Arizona has a pretty iconic reputation. Most people picture towering saguaros, red rock cliffs, endless sunshine, and those classic desert landscapes you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. And they’re not wrong. But then there are places like Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens that completely flip that expectation on its head.
The first time I walked through the gates, I genuinely had to remind myself I was still in Arizona. One minute you’re driving through Phoenix. Next you’re surrounded by waterfalls, koi ponds, towering tropical plants, and a greenhouse glowing with twinkle lights that feels like it belongs somewhere deep in the rainforest. It’s the kind of place that has guests asking, “Wait…THIS is in Arizona?!”
If you’ve been searching for a Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens wedding because you want something completely different from the typical Arizona desert backdrop, this venue is absolutely worth touring. If you’re still exploring your options, I’d also recommend checking out my guide to the best Arizona wedding locations. See how this venue compares to other incredible spots around the state.




Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate celebration or a larger wedding surrounded by all your favorite people, this venue offers a romantic mix of lush gardens, tropical scenery, and the most unique reception spaces you’ll find anywhere in the state.
As an Arizona wedding photographer, I’ve had the chance to photograph a wedding here featuring a stunning black wedding dress that looked INCREDIBLE against all the vibrant greenery. I’ll be sharing moments from their day throughout this guide, along with everything you should know before deciding if Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens is the right wedding venue for you.


If you’re looking for the quick version before diving into all the details, I’ve got you! Here’s what you should know about Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens.
If your Pinterest board is basically equal parts greenhouse inspiration, moody romance, and “I just don’t want my wedding to look like everyone else’s,” congratulations…you may have just found your venue.




Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens is unlike almost any other wedding venue in Arizona. Instead of desert landscapes, you’ll find winding stone pathways, tropical plants that stretch toward the glass ceiling, peaceful ponds, waterfalls, and cozy corners throughout the property. It somehow feels grand and intimate at the same time. Your guests can wander through tropical gardens and discover another little waterfall around the corner. All while still feeling like every part of the celebration is happening together instead of spread across a huge property.



The venue is divided into several different spaces. This allows your day to naturally flow from one part of the property to the next. Couples can get ready in private suites, exchange vows outside near the fountain surrounded by lush landscaping, then transition into the iconic greenhouse for dinner and dancing beneath thousands of twinkle lights. Every part of the venue feels intentionally designed, so guests never feel like they’re simply moving from one room to another; they feel like they’re discovering another part of the garden.
One of my favorite parts is how many little pockets there are for photos. Instead of taking portraits in one location and calling it a day, we can wander through the property and constantly find new backdrops. One minute you’re standing beneath tropical palms, the next you’re tucked beside a waterfall, and five minutes later you’re inside the glowing greenhouse. It gives your gallery so much variety without ever leaving the venue.


Because of all the greenery, water features, and greenhouse, Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens feels more like a tropical destination wedding than something you’d expect to find just outside Phoenix. It’s a refreshing option for couples who love nature but don’t necessarily picture themselves getting married in the middle of the desert.
Arizona has no shortage of incredible wedding venues. If desert sunsets, red rock cliffs, and towering saguaros are your thing, you’ll have plenty of amazing options to choose from. But Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens offers something completely different.
Instead of wide-open desert views, you’re surrounded by tropical plants, waterfalls, koi ponds, winding garden paths, and a greenhouse that honestly feels like it belongs in another country. It’s the kind of venue that catches guests completely off guard, in the best possible way.
If you’ve always pictured getting married somewhere lush, romantic, and just a little unexpected, this venue makes that possible without asking everyone to board a plane.
On the other hand, if your dream wedding involves dramatic desert scenery or mountain overlooks, another Arizona wedding venue might be a better fit. And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be. The best wedding venue isn’t the one everyone else is booking. It’s the one that feels the most like the two of you.


