Venue Spotlight: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Weddings
Spotlight
This premiere wedding destination sets the stage for romantic desert weddings.
Written by
Laura Cross

Set against the sweeping silhouettes of the Tortolita Mountains in Marana, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers couples a wedding destination that feels both grand and deeply personal. Surrounded by the raw beauty of the Sonoran Desert, towering saguaros, glowing sunsets and wide-open skies, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star resort transforms the natural landscape into a breathtaking ceremony backdrop and an immersive weekend experience for you and your guests.

Versatile Wedding Venues for Every Vision

Few venues capture the romance of Arizona quite like The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Outdoor wedding ceremonies unfold on manicured event lawns framed by saguaro-studded Tortolita Mountains and native Palo Verde trees, where golden hour casts a soft glow across the landscape and star-filled skies close the evening in unforgettable fashion.

The resort’s four signature event lawns each offer a distinct perspective of the Sonoran Desert:

Brisa Lawn
Accommodates 50 to 400 guests
An expansive lawn ideal for grand celebrations with panoramic desert views.

Tortolita Lawn
Accommodates 50 to 200 guests
A picturesque setting framed by mountain silhouettes and glowing sunsets.

Serenity Lawn
Accommodates 50 to 75 guests
An intimate lawn perfect for smaller, romantic gatherings.

Sunset Lawn
Accommodates 50 to 350 guests
Located at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, this venue offers a distinct change of scenery while remaining onsite. With sweeping fairway views and elevated desert vistas, it is especially suited for destination weddings hosting multiple events throughout the weekend, allowing each gathering to feel unique while maintaining the ease of a single luxury location.

Couples exchange vows beneath expansive desert skies before transitioning seamlessly into cocktail hour al fresco, creating a celebration that feels effortless and distinctly Arizona.

In addition to its outdoor lawns, the resort offers elegant indoor venues for receptions and celebrations. The ballroom provides a refined setting with floor-to-ceiling windows that introduce natural light and desert views, while terraces and courtyards create inviting spaces for rehearsal dinners, welcome parties and farewell brunches.

Together, these indoor and outdoor venues allow couples to design a cohesive wedding weekend experience, moving fluidly from ceremony to reception within one breathtaking destination.


Elevated Wedding Catering and Culinary Experiences

At The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, catering is a cornerstone of the celebration. Couples collaborate with the resort’s international culinary team to craft fully customized menus that reflect personal tastes and the season’s finest ingredients. From refined plated dinners to interactive culinary stations and sophisticated buffet presentations, each menu is tailored to complement the wedding’s aesthetic and atmosphere.

Catering Highlights:

  • Customizable multi-course plated dinners
  • Elevated cocktail hour displays and passed hors d’oeuvres
  • Signature bar programs and curated wine pairings
  • Late-night bites for an unforgettable dance floor finale
  • Specialty desserts and wedding cake coordination

Service is polished and intuitive, embodying The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary hospitality standards and ensuring guests feel attended to from first pour to final toast.

Wedding Packages and Personalized Planning Support

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain requires couples to engage a full-service wedding planner, ensuring that every detail is executed with care and expertise. Rather than replacing your planner, the resort works in close partnership with them.

Wedding packages are tailored based on guest count, venue selection and culinary preferences and typically include:

  • Venue rental and ceremony setup
  • Tables, chairs, linens and standard place settings
  • Custom menu design and tasting
  • A dedicated Meetings and Special Events Professional to partner with you and your wedding planner throughout the planning process

This collaborative approach allows couples to benefit from the creative direction of their planner while also leveraging the operational excellence and hospitality standards of The Ritz-Carlton team.


A True Wedding Weekend Destination

One of the greatest advantages of hosting your wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is the immersive guest experience. With luxurious accommodations onsite, your wedding becomes more than a single evening. It becomes a curated desert retreat.

Guest Amenities and Accommodations Include:

  • Spacious guest rooms and suites with private balconies or terraces
  • A Forbes-rated spa offering pre-wedding treatments and relaxation rituals
  • Multiple resort pools for weekend lounging
  • Championship golf and outdoor adventure activities
  • Scenic hiking and mountain biking trails
  • Onsite dining options for rehearsal dinners and farewell brunches

Room blocks allow guests to stay steps away from the festivities, while the resort’s setting creates natural opportunities for connection. Poolside gatherings, spa mornings with bridesmaids, golf rounds with groomsmen and sunset cocktails beneath the desert sky become part of the celebration.

Why Couples Choose The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Couples seeking a refined yet awe-inspiring Arizona wedding find the perfect balance here. The venue feels luxurious without feeling pretentious, dramatic yet grounded in nature. The desert backdrop ensures unforgettable photography, while the service and culinary program reflect the highest standards of hospitality.

It is a venue that allows couples to slow down, savor the weekend and celebrate surrounded by both natural grandeur and impeccable attention to detail.

For those envisioning a destination wedding rooted in desert beauty, where sunsets glow and stars shine brilliantly overhead, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain delivers a wedding weekend that feels elevated and unforgettable.

Jacqui Cole Photography
Jacqui Cole Photography

Plan Your Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

To learn more about hosting your wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain or to schedule a private tour:

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
15000 North Secret Springs Drive
Marana, Arizona 85658

Phone: (520) 572-3000
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain

Couples are encouraged to connect directly with the resort’s wedding specialists to explore available dates, customized packages and guest accommodations.