From desert to forest, this southwestern state attracts travelers for its variety of terrain, warm weather and upscale vibe. Outdoor couples love it for the action, including backpacking, camping, biking, hiking and white-water rafting. Chic duos come for the luxury, including top-notch restaurants, golf courses and spas. But no matter what your taste, the weather is almost always consistent with blue skies and lots of sun.
Wedding Requirements Couples can wed outdoors among panoramic canyon backgrounds or indoors in a traditional church with a mountain view. To obtain a marriage license, you need to be 18 years of age and can provide a birth certificate. Generally, no blood test is required and you can usually receive a license the same day you apply for it. To find the specific requirements for your locale, contact the County Clerk of the Superior Court office in your desired area. For more information, visit az.gov/webapp/portal.
Things to Do
Sedona Famous for its red rocks, sandstone cliffs and abundance of trails, this artist's mecca entices both New Age spiritualists and those seeking serenity in one of the state's most peaceful places. This city is home to the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, where you can find parks, nature paths, and of course, the vortexes — high sources of energy said to bring spiritual enlightenment. Like most of Arizona, the outdoor beauty can best be explored by biking, hiking or taking a jeep tour through the winding roads. The area's reputation as a healing center means there are spas and rejuvenating treatments offered almost everywhere.
Flagstaff This northern spot boasts crisp mountain air, alpine forests in the San Francisco Peaks and rugged deserts. The desert takes on a dramatic beauty in the winter months, when the mountains open for skiing and snowboarding. In addition to a variety of quaint hotels and restaurants, the downtown historic district is a great place to peruse the local jewelry, clothing and art scene.
Grand Canyon One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a mile deep and covers some 277 miles of colorful terrain. With so much space there are countless ways to explore this massive site: take a full- or half-day trip, hiking to the canyon floor and then riding a mule back up. For something more extreme, take a bus to the bottom for a day of white-water rafting along the Colorado River followed by a helicopter ride back to the top. Prefer to watch? Take in the 1,000 foot drops from Mather Point, where rangers are available to answer any questions. Hopi Point promontory, on the West Rim trail, protrudes furthest into the canyon, offering incredible views, especially at sunset. It's only accessible by shuttle or on foot.
Off the Beaten Path
Historic Route 66 Also known as the "Mother Road", driving down this landmark you will pass nostalgic diners and kitschy souvenir shops, as well as museums filled with Native American culture and local artwork. On the way, be sure to strike up some conversation — you never know who you are going to run into, and what Route 66 stories they have to share. — Tara Bradley
