Top Five Reasons to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Tucson
Photo by Amber Lea Photo
You’re engaged! We’re so excited for you during this exhilarating time in your lives! Are you dreaming of a destination wedding that's equal parts stunning and unique? Destination weddings have become increasingly popular in the last few years as couples seek meaningful experiences to share with their loved ones to celebrate their wedding in a memorable way. We wholeheartedly believe that Tucson, Arizona is the perfect desert oasis for a once in a lifetime event.
So, if a desert destination wedding is on your dream wedding list, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for you. Today, we’re chatting about 5 reasons you should consider a destination wedding in Tucson.
Unbeatable landscapes
Photo by Torey Photo
First things first, let's talk about the desert scenery. The natural beauty of Tucson is simply breathtaking. Rolling hills covered in cacti, rugged mountains, and spectacular sunsets create the perfect backdrop for your special day. Imagine exchanging vows against a stunning desert landscape in the shadows of a 300+ year old saguaro or dancing the night away under a blanket of stars. The desert has become a popular aesthetic in recent years, and Tucson weddings offer a unique beauty you can’t get anywhere else in the world.
Warm weather and sunny skies
Venue: Tohono Chul Gardens. Photo by Amber Lea Photo
It's not just about the views. Tucson's warm climate plus 350+ days of sunshine per year means you don't have to sacrifice comfort for beauty. With spring and fall temperatures averaging in the 70s and 80s, even in the cooler months, you and your guests can enjoy an outdoor ceremony or reception without having to pack a parka or umbrella.
A wide selection of stunning venue options
Venue: Stardance Resort. Photo by Amber Lea Photo
When it comes to venues, Tucson offers endless possibilities. Whether you're in love with the idea of a luxury resort, a charming ranch, or something in between, there is a Tucson wedding venue for every taste. Some of our favorites include:
Gallery at Dove Mountain - An impeccable golf and sports club at the base of the Catalina mountains, Gallery at Dove Mountain offers your guests world-class golf experience and stunning mountain views.
Omni Resort - The Omni offers a variety of venue options, including a grand ballroom, intimate gardens, and golf course lawns with sweeping views. It is a perfect choice for a high-end, all-inclusive resort experience.
Tohono Chul Gardens - If you’re looking for the quintessential Tucson wedding experience for you and your guests, this is a perfect choice. Tohono Chul is a desert garden oasis in the middle of sprawling city life. It aims to connect its visitors with the heart of the Sonoran desert’s plant life, wildlife, and indigenous culture. The Gardens can accommodate events of any size and will impress your guests with the beauty and diversity of the desert.
Rancho Robles - Situated where the foothills meet the Catalina mountains at 4500 feet, this location will surely wow your guests with breathtaking desert landscapes and beautiful southwestern architecture.
The Buttes at Reflections - With private gardens, sweeping mountain views, and deep orange sunsets, The Buttes is a perfect option for those keeping an eye on their budgets.
Sanctuary Cove - If you’re looking for something truly unique and truly Tucson, you might consider a wedding at Sanctuary Cove nature preserve. Offering a tiny (yet lovely) chapel and a wide open desert landscape, Sanctuary Cove is a blank canvas for a memorial event, whether you’re planning an elopement, an intimate affair, or a large gathering. If you’re hoping for a reception space with walls, look no further than right across the street at Stardance Resort, with a large barn and stunning views of both the city and the mountains.
While we’re on the subject of creating uniquely tailored wedding experiences in the desert, we highly recommend Tucson-based wedding planner Meagan Crain of Crain & Co Events. Meagan’s perfect taste and streamlined process will help you create the wedding of your dreams, even when planning from afar. You can trust Meagan to craft your dream wedding that your guests will remember for years to come, even if that dream includes a pop-up celebration in the middle of the desert landscape.
Tucson’s food & drink scene
Whiskey del Bac Tasting Room
As an official UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with options for traditional Southwestern cuisine and local craft beverages. This offers a unique vibrance to your wedding day celebration that may not be possible (or affordable!) in other locations.
You might consider featuring some of Tucson’s local drink options in your wedding day bar list. How does a signature drink featuring locally made tequila and prickly pear syrups sound? Or maybe impress your guests with “American single malt whiskey rooted in the Sonoran Desert” from Whiskey del Bac, a locally-owned distillery (that you and your guests can actually tour). This will ensure that your guests will be well taken care of during their stay.
Another popular and unique-to-Arizona wedding feature is the Beer Burro! Aptly named, beer burros are an endearing crowd pleaser and are burros (or donkeys) that will roam your event space carrying saddlebags full of ice-cold brews for your guests to enjoy! Check out Dandy Donkeys in Tucson!
Because of Tucson’s gastronomy scene, you can expect nothing less than a world-class meal for your reception, rehearsal dinner, send-off brunch, and any other meals in between. Whether your mouth is watering for authentic Sonoran Mexican food, the perfect steak, a sizzling burger, or unbeatable churros and Mexican pastries, there is something for everyone’s preferences. (Ever thought of a dessert bar overflowing with authentic Mexican pastries to accompany your wedding cake? Just thinking about it makes us want to grab some goodies from La Estrella ASAP!)
Unforgettable outdoor activities
The Verde House yard
Let's not forget about the fun! Tucson offers a wide range of outdoor activities for your guests, from hot air balloon rides to horseback riding, stunning hiking trails, and world-class golf courses. Perhaps the best thing about Tucson is the mix of urban and rural settings. Our desert city offers something for everyone, whether looking for city nightlife or a more rustic experience. Check out this post we wrote about all of the adventures waiting for you in Tucson, especially in the winter.
When it's time for your guests to rest their heads, it would be our honor to provide an unforgettable experience in one of our luxury vacation rentals. Our homes offer unique designs, spa-quality experiences, and private spaces for your wedding party to prepare for the big day and craft a custom multi-day experience that your guests will talk about for years to come. See our properties
So why settle for a cookie-cutter wedding when you can have a truly unique and beautiful experience in Tucson? With its breathtaking landscapes, warm weather, and endless possibilities, this desert oasis is the perfect place to say "I do" and make memories that will last a lifetime.