A Step by Step Guide

how to elope in Zion National Park

Are you dreaming of an epic adventure in southern Utah's red rocks? Here is a step by step guide on how to elope in Zion National Park. From where to stay, what to do and where to elope, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your epic Zion adventure!

Table of Contents

+ Where is Zion National Park
+ WHy should you elope in zion National Park
+ Where to elope in zion national park
   + Approved Ceremony Locations
   + Places to take photos inside the park
   + Places to take Photos outside the park
+ Zion National Park Elopement Permits
   + Zion National Park Entry Pass
   + Zion National Park Special Use Permit
   + How to APply for a Zion national park Special use permit
+ Best time of year to elope in zion national park
+ Where to stay in & around Zion National Park
   + Zion Lodges
   + Zion Glamping
   + Zion Airbnb's
+ Activities to do at Zion National park
+ What to pack for a zion national park elopement
+ FAQ's about eloping in zion national park
+ Zion national park elopement photographer
+ Zion national park Elopement Packages

Zion national park is one of Utah's 5 national parks and is located in Southern Utah. It's about 3 hours north of Las Vegas and 4 hours south of Salt Lake city.

Where is Zion National Park?

Zion is the perfect place to ditch the stress of a big wedding and just go for it! Imagine saying your vows on cliff overlooking the valley, endless desert views and no distractions, just you two, totally in the moment. No stress, no crowd, just adventure and epic scenery.

Why should you elope in Zion national park?

Temple of Sinawava

Where to Elope in Zion National Park

One of the most important steps when planning an elopement is choosing a location. From overlooks to slot canyons, Zion has a variety of scenery to choose from.

There are 6 approved places for you to get married in Zion National Park. A permit is required for all weddings, regardless of group size.

(35 people max)

Timber Creek Overlook

(20 people max)

Zion Lodge Lawn

(100 people max)

Menu Falls

(10 people max)

Nature Center North Lawn

(50 people max)

South Campground Amphitheater

(100 people max)

If you decide to get legally married within the park you must have your ceremony at one of these 6 approved locations. However, there are plenty of places within the park that you can say your vows or take portraits at. Here are some of my favorite spots.

Zion Overlook

Observation Point

Angel's Landing

The Narrows

Pa'Rus Trail

Clear Creek

Here are some of my favorite locations outside the park:

Anasazi Plateau

Snow Canyon State Park

Sand Hollow State Park

Zion National Park Elopement Permits

One of the biggest advantages of planning an adventure elopement over a traditional wedding is the venue cost. in 2024 the average cost of a wedding venue in the united states was $14,000!!

when you elope in Zion National Park you only need to pay for a permit, photographer and you get to get married in an absolutely breathtaking place!

Zion National Park Entry Pass

If you are eloping in Zion national park you'll have to pay the park entrance fee in addition to the permit fee. if you book me as your elopement photographer, on the day of your wedding I'll hop in your car and we can use my national park pass to enter the parks. if you're wanting to get your own pass to do some exploring the week of your wedding you can find more info here.

Zion National Park Special Use Permit

To get married in Zion National Park you'll have to apply for a special use permit. The application fee costs $100 and your wedding may be subject to different service fees, or an additional monitoring fee of $50/hour depending on the location and guest count at your ceremony.

How to Apply for a Zion National Park Special Use Permit

Step 1: Complete the application form

Step 2: Submit your application and $100 payment at least 4 weeks prior to your elopement date

Step 3: Wait to hear if you got approved and what the next steps are

You can find out more information and apply for a permit here

Best time of year to Elope in Zion National Park

The great thing about zion national park is that the weather is usually mild year round. While you can elope in zion anytime of the year, my favorite times are year for a zion elopement are in the park's off=season from February-April and October-November. During the late spring and summer the park can get extremely crowded and super hot! If you want to avoid long lines and big crowds, I highly recommend eloping in the off-season.

Where to stay in & Around Zion National Park

There are plenty of amazing places to stay in and around Zion national park. Here are some of my favorites.

Zion Lodges:

+ Zion National Park Lodge
+ Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
+ Majestic View Lodge

Zion Glamping:

+ Under Canvas Zion
+ Zion Wildflower resort
+ open sky zion

Zion Airbnb's:

+ Cozy Cottage
+ Zion A-Frame
+ Farm stay with alpacas

Activites to do at Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the perfect place for an adventure unique to you! Here are some fun activities to make your elopement even more epic!

Go Horseback riding
Take a jeep tour
book a helicopter tour
go stargazing
hike the narrows
kayak in sand hollow state park
go for a canyoneering adventure

The best part about eloping is that you can do whatever your heart desires! Dream of photos of you on horseback in your wedding dress? Or maybe picnicking on a cliffside at sunset? Anything you dream of we can make happen and get some epic photos in the process.

What to pack for a zion national park elopement

Packing the right essentials ensures a smooth and unforgettable zion elopement. when you elope in a national park it's essential to be prepared for anything that might happen. in addition to your elopement attire, vow books and ceremony items, here's a list of things you should pack for your zion national park elopement!

+ Plenty of water
+ high energy snacks
+ sunscreen
+ sunglasses
+ Lightweight backpack
+ hiking poles
+ first-aid kit
+ headlamp
+ Light layers (depending on weather)
+ portable phone charger
+ downloaded offline road & trail maps

Frequently Asked questions about eloping in Zion National Park

Can we have guests at our elopement?

Absolutely! Depending on the location you choose to elope in guest counts may be limited.

Who can help us plan our elopement?

Local elopement photographers (AKA me!) we know the area the best! Each of my elopement packages includes help with planning your elopement and you get all the insider information on all the best spots and tips!

What should we wear for a Zion elopement?

Whatever you feel best in! If you want dramatic photos make sure you have flowy clothes. I also highly recommend comfortable, sturdy shoes as the rocks can be slippery. If you plan on eloping in the colder months, layers and hand warmers are your best friends. If you plan on eloping in the hotter months make sure your clothing choice is light and airy and make sure to pack extra water.

How do you get around Zion National Park?

You can travel by car, on foot, by the shuttle or by bike. I'd highly recommend using the zion canyon shuttle system if possible as parking can fill up pretty quick. the shuttle runs daily from march to november.

Whether you've decided on zion national park, or you're still on the hunt for the perfect adventure elopement destination, I'd be honored to be a part of your special day and be able to document every single moment.

Hey! I'm Katie, your Zion elopement photographer

as a Utah local, i have spent days exploring zion's desert and countless hours planning and photographing epic adventure elopements for the most wonderful couples. from crafting your elopement timeline, helping you pick out the perfect location(s), to providing a 90+ page “how to elope guide” and of course- documenting your special day, i’ll be there every step of the way to make sure you have the elopement experience of a lifetime.

you can find out more about the katie jo photo elopement experience here, and if you’re wanting to get in touch, contact me here. 

i absolutely can’t wait to help you create the perfect adventure to get married to the love of your life!


Zion National Park Elopement Photographer

an elopement shouldn’t just be an hour long photoshoot. although you’ll receive epic photos, i offer much more than just that. you’ll be embarking on an incredible experience filled with guidance, step-by-step actionable advice, effective communication, my knowledge & expertise, all the travel tips, and so much more.

if you’re ready to start your adventure, my Zion elopement packages start at $3800. reach out and let’s start planning the perfect day.

Zion National Park Elopement Packages

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