Just like the winter weather in the Rocky Mountain states can include freezing, snowy temperatures, summer in Arizona brings extreme heat and scorching temperatures. With triple-digit temperatures and blazing sun, summer weddings in Arizona require thoughtful planning to plan a magical, memorable and beautiful wedding day in the desert climate of the Grand Canyon State. Read on for our best tips on how to plan a summer wedding in Arizona that keeps you and your guests cool, comfortable and ready to celebrate.
Embrace the Early Morning or Golden Hour Ceremony
Between June and September, the mid-day heat in Arizona can be intense. Embrace cooler weather by opting for a sunrise ceremony followed by a brunch reception or plan a sunset ceremony with a reception dinner under the stars. Temperatures will be both cooler and manageable for you and your guests to celebrate comfortably. Another bonus for an early morning or golden hour ceremony is that the lighting for photos will be nothing short of perfection.
Best Arizona Wedding Venues for a Summer Celebration
In order to find the perfect Arizona wedding venue for a summer wedding celebration, you’ll need to keep in mind that they have indoor or covered spaces, and of course, air conditioning. Look for a wedding venue within your budget and vision that includes shared outdoor areas and back up options for your ceremony or reception in case extreme heat forces you indoors. Another option is to look for wedding venues in higher elevations where the summer weather tends to be cooler, like: Flagstaff, Prescott or Sedona.
Keeping Guests Cool and Comfortable in the Arizona Heat
The Rocky Mountain states have oxygen bars to ensure guests can acclimate accordingly to higher elevations, so make sure to include the Arizona equivalent with a hydration bar that features infused waters and electrolyte drinks. Keep your guests cool and hydrated with plenty of easily accessible water stations, cooling towels handed out during the ceremony or cocktail hour and personal fans or parasols as wedding favors. Our favorite way to incorporate fresh ingredients and cooling items are to freeze fruit into ice cubes for signature cocktails or mocktails! Keep your guests cool and comfortable in the Arizona heat for a summer wedding day that’s unforgettable.
Choosing your wedding attire and wedding day look is one of the most important pieces of wedding planning. Brides, choose breathable, lightweight fabrics like chiffon, organza or crepe to keep cool throughout your ceremony and reception. Sleeveless, backless or short dress options are both trendy and comfortable for your bridal look. For the grooms, linen or cotton suits are your best friend! Skip the tie and go with a more relaxed, open-collar for a comfortable and cool wedding day look. While the bride and groom are the stars of the show, you’ll want to make sure their wedding day attire includes airy fabrics and avoids dark colors that trap heat.
There are so many factors to account for when it comes to planning your wedding timeline, but it’s important to incorporate plenty of time to cool off out of the Arizona summer heat. Create an easy flow from a quick outdoor ceremony, indoor cocktail hour while the sun sets, golden hour couple’s portraits to a reception indoors or under a tent with fans and misters.
RMB Pro Tip: Don’t forget sunscreen for both your guests and wedding vendors!
Refreshing Wedding Menu Tips to Beat the Arizona Heat
Embrace the desert heat with light, fresh and seasonal food during your Arizona wedding celebration. Pick from chilled appetizers, like shrimp cocktail or gazpacho shooters, and fresh fruit and veggie platters. Serve dinner with grilled proteins and seasonal sides with fresh, local ingredients. Skip the traditional wedding cake dessert by adding an ice cream bar, popsicle cart or frozen cocktails for a fun, non-traditional way to keep your guests cool. If you still choose to have a traditional wedding cake, keep the cake inside until just before the cake cutting to avoid a melted buttercream disaster thanks to the Arizona sun!
A summer wedding in Arizona can be as dreamy as any mountain or coastal celebration as long as you plan around the hot desert climate. Prioritize comfort, embrace the desert’s natural beauty and focus on creating unforgettable experiences for you and your guests.
