When you are planning your perfect National Park wedding, I don’t think you can do any better than Bryce Canyon National Park. No matter where you choose to tie the knot, you can count on breathtaking scenery stretching on as far as the eye can see. It’s the ideal spot for those couples who have a healthy sense of adventure! As a Utah elopement photographer, I get to go around the globe seeing some pretty legendary celebrations. Here’s what you can expect for your Bryce Canyon National Park elopement!
Explore Everything You Need To Know for Planning Your Dream Bryce Canyon National Park Elopement
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When You Should Elope in Bryce Canyon & How to Pick Your Date
When you are planning your elopement, the very first thing you have to decide on is your Bryce Canyon National Park date. I know, easier said than done! If you could use some help, here’s what you can expect throughout each season.
- Winter: don’t let the rugged red rocks fool you. Bryce Canyon can be very, very cold, with temps that range from the low teens through the mid-30s. During this season, there is nearly always snow on the rocks. While it can be downright gorgeous, it can also be extremely slick. If you choose this season, you might want to find some fashionable shoes that include snow spikes! Half the park is closed during this season, and very few people can be found across the area.
- Spring: Throughout spring, the snow is melting, the desert flowers are blooming, and Bryce Canyon is coming alive with color! During this season, you can expect highs in the mid-50s and lows in the mid-20s. The area also gets lots of rain, with flash floods happening every now and then. Be sure to keep your eyes on the weather while you are getting ready for your wedding!
- Summer: Bryce Canyon escapes the extreme heat you find throughout Utah, with highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid-40s. Yes, it is very pleasant, but there are some things to keep in mind. For starters, this is wildfire season, and it can be miserable if you have allergies. Also, there are a lot of people who travel out to the National Parks during this season. Be prepared for crowds!
- Fall: Autumn in Bryce Canyon can be pretty magical, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s. Just be aware that this is also when the area gets the most rain. You can also typically see a bit of snow near the end of the season.
What Time Should Your Ceremony Be?
Once you have your Bryce Canyon National Park season, it’s time to find your elopement date. For couples looking to avoid crowds, I always recommend a midweek wedding before the weekend tourists start to flood in. You can also opt for a sunrise wedding to ensure some intimacy. Bonus, the views are gorgeous during this hour! Oh, and one more thing: because of the elevation, it’s a good idea to arrive in the area a few days ahead of the ceremony so you can get acclimated. Then, you’ll be able to avoid any elevation sickness throughout your wedding.
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Bryce Canyon National Park Elopement Locations
The National Park offers several areas where you can get permits for your wedding day. Here are some of my faves!
- Navajo Canyon: Located on a spur trail of Wall Street, this is the best place to go if you want to be surrounded by the hoodoos. Just a heads up: this is not a spot you’ll find on most maps!
- Fairyland Point: If you don’t mind potential onlookers, this spot will give you one of the best views of the rocks.
- Red Desert: With the vibrant sand, this place looks like it’s straight out of another planet!
- Sunrise Point: Despite its name, this area is breathtaking any time of day! You’ll get premium views of the surrounding landscape.
- Bryce Canyon Waterfall: With tranquil rushing water and red hills, this area is ideal for a wedding!
- Sunset Point: This is an area designated as a wedding site by the NPS, giving you an accessible spot a short walk away from a parking lot. You can host up to 30 guests here.
How to Get A Marriage License
In order to get married at Bryce Canyon, you must first get your Utah marriage license. They have no waiting period, so you can swing by the day you arrive in the area. The fee is $40, and both parties must be present. You will need to present a valid picture ID as well as proof of divorce if necessary.
The NPS requires a special use permit to host your ceremony on the grounds. You can request this on their website up to a year before your wedding date. Just don’t drag your feet because it can take up to 2-4 weeks to process. In accordance with Utah law, you must have someone there to officiate.
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What to Wear to Your Bryce Canyon Elopement
With elopements, you have so much freedom to wear whatever the heck you want to wear! Just keep a few things in mind as you plan your outfit. When you are in Bryce Canyon, you will likely be moving around a lot. For this reason, looser dresses and suits tend to be much more practical. There’s a good chance your outfit will get dirty, but that’s just part of the charm! Because it can be frigid, layers are key! I would also suggest putting a lot of thought into your shoes. If your location requires any hiking at all, be sure to choose options with a lot of traction. You can always change into more stylish shoes once you arrive on-site!
How Much Does a Bryce Canyon National Park Elopement Cost?
With Bryce Canyon, you can make your elopement as extravagant as you’d like! Most elopements range from $5000 to $15000. Here’s a breakdown of what that looks like:
- Legal paperwork and permits: Around $200
- Wedding outfits: $1500-$4000
- Flowers: $100
- Hair and Makeup: $400-$1000
- Accommodations: $500-$4000
- Photographer: $4000-$10000
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Bryce Canyon National Park Elopement!
Hiring a Bryce Canyon National Park Elopement Photographer
When you are making your Bryce Canyon budget, I would really recommend putting a lot of thought into your photographer. This is a location built for the more adventurous amongst us, and there’s a good chance you chose this location because you are always looking for the next best experience you can hold onto for years! Why not document that with lots of pictures? As a Utah elopement photographer, I adore traveling throughout the National Parks to work with couples as they embark on their next chapters. Yes, I am going to be here for your pictures, but I can also work with you to create a plan for your wedding week so you can have a trip you’ll never forget. We can work together to make a custom plan that gives you an experience you simply won’t find anywhere else!
Your Dream Bryce Canyon National Park Elopement Is Not As Far Away As You Think
As you start to plan your Bryce Canyon National Park elopement, I hope this guide helps you out! And if you do want to learn more about booking my services, I would love to chat! Send me a message today to find out more!
