When it comes to planning a wedding in Arizona, you cannot overlook the wedding venues throughout the Scottsdale area. Between the expansive desert landscapes, historic gardens, and world-class-all-inclusive resort venues, Scottsdale offers some of the most breathtaking settings for a luxury celebration.
As an Arizona wedding photographer I’ve had the opportunity to experience many of these venues firsthand. Over the years I’ve curated a list of the top luxury wedding venues in Scottsdale to help you plan your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Why Scottsdale AZ for Your Wedding?
Before we dive into the venues themselves, it’s worth talking about why Scottsdale has become such a sought-after wedding destination.
As a Scottsdale wedding photographer I’ve fallen in love with Arizona’s warm climates, beautiful desert landscapes and dramatic mountain backdrops. The region has beautiful weather for much of the year making it ideal for outdoor celebrations.
Scottsdale also offers a unique balance of city energy and natural beauty. Couples can treat their guests to a lively night life and incredible restaurants while still being just minutes away from some of Arizona’s most scenic hiking trails. It’s this combination that makes Scottsdale such an incredible place to host a wedding.
Here are some of my favorite luxury wedding venues in the Scottsdale area.
My Favorite Luxury Wedding Venues in the Scottsdale Area
Mountain Shadows Resort
Location: Paradise Valley
Guest Capacity: Up to 450 guests
Tucked into the heart of Paradise Valley, Mountain Shadow Resort is a modern boutique resort that showcases some of the most beautiful mountain views in the Scottsdale area.
The venue features both indoor and outdoor event spaces. Each space is designed to highlight the desert landscape. These spaces include ceremony lawns famed by Camelback Mountains and stunning rooftop overlooks perfect for sunset receptions.
Because Mountain Shadows is a full-service resort, couples can enjoy a seamless wedding experience with on-site catering, luxury accommodations, hospitality services and wedding planning support. For destination weddings or celebrations with many traveling guests, this venue offers an effortless and elegant setting for an unforgettable weekend.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Location: Phoenix
Guest Capacity: Up to 180 Guests
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is one of the most romantic wedding venues in the Phoeniz and Scottsdale area. The Spanish colonial inspired resort is surrounded with lush desert landscaping and jaw-dropping mountain backdrops.
Couples can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces that feel both intimate and luxurious. These spaces make it an ideal venue for couples seeking a romantic and timeless atmosphere.
Like many luxury resorts in the area, Royal Palms offers a full-service experience with custom catering, and dedicated on-site planning services, ensuring that your wedding day flows effortlessly from start to finish.
Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia
Location: Scottsdale
Guest Capacity: Up to 450 Guests
Inspired by the architecture and landscapes of Southern Spain, Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia serves as an Andalusian-style escape nestled in the Arizona Desert.
The property features lush gardens, elegant courtyards, a stunning outdoor terrace, and multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces that feel grand and romantic. With the ability to host up to 450 guests, Montelucia is perfect for couples planning a larger celebration while still maintaining a luxurious and intimate feel.
Couples also benefit from full-service planning, coordination and access to the resort’s world-class amenities, including spa services, fine dining and luxury guest accommodations.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Location: Scottsdale
Guest Capacity: Up to 400
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is one of the most iconic luxury resorts in the area and offers a stunning setting for couples planning an elegant desert wedding.
The property features lush gardens, romantic courtyards, and two expansive ballrooms. These spaces give couples the flexibility to design a celebration that perfectly fits their vision.
Whether you’re planning a large wedding with up to 400 guests or a more intimate gathering, the Fairmont offers a variety of spaces that feel both elevated and welcoming. Couples also have access to on-property wedding planners and fully customizable catering options, creating a seamless wedding experience.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
Location: Paradise Valley
Guest capacity: Up to 200
Tucked into the side of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain offers one of the most breathtaking views in the Scottsdale area.
This luxury mountain-top resort features a range of indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for mid-sized weddings, with the ballroom accommodating up to 200 guests.
Ceremony terraces offer panoramic desert views, while the indoor reception spaces feature expansive windows that frame the surrounding mountains. From garden ceremonies to elegant terrace receptions, Sanctuary provides an unforgettable setting for couples seeking a refined and scenic celebration.
Arizona Biltmore
Location: Phoenix
Guest Capacity: Up to 400
The Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria property, is one of the most historic and iconic wedding venues in Arizona. Known for its timeless architecture, beautifully manicured gardens and luxurious resort experience, the Biltmore offers multiple event spaces that can accommodate weddings of up to 400 guests.
From elegant ballrooms to picturesque outdoor lawns, the venue blends timeless sophistication with the natural beauty of the Arizona desert. With it’s renowned golf course, legendary hospitality, and rich history, the Arizona Biltmore remains one of the most sought-after luxury wedding venues in the state.
Scottsdale offers some of the most beautiful luxury wedding venues in the Southwest. From historic estates, and lush garden courtyards to modern desert resorts overlooking the mountains, the variety of venues allows couples to design a wedding day that feels unique to them.
As an Arizona wedding photographer, I love helping couples document these once-in-a-lifetime moments in a way that feels natural, timeless, and true to their story.
If you’re currently planning your wedding in Scottsdale and looking for a photographer who knows these venues and understands how to capture the beauty of the desert landscape,I’d love to connect with you and hear more about your plans.
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