From a Local
The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Zion
Zion National Park's incredible sweeping views of towering sandstone cliffs, twisting slot canyons, and desert oases create the perfect backdrop for an elopement or wedding. With location options ranging from easily accessible viewpoints to multi-hour strenuous treks, you can really craft an experience perfectly tailored to your level of adventure! This guide to eloping in Zion National Park will help you craft your perfect, unforgettable adventure!
Why Elope in Zion?
Beyond it's incredible landscapes, Zion offers a number of advantages that make it an ideal choice for an elopement or destination wedding.
Close to Amenities:
The town of Springdale touches the boundaries of the park, providing lodging and restaurants within mere minutes of the park entrance, with even more options within an hour drive of either entrance. This proximity also means there are a lot of options for experiences run by locals!
Close to a Major Airport:
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) ~ 3 Hours
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) ~ 4 Hours
St. George Regional (SGU) ~ 1 Hour
Cedar City Regional (CDC) ~ 1 Hour
Incredible Variety:
Between Zion National Park itself and the vast amounts of public land surrounding it, the Greater Zion area boasts an incredible amount of gorgeous places! We have everything from iconic, Insta-famous views to local secret spots.
Year Round Availability:
While Spring and Fall take a lot of the attention around here, our mild winters make Zion an ideal place for a winter elopement! Even though the summers are hot, with a little local help with the planning, we can still plan a great elopement experience!
Adventure & Intimacy
eloping in Zion begins with a dream…
Imagine this: you wake up early in the morning and hike by moonlight out to a popular overlook that you get all to yourself in the quiet hours of the morning. You change into your wedding clothes and see each other for the first time as the first light of the day hits the peaks in the distance. You linger there and watch the sun bathe the canyon in light. Then you head off together to a nearby slot canyon, still cool and still in the morning air. Maybe you head into town and get breakfast together a little coffeeshop with a rooftop view. After a quite midday together, you find a secluded mesa with the peaks of Zion in the background and say your vows before walking out to a beautiful spot along the river with the peaks and mesas surrounding you. You dance in the river as the last light creeps up the canyon walls and share a glass of whiskey as the day turns into night.
All of that and more is possible with an adventure elopement in Zion!
Planning Your Zion Elopement
WHEN TO ELOPE | LOCATIONS | HOW MUCH TIME | WHERE TO STAY | TIPS | IDEAS
When planning to elope in Zion National Park, a little local knowledge goes a long way so don't hesitate to reach out if you need help!
Permits and Legalities
To get married in Utah, you need the following:
An officiant & 2 witnesses over the age of 18
A Utah Marriage License. These are valid for 30 days from your application date.
Pro tip: We have a super convenient all-online marriage license through Utah County. This option lets apply before you leave for Utah and makes filing your license a breeze!
To get married in Zion National Park, you will need the following:
To pick one of their 6 sanctioned locations inside the Park boundaries. More about those locations HERE!
Plan for a simple ceremony, with few decorations, no amplified sound, that compliments the natural scenery
Looking for a more unique location or a super private ceremony with just the two of you? 👋 Come say hi, we’ll tell you about how you can make your dream elopement a reality!
The Best Time to Elope in Zion
The most popular times of year for elopements in Zion is in the Spring between April and May and in the Fall between September and October.
Winter, December - February
Winters in Zion are mild but still chilly and wet. Sometimes we get snow, but it rarely hangs around for very long. That snow on the cliffs though?! Absolutely gorgeous! Expect temps in the 50s - 60s in the day and 20s - 30s overnight. Enjoy a quite park with far fewer people, along with that, some local businesses have reduced hours. Some areas are inaccessible due to snow and mud.
Spring, March - April
Life comes back to Zion and everything gets green and beautiful! Daytime temps rise into the 60s and 70s but the overnight lows stay in the low 30s. Depending on how much snow we got, we may have high runoff, meaning the Narrows and other slot canyons are closed. We ramp up quickly into peak season, you'll start seeing a lot more people around.
Summer, May - September
Peak season in the Park with peak temps. Summer temps routinely get up over 100. Monsoon season (July - September) brings afternoon storms and creates flash flood conditions that can be dangerous in areas. Visitation peaks in the summer, especially around holiday weekends: Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Fall, October - November
Temps start cooling off to the 60s - 70s during the day and down to the 40s overnight. Fall colors start at the upper elevations and slowly work their way to the canyon floor. Visitation starts to slow down, especially as we get into November.
Pro Tip: April, May, September and October are the most popular months to elope, but you can get similar with fewer people in March and November!
Each month and season has it's own advantages, challenges and dates to avoid, reach out so we can schedule a consultation call and suggest the best time for you!
