Planning a Desert Wedding in Arizona: Heat, Monsoon and Sunset Tips

Desert weddings are one of the best things about getting married in Arizona: saguaros, mountains and sunsets that turn the whole sky orange. They also need a little more planning than a wedding in a milder climate. These tips come from the questions couples ask most often.

Plan around the sun

• Look up the sunset time for your exact date. In the Phoenix area it ranges from about 5:20 pm in early December to about 7:40 pm in late June.
• Start the ceremony 60 to 90 minutes before sunset so you finish in good light and have golden hour for portraits.
• Check which way guests will face. Seating guests or the couple into a low sun makes everyone squint, in person and in photos.
• Remember Arizona does not use daylight saving time (except on the Navajo Nation). Out-of-state guests’ phones should update automatically, but mention it in your invitation if they will be driving in.

Keep guests comfortable in the heat

• Provide shade at the ceremony: a covered area, shade sails, umbrellas or parasols.
• Offer cold water as guests arrive, not just at the bar.
• Keep outdoor ceremonies short, around 20 to 30 minutes, in warm months.
• Rent misting fans or evaporative coolers for cocktail hour.
• Tell guests what to expect on your website: shoes that work on gravel or grass, sunglasses and sun protection.

Plan for cool desert nights

The desert can cool off by 20 to 30 degrees after sunset, especially from November to March. Patio heaters, fire pits where allowed, and a basket of blankets or pashminas make evening receptions much more comfortable.

Have a monsoon plan

From about mid-June through September, storms can bring wind, dust, rain and lightning with little warning. Choose a venue with an indoor or covered backup, decide who will make the weather call and when, and keep decorations that could blow away to a minimum.

Protect flowers, food and makeup

• Flowers: succulents, protea, orchids and dried grasses handle heat better than delicate blooms. Ask your florist to deliver as close to the ceremony as possible.
• Food: ask your caterer how they keep food safe outdoors and avoid buttercream cakes sitting in the sun.
• Makeup and hair: ask for long-wear, sweat-resistant products, and plan touch-ups before photos.

Respect the desert

• Many parks and public lands need permits for ceremonies or professional photos. Check before you plan.
• Stay on paths, give cactus plenty of space, and ask your photographer about rattlesnake safety in warm months.
• Light walkways at night for guests.

Find desert-savvy venues, photographers, florists and rental companies in our directory, starting with Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Tucson.