Tucson is known for its breathtaking natural scenery. There are mountains in almost every direction and gorgeous desert views. It is no surprise that many engaged couples want to book an outdoor wedding venue in Tucson to celebrate their big day. The mild temperatures in the Spring and Fall make an outdoor wedding a great option for couples. Follow along to get a jump start on choosing your outdoor wedding venue. This guide is full of things to consider as you plan your outdoor wedding along with a list of my favorite outdoor venues.

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Why chose an outdoor wedding venue

Many couples chose to book an outdoor wedding venue in Tucson because they want the natural beauty of the desert to be the backdrop for their wedding. The gorgeous mountain views and pristine desert landscape is what make Tucson such a beautiful city to get married in. In addition, the star-filled skies add that extra layer of romance to your wedding day. Tucson also has perfect weather for an outdoor wedding as it has over 250 sunny days a year.

Some of my favorite places to see couples get married are at outdoor wedding venues. I love being in nature. There is so much natural beauty that surrounds us, and when you add a joyful, in-love couple sharing their vows, there is nothing better. 

Many couples come to me and want these breathtaking, epic portraits with stunning mountain and desert backdrops. This is where choosing the right wedding venue is so important when planning the wedding of your dreams. The outdoor venue you chose is the backdrop for your entire wedding, so you want to get it right. As you follow along, I share some of my favorite outdoor wedding venues with scenic backgrounds perfect for those magazine-worthy wedding portraits.

Best time of year to book your outdoor wedding

Season

An outdoor wedding in the early Spring or late Fall is perfect in Tucson. You can choose to book an outdoor wedding venue in the Winter, but you will want to have heaters available so guests are comfortable. An outdoor wedding in the Summer is tricky for a few reasons. Tucson is known for its monsoon season in the Summer. These late afternoon rainstorms, while brief, can dump tremendous amounts of rain in a short amount of time. This is something to consider when your ceremony and cocktail hour will typically fall during the time when these storms tend to roll in. Summers are also incredibly hot in Tucson, and prolonged amounts of time outside can be uncomfortable.

Weather

Again, this plays into the season. Tucson in the Spring and Fall is lovely. The temperatures are milder and the Spring is when the desert is in bloom. Winter is also a nice time to have an outdoor wedding, but cooler evening temperatures are something to consider. The least popular time to get married is in the Summer. The 100+ degree temperatures are usually not the best time to hold an outdoor wedding.

Considerations when choosing your outdoor wedding venue

Restrooms

If you are planning an outdoor wedding, a big consideration is access to bathrooms. Many couples will opt to bring in portable restrooms for their guests. There are many companies that offer high-quality restroom rentals that are a huge upgrade from a standard porta potty.

Heaters

For cooler months, it may be a good idea to have heaters sprinkled around the dining tables so guests are comfortable when the temperatures dip down in the evenings. Couples will also have blankets available for guests, which is another personal touch.

Electrical

If you are planning to have a band or DJ, you want to ensure you have access to electrical power. This is also important if you want there to be lighting at night.

Cake

This is something you may not have considered. In Tucson, your outdoor wedding can impact how well your cake holds up. Buttercream on a hot summer day will quickly melt and start sliding off your cake. Usually, it is best to wait to put the cake out until an hour before the cake cutting to avoid any cake mishaps.

Bug Spray/Sunscreen

Even when the temperature outside seems fine, the Arizona sun can be a bit stronger than some guests may be used to. It is always a good idea to have sunscreen available to guests. The same for bug spray. Sometimes the mosquitos can come out in full force when the sun sets and it is nice to have this available to your guests.

A Backup Plan for your Outdoor Wedding Venue

Even with careful planning, it is always wise to have a backup plan for inclement weather. When booking your outdoor venue, be sure to ask what their contingency plan is. I have seen it all. From high winds to torrential monsoons, it is crucial that there is a backup plan in place should it be needed. 

Luckily, most of the venues I am going to be sharing do have an indoor space available for couples should they need to move things indoors.

List of my top 10 outdoor venues

Now that we have talked about reasons why couples choose an outdoor venue and special considerations, let’s take a look at some of the best outdoor wedding venues in Tucson. 

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

This historic wedding venue is situated at the base of the Catalina Mountains. I adore this wedding venue! It has so much character. The guest rooms are nestled into the desert, so there is this element of privacy and a feeling like you are walking through a garden as you go to your room. Hacienda has incredible views and a lovely outdoor courtyard where most couples choose to get married. However, there are four locations that couples can choose from for their wedding, including indoor options. This is the perfect venue for couples who want elegance, and charm, and to highlight the desert. Note, this venue can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Kingan Gardens

Located downtown, this historic building has been transformed into a gorgeous wedding venue. Couples have access to the entire property on the day of their wedding. A lovely garden area is where couples hold their ceremony. Just to the side of the ceremony site, there is an open patio area with hanging bistro lights. This is where couples hold their outdoor reception. The venue offers several wedding packages including catering and bartending services. The venue can hold up to 200 people.