How to Avoid Crowds when Eloping in Zion National Park
Zion is the 5th busiest park in the US, with over 4.2 million visitors a year! If you want to avoid the crowds, try these tips:
Elope in January or February: With the cold weather, we see far fewer people in the park. Bring some layers for warmth and you'll be rewarded with a quiet Park!
Avoid Holidays: Holidays, long weekends (like Memorial or Labor Day), large local events, and Free Park Entry days always see a surge in visitation, no matter the season.
Aim for Weekdays: Weekdays tend to have fewer people than any given weekend!
Go to popular spots at sunrise: The early bird gets the privacy! If you can muster yourself to get to the viewpoint before sunrise, you'll often have the spot to yourself!
Go to less popular spots: This region is full of gorgeous, unknown locations where you can still get a way from the crowds, even during peak season!
If you have to elope during a busy time of year because of your schedule, no need to worry! We have lots of experience working in the Park when it's busy! Reach out and we can help you make a plan for it!
“Kyle was absolutely amazing! He helped us identify locations where we could go around the park with family members with a variety of ability levels. We had our wedding on a very busy weekend and Kyle had the logistics figured out perfectly and helped everything run very smoothly. Most importantly, the pictures are AMAZING!! … They are gorgeous photos that we will be happy to look back on for our whole lives, and the entire experience was professional and fun.”
The Best Locations for your Zion Elopement
To really capture the beauty of the Park in your photos, we recommend choosing a portrait location that's separate from your approved ceremony location!
Ceremony Locations
Each of the six locations have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a location you'll primarily want to pay attention to the following:
Group Size Limit
Is the location Shuttle Access only?
How busy is the location?
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Group Size Limit: 35
Shuttle Access Only: Yes
Busyness: Very Busy
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Group Size Limit: 10
Shuttle Access Only: No, permit parking for 1-2 vehicles
Busyness: Low
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Group Size Limit: 75
Shuttle Access Only: Yes
Busyness: Very Busy
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*Only available November - early April
Group Size Limit: 50
Shuttle Access Only: No, Parking available
Busyness: Moderately Low
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*As of March 2024, the South Campground Amphitheater will be closed for construction. The Park estimates construction will last for 1 1/2 years.
Group Size Limit: 100
Shuttle Access Only: No, Parking available*
Busyness: Moderately busy
*Parking often fills up by 8am between April - October
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*Located in the Kolob Canyon Area
Group Size Limit: 20 people, 4 cars
Shuttle Access Only: No, small parking lot avaialble
Busyness: Moderately low
Most popular with couples:
Temple of Sinewava
(35 People Max)
Easiest to access:
South Campground Amphitheater*
(100 People Max)
*Amphitheater is currently closed for constructionMost amenities:
Zion Lodge Lawn
(75 People Max)
Most private location:
Menu Falls
(10 People Max)
Not stoked about those locations?
Reach out to us! We’ll make recommendations specially tailored to your elopement!
Portrait Locations
Unlike ceremonies, we can take portrait photos anywhere the general public is allowed to go! Here are a couple of the best portrait spots in the Park:
Canyon Overlook
Easily the most popular location for photos in Zion and for good reason! This is a moderate, 1 mile round trip hike to a huge view. The ease of access means lots of other people, parking is often very full and there are typically lots of people at the viewpoint. Don't be surprised if you're not the only wedding couple up there! The photos speak for themselves, this spot is awesome!
Observation Point
This amazing viewpoint overlooks the famous Angel's Landing feature. It's a moderate 7 mile round trip hike that begins on the East Rim Trail. East Zion Adventures offers a shuttle to the trailhead from Zion Ponderosa Ranch since the parking fills up so quickly. Due to high elevation snow and mud, this location is only accessible in the summer and fall months.
Pa’Rus Trail
This easy paved hike follows the Virgin River from the Visitor's Center to the Canyon Junction Bridge. It offers a number of gorgeous views of the canyon from the valley floor! This is the best spot to bring your pup, it's the only dog-friendly hike in the Park!
The Watchman
This strenuous 3.1 mile round trip hike ends on a mesa above the Visitor's Center. It offers an amazing high elevation view of Zion Canyon. The loop hike at the top of the mesa offers a variety of killer views.
Leave No Trace - Keep Zion Beautiful!
When you're exploring for your portraits, make sure you're sticking to Leave No Trace principles!
Stay on Trails - leaving trails damages sensitive soils and plants and causes more erosion
Pack everything out - if you brought it in, take it out with out. That includes human waste!
Leave what you find - don't pick anything up as a souvenir
Let's work together to keep this place beautiful for generations to experience!
Looking for something a little more unique or secluded?
That’s what we’re here for! We have 75+ locations in the Greater Zion Area! Reach out so we can help you find a location that will make your heart sing!
How much time do I need for my Zion Elopement?
