red rocks that