Love on the Rocks

Every year, Sedona welcomes a parade of happy couples celebrating the start of their new lives together. Join us for a tour of four of the most popular local spots to say "I Do."

It was the Super Saturday of Sedona weddings. On May 21, 2005, more than 50 couples said "I do" in town - pledging their love in small groups along Oak Creek and in big bashes at our finest resorts. Are you thinking of joining them in holy matrimony planning? Sedona and nuptials were made for each other, thanks to the town's moderate weather, world-class facilities and red-rock scenery. Follow us down the aisle to some top local spots for exchanging vows, from the National Forest to non-denominational chapels to the 18th green.

ASK THE PROFESSIONALS

Your mom insists you get married in a church, your future father-in-law wants a karaoke machine, and your sister lobbies for a bridesmaid dress that shows off her tattoos. Who can act as a cooler head when planning for your perfect Sedona wedding threatens to spiral out of control? Try the Sedona Wedding Professionals Association, with more than 70 accredited members from Sedona and Northern Arizona, including planners, officiants, florists, caterers, photographers and videographers, resorts and bed and breakfasts, limo companies, salons, makeup artists, tuxedo renters, bakeries, and photo processing labs.

Weddings are good business for Sedona. Laura Lane, SWPA marketing chairwoman and owner of Sacred Unions (928-203-7888; www.mysedonawedding. com), cites a Weddingchannel.com survey of more than 900 recent brides in summer 2005, which found 35 percent of respondents had a destination wedding, with the party typically spending four or more nights at the ceremony's location. SWPA chairwoman Amy Lionberger, owner of Bliss Extraordinary Floral (928-203-9992; www.blissfloral.com) says her company works on more than 300 local weddings each year.

"The average Sedona bride is 30 to 40 years old with money and an established profession," Amy says. "The couple is willing and ready to pay for families to stay in Sedona. They also often pay for spa treatments and Jeep tours. "Brides who pick Sedona do it for more than just the beauty," Amy says. "I think they hope to have more of an experience whether it be spiritual, metaphysical or magical. For some couples, it's about their guests' experience. Bring them to Sedona and it will knock them out."

A SEDONA STATE OF MIND

Even if you can't bring your wedding to the red rocks, there are ways to add a Sedona accent to your big day. Here are some tips from Amy Lionberger, chairwoman of the Sedona Wedding Professionals Association, on how to add a little Sedona flavor to festivities anywhere.

• For your wedding favors, give Sedona Spa bath products or purchase small red rocks and have your names and wedding dates sandblasted into the stone. (DO NOT remove red rocks from the National Forest - it's illegal).

• Use a Sedona palette when planning your color scheme - chocolate brown is one of the most popular colors for bridesmaid dresses this year. Other favorites include red, rust, black and champagne. Mix your primary color with accents such as pink, turquoise and sage green.

• Create a Zen-like atmosphere with your centerpieces. Use river rock, water, candles, twigs, and crystals.

• Wrought-iron candelabras, table risers and arches add a distinct Southwestern touch.

• Use "Red Rock Roses"- Leonidas roses, mango and flame mini callas, and Apache and Sahara roses are all great stand-ins for Sedona wildflowers (which are illegal to pick).

Photo-illustrations by Debbie Weinkauff; source photograph courtesy of Bridal Couture of Scottsdale; bouquet courtesy of Bliss Extraordinary Floral, Sedona.

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