To really take advantage of the Park, you should plan no fewer than 4 hours. With drive and hike time included, 4 hours typically includes enough time for your ceremony location and one portrait location. The more time you give yourself, the more flexibility you get to explore, relax, and really enjoy your day! Most of our couples opt for maximum flexibility and book our all-day coverage package!
What are the best times of day for elopements in Zion?
To really show off Zion’s grandeur and color, you need to aim for sunrise and sunset! Other times of day can work, but the photos won’t look as good as they at those two times!
Pro Tip: If epic photos are a priority for you, wait to apply for any permits or make any reservations until you’ve chatted with your photography! We build timelines for our couples so they can get the very best photos from their chosen locations!
Where should I stay for my Zion Elopement?
The Greater Zion area has an incredible selection of lodging options from hotels and AirBnBs to boutique BnBs and glamping tents! When you’re looking, here are some recommendations for towns to look at!
For easiest access to Zion, stay in Springdale: lots of restaurants and shops in a quaint walkable town. Plus the free town shuttle makes easy access to the Park.
For one spot to get to Zion and Bryce, stay in Orderville: you'll have to drive through the tunnel to get to Zion and most amenities, but you'll be more centrally located between the two parks!
For close access to a variety of cool locations, stay in Virgin or Hurricane: This is where we live! We're 30 minutes from the Park and centrally located to our vast location library of local secrets!
For one spot to get to Zion and Grand Canyon/Page, stay in Kanab: You'll drive further to get to Zion, but you'll be centrally located to Zion, Grand Canyon North Rim and Page, AZ (Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon).
For more amenities, stay in St. George: You'll drive further to get to the Park, but you'll be closer to a wider selection of restaurants, bars, and hotels!
For a rustic feel with some amenities, stay in Hildale: You'll drive further to get to Zion, but you’ll have incredible views of the Canaan Mountains while still having some unique local amenities!
Check out some of our favorite unique lodging options:
Autocamp - Stay in a beautiful luxury Airstream park in Virgin. This is a great place for a intimate reception!
The Dwellings - Stay in a private tiny house overlook the Virgin River in Hurricane! It’s close to local favorite River Rock Roasting Co where you can get coffee, pizza, beer and more!
Zion Wildflower - Choose between canvas glamping tents and tiny house bungalows for your luxury stay in Virgin! This is a great spot for a wedding ceremony!
Under Canvas Zion - Tucked in a secluded canyon in Virgin with stunning views, this luxury glamping spot also allows small outdoor weddings and receptions!
Under the Eaves Inn - Stay in a 1931 landmark historic home in Springdale surrounded on 3 sides by Zion National Park!
Ready to plan your epic Zion Elopement?
We’re your local Zion experts! We’ll help you plan your perfect elopement and capture it beautifully!
Tips for the Perfect Zion Elopement Experience
1. Pack appropriately for the time of year: in the spring, fall and winter, bring easy layers for your wedding clothes to account for the big swings in temperature. In the summer, bring lots of water!
2. Rent a crossover SUV or bigger: Zion is totally doable in a small car, but a little extra ground clearance opens up a lot of amazing location options for you to explore.
3. Plan your day around sunrise or sunset: If you want the most epic photos, you want your photos around these times of day! All the colors pop, the contrast shows all the details, and it looks so good on your skin! Make sure you give yourself space to be at a rad spot during these times!
4. Book more time than you think you need: More time gives you more space to relax and enjoy. Wiggle room means things can run late, and no one needs to stress. Want to linger at a location a little longer, no worries! More time = less stress! (Plus, more amazing photos!)
5. Incorporate Experiences: Do you two love getting coffee together? Let's plan for brunch at a local coffee shop! Or go big and book an epic helicopter tour for a once in a lifetime experience!
6. Embrace the weather: It's part of your story now! Be prepared for the weather for your season and lean into it! You don't get rainbows without the rain! Some of the coolest photos we've ever taken were with couples having the time of their lives in inclement weather!
7. Stick to the rules: I know it's tempting to have your ceremony at an non-sanctioned location and hope no one finds out, but the more people do this the more the rules will get stricter. We'll help you plan an elopement that is both beautiful and respects the park!
8. Work with local vendors: Locals know this place inside out! We live and breathe Zion and specialize in making sure your elopement day is everything you want it to be! Not only do you get that invaluable local experience, but you also get to invest in the community that makes the Park as accessible as it is!
Ideas for your Adventure Elopement in Zion
When you elope, you get to make the rules for your wedding! You’re celebrating your commitment to your favorite person, why not go all out?!
Zion Helicopter Tour
Nothing compares to seeing Zion from the sky! Book a tour + butte landing experience for photos on a private butte with stunning views of Zion! This is a mind-blowing experience that’s worth every penny! Check out Rachael + Lee’s Zion Helicopter Experience!
