The Best Season for Your Arizona Wedding, Ranked From Best to Worst

As a wedding videographer who has been to a LOT of Arizona weddings in a LOT of different times of the year, I have a trick or two up my sleeve about knowing the best season to get married here. Or, at least, I know how to make a stunning wedding video no matter the season. 

Chances are, if you’re dreaming of an Arizona wedding, you’re picturing wide open skies and stunning natural scenery, and I can’t blame you, it’s gorgeous here! But with its intense summer heat and mild winters, choosing the right time of year can make all the difference for your comfort, your guests’ experience, and even how your wedding film looks and feels. So, if you’re wondering “What are the best months to get married in Arizona?” check out my overall view of getting married in each season, as a self-proclaimed Arizona weather expert. 

Fall: For Those Dreaming of a Classic Arizona Wedding

If I had to pick the most popular (and honestly, most visually stunning) time for Arizona weddings, it’s fall. The weather is finally cooling down from the summer heat, and the light in the desert becomes soft, making your wedding video golden and cinematic. Literally my dream as a wedding videographer! 

Why couples love it:

• Temperatures are ideal. It’s not too hot or too cold, usually staying in the 70s-80s. It’s also the perfect feeling after a hot summer, and people love to be out and about now that its not scorching! 

• Sunset is earlier, which means dreamy golden-hour ceremonies and gorgeous sunset photos and clips. As a videographer, this is my actual dream lighting for filming. 

• Guests from out of state LOVE escaping colder climates. And them getting to see the beauty of Arizona in the fall is just another added perk! 

Bonus tip from an Arizona wedding videographer: Fall weddings give us those soft pastel skies and cozy light that make your film feel warm and nostalgic, like a desert dream. If that feels like your vibe, autumn might be your season. Check out inspiration from Kenny and Madeline’s fall wedding at El Chorro. 

Spring: For Those Craving Lush Blooms and Dreamy Colors

Spring is another gorgeous season for Arizona weddings. The desert comes alive with cacti blooms and fresh greenery, and that’s not even adding in how fantastic the weather feels! If you’re wanting an Arizona wedding with lots of natural light, garden details, or an outdoor reception, spring could be your season.

Why couples love it:

• Wildflowers and desert plants are at their peak. Seriously, the blooms here in the springtime are absolutely gorgeous and so vibrant.

• Temperatures are warm but not too hot quite yet, so you’re getting that first-heat-of-the-year feeling without the dry, blistering heat of Arizona summers.

• It’s great for outdoor ceremonies and open-air receptions. Everyone loves to be outside in the spring and soak up the sun, so it’s perfect for your outdoor wedding dreams!

Bonus tip from an Arizona wedding videographer: Spring light is crisp and clean, which works beautifully with documentary-style storytelling. Your spring Arizona wedding film will feel joyful and vibrant, just like Julia and Diego’s wedding at The Paseo!

Winter: For Those Who Want a Cozy & Calm Arizona Wedding

Winter weddings in Arizona are often overlooked, even though winter makes for some of the coziest celebrations here! Winter in Arizona (especially in the Phoenix and Tucson areas) is mild compared to most of the country. While Northern Arizona gets snow, the desert stays pleasant with cool mornings and warm afternoons, making winter the perfect time for an intimate, cozy celebration.

Why couples love it:

• You’ll see fewer crowds at venues and find it easier to book vendors for your date. Since Arizona winter weddings are often overlooked, you’ll see a lot more vendor availability around this time! 

• You have the unique opportunity for a moody, romantic vibe that only winter can bring.

• It’s an amazing option for destination couples escaping the cold, since winters are so much more mild in Arizona! 

Bonus tip from an Arizona wedding videographer: The lower sun angle and diffused light in winter can add a beautiful, intimate tone to your film. The Arizona winter lighting is perfect for soft vows and emotional first looks, which is exactly what we got in Avery and Aaron’s Stonebridge Manor wedding last winter. 

Summer: For Those Dreaming of Vibrancy and Sun

Let’s be real, Arizona summers are intense. Temps regularly hit the 100s, especially in central and southern parts of the state. BUT, that doesn’t mean you can’t get married in the summer, it just means you have to be smart about it.

Why couples love it:

• Northern Arizona (like Flagstaff or Payson) offers cooler mountain weather as opposed to the sweaty, dry heat in the south. 

• It’s a great time for a unique ceremony time. People often opt for early morning or late evening ceremonies during the summer! 

• You can get awesome off-season discounts from venues and vendors since summer weddings aren’t as popular here! 

Bonus tip from an Arizona wedding videographer: If you’re planning a summer wedding, timing is everything. Avoid midday heat, and plan for hydration, shade, and lots of cool-down time. The tradeoff? Desert sunsets after a monsoon storm can be unreal. Savannah and Drew braved the heat for their Grand Canyon elopement, and I’m so glad they did. We ended up with some STUNNING shots, and honestly, it would be a dream to re-live that day. 

Bonus Tips for Planning Your Arizona Wedding

• Book early

Booking early is especially important if you’re getting married in the spring or fall, since these are the most popular Arizona wedding months! Make sure to book your vendors as early as possible, typically about a year or more out from your wedding date. 

• Have a weather backup plan

Have a plan A, plan B, and plan C no matter which season you choose to get married in. Arizona weather can be crazy unpredictable, so having a backup plan for if it rains or if it’s too hot is key to a smooth wedding day!

• Consider Northern Arizona vs Southern Arizona climates

When planning your wedding season, make sure to consider if your wedding venue is in Northern or Southern Arizona. The climates are very different here, and planning for that is key to planning your comfort. You’ll find warmer weather in Southern Arizona and cooler temperatures in Northern Arizona, no matter the season.

• Sunset is your friend

Think about what part of the state you’re getting married in and the time zone of the season to plan your perfect wedding day timeline. For example, if you’re planning a November wedding in Phoenix, the sun will set around 5:15pm. Planning your ceremony for an hour before that will give you pure golden magic in your photos and videos.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Season That Matches Your Story

There’s no one “perfect” time to get married in Arizona, but there is a perfect time for you. Whether you love the cozy vibe of a winter gathering or dream of golden fall light in the desert, your wedding day should reflect the energy and emotion you want to hold onto for a lifetime. As a wedding videographer, I don’t just capture what your day looked like, I capture what it felt like. And honestly? The season plays a big role in setting that emotional tone! But as long as your Arizona wedding reflects you two as a couple, the time of year will follow suit. 

Emily Faye | Arizona Wedding Videographer

While you’re here, make sure to check out my Pinterest to find even more inspiration for your Arizona wedding! I’ve captured a fair share of weddings in every season, so if you’re looking for inspiration for a fall wedding check out this Arizona fall elopement, and if you’re leaning more towards a blooming spring day, get inspired by this magical pastel garden party styled shoot. 

No matter the season, I’m happy to be right there with you and guiding you through your day. I know how to manipulate the lighting and the timing in every season so that no matter the time of year, we’ll create an absolutely stunning wedding video from your Arizona wedding! If you’re ready to inquire, click here. I can’t wait to meet you!