The Best Time to Get Married in Arizona: A Season-by-Season Guide

Arizona is really several climates in one state. A date that is perfect in Flagstaff can be dangerously hot in Phoenix, and a winter wedding that is mild in Tucson might be snowed in up north. Choosing the right season for your city is the first and most important planning decision.

The low desert: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Yuma and Lake Havasu

Most of Arizona’s weddings happen in the low desert, where peak season runs from about October through April.

• October and November: warm days, pleasant evenings and the most popular wedding dates of the year. Book early.
• December through February: mild, sunny days in the 60s and 70s, but nights can drop into the 40s. Plan heaters for evening receptions and remember the sun sets early, around 5:30 pm.
• March and April: the second peak season, with wildflowers and cactus blooms in good years. Spring break and big events can fill hotels.
• May: warming up quickly. Morning or evening ceremonies are best.
• June through September: daytime highs regularly pass 105°F in Phoenix and can pass 110°F in Yuma and Lake Havasu. Most summer weddings move indoors or start after sunset. Venues and vendors often offer their lowest prices in these months.

Monsoon season

From about mid-June through September, Arizona’s monsoon brings sudden afternoon and evening storms: strong wind, dust storms, heavy rain and lightning. Storms can arrive fast and pass within an hour. If your date falls in monsoon season, choose a venue with an indoor or covered backup and ask your planner how they handle weather calls.

Middle elevations: Sedona, Prescott, Cave Creek and Kingman

Towns between about 2,000 and 5,500 feet are cooler than Phoenix by several degrees. Sedona and Prescott are most popular in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Summer is warm but usually more comfortable than the low desert, with afternoon monsoon storms in July and August. Winter brings cold nights and the occasional snow.

High country: Flagstaff and the White Mountains

Flagstaff (about 7,000 feet) and Show Low (about 6,300 feet) are Arizona’s summer wedding destinations. Late May through October is the main season, with highs often in the 70s and 80s. Evenings are cool even in July, and winter is snowy, which can make travel difficult.

How to choose your date

1. Pick your region first, then choose the season that fits it.
2. Look up the sunset time for your date and plan the ceremony and photos around it.
3. Check local event calendars for big games, festivals and university events that can fill hotels.
4. If budget matters most, consider off-season dates or a Friday or Sunday, which often cost less.

Ready to compare costs? Try our Arizona wedding budget calculator, or browse local guides for Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson and Flagstaff.