How to have a wedding in the desert?

How to have a wedding in the desert is becoming an increasingly popular choice for engaged couples. The scenic views of the desert at sunset, the warm and sunny weather year-round, the unique and beautiful landscape – it’s no wonder why desert weddings have become such a popular trend for modern couples looking to tie the knot. Getting married in the desert can provide an unforgettable backdrop and charming ranch-style venues that you simply can’t find anywhere else. However, planning a wedding in the arid climate does come with its own set of challenges. From the intense heat and lack of amenities in remote locations to travel and lodging logistics, desert weddings require some special considerations. But don’t let that deter you – with proper planning and preparation, you can absolutely have the stunning desert wedding of your dreams!

In this complete guide, you’ll learn insider tips and advice for how to plan and execute a beautiful desert wedding from start to finish. We’ll provide inspiration and ideas for desert-themed decor, attire, photography, menus, and more. You’ll find checklists and recommendations for venue selection, guest comfort, and vendor booking. We’ll also cover budget breakdowns and money-saving tricks to help you create a gorgeous desert wedding that fits your style and vision. With this resource, you’ll feel equipped and empowered to organize a memorable event in the desert that wows your guests. So let’s get started with planning your magnificent desert oasis wedding!

Table of Contents

Finding the Perfect Venue for Your Desert Wedding

One of the most important decisions when planning a desert wedding is choosing the right venue. The venue sets the entire tone and feel for your special day, and also comes with logistical considerations for hosting an event in the arid climate.

Here are some tips on finding and securing the perfect desert venue for your nuptials:

Popular Desert Wedding Locations

Some of the most popular places to get married in the desert across the American Southwest include:

Palm Springs, California – Known for its midcentury modern architecture, art galleries, and swanky resorts. Venues here range from hip hotels to lush gardens and country clubs.
Sedona, Arizona – With its red rock formations providing breathtaking backdrops, Sedona is a scenic wonder for desert weddings.
Joshua Tree, California – Quirky and artsy vibe amidst the Joshua trees and boulder formations of the Mojave. Great for bohemian-style weddings.
Mojave Desert, California/Nevada – Vast open desertscapes with dunes and mountains surrounding Las Vegas. Fantastic for remote elopements.

Outdoor vs. Indoor Desert Venues

Outdoor venues allow you to fully embrace the natural beauty of the desert. However, you’ll need backup plans for unpredictable weather.

Indoor venues provide climate control and amenities for guest comfort. But you miss out on the scenic views.

Many resorts offer a mix of indoor and outdoor event spaces to get the best of both worlds.

Types of Desert Wedding Venues

Hotels and resorts – Turnkey with amenities, but more expensive. Can host ceremonies, receptions, lodging.

Ranches – Offer a rustic vibe with lodging cabins and outdoor fun. Limited amenities.

Bare venues – More DIY and budget-friendly. You rent just the space and handle everything else.

Restaurants – Provide amazing cuisine but limited for large events.

Museums/gardens – Great for small, classy affairs with beautiful art/botanicals.

Key Questions to Ask Potential Desert Venues

Do they have an onsite kitchen for the caterer to use? Or can you bring in food trucks?
Are there any noise restrictions or curfews for music and celebrations?
Will there be access to power and lighting for outdoor spaces?
How many bathrooms are on site? Are A/C units or fans available?
What are the costs for rentals like chairs, tables, linens? Is there an exclusive rental vendor?
Are there any permits, insurance fees, or deposits required to book the venue?

By asking the right questions as you venue shop, you can determine whether a desert venue has the essential amenities and flexibility to match your wedding needs.

If you love the idea of a desert wedding but want to explore other unique venue options, check out this guide to planning a beautiful vineyard wedding amidst lush greenery and rolling hills.

The perfect place is out there – happy hunting!

Keeping Guests Comfortable at Your Desert Wedding

You found the perfect outdoor desert venue and date…now how do make sure your guests don’t wilt in the arid climate? When hosting a wedding in the desert, it’s essential to consider guest comfort so everyone can happily celebrate your big day.