A huge perk of Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens is that it feels like you’re escaping to another country…without asking your guests to hop on a plane. The venue is located in Phoenix, Arizona, making it an easy option for local guests while still being incredibly convenient for friends and family flying in from out of state. Even though you’re in the middle of the Valley, stepping through the gates feels like discovering a hidden tropical garden most people don’t even know exists.

If you’re expecting guests to travel, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the venue, making it easy for out-of-town family and friends to fly in. From there, guests can choose from plenty of hotels throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, and the surrounding areas, depending on their budget and whether they’d rather stay close to the venue or explore more of the city while they’re visiting.



If several of your guests are traveling together, I’d also recommend looking at Airbnb or VRBO homes in north Phoenix, Paradise Valley, or Scottsdale. Renting a house gives everyone a chance to spend more time together between wedding events, and those late-night conversations around the kitchen island tend to become some of the best memories of the weekend. (Just don’t blame me if everyone stays up way too late the night before!)
Every part of the wedding day has its own dedicated space at Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens, which helps the entire celebration flow naturally from start to finish. Instead of flipping a room between events, your guests naturally move through the property, and each part of the celebration feels a little different.


The ceremony space sits outside beside a beautiful fountain surrounded by mature trees, tropical landscaping, and colorful flowers. It feels peaceful and hidden away, even though you’re right in the middle of the Phoenix area.
The greenery does a lot of the decorating for you, so you don’t need any intricate ceremony setup to make the space feel beautiful. Whether you keep things simple or bring in additional florals, the backdrop already has so much character.

The wedding featured throughout this blog took place here, and it was the perfect setting for an emotional ceremony before everyone made their way into the greenhouse for the reception.
Okay…this is where Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens really shows off. Walking into the greenhouse almost doesn’t feel real. Towering tropical plants surround the room, a peaceful pond winds through the space, and thousands of lights overhead make everything feel incredibly romantic once the sun goes down.
If you’re someone who wants guests to walk into your reception and immediately say, “Whoa,” this venue definitely delivers. One thing that’s worth mentioning, and something I’d rather tell you than have you find out on your wedding day, is that greenhouses naturally hold heat and humidity. Between all the incredible plants and the indoor pond, it can feel warmer inside than you’d expect, especially during Arizona summers.

The good news? If you’re planning a spring, fall, or even winter wedding, it’s absolutely worth it. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else, and the photos inside are incredible. Another fun option is taking your first dance outside if the weather is nice. The outdoor spaces are just as beautiful after dark, and it gives you another unique backdrop without ever leaving the venue.
This might be the most important section in this entire guide. I could tell you that Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens is amazing year-round…but honestly? That wouldn’t be very helpful.
Arizona seasons matter.
If you’re still deciding when and where to get married, I dive even deeper into Arizona’s seasons, weather, and planning tips in my guide to planning an elopement in Arizona. Even if you’re planning a traditional wedding instead of an elopement, the seasonal advice is just as helpful.



Spring is hands down the best time to get married here. Temperatures are comfortable, the gardens look incredible, and you get to enjoy both the outdoor ceremony space and the greenhouse without worrying about extreme heat.
It’s the sweet spot where everything this venue has to offer really shines.
Fall is another fantastic option. Once Arizona starts cooling down, the outdoor spaces become much more enjoyable for guests, cocktail hour feels comfortable, and portraits don’t involve everyone secretly wondering how quickly they can find air conditioning.
If you’re hoping to spend plenty of time outside, fall is hard to beat.


Arizona winters are pretty mild compared to most of the country, making winter weddings another great choice here. You’ll still get to enjoy the tropical atmosphere without the intense summer temperatures.
Listen…I love Arizona. But Arizona in the summer? She’s a little dramatic.
Since Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens is located in Surprise, temperatures regularly climb well over 100 degrees during the summer months. Add a greenhouse filled with tropical plants and an indoor pond, and it naturally becomes more humid than many couples expect.