Lowes Ventana Canyon

This luxurious resort is nestled up against the mountains. It is perfect for couples wanting the amenities of a larger resort and looking for an elegant event space. The upper terrace has views of an 80-foot waterfall. It is gorgeous! Another option is the Cascade Terrace which overlooks the pool area. Lowes Ventana Canyon can accommodate intimate weddings as well as larger guest lists up to 400 people. 

Stillwell House

The Stillwell House is a historic home-turned-wedding venue located downtown in Tucson. Most couples fall in love with the green arbor where couples can share their vows. The garden space is romantic and beautiful. You have the entire venue available to you. There is an area for the groom to relax and a bridal suite as well. Stillwell House has planners and coordinators there to help. Their catering menu is unique and delicious. Honestly, I think they have an incredible menu. They can accommodate up to 300 guests.

La Mariposa Resort

La Mariposa is located on the East side of Tucson in the Tanque Verde Valley. It has stunning views of the Rincon and Catalina mountains in the distance and towering trees around the venue. It has a lovely pond and lush landscaped lawns. I know, green lawns in Tucson?! When I first photographed a wedding at La Mariposa I was shocked to see how green it was. It is perfect for couples wanting a green backdrop for their wedding. 

The ceremony is usually held on the lawn and your outdoor reception is usually set up closer to the main building, but still on the lawn. There is a large outdoor patio that can be used during cocktail hour and a firepit that many guests enjoy especially during the cooler months.

La Mariposa has incredible space for the bride to get ready along with a space for the groom as well. It can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

Tohono Chul Park

Weddings at Tohono Chul are absolutely gorgeous. The venue is located on the Northwest side of Tucson, near Oracle Road and Ina Road. It is the perfect wedding location for couples wanting a lush, botanical garden vibe. There is a brick building with beautiful large doors at the entrance to the restaurant. Once you walk through the doors, it opens up into a lovely courtyard with a fountain in the center. In the back of the restaurant area, there is a large patio are surrounded by beautiful plants. This is a great area for receptions. Many couples will also choose to have their ceremony and/or reception in the gardens as well. There is a lovely area near the back that is perfect for weddings. Tohono Chul has several options to make your event special. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests. 

Saguaro Buttes

Saguaro Buttes is a wedding venue known for its gorgeous desert landscape. It is adjacent to Saguaro National Park East, just off Old Spanish Trail. Couples can exchange their vows with the saguaro-spotted desert and mountain views in the background. There is a lovely patio area that many couples use for cocktail hour. Receptions can be held outdoors by their pond where twinkle lights create a romantic atmosphere at night. There are many photo locations around Saguaro Buttes. One of my favorite photography spots is at sunset point. What is also great about this wedding venue is that it does have an indoor banquet hall if you prefer to have your reception indoors.    

Tanque Verde Ranch

Tanque Verde Ranch has a rich history. Established in 1868, the ranch is located on the East side of Tucson, nestled among the Rincon mountains. Tanque Verde Ranch is 60,000 acres and is one of America’s old-time cattle ranches. Couples can choose from several indoor and outdoor areas to hold their wedding event, including the newest event venue, The Barn. Incredible mountain and desert views can be found at Tanque Verde Ranch. One of my favorite locations for photos is by the lake.

Agua Linda Farms

Agua Linda Farms is located just outside of Tucson in Amado, Arizona. I am including it in this list because it honestly is such a gorgeous venue. It is a 63-acre private estate with towering trees, lush lawns, and beautiful flowers in the Spring. To read more about Agua Linda Farm, check out this blog post that I wrote about this venue.

The Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountian

The Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain is one of Tucson’s most beautiful outdoor wedding venues. The resort has several locations to choose from to hold your outdoor wedding with towering saguaros dotting the mountains as the backdrop. The resort has several wedding experts to help you create your perfect outdoor wedding.

Are You Looking For More Wedding Venues in Tucson?

In this blog post, I talk about the Best Tucson Wedding Venues. You will see some from this outdoor wedding venue list are included in that larger list too. This post talks about my tips for choosing your wedding venue and a list of my favorite venues in Tucson. Click HERE.

Tucson Wedding Photographer

Are you in need of a wedding photographer for your outdoor wedding? Most of the weddings I photograph are outdoors. I love the feel of an outdoor wedding and would love to capture yours. Please reach out HERE and I’d love to help you create your perfect outdoor wedding.