There are numerous venues to choose from, ranging from beach weddings to castle celebrations and restaurant parties. The good news is that there is a space for you no matter what day-of aesthetic you desire; and if you envision a vacation vibe full of scenic photo ops and boho flair, a desert wedding might be a solution for your happily ever after.
As you might expect, desert weddings take place in desert settings, and the venues are typically located in the United States’ southwestern region. Arizona, California, Texas, Oregon, and Nevada are among the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, known for their red rock formations, sandy dunes, and mountain backdrops. Stunning panoramic views of towering mountains and soaring palm trees—difficult it’s not to get lost in all that our one-of-a-kind desert has to offer. Just imagine the pics your wedding photographer can take there.
If you’re thinking about throwing a cactus-themed party, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn everything there is to know about desert weddings, from the best months to book to the best reasons to say “I do” in this one-of-a-kind setting.
What to Consider When Planning a Desert Wedding
One of the most important factors to consider when planning a desert wedding is the fact that it will take place in a desert. The desert climate is nearly perfect from October to April. Consider warm days, cool nights, bright stars, and plenty of sunlight. Unfortunately, if you’re planning a summer or late spring event, the desert might not be the best option. Temperatures can reach over 100 degrees, so if you’re planning an outdoor wedding or an event that will require you to spend time outside, the weather may be too hot for you and some of your guests.
What to Look for in a Desert Wedding Venue
There are several things to consider as you begin your search for a desert wedding venue. First, look for a venue with a variety of beautiful backdrops and photo opportunities. The picturesque and unique location will account for a large portion of your venue cost, so make sure it has the desert charm you’re looking for. The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells California, for example, has two picturesque outdoor areas—The Grove and Fireside Garden—with panoramic views of palm trees, mountains, and stunning evening sunsets.
Another factor to consider is location and amenities. Desert wedding venues are frequently less localized and more out of the way. Unlike major cities, these small desert cities and towns usually necessitate more travel (including into and out of smaller airports) and planning to ensure that all of your needs are met. Because quaint desert towns will have fewer dining and lodging options than large, centrally located cities, do your research before putting down a deposit. Make certain that the hotel(s) you select for your blocks offer full-service amenities such as a spa, pool, restaurants, and transportation. Many of your guests will be staying for the entire weekend, so making sure they are well taken care of is critical.
When touring venues and negotiating contracts, make sure you understand what’s included in the wedding package (or packages, if they have different options), how many hours you have at the venue for the celebration and for decoration/tear down, and whether the venue has preferred or required vendors. Smaller towns may have fewer vendor options, so you’ll want to know exactly who is on your wedding team before signing anything.
Average Cost of a Desert Wedding
Regardless of where you choose to hold your wedding, the cost of your venue will be one of the most expensive parts of your budget. That’s why it’s critical to understand exactly what’s included in your venue fees, negotiate any terms you don’t like (such as having a plated dinner or using a preferred vendor), and account for extra fees. The average cost of a desert wedding venue will be determined by location, season, and popularity.
Because the months of October through April are the most popular for hosting a desert celebration, this is when the costs will be the highest. And if you want to host your wedding in a popular location like Palm Springs or Sedona, you can expect to pay more than if you host it in a lesser-known location like Lubbock, Texas, or Bend, Oregon.
Finally, many traditional desert venues offer all-inclusive packages, which can significantly increase the overall cost, but if that isn’t your style, you could always rent an Airbnb or host your event outside of a National Park. Because desert weddings are becoming increasingly popular, you should be able to find something within your price range.
Pros and Cons of a Desert Wedding
As with any location, there will always be advantages and disadvantages to planning a wedding at a specific location. Continue reading to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of hosting a desert wedding.
Pros
The Natural Scenery. The desert provides a unique backdrop that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, which is why it is so popular for weddings. Deserts are one of the most interesting and beautiful places to say “I do,” with their magnificent mountains, swaying palm trees, and cacti around every corner. Many resorts capitalize on the picturesque vibe, giving your entire wedding a vacation feel.
Rain is less likely. It’s called the desert for a reason! The predictability of precipitation (or lack thereof) makes this a great outdoor event option during the late fall, winter, and early spring, with less rainfall and temperate weather.
Simple to modify. While the traditional desert backdrop is available—and there is plenty of mid-century modern architecture to choose from—the desert has a wide variety of venue options that can easily transform to suit your vision, whether it’s luxurious, boho, industrial, or rustic.
Cons
The Temperature. When we say it gets hot during the off-season, we mean it. With temperatures in the 100s from May to September, you only have a few months to book to avoid melting. Summer desert weddings aren’t usually the most comfortable or safe outdoor events.
More journeys. Many desert venues are off the beaten path unless your event is in a major city like Phoenix or Las Vegas. This could result in more expensive flights into smaller airports, as well as longer journeys with fewer options for routes, timing, and connections. As a result of the difficult and costly travel arrangements, you may receive fewer RSVPs.
There are fewer vendor options. Depending on where you are in the desert, you may be surprised to find fewer vendor options. In smaller towns, you may have fewer options for caterers, bakers, DJs, and coordinators. Connecting with your planner will be critical. They can assist you in anticipating any surprises and securing the best vendors for your vision.
