OH. MY. GOSH!! So you’re interested in eloping in Zion National Park and are ready to learn all the ins and outs of exchanging your vows at this STUNNING location? You’re in the right place, my friend. In this blog post, we’ll be breaking down all the details of what it will look like to say “I do” in a national park that makes me cry Every. Dang. Time. I go… It’s true!!
While the excitement is SO REAL when you’re beginning to dream up your perfect elopement day, it can be so easy to forget all the minor details of what it takes to curate a day that feels so fully and authentically YOU. That’s why I’m walking you through allllll of the little details of what it takes to elope at Zion National Park in this blog.
*a quick note: I have yet to photograph an elopement at Zion National Park, but am absolutely DYING to do so, which is what inspired the creation of this blog post so that I have all the details ready for when my dream client (hint: that’s you!) decides they’re ready to embark on this journey together!! As I gain more experience with elopements at Zion National Park, I will continue to update this blog so that you get the most up-to-date information!
Okay, formalities out of the way, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Fair warning: this guide to eloping in Zion National Park is INTENSE, and jam-packed with value, so I’ve included this table of contents so that you can jump to the questions you’re dying to get answers to first and then dive into all the other nitty-gritty details when you’re ready!
Why Should You Elope at Zion National Park?
FAQ’s About Eloping at Zion National Park
Zion National Park Wedding & Elopement Permits
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Zion National Park Elopement Photographer
Zion National Park Elopement Packages
Final Tips for Eloping at Zion National Park
More Zion National Park Wedding Planning Resources
Where is Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is located in Southern Utah, in Springdale, but is also close to Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and St. George!
Closest Major Cities/Towns:
- Driving Time From Springdale, UT: 5 minutes
- Driving Time From Hurricane, UT: 34 minutes
- Driving Time From St. George, UT: 58 minutes
How to Get to Zion National Park
Closest Major Airports
- St. George Regional Airport (St. George, UT): 1 hour drive (Get Directions Here)
- Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas, NV): 2.5 hour drive (Get Directions Here)
How to Drive to Zion National Park
Here are some resources that should help you plan your drive to/through Zion National Park!
Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767
Why Should You Elope at Zion National Park?
- The views are to DIE FOR!!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I cry every time I go to Zion National Park… it’s just that beautiful.
- It’s super close to so many other things you can do and places to visit! Whether you’re dying to start your honeymoon at Las Vegas, or you have all of the Mighty 5 National Parks on your bucket list, you are SET for adventure when you choose Zion as your elopement destination.
- There are SO MANY things to do in the park on your elopement day, so we could creare your timeline where we wouldn’t even have to leave the park all day!
- If you’re wanting an intimate ceremony location that still provides views that are as beautiful as your love, you HAVE to elope at Zion National Park!
FAQ’s About Eloping at Zion National Park
Can you get married at Zion National Park?
- YES!! Kinda the point of this blog, right!?! ;)
Are dogs allowed at Zion National Park?
- The only trail that allows pets is the Pa’rus Trail, which starts right at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
- Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on any other trails, wilderness areas, shuttle buses, or public buildings in Zion.
Where can you get married at Zion National Park?
- Temple of Sinawava (maximum of 35 people)
- This is the most popular place to get married in Zion, and for good reason! It has those iconic canyon views that most couples who choose this national park as their elopement destination have selected it for!!
- Menu Falls (maximum of 10 people)
- This spot is perfect if you want the beautiful waterfalls of Zion as a backdrop for your ceremony!! I’m just imagining the sounds of the waterfalls in the background as you say “yes” to forever…just BLISS.
- Zion Lodge Lawn (maximum of 100 people)
- Choosing this location is ideal if you want a more intimate wedding. If you choose to stay at Zion Lodge, it’s much more accessible because they can shuttle you to your elopement destination! It is more busy in the summer, though, so I would be aware of that if you prefer a more tranquil, less crowded elopement day.
- Nature Center North Lawn (Maximum of 50 people) – Available November-early April only
- A more accessible location to get married, the Nature Center North Lawn is close to Pa’Rus Trail, so that your closest family and friends can be included.
- South Campground Amphitheater (Maximum of 100 people)
- This location is close to the Pa’rus Trail (so if you’re bringing your fur babies, you shouldn’t need to leave them far behind for the ceremony!), and has benches ready to make it more accessible for any guests you should intentionally choose to include on your elopement day!!
- Timber Creek Overlook (Maximum of 20 people, 4 cars)
- If you’re down for a sunrise ceremony, this location would be STUNNING for that! Golden hour is a more prolonged here during sunrise, while at sunset, it may get darker much faster and make your ceremony + festivities feel a bit rushed.
Do you need a permit to get married at Zion National Park?
- Yes! A permit is required to hold a wedding in Zion National Park, regardless of group size.
- Application fee: $100.00.
- Applications need to be submitted three weeks in advance to receive consideration.
When should I get married at Zion National Park?
- Summer: It gets super hot and crowded in the park during summer, but it’s also when everything’s lush and green. From mid-July to the end of August, expect evening storms thanks to monsoon season. Quick tip: Try a sunrise ceremony to beat the heat.
- Fall: Zion’s pretty busy in the fall, but the weather’s perfect during the day. The park’s all shades of yellow, and Zion Canyon looks amazing. Fall is from October to November, and it can get pretty chilly in the mornings and evenings, dropping to the 40s and 50s.
- Winter: Winter’s a less popular time to visit, except around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Daytime temps are usually in the 40s and 50s. There’s no shuttle, so you can drive right into Zion Canyon, which looks pretty bare without the greenery. Watch out for closed trails and icy spots. Also, there’s less going on in Springdale.
