Cliffside overlooks, painted valleys, and some of the wildest country roads you’ve ever seen. It sounds like a slice of heaven, but you might know it better by the name of Zion National Park. With so many adventures lying just beyond the entrance, this is the perfect spot for writing the next chapter of your wild and wonderful love story. As a Utah elopement photographer, I adore working with couples to document their celebrations. Here’s what you can expect from your Zion National Park elopement!
Plan Your Dream Adventure For A Magical Zion National Park Elopement
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Zion National Park Elopement!
When You Should Elope in Zion National Park & How to Pick Your Date
Because Zion is open year-round, you get a lot of freedom when it comes to picking your date. It might seem overwhelming to choose your day, but the seasons vary so wildly that you should be able to find exactly what you are looking for. Here’s what you can expect through every season.
- Winter – From December through February, the park gets pretty darn chilly, with temps ranging from the 30s-50s. While it might be freezing, it’s definitely pretty bearable if you come prepared. If you are willing to deal with the cold weather, you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds! Just be aware that the Narrows are closed throughout the winter.
- Spring: If you ask me, spring in Zion is downright magical! The weather starts to warm with pleasant temperatures in the 60s. You also get to avoid many of the crowds that start to appear once summer arrives.
- Summer: Speaking of summertime, this season gets crowded. If you get married during the peak times, be prepared for an onlooker or two (or 15, if we’re honest). The temperatures also tend to get really hot, with highs averaging around 100. Yes, you read that right. If you do get married during this season, bring lots of water and plan for an earlier ceremony so you can avoid the afternoon heat.
- Fall: Autumn tends to be another popular wedding season, and for good reason! Once September rolls around, you see far fewer tourists, plus the weather is downright lovely! Expect average highs in the 60s and 70s. If you do want to use the Narrows for your ceremony, be sure to plan for an October wedding at the latest!
Park Crowds
As with all the National Parks, it can be pretty hard to avoid all the crowds. If you want to have fewer wedding crashers, I would avoid holidays, weekends, and midday weddings. Trust me, there are several things that make a sunrise wedding so magical and intimate!
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Zion National Park Elopement!
Zion National Park Elopement Locations
The NPS welcomes you to exchange your vows on the grounds as long as you have the proper permits. They even have a few spots designated for ceremonies. Here are a few to check out!
- Temple of Sinawava: If you are looking for the quintessential Zion backdrop, this is your spot! You’ll have the tranquil water as well as the towering rocks behind you as you exchange your vows. This area can hold up to 35 guests.
- Menu Falls: If you are willing to go for a short hike, this location is incredible, with clear sights of picture-perfect waterfalls. This area can hold 10 people.
- Zion Lodge Lawn: This is a site reserved for larger weddings with enough space for up to 100 people. You don’t need dozens of people, however, to make the most of this scenic spot!
- Timber Creek Overlook: This area has it all, with clear views broken up by red paths that take you through verdant shrubs. You can host up to 20 people here.
- The Narrows: While this is not one of the designated wedding sites, the NPS still lets you host your wedding in this iconic spot. Just be prepared to get a little wet!
How to Get a Zion National Park License
For a wedding in Zion, you will need two things: a Utah marriage license and a NPS Special Use Permit.
For your marriage license, both parties will need to be in attendance for your in-person visit at the County Clerk’s office. In Utah, there isn’t a waiting period, so you can schedule your appointment at the beginning of your trip. You will need a valid government ID and proof of divorce if necessary. They also will require an officiant for your actual ceremony. This will cost $50.
For a National Park Special Use permit, you can head to their website and request a permit for your date. I always advise my clients to get going on this process right away. You are able to get the permit up to a year before your wedding, and it can take up to 4 weeks to get it back. This will cost $100.
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Zion National Park Elopement!
What to Wear to Your Elopement
With elopements, you get the luxury of wearing whatever the heck makes you happy! You can keep it traditional or wear a dress you could never have worn at a regular wedding. I would just advise you to keep practicality at the heart of what you do. If you plan on hiking with your wedding, it helps to have a looser dress or suit that allows plenty of freedom of movement. You’ll also want to dress for the weather. During the cooler seasons, add layers. During the warmer months, light, breezy outfits are key. Finally, don’t neglect the footwear! Zion has several spots that require no hiking, so you can wear those high heels if you’d like. If your spot does require a trek, wear hiking shoes. After all, you can always change into more stylish options once you arrive!
How Much Does It All Cost?
Elopements tend to vary wildly in costs with the average price ranging from $5000-$15000. Here’s what that looks like:
- Marriage license and special use permit: $150
- Flowers: $100-$200
- Hair and makeup: $400-$1000
- Accommodations: $500-$4000
- Clothing: $500-$3000
- Wedding photographer: $4000-$10000
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Zion National Park Elopement!
Hiring a Zion National Park Elopement Photographer
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of a Utah elopement photographer, this is one spot where I highly suggest not cutting any corners. I know, I know, I might seem a little biased, but think about it for a second. Zion tends to be for those couples with a deep sense of wanderlust. You don’t want big, flashy ceremonies. You are all about the private experiences you can take with you through every season of life.
So, why not document your trip and treat your pictures as an investment in your love story? With my elopement sessions, I take a custom approach. We start out with a consultation where I will start to help you create an individualized package tailored to your needs. Not only are we going to take stunning portraits throughout your ceremony, but I can also help you plan all the activities that will take your wedding to the next level. This is not just wedding photography; it’s a choose-your-own adventure package!
Make Your Zion National Park Elopement Uniquely Yours For Extra Special Memories
Hopefully, this guide helps you as you start to plan your Zion National Park elopement. And if you do want to learn more about booking me as your wedding photographer, let’s chat! Send me a message today to get the conversation started!
