In Phoenix, unmatched desert character meets big-city sophistication; America’s fifth most populated city is home to real cowboys, red-rock buttes, and the kind of cactus you usually can only see in cartoons. It is the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the gateway to the Grand Canyon, and the spirit of ranchers, miners and visionaries is embedded in its history. Phoenix has more land designated for parks and preserves than any other major city in the nation. This mix of timeless desert beauty and urban sophistication makes the perfect setting for the perfect wedding — it’s no wonder you want to host your celebration here! Whether you’re looking for classic desert romance or artsy hidden gems, we’ve got you covered with the best wedding venues in Phoenix.
Best Big Guest List Venues
Villa Siena
Villa Siena is a beautiful, Italian-style wedding venue located in Gilbert, AZ. The exquisite mansion is the perfect setting for your ceremony, exuding natural elegance that will captivate you and your guests. With design boasting modern takes on classic architecture, the Villa was inspired by the region of Tuscany, Italy. Reminiscent of the Gothic and Renaissance eras, the villa features enchanting details like classic columns, groin vaults, and acanthus leaves. The Piazza Toscana is an outdoor garden setting for ceremonies, with a total capacity of 250 guests. Couples may use the fireplace or the vine-covered arch as a romantic backdrop, depending on your desired aesthetic. La Stanza Chianciano is a gorgeous indoor space, accommodating up to 150 guests and featuring an adjacent outdoor space to kick off your celebration. Luxurious bridal and groom suites at the villa act as a relaxing haven for couples to unwind.
Superstition Manor
Founded by John and Lisa Burns, this scenic ten-acre estate is complete with lush landscaping and breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains. Old World, Tuscan-inspired event spaces provide over 22,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space for outdoor or indoor ceremonies and receptions. Between elegant covered patios, expansive banquet halls, or the rustic Barn, the possibilities are endless! This industrial-style barn features its own ceremony yard, covered patio, bridal suite, and groom suite and can host up to 300 guests. Their team of seasoned and highly-trained event professionals can help you coordinate all the details of your wedding, from choosing custom menus to designing spectacular themes. They offer packages with a full range of coverage, from brunch wedding options to a VIP package that includes everything you’d need for a lavish wedding.
Best Outdoor Venues
Desert Botanical Garden
Native cactus, wildflowers, and scented herbs highlight the natural beauty of the desert, as fountains, twinkle lights, and sunset views add a touch of magic to the diverse gardens and patios of this venue. Historic adobe architecture, with French doors and antique chandeliers, offers the quintessential Southwestern ambiance for your wedding. Check out Dorrance Hall, adorned with garden-inspired tapestries and a multilevel terrace. You can take advantage of the picturesque setting with great photo backdrops and trail maps, or docent-led tours for your up to 110 guests. You can even arrange passes for them to visit the Butterfly Pavilion! Whether your guest list is large or intimate, choose from perfectly matched indoor-outdoor locations for your special day. The staff will help you organize your daytime or sunset ceremony and realize your vision of an exquisite setting for the reception.
El Chorro Lodge
Framed by the extraordinary Camelback and Mummy Mountains, a wedding at El Chorro will be forever held in the hearts of your guests. The beautiful grounds and historic venues pair with their exquisite local and seasonal cuisine to honor both the heritage of the valley and the importance of the celebrations they host. The Casa Paloma’s pavilion-style setting and its breathtaking view of the Camelback and Mummy mountains will add a dash of drama and the blush of romance to your destination wedding. Casa Paloma, which opens onto dreamy patios and vibrant gardens, can accommodate cocktails for up to 300 guests or a sit-down dining experience for 100-250 guests, with a full stage and dance floor. You can pair Casa Paloma with the lush, 5,800 square-foot Event Lawn, which comes with a Bridal changing room. Your guests will enjoy the open air and incredible Paradise Valley landscape as they celebrate old friendships and new beginnings. Another option is the iconic Classroom Bar & Bocce Lawn at El Chorro: the original bar setting has been carefully restored to provide an intimate indoor-outdoor experience that can accommodate up to 100 guests for a seated meal that is authentically Arizona. For pastoral flair and rustic charm, the elegant Herb Garden will set a touching scene for your wedding guests. This intimate setting accommodates 100 seated guests or a cocktail reception setting for 80, making it the perfect locale to bring your closest loved ones together.
