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. Keep reading to find out more about some of the best outdoor wedding venues in Tucson.

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Why get married in Tucson

Known as the “Old Pueblo” Tucson, Arizona is known for its rich cultural history, beautiful natural scenery,  stunning desert landscapes, hiking, restaurants, weather, and world-renowned resorts and spas. It is no surprise that Tucson is quickly becoming a top location for couples seeking the perfect destination wedding location. For couples looking to get married in Tucson, I have created this list of the Best Tucson, Wedding Venues to help you get started planning your dream wedding.

Types of Tucson Wedding Venues

On average Tucson has 286 sunny days per year. With so much sunny weather, it isn’t surprising that Tucson is known for its outdoor wedding venues. In fact, most Tucson wedding venues offer at least one outdoor event option. Something to remember is that if you are getting married in the summer, you will probably experience a monsoon. These rain showers start typically in the afternoon. While monsoons last briefly, the rain and winds can be intense. I recommend that you look at wedding venues that have an indoor option as well if you are getting married during this time of year.

Finding Your Tucson Wedding Venue

Your wedding venue will always hold a special place in your heart because it is the place where your new life as a married couple begins. You need to find a place that compliments the vision of your wedding, can host the number of guests you anticipate celebrating with you both, and has options available if the weather requires moving your event indoors.

Below are some tips to help you find your dream wedding venue.

Determine The Feel Of Your Wedding

To help get you started, I recommend determining what you want the look and feel of your wedding to be. This is where that Pinterest board comes in handy. Start to look for themes in the images you have saved. Are you drawn to simple and elegant weddings, boho weddings, ballroom weddings, intimate weddings, or outdoor weddings? Once you determine what you want the look and feel of your wedding to be, you can start to narrow down your wedding venue options because you will only look at venues that fit the vision that you have for your wedding.

The Location

When it comes to finding your wedding venue location, location is key! Without a doubt, something important will be left at home or at the hotel, and you will want the wedding venue you choose to be relatively close to where you are staying. Recently, the marriage license was left at the groom’s house on the wedding day, and it was a huge sigh of relief only to have a 10-minute drive back to the house to pick it up versus an hour!

With that heart-racing example, location is a factor to consider when choosing your wedding venue. How far are you and your guests willing to travel to the venue? Do you want your wedding to be in a certain area of Tucson? If so, you will want to focus on venues in that particular area. Another big consideration is if you are planning to have parts of the wedding day at different locations. If you are planning to get married at a church, but the venue is an hour from the church, this makes things a bit tricky. If possible, it is best to have your ceremony and reception at the same location. Also, if your dream venue is quite far from your home, perhaps renting out an Airbnb or hotel nearby for guests is something to consider. 

How Many Guests Can The Venue Accommodate

A big consideration when choosing your wedding venue is the venue’s capacity. How many people you plan to invite to your big day will directly determine the venue that you will need. This doesn’t mean you have to have the final guest list figured out now, but you do want to have a general idea before you start looking at wedding venues.

If you are planning to have a more intimate wedding with a handful of close family and friends, it is important to remember that some venues have a minimum guest list requirement. This also holds true if you want to celebrate with 200 or more guests. Some venues simply do not have the capacity to accommodate a larger guest list. To summarize, I recommend that you keep your guest list in mind when narrowing down your venue.

What is Included in the Venue Rental

As you begin looking at venues, you will quickly discover that some venues are all-inclusive, meaning they provide most, if not all services. Other venues will rent the space, but you are responsible for bringing in your own furniture rentals, and decor. However, I have found that most venues are somewhere in the middle, providing you with tables, chairs, linens, and even catering options.

It is important to understand what is and is not included before you book your venue. I will note, that while an all-inclusive package may seem appealing, you will be limited to what you can choose. If you have your heart set on a particular vendor, this can be disappointing. You definitely want to feel like you get to have the wedding you’ve dreamed of and not like you have to compromise.

Tour The Wedding Venue

I can’t emphasize this enough- once you find a handful of venues you are interested in, schedule a tour of the venues. Images posted on the venue’s website are a great starting point, but you want to get a sense of how the venue feels in person. It is important to bring your list of questions to ask the venue as well with you to your appointment. After the tour, you will get a better sense of if the venue is the right fit for you both.

