FAQs

Question

What is Sedona?

Answer

As 1 of only 20 certified Dark Sky Communities in the world, Sedona offers some of the most exceptional star gazing available today. Known for its breathtaking red sandstone formations, Sedona offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and serene spirituality. It is a place that Michelle and Jeff love to get away to and hope our guests enjoy the landscape, adventure, relaxation, and experience of Sedona as well!

Question

Where is Sedona?

Answer

Sedona is about 115 miles north of Phoenix, making it about a 2-hour drive from the city. We recommend getting a rental car for the journey to Sedona. From the airport, you will take I-17 north, driving through desert dotted with saguaros, higher elevations with ponderosa pines, and see picturesque views of the red rock scenery that Sedona is known for as you approach the final destination.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

Have no fear from the Arizona summer heat - Sedona is at an elevation of 4,350ft, so it stays cooler than it does in the valley and has a mild seasonal climate. We expect the daytime temperatures to be from the mid-80s to low 90s, dropping to the mid-50s to low 60s in the evening. For our Pacific Northwest and out of town family and friends, expect less humidity with the daytime temperatures, making the air feel a bit cooler than the PNW. The sun's intensity during the day might feel stronger though with the higher elevation, so don't skip the sunscreen. The ceremony area has a decent amount of shade for our guests, and the reception will be in a covered area - so you won't be in the direct sun cooking! There will be fans and plenty of water to help keep our guests cool as well.

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

Great question! We want you to be comfortable for the occasion, so we have opted for a casual cocktail attire dress code with a bit of a twist. We are kindly asking our guests to adhere to a color palette that will complement the natural beauty of the venue. For the ladies: A cocktail dress, skirt, or non-denim pants and a top that you are comfortable in will be perfect. The daytime will be warm, and it will cool down in the evening, so wear what will be most comfortable for the weather. For colors, we are asking our guests to dress in soft, earthy tones that mirror the natural hues of Sedona - think sage green, soft terracotta, dusty blue, or blush pinks. A color palette will be included on the invitations. We ask that you avoid wearing bright colors, dark green, navy, and black. For shoes, we suggest wearing what is most comfortable to dance all night in - the ceremony area does have some grass, but the majority of the area is paved or cobblestone. The reception and ceremony are both very close to the rooms if you are choosing to stay at Sky Ranch if a change or layer swap is needed! For our gentlemen, A suit jacket, sport coat, nice shirt with or without a tie, and non-denim pants that you are comfortable in is best. The ceremony area will have a decent amount of shade, and the reception area is covered - we will do our best to help you stay cool and comfortable! For colors, neutral tones such as light grey, tans, or soft blues will work wonderfully to complement the backdrop and our vision. We ask that you do not wear dark green, navy, or black. ---------------------------------------------------------- Please remember, while we hope everyone can embrace our color palette, the most important thing is your presence to celebrate with us. If you have any concerns about your attire, don't hesitate to reach out. We can't wait to see you looking fabulous and enjoying the beautiful Sedona scenery and celebrate this special day with us!

Question

Are kids invited?

Answer

No, we are having a kid-free wedding. Michelle's niece Phoenix and Jeff's nephews Bode and Broc will be the only kiddos attending the wedding. If this really throws a wrench in all plans, please reach out to us.

Question

What's for dinner?

Answer

We are looking forward to serving up some southwestern flavors for our guests! Our tentative menu for the wedding is: Appetizers: - Southwest station with homemade chips, guacamole, salsa, elote, and queso - Passed appetizers of shrimp cocktail and seasonal bruschetta Dinner: A plated dinner including a summer salad of field greens, strawberries, candied almonds, and vinaigrette; dinner rolls; sour cream and chive whipped potatoes; seasonal vegetables, and your choice of entrée: - Southwest boneless beef short ribs with a Bordelaise sauce - Sonoran chicken breast stuffed with roasted green chilies, jack cheese, and ancho cream sauce - Pesto linguine Dessert: We will be having an assortment of desserts including flourless chocolate torte bites, seasonal cheesecake bars, and lemon mousse and berry cups

Question

What is the bar situation?

Answer

The venue will be serving beer, wine, and bubbles for the wedding. Hard alcohol is not permitted at the venue, so keep it in your rooms (which are close to the reception area)! For non-alcoholic options, we will also have coffee, water, sparkling cider, and lemonade available.

Question

Is there parking at the venue?

Answer

There will be dedicated parking for our guests who are both staying at Sky Ranch Lodge, as well as those staying elsewhere and driving to the wedding.

Question

What if I don't want a rental car?

Answer

An alternative to renting a car to get to Sedona, there is a shuttle service that will also take you to Sedona or Sky Ranch Lodge from the Phoenix airport. One-way fare is about $62 from Phoenix to Sedona, depending on where you get picked up and dropped off. And a roundtrip ticket is about $108. You can save a few dollars by booking your shuttle transportation online on their website.

Question

Can I see ghosts?

Answer

If you are traveling from Phoenix and want a unique stop, Jerome is a unique town that overlooks the Verde Valley. On a clear day you get panoramic views of Sedona's red rocks and the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. We recommend trying to get a seat at The Haunted Hamburger for a boozy milkshake if you choose to travel to Jerome! Jerome is a former copper mining town that peaked in the 1920s with a population of about 15,000, having one of the largest copper mines in the US. Today, about 450 residents are living in Jerome. Once known as the "Wickedest town in the West" due to its lawlessness, gambling, mining dangers, and numerous vices available to residents. The copper miners were some of the wealthiest individuals, with little to do with their money besides gamble, drink, or go to the brothels when not working. With mining fatalities and high crime rates, the town now has a haunting appeal and a reputation as a ghost town. The Jerome Grand Hotel is known as a haunted hotel, and you can go on a ghost tour to the mines and learn about the town's dark past compared to the artistic community it is today.

Question

What if I don't RSVP?

Answer

Please RSVP on the website when you are sure that you are coming. We will need an accurate guest count as the day approaches for seating and the caterer, so your help with us getting that count is much appreciated!