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Merely two hours away; nestled
in red rock country, rests one of the
most breathtaking landscapes to be
found anywhere in the world—
Sedona.
Surrounded by Coconino National
Forest, you cannot help but feel
a kind of reverence when you gaze
upon the soaring red rock canyons,
sandstone spires, and sienna cliffs.
The sky is ablaze with hues of reds,
pinks, and purples at sunset, helping
to create a romantic setting most
never forget. it is a widely held belief
that there is a spiritual energy found
in Sedona that brings inspiration and
renewal.
According to Karen Lynn of Sedona
Wedding Planner, ”Sedona is a
popular wedding destination because
of its spectacular beauty, combined
with so many great outdoor activities—
there’s something for everyone.
The majestic red rocks provide a dramatic backdrop for a couple’s wedding photos, and all the fun
activities will leave them and their guests with memories to last
a lifetime.” Wedding venue options range from country-style
inns to lavish european-influenced surroundings. You can float
through the air in a hot air balloon, or you can exchange vows
from a deck overlooking oak Creek Canyon, with extraordinary
views of red rocks and ponderosa pine, and the soothing sounds
of waterfalls nearby.
Part of the allure of Sedona is
that it is remote enough to offer
wide opportunities to enjoy
nature, while not compromising
on the “finer things.”
Lynn has seen her share of Sedona weddings, and none are
exactly alike. “our quintessential wedding venue features lush
green grass on a lake surrounded by Sycamore trees and a butte
with magnificent 360-degree red rock views, including Cathedral
Rock.” More adventuresome couples may choose to transport
their guests to a remote location via jeep and then return to
one of the area’s gorgeous resort sites for the reception.
The town itself offers a charming “old world” village featuring lovely courtyards, a quaint adobe chapel with leather pews
and a beautiful wall mural as well as a large terrace with red
rock views. “The village is further enhanced with an abundance
of fountains, archways carved wooden doors, artistic tile work
and lush foliage. The refined beauty of the town stands in contrast
to the rugged spectacle of the outdoors.
There is plenty for friends and family to do while in Sedona
for the special occasion. Hiking, horseback riding, and Jeep
tours are all options. The town is filled with enough boutiques,
galleries and dining options to satisfy any palate. Many couples
plan wedding weekends that begin with a “meet and greet”
night rather than a traditional rehearsal dinner. Lynn notes
that this allows couples to be more relaxed at their receptions
because they have already spent some time with their guests.
Jeep tours are among the most popular activities, while
golfing and spa days also rank quite high for Sedona visitors.
The day after the wedding, many couples arrange guided hikes,
bi-plane tours and balloon rides for their guests. A trek to the
Grand Canyon, which is just two hours away from Sedona, is an
ideal excursion.
More adventuresome
couples may choose to transport
their guests to a remote location
via Jeep and then return to one
of the area’s gorgeous resort
sites for the reception.
Lynn feels that part of the allure of Sedona is that it is remote
enough to offer wide opportunities to enjoy nature, while not
compromising on the “finer things” such as world class spas and
terrific restaurants.
Given that there are so many weddings in the Sedona area,
there are also vendors in the area that specialize in arranging
celebrations of every style, to meet virtually any budget.
The Sedona Wedding Professionals Association is a valuable
resource for researching venues and vendors and for gathering
ideas for creating an unforgettable Sedona wedding. Visit www.
sedonaweddingpa.com for more information.
photography courtesy of:
Sedona Bride
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