Is it impossible? Absolutely not. Would I recommend it over spring or fall? No. If your date is flexible, I’d encourage you to lean toward spring or fall so both you and your guests can fully enjoy everything this venue has to offer instead of spending the day trying to outsmart the heat.
If you’re set on a summer wedding, I’d actually encourage you to look at northern Arizona instead. Places like Flagstaff stay significantly cooler than the desert, making them a fantastic option if you love being outdoors without feeling like you’re melting. I share more about that in my guide to planning an adventure elopement in Flagstaff.
Trust me, being able to wander the gardens for portraits without melting is a pretty big bonus!
Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens works beautifully whether you’re planning something intimate or inviting your entire crew. The venue can accommodate up to about 200 guests, giving couples plenty of flexibility without the space ever feeling overwhelmingly large. Whether you’re planning a smaller celebration where everyone knows each other or a full wedding with all your family and friends, the layout still feels warm and inviting.


Each part of the day happens in a different area of the property; guests aren’t all gathered in one place for hours. They get to experience the gardens, explore the pathways, enjoy cocktail hour outdoors, and then head into the greenhouse for the reception. It keeps the day feeling fresh and gives everyone a chance to take in everything that makes this Arizona wedding venue so unique.
The wedding day doesn’t start when you walk down the aisle; it starts hours earlier while everyone’s getting ready, exchanging gifts, laughing over breakfast, and trying to remember who has the rings. (It’s always someone!)
Thankfully, Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens has private getting-ready suites on-site, which makes the morning feel so much more relaxed. Instead of bouncing between a hotel, the venue, and wherever hair and makeup happens to be, everyone can settle in, enjoy the morning together, and ease into the day. It also means you don’t have to worry about extra travel time once you’re dressed.
As a photographer, I always appreciate having dedicated getting-ready spaces because it gives us beautiful opportunities to capture all those quieter moments before the celebration begins, zipping up the dress, reading letters, sharing a first look with your parents, or simply taking a deep breath before everything officially begins.

After touring a venue, one question almost every couple asks is, “Okay…but how much can we actually customize?” The answer depends on the venue’s current packages, so it’s always worth asking what’s included when you schedule your tour. Venue offerings can change over time, and you’ll get the most accurate information directly from the Boojum Tree team.
That said, one thing couples consistently appreciate is how smoothly weddings tend to flow here. The venue is designed with weddings in mind, and having separate spaces for each part of the day helps everything transition naturally without feeling rushed.
When you tour, here are a few questions I’d recommend asking:
The more you know before booking, the easier it is to compare venues and avoid any surprises later on.
If you’ve made it this far…you already know I’m a little obsessed with how photogenic this place is. Seriously, you could spend an hour wandering the property and still find another corner you hadn’t noticed before.
Between the lush greenery, waterfalls, winding pathways, and the glowing greenhouse, there’s so much variety that your gallery never feels repetitive. Instead of driving to a second portrait location, we can create an entire wedding gallery without ever leaving the venue.


A black wedding dress isn’t something you see every day, but paired with the tropical greenery at Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens? It felt romantic, a little editorial, and just unexpected enough to make every image stand out without ever feeling like it was trying too hard.
Against all the vibrant greens, her dress absolutely popped. It felt romantic, a little editorial, and just different enough to make every photo stand out. It was the perfect reminder that your wedding doesn’t have to follow tradition to feel timeless.

As the sun sets, the greenhouse completely transforms. Some of my favorite portraits from the entire day happened after dark because the venue feels completely different once evening rolls around.
One tip I always give my couples? Leave a little breathing room in your timeline for nighttime portraits. It only takes about ten minutes, but the change in atmosphere is incredible and gives you a completely different look from your daytime photos.
One of my favorite things about photographing weddings here is that you never feel like you’re taking the same photo twice. Every few steps, the scenery changes.


