As a Wedding + Event Network member, I experience, first-hand, up-coming wedding venues around the Phoenix valley. Mingling with other wedding vendors, enjoying refreshments and experiencing the venues.
This months venue was a gem of a find. The Maricopa Manor in downtown Phoenix. A very little -known bed + breakfast tucked away down a side street. Pulling up to the venue, I wasn’t even sure I was in the right place. But having faith in my iPhone’s capability of pin-pointing the location, I parked the car and jumped out. Early as ever, I walked up to the entrance and through the inviting black iron gate, suddenly being transported to a quaint villa in Tuscany. I definitely didn’t feel like I was in Phoenix anymore. The small details all around the property from ceramic planters, tightly woven stone walkway, decorative fountains, and beautifully laid out grounds set the mood for a very humble and intimate wedding party.
The owner, Joan, is very sweet and down-to-earth. She offered all the specs of the venue. Six unique suites to choose from and use as a bridal suite. They all have private baths and two include personal jacuzzis. The immediate family members can certainly stay a few nights here before and after the wedding. Something very favorable for out-of-town guests or if you’re coming for a destination wedding.
Disclaimer: All of these photos were taken with my iPhone
The venue can hold between sixty to seventy guests and you have the option of two different ceremony settings. One under a beautiful tree on the backside of the main building. For the most part, the trees provide most of the privacy from the next door neighbors and the flowers that surround the property offer a sort of outline that adds to the charm of the ceremony site. The other side provides a gardenesque setting again surrounded by trees and large bushes. It definitely has the appeal of a backyard wedding set in old Italy. One of the best perks of this venue is that there can never be two weddings happening at the same time here. Something that often happens at resorts.
Things to consider when looking at Maricopa Manor:
- Outside catering is a must as well as B.Y.O.B.
- Everything is outside and it might be a tight fit if you should need a tent for coverage from the random rainy days we experience in the desert.
- Decorations such as lighting are encouraged to add ambiance to the atmosphere.
- Close quarters. If you’re not into seeing one another prior to the ceremony, you might have some trouble hiding if you don’t have people coordinating your every move.
- The dance floor is located directly in the middle of the property. It’s probably about an area as big as 24×24, but I’m such a petite girl I tend to be off on sizing things proportionately. Things appear bigger to me than they really are. Like dance floors and tall men.
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