Pricing

If you haven’t had a close friend or family member recently get married, you may not know what the average cost is for a venue. Many couples go in with a number that they pulled from a Bride’s magazine article and forget that depending on your area, prices vary widely. I suggest that couples get a general idea of what venues in their area cost before setting a hard budget. In general, a good rule of thumb is that the venue and catering will take up about half of your budget. The good news is that Tucson tends to have more affordable pricing when it comes to weddings. Average venue costs are between $3,000-$12,000. Keep reading to see my list of the Best Wedding Venues in Tucson to help you get started.

Why choose an outdoor wedding venue

Many couples choose 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 makes 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.

Top Outdoor Wedding Venues in Tucson

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. 

1. 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 del Sol 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, that this venue can accommodate up to 150 guests.

2. 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.

3. 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 of up to 400 people. 

4. Gallery at Dove Mountain

The Gallery at Dove Mountain has a modern, elegant water feature as the backdrop of its outdoor ceremony site. Surrounded by towering saguaros and a beautiful desert, this wedding venue captures modern chic perfectly!

Address: 14000 North Dove Mountain Blvd

Type of wedding venue: Country Club

Features: Indoor and outdoor spaces available, mountain views, catering

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a wedding venue perfect for smaller weddings. The lush gardens and picturesque surroundings provide a naturally beautiful and unique atmosphere for your wedding. The ceremony and cocktail hour space is held outdoors at the desert garden, while receptions are typically held in the Green room where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the stunning desert views. There are endless options for photography spots at the desert museum. One of the best parts of having your wedding at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is the exclusive live animal experience that you and your guests can enjoy.

8. The Hilton El Conquistador

The El Conquistador Resort is located up against the Pusch Ridge and Santa Catalina Mountains. The Hilton El Conquistador provides several options to their couples. There are three outdoor ceremony locations at the venue to choose from. Sunset Point is located in a private, lush, grassy area surrounded by mountain and city views. An elegant staircase and waterfall surround the wedding gazebo. Another venue location at El Conquistador is The Last Territory. It provides a rustic, Southwest flair for couples who are looking for an Old West vibe. The El Conquistador also provides several choices for celebrating in one of their four ballrooms as well.

Address: 10000 N Oracle Rd Tucson Arizona 85704

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Mountain views, multiple indoor and outdoor event locations, spa, pool, catering, restaurants, and hotel rooms for guests

9. The Buttes at Reflections

The Buttes at Reflections is an all-inclusive wedding venue in Northwest Tucson. This venue is set up against the Pusch Ridge Mountains which makes for stunning views. Couples exchange their vows in front of a quaint, white gazebo while the melodic sounds of the water fountain below provide a soft background sound.

Address: 9800 N Oracle Road Tucson, Arizona 85704

Type of wedding venue: Event Center

Features: Mountain views, gazebo, grassy lawn, indoor and outdoor spaces available, and catering

10. 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 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. 

11. 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.    

12. 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.

13. Westward look

The Westward Look is located at the base of the Catalina Foothills. A dreamy desert landscape surrounds this resort. Westward look offers indoor and outdoor spaces for couples to choose from. There are several ballrooms to host your reception along with the Vigas Patio and Chef’s Garden Lawn. This venue blends rich history and modern convenience perfectly.

Address: 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Spa, Pool, Guest Guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering, restaurants, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.

14. Omni Tucson National Resort

The Omni Tucson National Resort is an ideal wedding venue for couples looking for both indoor and outdoor wedding venue options. The Papago Ballroom and Terrace offer large windows with views of the Catalina Mountains in the distance. The Terrace is romantic and lovely. Framed by towering columns and arches it makes for a stunning outdoor reception area.

The resort also offers the Palm Court where your outdoor celebration is surrounded by towering palm trees and bright and bold florals. The wedding ceremony is held on the Norville Lawn where couples say their “I do’s” on this semi-private lush lawn with views of the resort’s golf course and Santa Catalina Mountains.

Address: 2727 W Club Dr, Tucson, AZ 85742

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Spa, Pool, Guest Guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering, restaurants, and golf course.

15. 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.

