Venue at the Grove
Nestled in the neighborhoods in south Phoenix near Laveen village, Venue at the Grove is the Valley's best kept secret. A vast lawn of towering pecan trees create a canopy of greenery that can best be described as other-worldly. It at least looks nothing like Arizona! So many of my couples from out of state love this location for that exact reason — it's reminiscent of their childhoods in greener states. The Grove is also incredible for its attentive staff, full service planning (so rare to be provided by a venue itself), and food that's to die for through their own companies Olaya Events and Ensemble Catering. There are two wedding suites on property, as well as a separate bar area for cocktail hour and an indoor reception hall, there for you in case the weather gets weird. There's nothing quite like a reception on their brick patio under string lights. Each pecan tree is also carefully wrapped in hundreds of glowing bulbs!
Secret Garden by Wedgewood Weddings
If you always imagined getting married under the shade of a cascading tree, this is your stop! Secret Garden by Wedgewood's ceremony site is host to a giant mesquite tree which is evergreen — it doesn't lose it's leaves, so this is your view no matter the time of year! This property feels so elegant with its quaint historic manor, perfect for weddings of all designs. The large upstairs suites are connected to the ceremony site by the grandest staircase you'll ever find at a venue, making your entrance nothing short of jaw-dropping. Every year they add more plant life to the garden paths, so there is natural greenery at every turn. You may even catch some flowering trees during the spring and early fall!
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
One of the most wonderful things about weddings at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is you can choose from a number of quaint corners on the property, including my personal favorite: the greenhouses. Their spaces are typically best for smaller ceremonies or elopements, but are always perfect for engagement photos or couple's portraits in your wedding attire on a day separate from your wedding. The arboretum's many acres of plants include everything from a rose garden to groves of eucalyptus trees to classic desert cacti and succulents. The property, located near Superior, is also surrounded by gorgeous mountain views, so you can truly have it all here!
The Wright House
The Wright House is such an unsuspecting property located in Mesa — it actually is host to two separate wedding spaces! The one pictured here contains a beautiful, intimate garden surrounded by green trees, shrubs, and lots of historic charm in its gazebos, fountains, and other elements in its courtyard. You're able to host your reception and getting ready rooms within the former homes, full of texture and personality that you can only achieve from a space that was actually lived in. I love the wood accents, large fireplaces, and patterned furniture that makes me feel like I stepped back in time. The opposite side of the property has a similar feel, with a slightly more elevated experience. The cobblestone courtyard has large fountains and a spiral staircase that makes any wedding ceremony entrance grand. I love finding new areas on the property to tuck my couples for their portraits, and never get tired of exploring.
Desert Botanical Garden
I know you might not assume the word "desert" in the name to be home to anything particularly green, but the Desert Botanical Garden near Tempe's Papago Park is full of surprises. This wedding venue is great if you're looking to elope — you can do so in a few different spots on the trails with 10 people or less — but also if you're looking to have a larger wedding. The wedding ceremony pictured was captured in the herb garden just after sunset, with the couple opting to do a first look and all portraits before saying their vows. You can also host your ceremony with a mountain backdrop, and the trails are full of desert life including flowers, trees, and occasionally some wildlife!
Stonebridge Manor by Wedgewood Weddings
Stonebridge Manor is one of the most gorgeous properties in the East Valley, with an extravagant brick manor at its center and two separate sides to the grounds. They have at least four different options for ceremony sites, as well as three reception areas. They can really fit whatever vision you have! The vibe here feels more East Coast old money than it does Arizona desert, and just as a few of the venues on this list, it was once someone's home (the swimming pool is still filled and is a great photo opportunity!). Everything on this property is surrounded by greenery regardless of the time of year, with hedges, vine-encompassed tunnels, and elegant Italian cypress trees.