Beat the Heat

Desert temperatures can easily soar above 100°F during summer. Here are some tips to help guests stay cool:

Provide personal fans at the ceremony and reception. Battery operated handheld fans can be a lifesaver!
Set up shade structures like tents, umbrellas, and canopies. Use water misters if possible.
Have ample chilled water and refreshing drinks available. Pitchers of lemon/mint water work well.
Offer guests chilled scented towels to drape around their necks.
Distribute sunscreen and hats as favors or on a welcome table.

Dress Code Guidance

Give your guests tips on how to dress comfortably for a desert wedding:

Suggest lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, chiffon. Avoid silk, polyester, velvet.
Encourage dresses over pants for women to allow air flow. Sweat-wicking maxi dresses work beautifully.
Recommend open-toed shoes over sandals to prevent slipping on loose dirt or sand.
For men, suggest light suits or pants with rolled up shirt sleeves.

Climate Controlled Spaces

If your venue allows, also provide some indoor air conditioned areas for guests like:

An air conditioned tent for the dance floor.
Access to an indoor lounge or building for breaks.
Air conditioned shuttles to transport guests between venues.

This gives everyone a chance to cool down!

Creative Invitation Wording

Use your wedding invites to prep guests for the desert climate. Some wording ideas:

“Sunscreen and hats encouraged!”
“Please join us for an evening of dancing under the stars. Footwear: Not too high.”
“Reception attire is desert chic. Cocktail or sundresses suggested.”

Menu and Drinks

Serve refreshing foods and drinks that sound appealing in hot weather:

Chilled soups like gazpacho or watermelon.
Hydrating fruits – watermelon, berries, mango, pineapple.
Cool treats like sorbet, ice cream sandwiches.
Iced tea, lemonade, fruity cocktails, beer or wine spritzers.

With the right preparations, your guests can comfortably revel in the beauty of your desert wedding!

Captivating Desert Wedding Decor and Design Ideas

The desert landscape provides a gorgeous, neutral backdrop for your wedding decor. Let the natural beauty inspire your design vision with these creative ideas for desert-themed decorations:

Bring the Desert Indoors

Transform indoor reception spaces by infusing desert vibes:

Drape sheer fabric in earthy colors like blush, tan, or sage green over walls and ceilings.
Use burlap, lace, or jute runners down tables.
Create tablescapes with succulents, dried flowers, and tea light candles.
Incorporate sand, cacti, antlers, feathers, and wood slices into centerpieces.

DIY Signage and Backdrops

Add handmade touches with desert-inspired signs and backdrops:

Display wooden signs with your wedding hashtag, bar menu, or escort cards.
Create a unique ceremony backdrop wall with overlapping woven blankets.
Hang paper fans or origami tissue paper pom poms as photo booth decor.

Use Natural Elements

Incorporate the beauty of the desert surroundings:

Mark rows with arrangements of cacti, agave, and desert foliage.
Use succulents as alternative table numbers or seating cards.
Give mini terrariums with cactus as favors.
Decorate the sweetheart table with sandstone, antlers, and tea lights.

Color Palette

Pull in rich, warm desert hues:

Terra cotta – Deep orange-red like canyon rock.
Sage green – Soft and earthy desert plant color.
Sand – Neutrals reminiscent of sand dunes.
Turquoise blue – Pop of color like the desert sky.

Let your desert wedding decor transport guests to a stylish desert oasis! Carefully chosen details can beautifully accent your venue’s existing landscape.

For a whimsical outdoor affair, get inspiration from this piece on bohemian forest weddings with a woodland fairy tale vibe

Choose the Perfect Attire and Accessories for Your Desert Wedding

Finding fashion that is both gorgeous and practical for a desert wedding may seem tricky. But have no fear – we’ve got tips on attire and accessories that will keep you and your bridal party looking chic in the heat.

Fabrics and Styles for Women

For brides and bridesmaids, focus on:

Lightweight fabrics like chiffon, lace, and linen.
Silhouettes with flow and movement – avoid too-tight shapes.
Details like off-the-shoulder or strapless necklines, cut-outs.
Skirts with slits or made of breathable tulle.

