So, you’ve made the arguably most important decision of your life: you are ready to propose! Now you find yourself with a bunch of smaller questions, like where.

Hi, I’m Frances. This is where I come in as a local Arizona photographer to give you some ideas! Sedona is an absolutely astounding place to visit under any circumstance, but it’s an especially beautiful town to leave engaged to the love of your life. There are locations for any couple with varying levels of adventure, from accessibly gorgeous views next to paved roads, to multi-mile hike excursions and beyond.

I have curated a few of my favorites below. Read on for, in my opinion, the 13 best Sedona proposal locations, or learn more about my proposal services.

An Arizona local’s list of locations to propose in Sedona

To be on this list, these locations must have a beautiful red rock backdrop and allow professional photography. There are varying levels of adventure involved but every location is an incredible option for a Sedona proposal. This list starts with iconic hikes and vistas and ends with lovely options for resorts and other architecture quintessentially Sedona. My personal favorites are at the bottom if you’re looking for even quicker suggestions.

Crescent Moon Ranch / Red Rock Crossing

One of the most diverse locations in Sedona, Crescent Moon Ranch has a bit of everything. Open vistas with views of Cathedral Rock, flowing water with small footbridges, and a very well managed parking situation. It isn’t free, and it can be popular, but this is a great option, especially if friends and family are joining in on the proposal surprise.

Cathedral Rock

Why settle for the view from below? Hiking Cathedral Rock belongs on every Sedona bucket list and is an incredible & dramatic location for a proposal. The trail to the top is short but steep, and the views second-to-none. Keep in mind that this trailhead is only accessible via shuttle on peak days. (This is me on the ledge for scale.)

Secret Slick Rock

I have to be honest. Sometimes I want to leave this location out of my online posts and keep it in my back pocket to help keep it a mostly hidden gem. The parking lot is teeny tiny, and the overlook is usually quite windy at sunset, but this has to be one of my favorite places in all of Sedona. As the cherry on top, there is a perfect pair of trees for me to hide and wait for the big question.

Doe Mountain

Tucked away to the northwest of Sedona, the climb up Doe Mountain is less intense than Cathedral and still features dramatic cliffs and a stunning view. While I would personally wait until the summit to change into heels, this is still a very attainable location with a sprinkle of adventure for your proposal memories.

Yavapai Vista

Yavapai Vista is a much less busy alternative to Bell Rock. Similar broad plateaus with iconic views of Courthouse Butte and Thunder Mountain, and additional trails along the cliffside for more variety. Tip from an Arizona native: there is a local group that gathers here to dance on Tuesdays!

Baby Bell Rock

Another alternative to Bell Rock but accessed through the same parking lot, Baby Bell Rock is a small and beautiful location. It doesn’t have as many options for a photographer like yours truly to be concealed and would likely be more suitable as a weekday location to reduce company.

Lover’s Knoll

Hard to believe this one is literally right off the road! Lover’s Knoll is a little farther removed from the classic red rocks but still has an undeniably stunning backdrop for proposals. While a small area, it’s only a short drive from Secret Slick Rock or Crescent Moon Ranch for your portraits as a newly engaged couple.

Airport Mesa

The Sedona Airport Vortex at sunrise in January with snow across the landscape.

There are two easily accessed locations at the airport, and I promise they are much more scenic than that may sound! My favorite is the vortex that does have a few of its own parking spots but is also a quick walk from the main area. With easy access can come crowds, so sunrise is my recommended time for a private proposal here. All the better to come in the off season when there might be snow as a treat!

Chicken Point

I am absolutely dying to go back to Chicken Point – please book me for your proposal here so I can update this scene from 2022! There are a few different routes that you can take for Chicken Point. I prefer Little Horse as a very pleasant hike through the trees, but for some added adventure, the Pink Jeep tours also stop here! A little red rock off-roading is a very fun addition to a Sedona proposal.

Merry Go Round Rock

Speaking of off-roading, Merry-Go-Round Rock off of Schnebly Hill Road is a stunner for Sedona proposals. As the proud owner of a bright green Jeep, capturing memories with this kind of scenery and being able to get off the pavement are what Arizona adventure dreams are made of.

Sedona Resorts

As a destination town, Sedona features its fair share of gorgeous hotels and resorts. If you stay at one of these as part of your trip, these are stunning and private backdrops for a proposal. L’Auberge, Enchantment Resort, and Ambiente are just a few stays to consider.

Tlaquepaque

Stopping in Tlaquepaque is a must for any Sedona trip, even if your proposal was elsewhere. The Chai Spot makes its way on my Sedona itinerary every single time. If you do consider this iconic, old-world-feel marketplace for your proposal, there are so many gorgeous alcoves as options. There is even a very small and very beautiful chapel on site for elopements and micro weddings.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Another chapel that has to be on every photo location list for Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Extremely accessible with expansive views, this can be a good option if you are willing to risk the crowds.

Where not to propose in Sedona

There are a few locations that I wouldn’t recommend for a professionally photographed proposal, though they are all phenomenal hikes! The main reason these are in this section is that they are technically located in protected Wilderness areas that do not typically allow commercial activity. Please go see these places on your trip as part of your Sedona adventure, but do not plan on proposing here if you want to bring along a professional photographer.

Devil’s Bridge
- Besides being in a Wilderness area, this spot is also insanely busy. If you come at a peak time, you could be waiting an hour for your turn on the bridge.
West Fork Trail
Bell Rock
Wilson Mountain
The “Subway Cave”
- This one gets a special mention. This cave is off-trail. Its viral popularity has put irreplaceable historic Native American structures at risk of damage, and I cannot recommend visiting this location.