When to Elope in the American Southwest Desert

Seasonality can be trickier in the desert because there is no escape from extreme heat like you could the cold. But in truth, depending on where in the desert you decide to elope, you actually have a year-round of possibilities. In general, spring and fall will work best for most locations!

I’m Cherlyn, a landscape-focused adventure elopement photographer and I specialize in the Southwest! I love helping my couples figure out where and when to elope (even within the first consultation call prior to booking). Having explored a vast variety of Southwest landscapes since 2015, allow me to be your virtual guide.

Desert Elopements in Springtime

February – March Desert Elopements

This early springtime for deserts is so prime. In February to March, weather is chillier with cold nights and windier days. It is the least busy season without being in the middle of winter when the deserts can be quite frigid. The more southern deserts are best this time of year when they’ve warmed up and it’s pleasant to wander about. Some of the northern deserts can get cold and snowy, so unless you’re going for that, these are the locations I would suggest for an early spring elopement

Suggested locations: Joshua Tree National Park, Red Rock Canyon, Sedona, Southern Utah, Death Valley

April – May Desert Elopements

Weather is generally temperate and warmer in April and May. There are occasional heat waves starting in April. But the best part about this season is that the desert wildflowers start to bloom, which bring life to the seemingly lifeless landscape. I highly recommend this season to elope for the best weather! For most parks, this is a great time to visit for relatively limited crowds (depending on local spring breaks).

Suggested locations: Red Rock Canyon, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante

Desert Elopements in High Summer

June – August Desert Elopements

The hot, dry season. Most deserts are to be avoided this time of year. With one exception. Bryce Canyon is incredible high summer because it sits at a high elevation of 9000 ft, it actually has more of an alpine climate and can see snow even in May. If you’re pining for a summer elopement, this is it for you.

Suggested locations: Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National Forest

Desert Elopements in Fall

September – October Desert Elopements

Fall is another great season to elope in the desert. It can be more colorful than springtime with deciduous trees turning a beautiful golden yellow especially in places like Sedona. This is my personal second pick to spring time (as I do love flowers myself). It’s a great time too because it doesn’t conflict with summer break and the temperature is moderate.

Suggested locations: Literally everywhere! Sedona, Dixie National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Red Rock Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park

Desert Elopements in Winter

November – January Desert Elopements

If winter months speak to you but you also don’t want to be in the snow, this can be a great time. With sunny days that can get warm under the sun, it is a great option. However, temperatures can be quite frigid in the desert, especially at night or shade. But this is also one of the perfect times for getting incredible sunrises and sunsets. It lasts for longer and you don’t have to be awake at odd hours of the night to catch the beautiful light. I recommend staying in the southern deserts and depending on timing, Moab area as well.

Suggested locations: Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley

I hope this helps you with planning and dreaming up your desert elopement! There are so many options and choosing something that will make you happy and excited is so important! And if you’d like me to be a part of your elopement day and photograph your full adventure, reach out!