16. 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.

Address: 15000 North Secret Springs Drive Marana, AZ 85685

Type of wedding venue: Country Club

Features: Stunning desert backdrop for your wedding ceremony and reception, exquisite ballrooms, 5-star hotel, Spa, Three Swimming Pools, Bar, Multiple Restaurants, Golf Course, Fitness Center

17. White Stallion Ranch

The White Stallion Ranch wedding venue is one of the most unique locations to get married in Tucson. Located on the Northwest side of Tucson, The Ranch offers the personal touch and hospitality of a traditional dude ranch while still offering the amenities and services of an upscale resort. The Ranch has been owned by the True family for over 55 years now. With amazing views of the mountains and natural desert, you’ll love having your wedding here. There are plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities from horseback riding, to archery, to rock climbing.

18. The Highlands At Dove Mountain

The Highlands at Dove Mountain has an incredible team that is dedicated to creating an amazing wedding experience for each of its couples. This wedding venue offers a grassy outdoor ceremony site with picturesque city views. Couples can choose to hold their reception outdoors or inside in an elegant ballroom adorned with hanging crystal chandeliers.

Address: 4949 W Heritage Club Blvd, Marana, AZ 85658

Type of wedding venue: Outdoor event spaces and Indoor Ballroom

Features: Spectacular views of the Catalina, Tucson, and Tortolita mountains. City views at night.

19. JW Marriott Starr Pass

Starr Pass is a beautiful resort situated on 50 acres of land, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. The resort offers several indoor and outdoor venues for weddings of all sizes and styles, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Options for event locations include a ballroom, a rooftop terrace, a garden, and a lawn with panoramic views of the surrounding Sonoran desert.

Address: 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd Tucson, Arizona 85745

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Spa, Pool, Guest Guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering, restaurants, and golf course.

20. Tubac Golf Resort and Spa

Tubac Golf Resort and Spa is located just under 50 miles from Tucson. The resort is on over 500 acres of land in the high Sonoran desert, providing a picturesque backdrop for a wedding ceremony and reception. The wedding chapel is the most well-known wedding location. The 17th-century mission-style chapel features magnificent mesquite doors and a grand entryway. 

Address: 65 Avenida de Otero, Tubac, AZ 85646

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Spa, Pool, Guest Guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering, restaurants, and golf course.

21. Skyline Country Club

Skyline Country Club has incredible views of the mountains and city lights. There is a large terrace that steps down to the outdoor ceremony site which is held on a lush green lawn. This venue has a large indoor ballroom that has floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the spectacular views. There are several photography locations at this venue including the golf course and iron bridge.

22. Rancho Robles

Rancho Robles is a wedding venue located about 30 miles North of Tucson, in Oracle. Majestic oak, juniper, cypress, and olive trees surround the venue. Since Rancho Robles is at a higher elevation, temperatures are typically 12 degrees cooler than in Tucson during the summer. This venue offers two large lush lawns that can accommodate up to 300 guests and the iconic hacienda building is gorgeous for photos.

Address: 1170 N. Rancho Robles Rd, Oracle, Arizona 85623

Type of wedding venue: Outdoor/Ranch

Features: Lush Lawns, rooms on site for guests to stay at, indoor and outdoor event spaces available

Need More Wedding Venues in Tucson?

Are you looking for more wedding locations? I have a sister blog post that talks about how you can choose the best wedding venue for you and it lists other Tucson wedding venues that are not included in this list. Feel free to continue learning about other places to get married in Tucson by clicking HERE.

Tucson Wedding Packages

As a local Tucson wedding photographer, I love helping engaged couples plan their big day. I hope by now you have a great idea of some places to host your wedding in Tucson. Once you decide on your wedding venue, your next step is to book your wedding photographer.

I offer several wedding packages to meet the needs of the couples I work with. I am also happy to create a custom wedding package for you as well. My full wedding day packages start at $4000 and include at least 8 hours of coverage, a second photographer, and an engagement session. My elopements begin at $1200 and are available to book 3 months out from your wedding date.

If you are still looking for more suggestions for the best Tucson wedding locations, feel free to reach out HERE and I’d love to help you create your perfect outdoor wedding.