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A Stunning Scottsdale Wedding Venue: El Chorro

Amy and Tim’s wedding—as well as their Scottsdale wedding venue—is a celebration that’s stayed at the top of my mind. Their wedding, which was held at El Chorro, is a historic venue engulfed in the beauty of the Camelback Mountain desert landscape. The details were so elegantly refined—the entire celebration was simply stunning. 

But don’t just take my word for it: Stick around and see for yourself. Along the way, I’ll share details about their Scottsdale wedding as well as tips for finding the right venue for you.

bride and groom stand at the altar during their ceremony at their Scottsdale wedding venue

Amy and Tim’s Elegant Wedding Details

The genuine smiles on their faces say it all, but I can’t wait to share more details of Amy and Tim’s celebration and their Scottsdale wedding venue with you. The wedding itself was large, yet it still felt very intimate and heartfelt. 

This couple welcomed many out-of-town guests, and you could clearly see and feel how much this celebration meant to their loved ones. 

They had a blast spending the day together. One detail about this wedding is that this couple did not have a specific set bridal party—it was more of a party group. The group all spent time getting ready together which made for some really cool group shots as opposed to more traditional wedding photos. 

Speaking of photos, the bride requested a lot of candid photos. Accomplishing this felt rather effortless. I was able to capture sweet, subtle moments as I drifted between the couple and their guests. They were busy enjoying the moment, and happy to let me capture it—whatever that looked like. Of course, it turned out perfectly.

As the party turned up, all the guests could be found out on the reception dance floor letting loose. There was an infectious, positive energy and everyone was having so much fun! The couple said this was the highlight of their day because it was the time they got to be most present with their guests and enjoy the celebration with them.

bridesmaids share a cheers with the bride at her Scottsdale wedding venue

What Makes El Chorro Stand Out

There are lots of amazing Scottsdale wedding venues to choose from. So you might be wondering: What drew Amy and Tim to El Chorro? Here’s what Amy said:

“We wanted a nice, upscale venue in the Paradise Valley area that also had a laidback vibe and really highlighted the AZ desert landscape. El Chorro was perfect for us!”

Here are a few more details about El Chorro and what makes it a special venue for a wedding.

El Chorro Wedding Venue Details

Atmosphere: Romantic, luxurious, historic. Eco-friendly, vibrant greenery, classic elegance.

Food: Seasonal menus, several to choose from for your celebration.
Notable features: Various elegant venue spaces to choose from (Casa Paloma, Herb Garden, Event Lawn, and the Classroom Bar and B

The bride and groom stand with their respective parties in a large green space to celebrate their wedding in Arizona
Bride and groom join hands at their beautiful floral altar at wedding venue El Chorro

Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Venue

Are you planning your upcoming Scottsdale wedding? Your venue of choice will greatly dictate the atmosphere and vibe for your celebration, so you want to make sure it’s perfectly suited to you. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one.

Define your vision and priorities. Before you start exploring venues, take some time to define your vision for the wedding and identify your priorities. Discuss with your partner what type of atmosphere and setting you envision for your wedding. Consider factors such as indoor or outdoor, formal or casual, and the overall theme. This will help you narrow down your options and make a more informed decision.

Set a budget. Determine your wedding budget early on and allocate a specific portion for the venue. This will help you filter out venues that are beyond your financial means. Remember to consider not only the venue rental fee but also additional costs such as catering, decor, and any other potential add-ons. Being clear about your budget will save you time in narrowing down your best options.

Consider logistics and the guest experience. What is the location of your venue, and is it accessible for guests? Is there ample parking and nearby accommodations? These are important questions to ask before you say “yes” to the venue. Also, it’s important to envision the flow of the event and how it will work within the venue’s layout, including ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and any additional activities you have planned.

Double check your contract. Once you’ve selected your venue, carefully review the contract before signing. Pay attention to important details such as the date, time, and duration of your event, cancellation policies, and any other terms or conditions. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from the venue before committing. Reading the fine print will further ensure your day goes off without a hitch.

Black and white photo of a couple strolling down a brick pathway with joy on their wedding day
Bride and groom sit at their reception table while guests give speeches at their wedding
newlyweds have fun on the dancefloor at their wedding reception in Scottsdale

Make Your Scottsdale Wedding Dreams Come True

I hope a little insight into this Scottdale wedding venue and celebration inspired you to start dreaming big for your wedding. No matter which venue you choose, your wedding is going to be amazing.
Looking for a professional photographer to capture your stunning celebration? Let’s connect and start discussing the details. I can’t wait to chat with you!

Thank you to the venue and vendors who put their incredible work into this wedding:

Planner: Shannon Smith Events

Florist: Zinnia Floral Co. 

Hair and Makeup: HVH Artists

Videographer: Cineprose Films 

Rentals: Prim Design Co., Event Rents, and AZ Retro Rentals.

Wedding Gown: Grace Loves Lace 

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copyright Meg Brooke Photography 2023