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Island Citrus El Chorro Wedding Inspiration

Arizona Wedding Inspiration for Couples Planning Their Day in the Desert

There are some places that simply stay with you: bright, warm, and full of the kind of light that makes everything feel a little more magical. El Chorro Lodge is one of those places. Tucked between Camelback and Mummy Mountain, this Arizona wedding venue in Paradise Valley offers a kind of desert elegance that feels both timeless and completely its own.

This editorial, hosted by Styled Shoots Across America and brought to life by an incredible creative team, gave me the chance to photograph Arizona in a new way — through the lens of Island Citrus, the 2026 “Color of the Year” announced by both BRIDES Magazine and Minted.

If you’re planning a wedding in Arizona — especially at El Chorro or venues with similar desert-meets-luxury charm — this article will walk you through exactly what makes this location so special, what to expect when planning a celebration here, and how to bring vibrant, citrus-forward color into a refined wedding palette.

Below, I’m sharing the inspiration behind this editorial and answering the questions I hear most often from couples planning an Arizona wedding.

The Inspiration: Island Citrus in the Arizona Desert

Yellow is having a moment! And not the neon, overpowering version most people imagine. Island Citrus is a softer, sun-kissed yellow with warm undertones, somewhere between marigold, honey, and ripe lemon. It feels organic in the desert, where sunlight naturally reflects through shades of gold and soft sand.

For this shoot, planners Heather Benge, Alexia Woolum, and the team at Styled Shoots Across America leaned fully into this palette with thoughtful restraint. The florals, designed by Intrigue Designs with the support of their student team, mixed golden grasses, buttery roses, bright craspedia, and unexpected citrus-inspired textures.

From the floral chandelier baskets to the ceremony arch that glowed against the mountain backdrop, every detail felt intentional — saturated enough to feel bold, but grounded enough to feel timeless.

El Chorro’s architecture paired beautifully with the palette. The creamy stucco walls, lush greenery, and the warmth of the courtyard spaces allowed the color to feel at home rather than overwhelming.

Why Arizona Wedding Couples Love El Chorro

Whenever I photograph at El Chorro, I notice the same thing: couples instantly feel relaxed. There’s something about its layout — the intimate courtyards, the privacy, the way the mountains cradle the ceremony lawn — that allows you to breathe a little deeper.

Arizona couples often tell me they want:

• A sophisticated venue that still feels warm and inviting
• A space with both indoor and outdoor flow
• A scenic backdrop without needing to travel far
• A venue that feels like “real Arizona” without leaning on clichés

El Chorro offers all of that effortlessly. But couples planning here still have questions — good ones — so I’ve pulled together the ones I’m asked most often.

I’m here to answer your questions that will help you confidently plan a wedding at El Chorro or similar Arizona venues, paired with inspiration from this Island Citrus shoot.

#1: When is the best time of year to get married in Arizona?

The short answer: fall, winter, or early spring.
The longer answer: Arizona’s desert climate is beautiful, but also extreme.

Most Arizona couples choose:

• Late October through early December for comfortable warmth
• February through April for soft spring light and mild temperatures

This editorial was designed with spring weddings in mind — where citrus colors feel especially at home and the desert isn’t yet reaching peak heat.

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, soft breezes, and golden sunset portraits, these windows are ideal. Summer weddings are still possible, but I always recommend sunset ceremonies and climate-controlled reception spaces.

#2: What makes El Chorro unique compared to other Arizona venues?

For many couples, it’s the balance of luxury and intimacy. El Chorro doesn’t feel like a sprawling resort. Instead, it feels like a private estate with a warm, welcoming heart.

A few standout features:

• The Ceremony Lawn — framed naturally by mountain views
• The Classroom Lawn + Patio — ideal for long tables, floral installations, or al fresco cocktail hours
• The bridal and groom suites — spacious, bright, and genuinely comfortable
• Incredible culinary experience — consistently one of the best in the region

In this editorial, the long guest table layered with pastel linens and abundant citrus florals showed just how beautifully El Chorro holds both color and texture. Even vibrant palettes feel elevated here.

#3: Does El Chorro allow bold or colorful wedding palettes?

Absolutely — and this Island Citrus editorial proves it.

Arizona venues sometimes get associated with dusty neutrals or all-white weddings, but color thrives in the desert when it’s done intentionally. El Chorro’s soft adobe architecture is a perfect canvas for:

• Ochres
• Honey and amber
• Citrus tones
• Pastel pinks and corals
• Earthy greens
• Even bold florals if balanced with organic textures

In this shoot, the blend of wicker, rattan, and delicate linens from Nuage Designs added softness to the bright florals. The ceremony arch, wrapped in golden grasses, looked like it had grown right out of the landscape.

