Scottsdale, Arizona, is Destination I Do’s backyard, so we know all about the different resorts and venues in the area to plan your perfect desert destination wedding. We’ve written about this area more than a few times; for past articles, click here.

There’s a new kid on the block: Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas. Blending modern luxury, desert beauty, and an array of gorgeous venues, the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas checks more than a few boxes. Newly opened in early 2026 in Paradise Valley, Arizona, just outside Scottsdale, this sprawling resort offers several stunning backdrops for wedding celebrations.

Desert Backdrop Meets Modern Romance

The resort occupies 40 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape, offering both dramatic vistas and serene natural light for your wedding photos. With views of both Mummy and Camelback Mountains, this breathtaking setting offers couples a romantic contrast: bold mountain silhouettes, sun-washed courtyards, and starry Arizona skies that are unforgettable for ceremonies, cocktails, and receptions alike.

Versatile Venues for Every Vision

One of the biggest draws for destination wedding couples is the range of event spaces on-site. There are more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor venues that can be tailored to celebrations big and small. Whether you imagine an intimate vow exchange beneath palms, a grand ballroom reception with evening dancing, or a sunlit terrace with sweeping mountain views, the resort’s spaces effortlessly adapt to your vision.

Consider some of the standout options you can choose from:

• Horizon Pavilion: A contemporary glass-enclosed venue with walls that open to the desert lawn — a breathtaking blend of indoor comfort and outdoor ambiance. 
• Ballrooms & Terraces: Spaces that balance scale with intimacy, ideal for seated dinners and celebrations under shimmering chandeliers or twinkle lights. 
• Sunlit Lawns & Courtyards: Perfect for ceremonies with mountain views or cocktail hours that transition seamlessly into reception evenings. 

For couples with larger guest counts, the resort holds capacities that can accommodate hundreds of guests, which is ideal if you’re inviting family and friends from near and far.

Stay, Celebrate, and Savor

A destination wedding isn’t just a day, it’s an experience. With over 400 contemporary guest rooms, suites, and villas on the property, couples and their guests can stay right where the celebration happens. A majority of the property has been fully renovated (224 guest rooms and 36 casitas, so far). You can also reserve groups of rooms and sections of the property, allowing you to feel like you have a buyout without having to commit to the entire resort. These accommodations feature desert-inspired design and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, making it easy for guests to relax between events or enjoy poolside downtime. 

Speaking of downtime, the resort offers experiences that extend far beyond weddings:

• Culinary Excellence: From the Baja-influenced Hecho Libre restaurant to their vibrant Cima Pool Bar and locally inspired menus, your wedding meals (from rehearsal dinner to farewell brunch) can reflect the soul of the Sonoran Desert. 
• Wellness & Relaxation: Spa Miralina offers quiet pre-wedding massages and group wellness activities that help everyone unwind together. This is a great group activity and the spa offers full buy-outs so that you and your wedding party can take over for the day. The spa also has its own outdoor lounge area adjacent to the main pool, allowing for you to enjoy relaxation while sipping a cocktail in your own personal cabana. 
• Social Spaces: With six distinct pools, cabanas, and lounges throughout the grounds, your wedding weekend can easily feel like a bespoke gathering with loved ones. 
• Fitness & Sunshine: The resort offers complimentary fitness classes throughout the week. Everything from morning yoga to CENTRÉ, a specialized class focusing on strength and mobility, taught on their fitness lawn in the warm Arizona sun. Sign up early, as they are first-come, first-served. 

Local Culture and Adventure

Scottsdale and Paradise Valley are more than gorgeous backdrops; they’re vibrant areas full of cultural appeal and adventure. World-class art galleries, boutique shopping in Old Town Scottsdale, and hiking trails just a quick walk from the resort provide gorgeous excursions for wedding guests to enjoy. The resort’s location also places you just a short drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, making travel logistics easy for guests flying in from across the country or abroad.

In a world of destination wedding possibilities, a desert celebration at this newly re-imagined Scottsdale property stands out for its versatile spaces, immersive activities, and unforgettable setting, all wrapped in Kimpton’s signature ambiance. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate desert soirée, this resort offers a compelling stage for the start of your next great adventure together.

Photos by (in order of appearance): Joe Thomas (1-5; 7-12; 14-15) & Jakob Layman (6 & 13)