If you are considering Royal Palms in Phoenix for your wedding day, listen to my perspective as a photographer who has worked there many times: the property and staff are phenomenal! Every time I have the privilege of photographing at Royal Palms, the photos remind me of why I fell in love with wedding photography in the first place. I completely understand why couples continue to choose this resort for one of the most significant days of their lives. It offers an iconic and romantic setting that’s perfectly made for cinematic wedding photography and videography.
Royal Palms does not feel like Phoenix; instead, it feels like Spain, Tuscany, or perhaps a private Mediterranean estate that has been waiting to celebrate a wedding for nearly a century. There’s no other venue in Arizona that consistently offers as amazing photos of photos as Royal Palms.
A Brief History of Royal Palms
Royal Palms is the picture of 1920s luxury. This was the first home built on Camelback Mountain, and was originally the winter mansion of Delos Willard Cooke, a wealthy New York financier. Since then, the resort has undergone several renovations is now part of the Hyatt collection. Despite the big name attached, Royal Palms feels like a boutique hotel that celebrates beautiful AZ scenery.
The original owners decorated with art and antiques gathered from extensive travels throughout Latin America and Spain. Many of these antiques are still displayed throughout the Royal Palms today. You can see them in the guest rooms, courtyards, and common spaces.
Quick Facts about Royal Palms as a Wedding Venue
- Royal Palms has over 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor wedding space, with capacity for up to 220 guests.
- It is part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt.
- Couples who choose Royal Palms as their wedding venue have access to the property for engagement photos too. Engagement photos are a great way to get to know the property ahead of wedding day. What a win!
- You’ll receive a complimentary wedding and junior suites with your wedding booking.
Where to take photos at Royal Palms
Trust me, there are tons of places to take photos all throughout Royal Palms. The garden grounds are genuinely extraordinary, with nine rich acres of luscious bougainvillea and citrus groves. I love taking photos of my couples in front of the reflecting pool, amongst hidden nooks, and with the views of Camelback Mountain.
There’s no shortage of landscapes for portraits at Royal Palms, be it ivy-draped walls, ornate rustic doors, the reflecting pool, or bustling gardens with fireplaces.
Wedding Ceremony Spaces
Royal Palms spans nine acres and has two perfect outdoor ceremony options for your wedding:
- The Vernadero Lawn is surrounded by tall, bustling palm trees and an unmatched view of Camelback Mountain. If you get married on the Vernadero Lawn, you’ll wed atop a staircase that gives all guests an opportunity to see you. This ceremony space can accommodate to 180 guests.
- The Alegria Garden is an intimate and romantic ceremony space that is surrounded by vibrant flowers and fragrant citrus trees. This is a secluded option enclosed by stone walls where two large, gorgeous wooden doors guide guests through a special entrance. This space has an elevated platform for the couple and their bridal party. It accommodates up to 120 seated guests.
Both ceremony spaces give you two beautiful options to set the scene for your wedding.
Wedding Reception Spaces at Royal Palms
Everywhere you go, the walls of Royal Palms will have you feeling like you’re walking through a Tuscan neighborhood. There is certainly no shortage of arched doorways and greenery climbing walls. There is no shortage of space to have your wedding at Royal Palms:
- Vernadero Lawn can be flipped for reception from ceremony and is the perfect place to dine under the stars. Complete with bistro lighting and a wide-open view of the best sunsets Arizona has to offer, you can’t go wrong with having your wedding reception here.
- Palmera Salon has an ornate fireplace with iron chandeliers. It offers an adjoining social area with spacious patio & reflecting pool.
- Estrella Salon is the quintessential ballroom, set with high, wood-beamed ceilings, iron chandeliers, and classic Mediterranean styling. It’s the largest indoor space at Royal Palms and can hold 180 guests.
- Camelback Vista is a cozy outdoor space with a signature Royal Palms fireplace. This is a great space for intimate dinners under the stars and even wedding party portraits.
Featured royal palms wedding: Kelly & Matt
Kelly and Matt’s classic Royal Palms wedding is one I’ll never forget. It started raining during their church ceremony, but the vendor team was able to quickly move everything indoors to the Estrella Salon in time for dinner. Kelly and Matt showed their true, graceful hearts and were still able to smile in the midst of their situation. Their wedding day turned out to be one of the most beautiful indoor receptions I’ve photographed.
If you choose to wed in this setting of extraordinary beauty, know that I will take photos with intention and care with your months of planning in mind. The opportunity to photograph a century of history and grandeur of the Spanish architecture is not something I take for granted. I aim for my photos to reflect the depth of beauty that is Royal Palms- I’m itching to go back already!
If you are planning a Royal Palms wedding and looking for a vibrant photographer who will explore every corner of that extraordinary property with you, let’s talk. I would love to be your Royal Palms Resort wedding photographer.
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Royal Palms Wedding photographer
Hi! I’m Tram
ENFJ powered by mashed potatoes and sour gummy candy who specializes in showing you off
I aim for classic, clean photos that will only get better with time. My goal is to hang out and photograph people who aren’t afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve. My approach is natural and documentary, where I’ll gently guide you while allowing real moments to unfold.
I’m more than equipped to turn your “I wish” into “we-so-freaking-did it!”
I can’t wait to hear from you
Tell me all the details and what you have in mind for your day. I’ll be in touch soon to schedule a call.