Some top style options:

Boho maxi dresses with flutter sleeves.
Flowy two-piece crop top and skirt sets.
Elegant ballgowns with sweetheart necklines.

Menswear for the Desert

Help the men beat the heat with:

Lightweight suits in linen, seersucker or tropical wool.
Pants, shirts, and vests rather than full three-piece suits.
Bow ties instead of neckties.
Roll-up sleeves and loosened collars.
Suspenders instead of cummerbunds.

Shoes and Accessories

Complete the outfits with:

Strappy sandals or wedges for women – avoid heavy heels.
Breathable leather dress shoes for men.
Statement jewelry like chandelier earrings or a rhinestone necklace.
Fans and sunglasses to shield from the sun.

With the right attire, you’ll look and feel amazing exchanging vows in the desert! Prioritize breathable, lightweight materials and styles.

Capturing Breathtaking Photos at Your Desert Wedding

The striking southwestern landscapes provide a spectacular backdrop for your wedding photography.

Here are tips for getting Instagram-worthy shots at your desert wedding:

Finding a Great Photographer

Look for photographers familiar with desert terrain and lighting. Ask about:

Their experience shooting in desert venues.
How they handle harsh sunlight and heat.
If they will hike to remote spots for photos.

Prime Locations for Photos

Ideal spots for photos at desert venues:

At sunset – golden hour creates magic lighting.
In fields of desert wildflowers – vibrant pops of color.
At a cactus garden or botanical garden – frame shots amid succulents.
On desert mesas and rock formations – striking backgrounds.
At a ranch barn – rustic setting for photos.

Creative Portraits with the Landscape

Use the epic desert landscape for stunning portraits:

Pose at the top of a sand dune against the horizon
Sit on a blanket in the Joshua Tree forest.
Walk hand in hand down a desert road.
Kiss under the expanse of the starry night sky.

Schedule Time for Adventure

Allow time for your photographer to adventure to remote desert spots to get artsy, romantic shots away from the wedding hustle and bustle. These photos often end up being the most breathtaking to remember your special day.

The desert offers such a rich, beautiful backdrop. Take advantage of it for wedding photos you’ll treasure forever!

Delicious Ideas for Desert Wedding Catering and Menus

One of the most memorable parts of any wedding is the food and drinks. When hosting a desert wedding, you’ll want to serve refreshing dishes and beverages suited to the climate. Here are tips for delicious catering and menu options:

Keeping Food Safe

Practice extra food safety precautions when catering outdoors in the heat:

Use chill plates, ice packs, and chilled serving containers.
Display cold foods over ice beds.
Keep hot foods above 140°F in chafing dishes.
Avoid leaving perishable items like dairy, meat, and eggs out over an hour.

Menu Inspiration

Great dishes for hot weather weddings:

Chilled soups – cucumber, watermelon, gazpacho.
Hydrating fruits and veggies – watermelon, berries, pineapple, cucumber, tomato salad.
Grilled seafood skewers with mango salsa.
Mini caprese skewers – fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil.
Lemongrass fish or chicken with light coconut sauce.

Signature Desert Wedding Cocktails

Quench guests’ thirst with refreshing signature cocktails like:

Prickly Pear Margaritas
Paloma with grapefruit soda
Mojitos with muddled sage
Hibiscus and Pomegranate Spritzers

Creative Cakes

Add desert flair with wedding cakes featuring:

Cactus and succulent designs.
Geode or watercolor painted tiers.
Terra cotta, sage, blue ombre frosting.
Rustic naked cakes with dried flowers.

Serve cuisine that transports your guests to an oasis in the desert!

Travel and Lodging Tips for Guests at Your Desert Wedding

When hosting a destination wedding in the desert, it’s essential to provide enough lodging options for out-of-town guests. Here are some tips for coordinating travel and accommodations:

Recommended Lodging

Research hotels, resorts, or rental houses near your desert wedding venue. Look for:

Accommodations in different price ranges.
Properties with shuttle services to transport guests.
Hotels that offer group room blocks with discounted rates.
Reviews mentioning good service and comfortable rooms.

