An oasis in the desert, Royal Palms is hailed as one of the most romantic wedding settings in the country with its inviting, authentic Mediterranean ambience, antique accents, nine lush garden acres and more than 20,000 square feet of flexible venue space, all situated at the base of iconic Camelback Mountain. The resort offers three indoor and four outdoor wedding venue options, each with its own exclusive mood and style.
Due to an increased demand from couples looking for an outdoor ceremony and reception, Royal Palms recently debuted two new alfresco areas – The Orange Grove and Camelback Vista. Both cater to couples looking for rustic fireplaces and fairytale terraces amidst lush landscaping, blooming desert flowers and fragrant orange trees. Both offer a picturesque setting with long, elegant tables draped in fine linens and bountiful garlands under the Arizona sky.
While the resort is historic in nature, it doesn’t mean a swanky, lounge-like setting for a more modern affair isn’t possible as well. The selection of indoor venues at Royal Palms each offer ornate wood-beamed ceilings, dangling wrought-iron chandeliers and custom furnishings ranging in a variety of textures and fabrics that convey a chic, luxurious atmosphere. Double-door entryways, intricately-carved fireplaces, authentic tilework, trickling fountains on private patios, and candles lit in every corner all help to cultivate intimate, yet opulent spaces.
Here are some highlights of the property:
• Built as a private estate in 1929 as a grand gesture of love, Royal Palms is unlike any wedding destination in Ariz. with its Spanish Colonial architecture, natural stone, aged timbers, hidden nooks, a vast array of plant and floral life and near 200 palm trees onsite, 100-year-old rustic doors and private gardens. Original tile and artwork can be seen throughout the 119-room property.
• Wedding guests make their grand entrance down a cobblestone driveway lined with towering palm trees (nearly 300 dot the nine-acre property) toward a 250-year-old fountain. They are then transported down a winding stone path through a grove of orange trees – some of the oldest in the city – and past trickling fountains in tucked-away courtyards and roaring outdoor fireplaces. Royal Palms is known for its fragrant setting, which permeates from the colorful flowers and effervescent orange trees where the scent of neroli lingers.
• Thoughtful menu packages with desert-inspired cuisine are offered to complete a reception from award-winning onsite restaurant T. Cook’s.
• With views of the city’s iconic Camelback Mountain in perfect sight, some of the most popular indoor/outdoor ceremony and reception venues include the secluded Alegria Garden, The Orange Grove, Camelback Vista, the Palmera Salon or the grand Vernadero Lawn.