If you love color but want a refined, editorial feel, El Chorro is one of the best places to bring that vision to life.

#4: What is the photography light like at El Chorro?

Even in the BRIGHTEST sun, the light is still soft, magical and incredibly flattering.

El Chorro has some of the best natural light in Phoenix because:

• The ceremony lawn is surrounded by diffused light
• The walls bounce golden tones beautifully
• The trees provide pockets of shade without blocking the glow
• Sunset dips behind the mountains in a way that creates romantic, backlit portraits

This editorial made full use of it — from champagne tower moments to soft portraits of the couple holding citrus-toned florals, everything photographed effortlessly.

If photography is a top priority for you, choose your ceremony time around sunset and build in at least 15 minutes for portraits on the lawn or courtyard.

#5: Can we host both the ceremony and reception outdoors?

Yes — and many couples do. You can hold:

• Ceremony on the event lawn
• Cocktail hour on the patio or near the fireplace
• Dinner on the Classroom Lawn
• Dancing either inside or under the stars

In this editorial, the long outdoor reception setup showed how well El Chorro holds intimate dinner parties and larger celebrations alike.

Just keep in mind:

• Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor everything
• Winter evenings get chilly — great for fireside cocktails
• Summer may require a hybrid indoor/outdoor plan

Your Arizona wedding planner can help you decide the best flow.

#6: How do we incorporate the 2025 Color of the Year into our wedding?

Island Citrus is surprisingly versatile, especially in the desert. Here are a few ways to use it without overwhelming your palette:

1. Florals
Choose warm yellow roses, ranunculus, craspedia, golden grasses, and subtle citrus accents like the team at Intrigue Designs chose for this editorial.

2. Textiles
Layer patterned linens like we used in this shoot — soft, intricate patterns keep the palette interesting without going bold.

3. Stationery
This editorial used citrus-inspired invitations by Victoria York Design, which added a subtle hint of color that tied everything together.

4. Fashion
The groom’s soft neutral suit from Stitch & Tie, paired with the bride’s elegant Vera Wang gown, let the florals shine. You don’t have to wear yellow — your surroundings and accessories can carry it.

5. Tabletop design
Using muted plates and gold flatware, like rentals from The Confetti Studio and Prim Design Company, keeps the look elevated and cohesive.

6. Florals overhead
The rattan hanging baskets filled with blooms created a moment of whimsy that still felt high-end.

#7: Do Arizona venues like El Chorro work well for destination weddings?

Absolutely — and many couples choose Arizona for exactly that reason. Here’s why:

• Easy access from major airports
• Consistent weather during peak seasons
• Resort and boutique hotel options nearby
• Plenty of outdoor activities for guests
• A unique blend of luxury + desert charm

El Chorro is especially appealing for destination couples because it feels like a retreat. Guests can soak in the views, enjoy gorgeous food and design, and experience a side of Arizona they may not have seen before as it is nestled between Scottsdale and Phoenix, in Paradise Valley.

This Island Citrus editorial showcases how destination-worthy the space is — every corner photographs beautifully, and the layout makes hosting effortless.

Planning a wedding at El Chorro or another Arizona venue?

This shoot felt like an invitation to see Arizona with fresh eyes — warm, textured, and full of color that feels true to the landscape. Island Citrus brought out a side of El Chorro that felt joyful and elevated all at once.

If you’re planning a wedding in Arizona and want a space that blends refined design with mountainside beauty, El Chorro is a venue worth considering. And if you’re dreaming of a palette that feels bold yet timeless, citrus tones might be the perfect starting point.

As an Arizona wedding photographer, I’m here to help couples create imagery that feels connected, intentional, and full of the warmth this place offers. If you’re planning your day at El Chorro or another Arizona venue, I’d love to help tell your story. INQUIRE HERE.