- Spring: Spring kicks off at the end of February and goes through April. The park’s busy again, but the weather’s nice during the day. Zion Canyon starts to get its green back, showing off the first signs of spring.
Zion National Park Wedding & Elopement Permits
What IS allowed at your Zion elopement?
- foot travel is allowed on established roadways and permitted trails
- decorations that have been approved
- parking in designated areas
- open fires on designated sites
- use of 25 chairs is allowed on the nature center lawn only if the chairs don’t require you to penetrate the grass
- live plants and/or flower arrangements are allowed as long as they don’t have any seed pods, whether dried or live
What is NOT allowed at your Zion elopement?
- throwing confetti, rice, birdseed, and similar items
- releasing birds, butterflies, or other animals
- leaving trash in the area of the event
- public address systems or amplified music
- use of generators
- erecting of banners, signs, etc.
- food service
Click here for a detailed view of their policies.
How far in advance do you need to apply?
At least 3 weeks in advance!!
How much does it cost?
A special use permit is $100.
What locations are allowed for ceremonies?
- Temple of Sinawava (Up to 35 people)
- Menu Falls (Up to 10 people)
- Zion Lodge Lawn (Up to 75 people)
- Nature Center North Lawn (Up to 50 people (Available November to early April only))
- South Campground Amphitheater (Up to 100 people)
- Timber Creek Overlook in the Kolob Canyon Area (Up to 20 people)
Will your guests still need to pay the regular park entry fee?
Yes! Any vehicles entering the park to attend your elopement will be subject to the park entry fee, which is $35.
How do you get your permit?
Click here to learn more about having your elopement at Zion National Park, and to apply for your special use permit!
Zion National Park Entry Fees & Passes
The standard entry fee to enter Zion National Park is $35 and can be paid at the entrance station, using a debit or credit card! Your pass is good for 1 week, but if you lose it, you have to buy another one. ?
You can see more info on the fees and passes necessary to enter the park here.
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Here are some gorgeous places you could stay near (or even in!) Zion National Park! Because Zion is such a popular location, it is important to remember that you will need to make reservations as far in advance as possible.
Last-minute availabilities are few and far between, and if you’re lucky enough to find something, just know you will be paying the cost to match (just ask my boyfriend, as we recently tried to find somewhere to stay inside Zion National Park for the same night, and were quickly humbled by what it would cost to be as spontaneous as we planned to be lol).
Airbnbs/VRBOs
Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts
- Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
- The Advenire, Autograph Collection
- The Dwellings
- Open Sky
- Cable Mountain Lodge
- Best Friend’s Roadhouse
Campgrounds
Zion National Park has two functioning campgrounds right now:
- Watchman Campground is open year-round. Plan to make reservations 6 months in advance.
- Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive from Zion Canyon on the Kolob Terrace Road, but is closed during the winter months.
You can read more on how to camp at or near Zion National Park HERE!
Zion National Park Elopement Photographer
Lucky for you, you’re one step closer to having the absolute BEST elopement at Zion National Park, because you’ve found a photographer who is SO FREAKING STOKED to document your love! All of my elopement packages include travel to any Utah elopement destination so that you can focus on curating an elopement that is true to you and your love!!
While I have yet to photograph an elopement in Zion National Park as I’m writing this, I have been many times and have done extensive research on the ins and outs of eloping at this stunning national park! I love coming here because of just how dynamic the views are and how many opportunities there are for adventure and of course, beautiful images you’ll never want to stop looking at. :)
When you book me for your Zion National Park Elopement, I will walk hand in hand with you every step of the way, as you book your dream team of vendors, curate a timeline, and get all the little details together so that your day is as unique and intentional as your love.
I’ve linked my elopement packages below so that you can pick the option that best suits you, but if you’re feeling creative and want to do something a little outside of the box, let me know and we can create a custom package that fits you and your needs!
Zion National Park Elopement Packages
You can view my elopement packages here, and once you’re ready, you can book me as your photographer here!!
Final Tips for Eloping at Zion National Park
Remember YOUR Day is about YOU + YOUR PARTNER
While I’ve made tons of suggestions in this post, remember that they are only that: suggestions. Your elopement day is all about YOU, so everything about it should reflect that! Your timeline should be a reflection of your authentic love between you and your partner. The vendors you book should be in COMPLETE alignment with your dreams for your special day.
Not Everything Will Go According to Plan
Listen, I know this is hard to hear, but not everything you extensively plan and hope for will go according to plan. That’s just life. BUT, I always like to remind my couples that “as long as you both say “I do”, we’ve done what we came here to do; everything else is just extra.” Especially when you’re planning an elopement, being ready to embrace whatever the day brings is SOOO IMPORTANT. I hope you’re bringing your hiking boots, friend, because this is about to be a heck of an adventure!
Make sure to bring doggie bags and plenty of water for your pups!
Because there are several parts of the park that are pet-friendly, it’s so important that your fur baby is well taken care of, but also that we continue to leave no trace as we adventure together! When you’re packing your elopement day survival kit, make sure you include some water + bowls for your pup, as well as some doggie bags so that you can clean up after them should they need to potty. :)
Come Prepared!!
Speaking of a survival kit, I want to make sure YOU feel provided for, fueled up, and ready to take on whatever adventure we find ourselves embarking on on your elopement day. That being said, make sure to bring any snacks, feminine hygiene products, drinks, a makeup bag for touchups, medications, or anything else you think you may need in case of emergencies!
More Zion National Park Wedding Planning Resources
If you enjoyed this post, there’s more where that came from!! ;) Take a peek at some of my most recent blog posts, where I give more tips on how to plan the perfect elopement, focus on the present, and embrace authenticity every step of the way.
