Zion elopement guide
Everything You Need to know to plan your zion wedding
table of contents
How to Elope in Zion National Park
National Park Wedding Permits & Rules
The Best Time of Year to Elope in Zion
Zion Elopement Locations
Zion Wedding Venues
Activities in Zion National Park
Sample Elopement Day Timelines
Zion Elopement Photograper
Zion elopement guide
I'm Bri, an adventure elopement photographer, based in Utah!
wait but who are you?
I focus on creating scenic and cinematic photos. All while helping couples plan adventure elopement days where presence, adventure, and real connection are at the core.
mountain enthusiast & dog mom fueled by coffee and the thought of my next adventure
how to elope in zion national park
The Roadmap
1 - Reach Out to Me
We will have an exploration call where I can find out what’s most important to you and I can recommend the best locations and timeline for your specific vision. I can also help you secure the necessary permits and find local vendors!
say less, i want to start planning now!
3 - Booking Your Lodging and Vendors
Once you’ve got the date set in stone, get your lodging and vendors booked so we can make this vision a reality!
4 - Plan Activities & Nail Down Timeline
Now that everything is official, let’s nail down your timeline and start filling in your day with moments of fun! This is where you get to add pieces of yourself into your special day. I have included some activity ideas in Zion later on this page to give you inspiration
2 - Pick a Location and Secure Permits
You will need to apply for a permit to get married at one of the ceremony sites inside the park, or there are venue options outside of the park. I’ll get into ceremony locations, venue options, and how to apply for your wedding permit later on this page.
National Park Permits & Rules
In order to get married in Zion National Park you’ll need a wedding permit, regardless of guest size. Along with the application you will need to pay the current fee of $100 electronically.
Where to Get Your Marriage License
Michael Foley is a local officiant who is known for his humor, and gets to know every couple so he can add personal touches to your ceremony.
OR one of your loved ones can get ordained for free to officiate your wedding
Wedding Permit
apply for your special use wedding permit
get ordained for free
The closest place to get a marriage license to Zion National Park is the Washington county clerk's office in St. George (about 1 hour southeast of the park)
Or if you are flying into SLC International, you can schedule an appointment at the Salt Lake County Clerk office to pickup your marriage license on the way down to Zion.
get for your marriage license
Officiant & Two Witnesses
-Portia & Trevor
"bri was a crucial resource in our planning process"
Bri is absolutely incredible and I highly recommend working with her to capture your special day!
She photographed our elopement in Yosemite and was a very crucial resource in our planning process as she is very knowledgeable about getting married in National Parks. And… of course our pictures turned out to be gorgeous!
The BEst time of year to elope in zion
From my experience shooting in Zion, I would recommend planning your elopement in the spring or fall. Late February/March and October/November tend to be the best months to avoid crowds and have mild temperatures.
Spring/Fall
Summer
Winter
Pros: Less crowds, mild temperatures, prices are a bit lower than summer
Cons: The weather can be a bit unpredictable and unexpected storms can come. Most popular time to elope, apply for permits early!
Pros: Warm temps (almost too warm haha), good for a sunrise elopement!
Cons: Super busy & lots of traffic! The park often hits max capacity in the morning, lodging prices are at their highest
Pros: Feels like you have the park to yourself, lower prices, the red rock is beautifully dusted with snow
Cons: It can get cold and the trails can be wet and icy after a snow storm
May-August
November-February
Late Feb-Apr & Sept-Nov
this is your adventure
Zion elopement Locations
Menu Falls
We can go anywhere in the park to take photos of the two of you, but there are 6 designated locations you can hold your ceremony in the park
Timber Creek Overlook
Temple of Sinawava
Nature Center North Lawn
Zion Lodge Lawn
South Campground Amphitheater
Zion elopement Locations
Menu Falls
We can go anywhere in the park to take photos of the two of you, but there are 6 designated locations you can hold your ceremony in the park
Timber Creek Overlook
Temple of Sinawava
Nature Center North Lawn
Zion Lodge Lawn
South Campground Amphitheater
Maximum 20 guests
Bathrooms: Yes
Water Service: No
Parking: Available for 4 cars
Chairs: not allowed
Zion elopement Locations
Menu Falls
We can go anywhere in the park to take photos of the two of you, but there are 6 designated locations you can hold your ceremony in the park
Timber Creek Overlook
Temple of Sinawava
Nature Center North Lawn
Zion Lodge Lawn
South Campground Amphitheater
Maximum 30 guests
Must ride shuttle from Mar-Nov
Bathrooms: Porta-potties
Water Service: Yes
Chairs: Allowed
Zion elopement Locations
Menu Falls
We can go anywhere in the park to take photos of the two of you, but there are 6 designated locations you can hold your ceremony in the park
Timber Creek Overlook
Temple of Sinawava
Nature Center North Lawn
Zion Lodge Lawn
South Campground Amphitheater
Maximum 50 guests
Only available Nov-early April
Parking: limited parking available but not guaranteed
Bathrooms: Yes
Water Service: Yes
Chairs: Max 25 Allowed
Zion elopement Locations
Menu Falls
We can go anywhere in the park to take photos of the two of you, but there are 6 designated locations you can hold your ceremony in the park
Timber Creek Overlook
Temple of Sinawava
Nature Center North Lawn
Zion Lodge Lawn
South Campground Amphitheater
Maximum 75 guests
Must ride shuttle from Mar-Nov UNLESS you are staying at the lodge
Bathrooms: Yes
Water Service: Yes
Chairs: Allowed
Zion elopement Locations
Menu Falls
We can go anywhere in the park to take photos of the two of you, but there are 6 designated locations you can hold your ceremony in the park
Timber Creek Overlook
Temple of Sinawava
Nature Center North Lawn
Zion Lodge Lawn
South Campground Amphitheater
*Currently closed for construction*
Maximum 100 guests
Parking available
Bathrooms: Yes
Water Service: Yes
Built in benches in amphitheater
Zion wedding venues
Bits & Spur Restaurant and Saloon
Open Sky
Zion Red Rock
Cliffrose Lodge
They have a beautifully scenic open field ceremony site at the top of their venue with Zion cliffs in the background.
