Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant

Wow. I found this gem of a location by accident while on my daughter’s 6^th grade field trip. Let me just say that we were only the 6^th couple ever to be married at the Lake Pleasant Desert Outdoor Center amphitheatre off Honeymoon Cove overlooking the lake in October 2003 for just $ 600 plus an additional $ 100 fee to rent the kitchen and indoor facility with dance floor, etc. The night we were married at sunset, they also later had public stargazing, so our guests really enjoyed that despite parking issues, ridiculous amount of bees (it’s bee season in October) and confusion. I was really hoping we could renew our vows there, but the price has become astronomical ($ 3000-​$ 4000 for 8 hours depending on # of guests plus you must hire sheriff/​police for the 8 hours if you serve alcohol on the premises; we chose not to have alcohol). This price is more than 4 times the amount we originally paid in 2003. I wonder if the DOC would give us a return customer discount… LOL. Even to just rent the amphitheatre only for 4 hours it’s $ 1000. Beautiful venue though for a wedding and reception (lodging/​separate dorms are even available for out of town guests) if you can afford it. I would give it 5 stars if not for the new steep price tag.

Maricopa County Parks owns the facility. It’s on the East side of Lake Pleasant, just North of the Marina. The facility is not normally open to the public, so events are private. Full size –top of the line kitchen and equipment perfect for caterers. Weddings are excellent events for this unique facility. The sunsets are beautiful, and the lake is pristine and peaceful. Any type of retreat, business retreat, and even overnight accomodations can be found at this location. A live animal exhibit, gift store, gardens, challenge course, fishing, boating, this is such an excellent venue for a company get –together.