Creative Partners for this El Chorro Wedding Editorial

Host: Styled Shoots Across America | Concept & Planning: Heather Benge & Alexia Woolum | Assistant: Sugar Plum Couture Events | Venue: El Chorro Lodge | Florals: Intrigue Designs Student Team | Wholesale Florist: Jet Fresh Flowers | Supplies: Oasis Floral Products | Vessels & Candles: Accent Decor | Floral Software: Curate | Hair & Makeup: Le Beige Beauty | Stationery: Victoria York Designs | Cake: A Bake Shop | Rentals: Prime Design Company | Tabletop Rentals: The Confetti Studio | Linens: Nuage Designs | Gown: Vera Wang | Men’s Wear: Stitch & Tie | Earrings: Night and Daye Studio | Veil: Belle Botanical Creations | Painted Champagne Bottle: Cammie Cutter Designs | Beer Burro: Cave Creek Beer Burro | Ring Boxes: Lovely Ring Boxes | Styling Mats: The Flat Lay Styler

A long weekend spent exploring Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Kennebunkport!

The first stop was in Kennebunkport on our way out of Maine Friday evening. I had a photo session with a couple that was celebrating their 5 year wedding anniversary with their new baby. We did the session at The Nonantum Resort, where they got married – you can take a peek at that here.

Before the session, I walked around town a bit, drove through some neighborhoods to admire all of the beautiful homes, and stopped along the way at the George H.W. Bush memorial, and walked along the rocks and beach.

After the session, I was southbound again to make it to Cape Cod for the weekend!

Day One: Started with breakfast at The Original Gourmet Brunch, which was right down the road from the Hyannis Inn, where we were staying. I started with the fried french toast bites, and they were AMAZING, def need to try these. My caffeinated hot chocolate and hearty omelet was great fuel for working a wedding that day.

After the wedding, we stayed in downtown Hyannis for the evening because I was too tired to venture off elsewhere. Started with an early dinner and delicious cocktails at Torino. Afterwards, we walked around downtown to check out all of the shops and strolled past the marina. Finished the evening with dessert on the patio at Colombo’s Cafe & Pastries.

Day Two: I was hoping for a beach day, but I ended up wanting to do more exploring. We ventured all the way down the Cape, stopping in a couple different places along the way. We walked around Downtown Chattham and checked out the fishing pier there.

From there, we went to the lighthouse that is on the bag of Cape Cod Chips (my fav). It’s called Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham. It is such a beautiful lighthouse! This would have been the perfect spot to lay out on the beach at the National Seashore, but I wanted to get going further down the Cape. How beautiful is that shoreline though?!

That afternoon, we made it to Provincetown and it was time to eat! I was dying to eat on the water. So I found one of the few places there, and they squeezed us in on the bar deck railing at Pepe’s Wharf and it was perfect! There was such a nice breeze and pretty view of the water. I enjoyed a frozen vodka lemonade and some fried seafood. We shared fried shrimp and a haddock sandwich that was quite yum!

After lunch, I walked around Ptown, checking out the colorful shops and quirky art along the streets!

Clouds and rain showers started rolling in that afternoon so we weren’t able to catch the sunset, but we still drove out to the very tip just to have a look, then headed back to Hyannis for the evening. That evening we needed a little snack so we shared some delicious mussels from Fresh Ketch and went back to Colombo’s Cafe & Pastries for dessert that we took back to the hotel to eat in bed and pack up for an early morning departure!

Day Three: Martha’s Vineyard! Woke up early to catch a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard for the day. We chose the Steamship Authority ferry departing from Falmouth because there were more times, it was cheaper, and it was towards our way back home. There’s a couple of different ferry options to choose from for Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, so be sure to check those out online in advance and figure out which works best for you!

Upon arriving there, we rented bikes from Anderson’s Bike Rentals in Oak Bluffs and they gave us great directions / recommendations on how to spend the day! We biked into Edgartown with beautiful ocean views along the way.

Once we arrived there, we were on a quest to find a lighthouse and this one did not disappoint. It was a short sandy walk through tall grass and rose bushes!

After seeing the lighthouse and biking through some neighborhoods, we went into town and had lunch outside at The Seafood Shanty. We each had clam chowder and shared a captain’s platter with fried haddock, shrimp, and clams. It was all so delicious!!

On our way back into Oak Bluffs, before dropping off our bikes and getting back on the ferry, we stopped to check out the gingerbread houses! So cute and colorful!

It was such a great weekend exploring all of the different little towns and eating yummy foods! So thankful my job presents me with opportunities like this to be able to travel and explore new areas for work. Can’t wait to visit here again!

Follow along on instagram to see where I’m adventuring next!

*All photos taken on an iphone. #maineweddingphotographer #capecodweddingphotographer #marthasvineyardweddingphotographer #newenglandweddingphotographer #travelweddingphotographer #destinationweddingphotographer