Everything You Need to know to plan your zion wedding
Zion elopement guide
Zion elopement guide
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 Vendors
Where to Stay in Zion
The Best Places to Eat in Zion
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
let's chat about your elopement
how to elope in zion national park
The Roadmap
1 - Reach Out to Me
We will start with a free exploration call where we can meet each other and chat about what’s possible. Then we will discuss the best time of year, and locations that will be best for your unique elopement day.
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! I've got the best places to stay in Zion and vendor recommendations at the bottom of this guide!
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 will give you all the information you need to apply for and obtain any necessary permits, and get into ceremony locations in this guide.
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
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
Menu Falls
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
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
Menu Falls
Timber Creek Overlook
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
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
Menu Falls
Timber Creek Overlook
Temple of Sinawava
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
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
Menu Falls
Timber Creek Overlook
Temple of Sinawava
Nature Center North 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
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
Menu Falls
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 elopement Locations
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
Zion wedding venues
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!
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
Known as the 'zion castle' this luxury venue has 3 outdoor spaces and can sleep up to 16 guests
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
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
"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
Let's start planning your adventure!
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
zion elopement vendors
The rest of the team that is going to bring your elopement vision to life!
Florists
Jocelyn's Florals - fresh local florist
Morgan at Olive & Sage - fresh or dried
Kelly with Tomboy Florals - fresh flowers
Officiants
Jenn Brook at Wilde Heart Weddings
Thomas Tobin at Outland Officiants
HMUA
Videographers
Other
Desert to Table - Zion Private Chef
Southern Grazed - Charcuterie + Catering
Zion Event Rentals - Chairs, Tables & More
zion elopement photography packages
Full Day and Multi Day Packages available for adventures of any size!
6+ Hours Photography Coverage and Exploring the Park With Bri as Your National Park Guide
A Unique Outdoor Adventure
Your Personal Planning Guide
Permit Application
Flexible Timeline Creation
Online Photo Gallery
$5200 for everything above, and 6 hours of photography coverage
zion elopement photography packages
Every Zion Elopement Includes:
72 Hour Sneak Peeks
We will have 2-3 zoom calls during the planning process to discuss your vision, explore locations and activities, and build out your timeline to create a memorable adventure you’ll want to relive over and over again!
You'll receive recommendations from a local - locations I have personally scouted out and the best local vendor, lodging and food in Zion.
Your elopement photos will be delivered in an online gallery where you can view, download, and print your photos, to share and hold onto for generations.
You’re excited, I’m excited, and I won’t keep you waiting to see what we created. You’ll get sneak peek photos within 72 hours of your elopement day!
A Coffee Date to Kick Off Our Adventure
We will meet up for a casual coffee date prior to your elopement day to get out any last nerves, and kick off the adventure we'll have together!
Schedule a free consultation call!
"we were able to be ourselves the entire time"
Bri is hands down one of the best photographers in Utah. She made my fiance and I feel so comfortable, and we were able to be ourselves the entire time. The raw and authentic emotions she was able to capture nearly brought me to tears when we got our gallery back. I highly suggest Bri for any of your photo needs.
- Madie + Christian
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
Where to stay in zion
Red Cliffs Lodge is located in the heart of Springdale, within walking distance to the park entrance and all of the best food spots! It is also dog-friendly and offers outdoor fire pits and a swimming pool surrounded by stunning views of Zion.
Cable Mountain Lodge is one of the closest lodges to Zion, just steps away from the main entrance of the park. With the perfect amount of comfort and luxury, and a variety of suites, you can find the perfect space for your stay in Zion!
If you’re looking for a unique stay and cozy stay, this historic cottage in Springdale is for you! The house is full of artwork, has a lovely outdoor garden to spend your mornings in, and an outdoor deck to stargaze in the evening.
If you’re willing to travel a bit further for a unique stay, you’ll be rewarded with more privacy and serenity with these safari-styled luxury glamping tents.
Treat yourself to luxury at the Cliffrose Lodge! Offering a spa, serene garden, upscale restaurant, and a gorgeous lawn that sits right on the Virgin River.
If camping is more your style, the Watchman Campground is open year round and located near the main entrance. However, you need to make reservations about 6 months in advance.
Springdale is the best place to stay when visiting Zion National Park. It is a cute little town within walking distance to the park entrance and gives you easy access to the park’s free shuttle system.
The Best places to eat in zion
For Breakfast:
healthy and homemade traditional breakfast options, mimosas, and a rustic, homey feel
Best Coffee:
Can't Miss
this quaint cafe has amazing breakfast, lunch , and dinner menus and a shaded outdoor patio
For Dinner:
mexican and american dishes with a relaxed atmosphere, fast service, and outdoor seating
Open Late:
enjoy their craft beer and an elk burger on their dog friendly outdoor patio, right next to the virgin river
For Upscale Dining:
unique and flavorful dishes in an upscale dining room with floor to ceiling windows so you can enjoy zion views alongside your meal
this laidback cafe has it all, including an outdoor patio that overlooks a deep canyon carved by the virgin river
Vegan & Gluten-Free
high quality dishes, a large cocktail menu, and plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
For late night drinks:
tucked behind a secret door, this speakeasy cocktail bar offers creative cocktails & and outdoor patio open until midnight
Local Favorite:
my personal favorite coffee shop with a lovely outdoor patio, seasonal drink menus, and breakfast food options