Top lodging options include:

Chic boutique desert hotels.
Chain hotels like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt.
High-end desert casinos with luxury pools.
Sprawling casino RV parks and campgrounds.

Booking Logistics

Set up a room block for guests under one group rate.
Create a customized booking link on your wedding website.
List lodging suggestions on travel info insert cards.
Remind guests to book early since desert venues fill fast.

Airport Transportation

Provide direction on airport shuttles, taxis, or rental cars to transport guests from the airport to accommodations.

Research options in advance so guests have seamless desert travel. With the right arrangements, your loved ones can relax and enjoy the wedding weekend.

Fun Activities and Entertainment Ideas for Your Desert Wedding

After the ceremony, keep your guests engaged with fun outdoor activities and entertainment perfectly suited for the desert:

Lawn Games

Set up casual lawn games for guests to enjoy cocktail hour outdoors:

Cornhole and ladderball.
Giant Jenga or Connect Four.
Croquet.
Horseshoes.

Nighttime Celebrations

After sunset, wow guests with:

Fire dancers – skilled performers with poi balls of fire.
A fireworks show – check local laws and safety first.
Sparkler send-offs for the newlyweds’ exit.
Glow jewelry and neon lights.

Tech Entertainment

Add modern flair with:

A custom snapchat filter for photo fun.
Photo booths with desert-themed props.
A projection mapping show projected on venue walls.

Brunch Activities

Keep the fun going the next day with:

Lawn games like croquet
Art and crafts like terrarium building
DIY mimosa and bloody mary bars
Lawn games like croquet

The desert offers amazing options for fun wedding entertainment at any time of day!

Budget and Vendor Tips for Planning Your Desert Wedding

Planning a desert wedding comes with financial considerations to factor in. Here are budgeting and vendor booking tips to create your dream wedding within your means:

Average Desert Wedding Costs

Compared to the average wedding, desert weddings tend to cost:

More for travel, lodging, and transportation
Less on heavy decor since the venue provides the beautiful backdrop
More on cooling elements like tents, fans, and AC rentals
Less on flowers when using native desert plants and succulents

When to Book Vendors

Reserve vendors 6-12 months out, especially for popular seasons like:

Spring – April, May
Fall – September, October

Book photographers, caterers, rentals early since they fill fast.

Potential Areas to Save

Look for deals and DIY options on:

Invitations – print your own or use an online service
Decor – use what the venue provides
Dessert – opts for budget friendly sheet cake
Beverages – serve beer, wine, signature cocktails only

Budget Breakdowns

Desert wedding budgets:

Small budget ~$5k: 50 guests, brunch reception at a restaurant
Moderate budget ~$15k: 100 guests, venue rental + catering
Big budget $25k+: 150+ guests, luxury desert resort

Prioritize your must-haves and scale other elements to match your total budget. The desert offers budget weddings or lavish affairs – the choice is yours!

Conclusion – Create Your Dream Desert Wedding

Planning a wedding in the beautiful desert landscapes of the American Southwest is an adventurous, rewarding experience. With the tips and advice in this guide, you now have a blueprint to create a desert wedding that fits your unique style, vision and budget.

Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:

Choose a venue that can provide shade, cooling, power and amenities to keep guests comfortable in the arid climate.
Infuse your design with natural desert elements like succulents and cacti to immerse guests in the setting.
Select attire, food, drinks and activities suited for hot temperatures. Prioritize breathable fabrics and refreshing flavors.
Work with vendors familiar with coordinating desert weddings, as the planning process has its own considerations.
Prepare guests for the destination with travel tips and recommended accommodations.

With proper planning, your desert wedding can be stunning, fun, and incredibly memorable for you and your loved ones. The dramatic southwestern landscapes provide a remarkable backdrop unlike any other to celebrate your marriage. Bring your desert wedding vision to life!

If you have any other questions on planning the perfect desert wedding, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

And for an utterly unique wedding experience, read up on underwater weddings for adventurous water lovers.

We wish you a lifetime of happiness!

References:
How to Successfully Plan a Desert Wedding
30 Desert Wedding Ideas to Enhance Your Earthy Nuptials