When you’re looking for a wedding venue that mixes breezy West Coast charm with European romance, check out Royal Palms Arizona. This Spanish-Colonial resort and spa is a gem. Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, it offers a storybook setting that’s made for cinematic wedding photography and videography. And with Maya Papaya Pictures behind the lens? Your memories will glow like frames from a film.
In this blog post, you’ll find:
- Mediterranean Elegance at Royal Palms Arizona
- Versatile, Romantic Ceremony and Reception Spaces
- Quick Facts for Your Royal Palms Wedding
- A Luxurious Desert Wedding Venue
- Documenting Your Royal Palms Wedding with a Cinematic Touch
Mediterranean Elegance at Royal Palms Arizona
Royal Palms is the picture of 1920s luxury. A wealthy couple built it as a private estate. It opened as a hotel in the 1940s. Since then, the resort has undergone several renovations, including the most recent one in the 1990s. Now it’s part of a Hyatt collection. Despite the big name attached, Royal Palms feels like a boutique hotel that celebrates the local scenery.
This resort is so big (9 acres) that there could be multiple weddings happening at once without you realizing it. Altogether there are 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. It’s nestled against Camelback Mountain off East Camelback Road. Needless to say, the views are gorgeous.
Versatile, Romantic Ceremony and Reception Spaces
There’s no bad spot to take photos at Royal Palms. It offers a variety of dreamy settings for every kind of couple. Some of my favorite spots at Royal Palms Arizona include:
- Vernadero Lawn: Your ceremony takes place in front of a stone staircase with sweeping views of Camelback Mountain and towering palm trees. This ceremony spot is ideal for up to 180 guests.
- Alegría Garden: For a smaller guest count (around 120), consider this intimate courtyard filled with citrus trees and enclosed by stone walls.
- Camelback Vista: This cozy, romance-filled space with fireplace and tiled patio is perfect for intimate dinners or under-the-stars ceremonies.
- Estrella Salon: This grand reception ballroom features beamed ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, and views of a reflecting pool. It can host up to 180 guests.
- Palmera Salon, Cervantes Room & Lounge, Orange Grove, Estrella Garden: Each offers distinct ambiance. From ornate fireplaces and luxurious indoor lounges to hidden nooks and vintage charm, they’re perfect for layered wedding storytelling.
Quick Facts for Your Royal Palms Wedding
Here are some helpful details to help you plan your wedding at Royal Palms Arizona.
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Capacity: 200 guests
- Average Cost: $31,500 for a 100-guest wedding
A Luxurious Desert Wedding Venue
Royal Palms Arizona simplifies your planning with inclusive packages that cover catering, hosted bar, décor rentals, valet parking, and sound systems. A dedicated “wedding shadow” (a.k.a. a supportive coordinator) stays by your side from ceremony through the reception, so you’re free to fully soak in your day.
You’re not doomed to dry chicken dinner with Royal Palms. The resort’s restaurant, T. Cooks, offers fresh Mediterranean meals. The restaurant itself is great for a rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch.
On that note, Royal Palms is ideal for locals and destination weddings. The resort has over 100 suites, rooms, and villas. You can extend your stay and make the most of your wedding weekend.
Documenting Your Royal Palms Wedding with a Cinematic Touch
The ambiance of Royal Palms Arizona practically begs for cinematic coverage:
- Sun-drenched courtyards and framed vistas like Alegría Garden and Camelback Mountain naturally elevate portraits and emotional moments.
- Textured architecture and lush greenery provide dramatic backdrops for both video and stills. Your gallery will look like a high-end romance film.
- Indoor elegance and warm ambient lighting, especially in Estrella and Palmera Salons, offer luxe settings for night-time celebrations.
- Emotional candid moments, like first looks in secret courtyards or laughter-lit dances under chandeliers, are my specialty in cinematic storytelling.
With such incredible backdrops, it’s hard to pick a favorite part of a wedding day at Royal Palms. Some of my favorites include:
- Golden-hour portraits on Vernadero Lawn or Alegría Garden deliver that romantic, glowing imagery.
- First-look magic in a courtyard or beside the fountain sets a beautiful, cinematic tone.
- Reception storytelling in the salons or outdoor lounges brings out emotional and joyful scenes.
- Nighttime celebration shots can beautifully use lanterns, chandeliers, and pool reflections. They’re perfect for cinematic movement.
Royal Palms Resort & Spa gives you the luxurious setting, stunning views, and seamless service. I’ll bring it to life with cinematic energy and emotional clarity. Let’s craft a wedding story that looks and feels like a movie.
Contact Maya Papaya Pictures now to learn how I can weave your Royal Palms wedding into a cinematic celebration that lasts forever.
