Prescott Arizona - Best Wedding Spot On The Mogollon Rim!

Prescott holds a place in my heart and soul. I grew up close to Prescott (or "Pres-kitt" as the locals might pronounce it) in Flagstaff, and my aunt lives there now. I remember growing up that it was kind of a small, sleepy, but historic town with lots of old buildings and a quaint downtown area. I went back to Prescott recently, and boy how things have changed. It is quite bustling, and apparently has over 40,000 residents now. Prescott Valley, combined with Chino Valley and Prescott make up what is called the "Tri-City".

I guess the secret is out about Prescott. You'd probably be surprised to hear that Prescott is quite a fabulous wedding location as well. There are several things that make this an attractive area to tie the knot! Prescott has a great climate, for starters. Located on the Mogollon Rim of Arizona, it is a bit higher in elevation than most of the southern areas of Arizona that get the dry, and famous desert heat. Prescott is at 5354 feet above sea level, so summertimes are warm, but not "stinking hot" like it can be down in the Phoenix area. Pine trees and Junipers can be found throughout the area, as well as desert flowers, cacti and other native foliage.

Prescott is also central to a lot of great attractions - things that might be perfect for your honeymoon! Imagine driving the short drive up Highway 89 through Ash Fork to the spectacular Grand Canyon! Or, perhaps zip up the road to Sedona, where the amazing red rocks and stunning canyon views will take your breath away! Also, there are several airports close by. The Sedona Airport, Flagstaff's Pulliam Airport, and the big one - Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport. Your wedding guests will have no problem getting to and from the Prescott area.

Prescott, since it is not as well known as Sedona and the Grand Canyon is going to be a much less expensive place to have your wedding. However, this doesn't mean that it lacks anything that you might need. There are outstanding lodging choices, wedding venues, and services for your wedding planning and coordinating. The Prescott Resort offers a first-class hotel and wedding/reception space. It has an impressive 14,000 square ft. meeting space with an award-winning chef to help you with your wedding menu. There are several different function rooms that hold different capacities, so if you have a smaller wedding, you might choose their "Chino" room which holds about 40 people for a reception, or if you have a lot of friends, the Goldwater room can hold 700.

Rooms and Suites at the Prescott Resort will make any Bride, Groom, or guest completely happy and comfortable. The rooms are spacious and have lots of amenities.

Wedding locations and venues in Prescott are many and varied - ranging from quaint indoor events to beautiful outdoor weddings. Many people choose to get married at Courthouse Square in Downtown Prescott. it is a gazebo/park setting that requires a permit and a deposit (both together should be under $200). Call the Prescott Downtown Partnership at 928-443-5220. There is a nice list of wedding locations in Prescott here. You will find churches and contact information, as well as information about renting or gaining a permit to some of the other outdoor locations in the area.

Getting a marriage license in Arizona is not very difficult. You can get one for $50 in any county just so long as your wedding took place in Arizona. Remember that both the Groom and the Bride need to be present to get the license. You do not need a blood test or physical (thank goodness!).

If you are looking for a crazy idea for a wedding, why not try to get married at one of Arizona's famous Ghost Towns? What a unique way to exchange vows (would make for some great wedding pictures). There are several ghost towns in the Prescott area - Crown King (which may take a bit of effort to get to). They do have a chapel that will fit the bill, and there are minimal services in the area - you could call it a "living ghost town." Another would be Jerome, which is a thriving "ghost town" located high on top of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Sedona/Cottonwood area. The views are spectacular, and the town is bustling. Plenty of lodging and dining choices can be found here to "cater" to your wedding. Jerome is very close to Prescott, and an easy drive.

Finding a cake or a caterer in Prescott is easy. There is a good list here that should inspire you. El Gato Azul is a wonderful Spanish/Mediterranean Tapas spot that can cater weddings or rehearsal dinners as well as receptions. They can be contacted at 928-445-1070 and are located in Downtown Prescott.

Prescott offers so much to see and do that your wedding party will never be bored. There are 5 fabulous golf courses, plenty of saloons and western stores (Prescott is also a great place to have a Western Themed Wedding) and several lakes and hiking trails for the sports enthusiasts in your wedding group.

Great video of Prescott