Best Intimate Venues
The Monroe Abbey
An open-air industrial complex, The Monroe Street Abbey is now a relic of Old Phoenix. Exposed to the elements, this former church is a gorgeous wedding venue for couples looking to celebrate in a space that feels grand, yet pared-down and storied. Possibly no other singular structure tells the story of the mix of old and new as the former Baptist church: it was destroyed by a fire in the mid-’80s and is now undergoing a transformation to keep its early 20th-century exterior intact. Until then, you can clean up the inside to host the perfect open-air wedding inside the gorgeous roofless ruins. Couples who are up for the challenge of planning from scratch will love this venue the most: gather your best local bar and restaurant caterers, decorators, and friends to make your wedding full of love and celebration. Use simple styling in a not-so-simple space, like this bride!
Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens
Lushly landscaped and meticulously cultivated by an award-winning interior plant designer, this eclectic venue offers colorful indoor and outdoor spaces, including a Mexican cantina, an enclosed tropical rainforest with a 20-foot waterfall, and an Old English arbor. Sounds fun, right? The plaza provides an especially beautiful ceremony setting. A stone fountain filled with lily pads and framed by pots of flowers forms an elegant focal point as you walk down the aisle beneath verdant trees and bright bougainvillea. Looking for stress-free wedding planning? The inclusive Bird of Paradise package gives you exclusive use of the entire facility, centerpieces, chairs, and tables with linens in your choice of bright color, an MC/DJ, catering, open bar service, scores of lit candles, and more.
Best Affordable Venues
The Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo boasts beautiful and exotic venue spaces and amenities for the most special of occasions. The zoo resides at the heart of the city and is renowned worldwide for conservation and research. With so many different habitats throughout, couples can choose to say ‘I do’ overlooking a savannah or in a Bedouin-style desert oasis — whatever you can think of! Celebrate in luxury banquet spaces in the orangutan hut exhibit, or on a country farm with open-air barbecue and a big red barn. The versatility is endless, with every space leaving room for the imagination to expand on decor ideas and catering options. You can book multiple venues at a time; after a ceremony in the Bedouin oasis, transport your guests via Safari Cruisers to dine among native Arizona flora and fauna, or sip cocktails overlooking Gibbon Island!
The Farm at South Mountain
The Farm at South Mountain is a magical, rustic outdoor wedding venue filled with beautiful landscapes for your momentous celebration. Pleasant surprises abound on the Farm, including pecan trees, grassy knolls, and gorgeous, blooming florals. The 10-acre property began in the 1920s and is now owned by culinary aficionado Pat Christofolo. Since acquiring the land in 2012, Pat has opened three restaurants and two event venues, embracing a farm-to-table experience. You’ll choose between two event spaces at The Farm at South Mountain: the Canopy and the Stone Grove. The Canopy at the Grove is able to host 50 to 250 guests, surrounded by pecan trees and landscaped grounds. The Stone Grove is able to host more than 300 guests. You can hold both your ceremony and receptions here, among handcrafted stonework and locally-derived architectural masterpieces. You and your guests will adore the treats as they come fresh out of the built-in wood-burning stove.
Best Quirky Venues
Wrigley Mansion
Wrigley Mansion, a breathtaking landmark originally constructed in 1932 by chewing gum personality William Wrigley Jr., was thoughtfully designed as a 50th-anniversary gift to his beloved wife, Ada. Sitting at the top of a hill, The Mansion commands the best views in Phoenix showcasing the mountains and the city below. Its architecture includes curated elements of Spanish, California Monterey, and Mediterranean styles. The staff at Wrigley Mansion specializes in perfecting your dream storybook wedding! Highlighted by sweeping views of the mountains and city below, the historic and storied building houses the incredible James Beard award-winning Chef, Christopher Gross. The house can accommodate any size party, from intimate gatherings of 10, seating for 300, or reception-style events of 1,500. It was restored by the late Geordie Hormel and his wife Jamie with the intention of sharing its inherent magic with everyone. Today, Wrigley Mansion is a premier special event venue — because the most important part of a wedding is the food, right?
Hotel Valley Ho
From an intimate celebration to a glittering gala, Hotel Valley Ho is the ideal setting for the retro wedding of your dreams. Originally opened in 1956, the hotel is a true icon of 1950s modernism in Downtown Scottsdale. Enjoy stunning venues like the lush Palm Courtyard and panoramic Sky Line Rooftop. The staff will help you choose from fabulous settings, menus and services for every part of your wedding — the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, honeymoon, rooms for your guests, and day-after brunch — as well as amazing packages offering all the special details for your ceremony and a bridal party getaway. Admire sweeping views of Camelback Mountain and Downtown Scottsdale on the Sky Line Rooftop, while you and up to 200 guests dance the night away and sip cocktails under the stars. Or, choose the Palm Courtyard and say “I do” under the towering, historic palm trees amidst a setting of 1950s modern architecture and beautiful, lush greenery with up to 300 guests. The gorgeous scenery, handcrafted cocktails, and delectable dining will blow you and your guests away!