Their luxury glamping tents are perfect for an intimate and adventurous Zion elopement experience.
Offers a large open lawn area, great for a ceremony, and everything you need for a laid-back outdoor reception - a stage, outdoor seating, and taco food truck!
Zion Red Rock is located only 10 minutes from the park and offer lodging for you and your guests
The property sits on 15 acres with 360 degree breathtaking views of Southern Utah. They have three venues to choose from so you can find the one that best fits your needs.
Cliffrose is one of Springdale’s luxury hotel experiences.
It offers a gorgeous lawn by the virgin river with towering views of Zion in the background, perfect for your ceremony! As well as a variety of reception options
Bella Vista Zion
Known as the 'zion castle' this luxury venue has 3 outdoor spaces and can sleep up to 16 guests
More info on Zion Red Rock
More info on Cliffrose Lodge
More info on Bella Vista weddings
More info on Open Sky
More info on Bits and Spur
Another option is to hold your ceremony outside of the park and then we can take your wedding portraits anywhere inside the park.
This is a great option for couples that want a completely secluded ceremony and don't want to ride the shuttle, or are wanting to have a reception with loved ones
- Sunset Patio Reception
- Panoramic Zion Views
- Firepits & Outdoor Lounges
- After Hours Bar
how to spend your adventure elopement day in zion
Hike One of Zion's Iconic Trails
From April to November, Zion Canyon road is only open to shuttles and bikers. Rent E-Bikes from one of the local shops in Springdale and enjoy the fresh air!
Rent E-Bikes and Ride Up Zion Canyon Road
Give your feet a break after all that hiking and see Zion on a horseback ride. You can find 1, 2, or 3 hour guided trail rides in the park.
Famously known for the chains that run along a narrow ridge leading up to the summit. You must get a permit to be able to hike the upper part of the trail with the chains
Angels Landing - 5.4 mi. 1,732ft elevation gain
A short 1 mile hike with big views! But expect it to be busy because the small effort, big reward hike definitely draws the crowds
Zion Canyon Overlook - 1.2 mi. 157ft elevation gain
This trail looks down on the entire Zion Canyon, including the summit of Angels Landing. This uncrowded trail is hidden in the corner of the park that few make the trek to see
Observation Point - 7 mi. 705ft elevation gain
A mellow nature walk near the entrance of the park that runs along the Virgin River. It is the only dog friendly trail in the park, so your furry friends can join you!
Pa'rus Trail - 3.3 mi. 147ft elevation gain
Take a Guided Horseback Trail Ride
Up for a big adventure and different perspective of the park? Take a helicopter ride for panoramic views of the park!
See the Park From a Helicopter
sample timelines for an adventure elopement day in zion!
6 Hour Day
8 Hour Day
1pm Get Ready in Springdale
2pm First Look + Take Shuttle to Ceremony Spot
3pm Ceremony at Temple of Sinewava or Menu Falls
4pm Picnic at The Grotto
5pm Take the Shuttle Back to the Valley & Drive to Canyon Overlook
6:30pm Hike Canyon Overlook
7:30pm Sunset at Canyon Overlook
9pm Coverage Ends - Good Sleep & Call it a Day!
3pm Get Ready in Springdale
4pm First Look + Drive to Ceremony Spot
5pm Ceremony & Toast at Nature Lodge
6pm Drive through Zion & the Famous Tunnel
6:30pm Hike Canyon Overlook Trail
7pm Sunset at Canyon Overlook
9pm Coverage Ends - Get Some Dinner, Good Sleep & Call it a Day!
Morning
6am Start Our Trek to Observation Point
7:30am Watch the Sunrise at Observation Point
Afternoon
12/1pm Post Hike Brunch at Meme's Cafe
2pm Go Back to Airbnb and Get Ready in Wedding Attire
4/5pm Ceremony at Nature Center Lawn
Evening
6pm Hike Canyon Overlook Trail
7pm Sunset at Canyon Overlook
8pm Hike Down and Head Back to Springdale for dinner and drinks at Onyx Woodfire Pizza
Full Day - Sunrise to Sunset!
Full Day
Sunrise to Sunset
Adventure
"I'm going to treasure our wedding photos forever"
I can’t recommend Bri enough!! She captured our elopement in Zion and was an absolute dream to work with! We really put our trust in her since we traveled to Utah to get married, and she exceeded all of our expectations!
She even found a secluded ceremony location for us away from the spring break crowds. Our photos turned out beautifully, and she was able to capture our personalities and love for each other
- Savanna + Jake
zion elopement photography packages
I have packages ranging from 6 hours to 2 day coverage to fit adventures of every size!
My most booked package is the 8 Hour Package, giving us just enough time to tell the story of your Salt Lake Elopement Day, without stress or rushing.
8 Hour Elopement Day
Pre-Wedding Coffee Date
Digital Film Style Photos
Your Personal Planning Guide
Professional Photo Gallery
72 Hour Sneak Peeks
pricing starts at $5800 for an 8 hour elopement day in Zion National Park
zion elopement photography packages
I have packages ranging from 6 hours to 2 day coverage to fit adventures of every size!
My most booked package is the 8 Hour Package, giving us just enough time to tell the story of your Zion Elopement Day, without stress or rushing.
