Tucson, Arizona — where it’s hot, hot, hot. Recently we traveled to the Tucson area for a little site visit and loved it. With fabulous weather most of the year, it’s a great destination for your wedding when it’s cold in the winter months.
Tourist Hot Spot:
Pima Air & Space Museum
If you’re into planes and space travel, this museum is one of the largest of its kind in the world. From B-29 Superfortresses to a World War II “buzz bomb” to former Presidential planes, there are over 300 planes and spacecraft at the museum, many of which are rarely found elsewhere. You can tour the “Boneyard,” where the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) works on aircraft for the US Government. This tour is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get there early to ensure your seat.
Off the Beaten Path:
Sabino Canyon
If you want to get out into the mountains and do a little hiking, head over to Sabino Canyon. There are several trails for hiking, or if you dare, mountain biking. Or hop on one of the trams for a guided tour. Since most of the animals in the desert sleep during the day, Sabino Caynon’s night tour offers visitors the opportunity to see the wildlife as they emerge at night.
Local Food:
El Guero Canelo
During a recent trip out to Tucson, I came across a Sonoran Hot Dog – a hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, mayo, a cream sauce, mustard and jalapeno salsa and its wrapped in a bun. Originating in the Mexican State of Sonora, El Guero Canelo is apparently the best plan to try a Sonoran Hot Dog. It’s nothing fancy, but El Guero Canelo can’t be beat. With a couple of places in Tucson, find a little time to make your way over there. If it were me, I’d have someone else order it and I’d take a bite.
Splurge and Bang-for-your-Buck Hotel:
The Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain
After spending a few days at The Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain, I cannot stress how amazing this place is. Having only been opened since December of 2009, the property blends amazingly well into the mountains behind it and the staff works totally in sync with one another to make your stay flawless. From multiple pools with cabanas to hiking tours in the mountains to one of the most serene spas, The Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain really does offer something for everyone, including families. With rates much lower than I was expecting, this is one splurge that feels more like a Bang-for-your-Buck. Stay tuned for our Venue Spotlight on Wednesday, as we’re dedicating the entire post to The Ritz.
Culture Considerations:
There are no real cultural considerations to be aware of when you head to Tucson, so rest a little easy. However, the Tucson area has a large Native American influence, which you can still see today. If you have the opportunity, check out some the Signal Hill Trail to see Petroglyphs that have been there for at least 1,000 years. Or if you’re staying at The Ritz Carlton, ask the front desk to direct you to the Petroglyphs on their property.
Marriage Requirements:
Having a destination wedding within the United States makes it much easier to have a legal wedding ceremony without all the hassles of translations and more. In Tucson, the process is simple.
- Head to the County Clerk’s Office with your fiancé. In Tucson, there are two locations for the Pima County Clerk Recorder’s Office (115 N Church Avenue, 520.740.4350 or 6920 E. Broadway Boulevard, Suite D, 520.740.4350 both in Tucson).
- You’ll have to fill out an application for a marriage license and pay a $72 fee, payable in cash or via money order. There are no residency or blood test requirements. You just have to be 18. The marriage license is valid for up to one year. If you’ve been married in a previous life, you’ll have to bring either the divorce decree or a death certificate.
