Hi, bride to-be and congrats on your engagement! As a wedding photographer based in Scottsdale, I truly believe Arizona is one of the best places to celebrate your wedding day. With the stunning desert landscapes, vibrant sunsets, and unique venues, Arizona has the ability to make any wedding day breathtaking and magical.

However, before you get to the altar, a sufficient amount of planning must take place– And I’m here to help! By working within Arizona’s wedding industry for over a decade, I’ve learned what you can do to keep the wedding planning as fun and stress free as possible! This guide will walk you through what wedding planning steps you can take and provide you with a timeline of how far in advance they should be completed by. It’s a great resource to reference while planning your Arizona wedding, and it’ll ultimately give you the confidence to create a celebration that’s as beautiful as your love story! So with that being said, let’s dive right in!

12-18 Months Before: Let the Adventure Begin!

1. Set Your Budget and Priorities

• Why: Starting with a budget helps you make decisions that align with your vision without the stress of overspending.
• How: Sit down with your partner and decide what’s most important. This is the time to discuss what the overall vision is and what your biggest priorities are. (The venue, the guest list, photography, florals, etc.) Decide on an overall budget, and begin researching and allocating smaller budgets to particular vendors/services. (I recommend using a budget spreadsheet/planner like the one linked here.) This will help you decide what’s important to you without spending more than you have planned.

2. Choose Your Date

• Why: Arizona’s weather is a big factor in how your wedding day will play out, so picking the right date can make all the difference.
• How: Consider the best months for an Arizona wedding– From October to April the weather is cooler and perfect for outdoor ceremonies. Try to avoid warmer months like June-August. (No bride likes sweating through professionally done makeup!)

3. Find Your Dream Venue

• Why: The venue sets the stage for your entire wedding, and Arizona offers endless options, from desert chic to luxury resorts.
• How: Visit potential venues during the same season as your wedding so you can see what it’ll look like when you’re getting married. (What an Arizona venue looks like in spring looks very different than how it may look in winter.) Places like Scottsdale, Sedona, and Tucson are all amazing locations for breathtaking weddings.

4. Hire a Wedding Planner

• Why: An experienced planner who knows the Arizona wedding scene can turn your vision into reality without the stress. This is especially great for couples that don’t have a lot of extra time to plan all the wedding details.
• How: Look for someone who has worked at your venue and understands Arizona’s unique challenges, like the summer heat and monsoon season. (Every couple needs a rain plan, regardless of the season in Arizona!)

9-12 Months Before: Bring Your Vision to Life

1. Book Your Photographer and Videographer

• Why: The best photographers & videographers book up fast, especially for Arizona’s peak wedding seasons.
• How: Narrow down your image style preference. When looking at wedding inspo on Pinterest, are you more drawn to darker moodier tones? Or maybe lighter, true to color imagery? Once you know what you want your imagery to look like, choose a photographer/videographer who aligns with your vision and can demonstrate they’re a professional. Don’t be afraid to ask to see samples of their work in order to make sure they will capture all aspects of your wedding day in the way you’re wanting.
• Bonus tip: Choosing vendors that have worked at your wedding venue is always a win because they’ll immediately know great spots for portraits, making the flow of the day seamless and stress-free!

2. Choose Your Caterer

• Why: Food is an important part of a wedding celebration. Not only should you consider options that taste great, but also consider what the dinner service will look like. No one likes waiting a long time for food, so be sure to choose a caterer that’s efficient at feeding the number of guests that’ll be in attendance at your wedding.
• How: Research options that are within your budget. (Facebook groups are a great resource for asking recommendations that fit exactly within your budget.) Schedule tastings, and choose the option that best aligns with what you’d like to eat at your first dinner as a married couple!

3. Reserve Hotel Blocks for Your Guests

• Why: Arizona is a popular destination, so booking accommodations early ensures your guests have a place to stay.
• How: Offer a range of options from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, and reserve blocks early to secure the best rates.

4. Capture Engagement Portraits

• Why: Engagement portraits tell a piece of your story! They are a great way to get your loved ones excited for your wedding and can be useful when creating Save-the-Dates & formal invitations.
• How: Set up your engagement session with your photographer. Make sure to ask how long it will take for the photographer to edit and process your engagement gallery so that you know when you’ll be getting your portraits. (This helps ensure the editing time doesn’t conflict with any planning details like when you want save-the-dates sent out.)

5. Send Out Save-the-Dates

• Why: Giving your guests plenty of time to plan is especially important if they’re traveling to Arizona.
• How: If you’re using a wedding website, make sure there are clear instructions on how to access it. If you’re not using a wedding website make sure to include: accommodation details, registry information, and times/dates/locations for any group activities like a welcome party or farewell brunch.

6-9 Months Before: Dive Into the Details

1. Choose Your Wedding Attire

• Why: Arizona’s weather can be unpredictable, so choosing the right attire is key.
• How: Opt for lightweight fabrics for late spring/summer weddings, and consider layering for cooler months. (Remember, desert nights can be chilly!)

2. Finalize Your Décor and Florals

• Why: Arizona’s natural beauty is a perfect backdrop, and your décor should complement it.
• How: Work with your florist to incorporate desert blooms like succulents and wildflowers that thrive in Arizona’s climate. Choose décor that compliments the colors you’ve selected for your florals.

3. Plan the Ceremony and Reception

• Why: These are the moments your guests will remember forever.
• How: Collaborate with your planner to create a timeline that flows seamlessly, from the ceremony to the reception, ensuring every moment is picture-perfect. Make sure the timeline of important moments aligns with how long your photographer will be there.

3-6 Months Before: Fine-Tune the Fun

1. Send Out Formal Invitations

• Why: Your invitations are the first taste your guests get of your wedding’s vibe.
• How: Include all the important details, from the weather and dress code to any special activities or events.

2. Finalize the Menu

• Why: Your wedding meal should be as unforgettable as the day itself.
• How: Confirm dietary restrictions and work with your caterer to create a menu that wows your guests.

3. Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials

• Why: Arizona’s climate can be tricky, so testing your look in advance ensures you’ll feel beautiful all day long.
• How: Choose stylists who are familiar with Arizona’s weather and can create a look that lasts.

4. Confirm Music and Entertainment

• Why: Music sets the tone for your celebration, from the first dance to the last song.
• How: Meet with your DJ or band (in person or over zoom) to finalize your playlist and ensure they’re ready to keep the party going all night.

1-3 Months Before: The Final Countdown

1. Get Your Marriage License

• Why: This is one detail you can’t overlook!
• How: Visit your local county clerk’s office with the necessary documents to obtain your marriage license in advance.

2. Create a Wedding Day Timeline

• Why: A detailed timeline keeps everything running smoothly on your big day.
• How: Work with your planner and vendors to create a schedule that allows plenty of time for each event, from getting ready to the grand exit.

3. Confirm Guest Numbers and Seating

• Why: Finalizing your guest list and seating arrangements ensures a smooth reception.
• How: Reach out to any guests who haven’t RSVPed and work with your venue to perfect the seating plan.

4. Arrange Final Payments

• Why: Taking care of payments in advance means less stress on the day of your wedding.
• How: Review contracts and make sure all vendors are paid so you can focus on enjoying your day.

5. Get Married and Enjoy Your Wedding Day!

Have questions? Need more advice? As an Arizona wedding photographer passionate about memories and celebrations, I’m happy to help you make your vision a reality! Reach out by sending me a note on my contact form & join my weekly newsletter for tips and insight!