Zion Jeep Tour
Take a ride to some of Zion’s harder to reach areas in a souped up Jeep with an experienced driver! Some tour companies can even access private land we can’t get to without them! Check out Taylor + Logan’s Zion Jeep Tour Experience!
Multi-Day Experience
Zoom out and make your Zion Elopement a regional experience! Explore one of the nearby Parks or head out into the vast Utah desert that’s full of incredible landscapes, hidden canyons, and unending adventure! Check out Jen + Dan’s Multi Day Southern Utah elopement!
So many options for a good adventure!
Anything else that sounds like a blast to you!
Local Zion Elopement Photographers
We are Zion National Park elopement experts who have been exploring and photographing the park for a decade professionally. We have extensive experience planning elopement experiences to fit any vision, level of adventurousness, and group size. If you're looking for someone to take all the stress out of planning, you've come to the right place! We'll be your elopement guides so you can fully enjoy your day and take advantage of all this gorgeous Park has to offer!
The Best Photographers for your Elopement
We know choosing a photographer is a big commitment! Skip the guesswork – see why others love us with 175+ glowing Google reviews. We'll help you plan your elopement and capture it authentically!
“Save yourself the time and energy in researching other photographers and BOOK Kyle. Kyle was a legit dream come true. He was absolutely amazing. We wanted someone who was local and knew Zion National Park, and Kyle was the man. He took us to secluded spots in Zion. Didn't have to worry about taking pictures in front of other people, or have the same pictures as anyone else that visits the park. We're not the most comfortable people in front of the camera but Kyle put us at ease and he was also our hype guy. Made it feel like we were just taking pictures with a friend. Made the process a lot easier and comfortable. We are SOOOO HAPPY with our photos. ps. BOOK THE HELICOPTER RIDE. you will not regret it!”
Eloping in Zion FAQ
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For most locations, sunrise and sunset offer the best light that shows off the colors and grandeur in the Park. Some spots are better at sunrise and some are better at sunset, and some spots are better at other times of day. Don't worry, we'll help you pick the best time of day for your locations!
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Yes please! We LOVE dogs (go here to meet our pup Juniper!) While Zion isn't very dog friendly, there are a ton of options for dog-friendly locations around the Park! Check out this entirely dog-friendly Zion elopement!
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No, unfortunately. The Park's requirements on ceremonies apply no matter the group size. If you have an officiant present, you're taking part in any piece of the legal ceremony, or you have guests present in an appearance of a ceremony, you must have a permit and abide by the permit rules.
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That depends on the location, what you would like to do, and how many people you will have. As a part of the location assistance, we will help you navigate this process if needed!
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As January 2023, in most cases, Zion will issue a single Red Pass along with wedding permits for locations down the Scenic Drive. The Red Pass allows personal vehicles to drive the Scenic Drive and park in designated places. This vehicle is meant to assist in some logistics and provide the couple easier access to the wedding site. It should not be used for shuttling guests. When applying for your permit, ask the permitting officer for the most up to date information on the Red Pass. This is not an official Park policy and is subject to change based on their guidance.
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We can share photo examples of locations we have access to prior to booking, but we don't share specific location information until after you've booked. This is partly in keeping with Leave No Trace Principles and partly because we don't want to suggest places that won't work for you before we have the completed planning questionnaire!
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At this time, we don't offer planning to couples who have not booked with us. Planning is a huge part of what we do for our couples and we feel it would be unfair to the couples who have chosen to work with us to take on additional planning that would take time away from them.
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Not necessarily! While many of the most iconic places in Zion require hiking ranging from 1 mile to 7 miles round trip and varying difficulties, there are a number of amazing locations that you can easily access with just a vehicle!
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Many of the coolest locations around Zion are easier with high clearance and/or four wheel drive, some locations require it. This isn't necessary to experience Zion, but having access to one certainly helps getting to the more remote locations! Most SUVs do great!
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You can certainly book us for a photoshoot! We specialize in working with couples, so you can book us for your proposal, engagements, wedding portraits, anniversary, etc.! We have a team that works for us that excels at families, so we can often handle family sessions too!
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Our Zion Elopement Packages start with a minimum of 4 hours of coverage and go all the way up to multiple days with a helicopter tour photo shoot included! We designed our elopement packages around what fits most of our couples' needs. If they don't fit your needs, we'll work with you to build a custom package that does! Reach out through our contact form and we'll send you our most up to date package list!
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You can reach out through our contact form to get access to our current standard Zion Elopement packages. On average, our couples spend around $6000 for an all-day elopement experience. Some spend more, some spend less depending on what they end up doing!
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We sure do! Check out our video portfolio to get a feel for what working with us can look like!