Mountainside Romance in Your Personal Sanctuary.
Love in in the air at Camelback Mountain, and we simply adore helping couples capture their love for one another at such a beautiful place. The Sanctuary wedding venue certainly ranks among our favorites due to the variety of different sites available for weddings and receptions as well as the jaw-dropping décor. Take a look at why we jump at the chance to serve as Sanctuary wedding photographers.
Check out our list of the top wedding venues in Arizona to get inspired by more locations to have your wedding reception or ceremony.
The Sanctuary Scottsdale Weddings
Believe it or not, the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain started as a tennis club. Founded by a unique group including Charlie Chaplin’s son Sydney and Don Budge, the first tennis Grand Slam winner, Paradise Valley Racquet Club launched in 1955 as an elite destination. It was later purchased by John Gardiner as one of his Tennis Ranch locations. He added a number of casita-style condos and houses. The Tennis Ranch became home to an iconic Senator’s Cup, featuring tennis matches between Democratic and Republican senators to raise funds for Hospice of the Valley. The tennis club was sold once again in 1996. After being closed for extensive renovations, it reopened in 2001. The current resort features both private homes as well as 105 casitas.
Brief History of The Sanctuary Scottsdale
One of the highlights of the Sanctuary is its location on the north-facing slopes of Camelback Mountain. This provides a wealth of beautiful sights and sounds for guests. It also has interesting design choices with casitas varying in their décor and blending contemporary styling well with the surrounding environments.
Another iconic aspect of this resort is the venue’s villas. These make a great choice for a wedding party with some sporting high-end accommodations such as an infinity edge pool, hot tubs, and extensive entertainment spaces. Of course, the mountainside views are simply epic as well.
Noteworthy features
If you are planning to use the Sanctuary as a wedding venue, you will be delighted in the wide range of possible locations for your nuptials. With something for virtually everyone, brides and grooms will surely be pleased. Here are some of our favorites.
Wedding Lawn
A gorgeous setting for a small to mid-sized wedding, the aptly named Wedding Lawn is filled with beautiful greenery. This location provides a wide range of options in terms of creative ideas for décor. It can hold 150 to 200 people depending on the setup.
Views Terrace
If you are looking for an elegant, secluded setting for an intimate wedding, look no further than the Views Terrace. You will quickly see why it garnered this name. This location provides stunning views of the mountain scenery. If you are seeking a more intimate affair, you can host 60 people seated or 120 standing.
The Views Ballroom
If you want beautiful views but desire an indoor setting, the Views Ballroom is the place to book for your Sanctuary Scottsdale wedding. There are a variety of setups for this space. It can hold 250 for a ceremony, 175 for a seated banquet with dance floor, or 200 for cocktail style.
Paradise Views
Your eyes will be immediately drawn to the iconic blue slate hardscaping before being overwhelmed by the view of Paradise Valley. This spot can host a ceremony of 150, banquet seating for 90, or cocktail style for 100. In our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful spots for an early afternoon wedding.
Other Options
There are a variety of other choices available at the Sanctuary Wedding Venue, particularly for those seeking an elopement wedding, micro-wedding, or other more intimate ceremony. The Sunset Garden has stunning landscaping and can hold up to 60 people. Meanwhile, many guests opt to use a private villa for an event with up to 40 guests.
Accommodations for Ceremonies and Receptions
Your Sanctuary Scottsdale wedding can begin at $3,000 for a ceremony and minimum food & beverage of $20,000 for a reception. During the off-peak season, receptions begin at $18,000. Fees include lighting, linens, tables & chairs, a hair & makeup artist, a bridal suite, and seven hours of event time (excluding setup & cleanup). You’ll also find custom-tailored menus including a specially designed wedding cake for your special day.
Need a Sanctuary Wedding Photographer?
We have been blessed to be included in weddings at this location in the past and would love to serve as photographers for your wedding. Take a look at our samples. If you like what you see, we would love to chat about your photography needs and how we can help you preserve this special moment forever.
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Bekah and Blaine’s wedding at the Sanctuary Resort on Camelback was positively stunning, and we loved every minute of it. The Sanctuary Resort rests on Camelback Mountain, which for us Phoenicians, we know that...
When planning a luxury wedding, choosing the perfect venue is paramount. If you’re seeking a stunning location in Arizona, look no further than Scottsdale, which offers a wide array of options.
With so many beautiful wedding venues in Scottsdale, narrowing down the perfect one for you can be challenging! Don't worry though, we got you!
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With so many beautiful wedding venues in Arizona, narrowing down the perfect one for you can be challenging. So, check out our blog post on why these wedding venues made our top 5 wedding venues list!
