One of the very first things you’ll probably think about when planning your elopement is: When should we elope? If your first thought was where—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! As an Arizona elopement photographer, I’ve been to many beautiful locations and would be happy to give you ideas of locations and all the good stuff. But let’s talk about when—and let me tell you, weekdays are where it’s at! Here’s why:

A Perfect Excuse for an Intimate Arizona Elopement

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to keep your Arizona elopement small and meaningful, a weekday wedding is the perfect excuse! It’s an easy way to avoid inviting your entire extended family (you know, the ones you only see at Christmas). If you want just your closest people there—or no one at all—eloping on a weekday while everyone else is at work makes that decision so much easier.

Avoid the Crowds & Actually Enjoy Your Moment

Arizona is one of the top elopement destinations, and for good reason—stunning landscapes, year-round great weather, and so many amazing spots to say I do. But those jaw-dropping locations? Yeah, they get crowded. Popular places like Sedona, Horseshoe Bend, and Cathedral Rock can be packed with tourists and other photographers, making it tough to find a private moment. Do you really want to spend your wedding day circling a parking lot for 30 minutes or hiking alongside a crowd just to get to your ceremony spot? Probably not. Eloping on a weekday gives you a much better chance at having those epic locations all to yourselves (or at least way fewer random spectators watching your first kiss).

Less Stress, More Magic

A quieter location means a more relaxed day. You won’t be worried about a hundred eyes on you, random people walking through your ceremony spot, or the general chaos that comes with busy weekends. Instead, you get to soak in the experience, enjoy the peaceful scenery, and actually be in the moment with your partner.

No Photobombers in Your Arizona Elopement Photos

As an Arizona elopement photographer, this one’s huge for me! Sure, I can edit out the occasional stray hiker, but if there are 10+ people in the background of your ceremony? That’s tough. Choosing a weekday for your elopement means fewer crowds, which means cleaner, more intimate photos. Plus, wouldn’t you rather have nature as your backdrop instead of a bunch of tourists? Thought so.

Vendors May Be More Available (and More Affordable!)

If you have a dream vendor team in mind, booking on a weekday might actually help you snag them! Many wedding vendors prioritize weekend weddings, meaning their schedules are packed months (or even years) in advance. But weekdays? There’s a lot more availability. Plus, some vendors even offer discounted rates or smaller elopement packages on weekdays since those dates aren’t in as high demand. Win-win!

Easier to Get Permits, Reservations & Lodging

Some of Arizona’s most beautiful elopement locations require permits or reservations, and these can be tricky to secure for a weekend date. Weekdays? Way easier. Plus, if you’re planning on staying in a dreamy Airbnb or boutique hotel, you’ll have a much better chance of snagging your top choice without worrying about weekend price surges or sold-out dates.

More Budget-Friendly Travel

If you’re coming in from out of state, this one’s a game changer! Flights are often cheaper on weekdays, and lodging rates tend to be lower as well. By eloping on a weekday, you might be able to score major savings that you can put toward an epic honeymoon, a fancy dinner, or—let’s be real—more champagne!

Take a Vacation Day (or Week!)

If you’ve got some unused PTO, what better reason to take a day—or a whole week—off than to marry your best friend? Turn your elopement into a mini honeymoon, go on an adventure, or just spend the day soaking in newlywed bliss.

What If a Weekday Doesn’t Work for You?

I totally get it—sometimes work schedules or key guests can make a weekend elopement the only option. If that’s the case, no worries! I can help you find less-crowded locations and give you personalized recommendations so you can still have an intimate, stress-free experience.

If you’re thinking about an Arizona elopement, I’d love to help make your dream day happen! Whether you want a wild desert adventure, a mountaintop ceremony, or a cozy riverside elopement, I’ve got all the tips, locations, and expertise to make it magical. Let’s chat!