Some of my favorite portrait locations include the greenhouse itself, the tropical garden paths, the waterfalls, the koi pond, the ceremony fountain, and all the little corners where sunlight filters through the plants in the prettiest ways.
The biggest win? You never have to leave the venue. Instead of disappearing for an hour to chase another backdrop, we can create an incredibly diverse gallery while staying close to your guests. More celebrating, less driving. I don’t think anyone’s ever complained about that.
Every venue has its own personality. Some are all about mountain views. Others lean modern and industrial with clean lines and exposed brick. And then there are venues like Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens, where the second you walk in, you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere completely different.



This venue is a fantastic fit if you:
It may not be the best fit if your dream wedding includes sweeping mountain views, wide-open desert landscapes, or a modern industrial aesthetic. And while the venue is absolutely stunning, I’d think twice before planning a summer wedding here unless your date is set in stone. Arizona heat is no joke, and this venue truly shines during the cooler months.

At the end of the day, the best wedding venue isn’t the one that’s trending on Instagram. It’s the one that feels the most like you.
After photographing a wedding at Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens, there are a few things I’d recommend to help your day go as smoothly as possible.
There are SO many beautiful spots throughout the property that you’ll want to explore. Instead of squeezing portraits into fifteen rushed minutes, give yourselves enough time to wander a little. Some of my favorite images happen when couples aren’t rushing from one thing to the next.
The greenhouse is beautiful during the day, but once those twinkle lights come on? Whole different vibe.
Even if we sneak away for just ten minutes after dinner, you’ll end up with a completely different set of portraits that feel romantic, cozy, and a little magical.
Because everything is conveniently located on-site, a first look can make your timeline feel much more relaxed. You’ll have time for portraits before the ceremony, which means more time celebrating with your guests afterward instead of feeling like you’re racing the sunset.
Something I noticed while photographing here is that Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens doesn’t need much to feel beautiful.
The tropical plants, waterfalls, and greenhouse already create such an incredible atmosphere that you don’t need to fill every corner with extra décor. If your goal is an elegant wedding that still feels effortless, this venue gives you an amazing starting point.


Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens is located in Surprise, Arizona, about 45 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It’s an easy drive for local guests and convenient for friends and family traveling from out of state.
The venue can host weddings with up to approximately 200 guests, making it a great option for both intimate celebrations and larger weddings.
Both! Most couples choose to have their ceremony outdoors near the fountain before moving into the iconic greenhouse for dinner and dancing. There are also beautiful outdoor spaces that can be used for cocktail hour, portraits, or even a first dance under the stars.
Spring and fall are easily my top recommendations. The weather is much more comfortable, guests can fully enjoy the outdoor spaces, and the greenhouse stays far more enjoyable than it does during Arizona’s hottest months.
Yes! The venue offers private getting-ready rooms so you can spend the morning relaxing with your favorite people without needing to travel between multiple locations.


Absolutely. Every corner of Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens feels different, from the lush greenhouse and waterfalls to the winding garden paths and glowing twinkle lights. It creates an incredibly diverse wedding gallery without ever leaving the property.
If you’ve fallen in love with Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens, I completely understand why. It’s one of those venues that surprises people in the best possible way. Between the tropical gardens, glowing greenhouse, and all the little hidden corners throughout the property, it creates a wedding day that feels completely different from what most people picture when they think of Arizona.
As your Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens wedding photographer, I’m here for more than just taking beautiful photos. I’ll help you build a timeline with room to breathe, find the best light throughout the property, sneak you away for those dreamy greenhouse portraits after dark, and make sure your gallery feels just as fun, emotional, and personal as the day itself.





If you’re planning a Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens wedding, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Reach out here, and let’s create a wedding day that feels every bit as unique as the venue you chose.
Planning your Arizona elopement and looking for more inspiration and tips? Keep scrolling!
How to Elope to Sedona: Best Places, Tips & Everything You Need to Know
Planning an Elopement in Arizona: Airbnb Locations, Real Timeline, and Weekend Experience
Best Arizona Elopement Locations for Sunrise, Sunset & Golden Hour in the Desert
August 9, 2026
Comments Off on