How to Get Married in St. George, Utah

If you’ve been dreaming about an elopement surrounded by red rock canyons, gorgeous sunsets, and calming desert energy, eloping in St. George, Utah might be exactly what you are looking for!! This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from how to get your marriage license to the best elopement locations, travel tips, and when to visit. Whether you’re planning a simple ceremony or a full-day desert adventure, this post will help you create an intentional experience that feels true to you.

Table of Contents

1. Where is St. George?
2. How to Travel Around St. George
3. Why You Should Elope in St. George
4. FAQs About Eloping in St. George
5. Best Time of Year to Get Married or Elope
6. Best Locations for Your St. George Elopement
7. St. George Marriage License, Laws & Permits
8. Where to Stay in St. George
9. What to Do in St. George
10. St. George Elopement Photographer
11. St. George Elopement Packages
12. Final Tips for Eloping in St. George
13. St. George Wedding Inspiration / More Resources

Where is St. George?

St. George is located in southern Utah, about 90 minutes from Las Vegas and 4 hours from Salt Lake City. It’s known for its warm climate, stunning red rock landscapes, and access to some of the most beautiful national and state parks in the Southwest. It blends adventure with a relaxing feel, making it perfect for couples who want to explore the outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of a tourist town.

National Parks near St. George:

• Zion National Park – 45 minutes away; iconic sandstone cliffs and breathtaking canyon views. — Visit the NPS site
• Bryce Canyon National Park – 2 hours away; famous for its hoodoos and sunrise viewpoints. — Visit the NPS site
• Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) – 2.5 hours away; a bucket-list view of one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. — Visit the NPS site

State Parks in St. George:

• Snow Canyon State Park – Just 15 minutes from downtown; red cliffs, lava flows, and sand dunes make it one of the most popular elopement spots. — Visit Utah State Parks
• Sand Hollow State Park – 25 minutes away; a turquoise reservoir surrounded by red sand and perfect for adventure-loving couples.

How to Travel Around St. George

Major Airports Near St. George:

• St. George Regional Airport (SGU) | St. George, UT
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) | Las Vegas, NV – about 2 hours away
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) | Salt Lake City, UT – about 4.5 hours away

Getting Around

St. George is best explored by car. There are limited rideshare services, and public transportation doesn’t extend to the national or state parks. Renting a car (or Jeep!) gives you freedom to explore hidden gems, scenic overlooks, and nearby parks at your own pace.

Why You Should Elope in St. George

St. George is a dream destination for couples who value adventure, intimacy, and connection to nature. Here’s why:

• Mild weather year-round (especially ideal in spring and fall)
• Proximity to multiple national + state parks
• Endless photo opportunities with stunning desert views
• Wide range of luxury stays and secluded Airbnbs
• Space to slow down and create an intentional, meaningful experience

You should elope in St. George if you crave a balance of adventure and ease + if you want your day to feel grounded, intimate, and like you’re the only 2 people that exist. 😉

FAQs About Eloping in St. George

Do we need witnesses? Yes, 2 witnesses over the age of 18 are required in Utah.

Can we self-solemnize (get married without an officiant)? No, Utah requires an officiant authorized by the state.

Is St. George a good place to elope? OF FREAKING COURSE!! With its warm weather, absolutely stunning nearby national and state parks, and calm + healing energy, it’s one of the best elopement destinations in the Southwest!! ◡̈

Best Time of Year to Get Married or Elope in St. George

Seasons & Weather

• Spring (March–May): Perfect temps (70s–80s), wildflowers, and fewer crowds
• Summer (June–August): Hot (90s–100s), best for sunrise or sunset ceremonies
• Fall (September–November): Warm days, cool nights, and lots of pretty golden light
• Winter (December–February): Quiet, cool (50s–60s), great for off-season elopements

Best Time of Year to Elope in St. George For:

• Adventure + Hiking: March–May or September–November
• Snow Canyon Views: October–April
• Privacy: December–February

Best Locations for Your St. George Elopement

1. Snow Canyon State Park
   • Towering red cliffs, white sandstone, and easy access to trails.
   • Closest airport: SGU (15 min)
   • Best time to elope: Fall or spring
   • Permit: $60 special use permit
2. Sand Hollow State Park
   • Red sand beaches and a sparkling lake perfect for paddleboarding or boating photos.
   • Closest airport: SGU (25 min)
   • Best time: Spring or fall
   • Permit: $60
3. Zion National Park
   • Iconic cliffs + breathtaking overlooks.
   • Closest airport: SGU (1 hr)
   • Best time: March–May or October–November
   • Permit: $100 via NPS special use application
4. Black Hill Event Venue
   • a stunning + versatile wedding and event space with plenty of natural lighting that would be perfect for a small get together with your family after your elopement, or to have your intimate wedding and reception!!
5. The Bentley House
   • super cute historic 1876 event center with indoor & outdoor options, right in Downtown St. George, UT
6. The Springs Weddings & Events
   • this cutie venue specializes in local and destination weddings near Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon
   • located in Toquerville, UT, just about 30 mins away from St. George

St. George Marriage License, Laws, & Permits

How to Get Your Marriage License

• Where to apply: Washington County Clerk’s Office (St. George, UT)
• Fee: $50
• ID required: Valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Waiting period: None
• Expiration: License valid for 30 days

St. George Marriage Laws:

• No waiting period
• 2 witnesses over the age of 18 are required
• Must be at least 18 years old (or 16–17 with parental consent)

National & State Park Permits

• Zion National Park: $100 special use permit (please please please make sure you apply 3–4 weeks in advance!!)
• Snow Canyon State Park: $60 special use permit
• Sand Hollow State Park: $60 special use permit

Where to Stay in St. George

Airbnbs & VRBOs: Desert Color, Entrada, and downtown St. George offer incredible stays with views.

Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts:

• Red Mountain Resort – for spa + wellness lovers
• Inn on the Cliff – for panoramic desert views
• Zion Red Rock Oasis – luxury private venue near Zion

Campgrounds: Snow Canyon Campground, Sand Hollow State Park Campground

What to Do in St. George

• Hike through Snow Canyon or Zion
• Explore local restaurants + coffee shops downtown
• Visit art galleries + Tuacahn Amphitheatre
• Go off-roading or Jeep touring through desert backroads
• Relax in a hot spring or luxury Airbnb pool

St. George Elopement Photographer

Hey, I’m Alexis Pollard, a Utah elopement photographer based in St. George. I help couples design intentional, adventurous elopement days that feel like them, not like anyone else’s. From location scouting and permit guidance to creating a timeline that lets you actually be present, I’m there to capture every part of your day as it unfolds naturally.

St. George Elopement Packages

My St. George elopement packages are all-inclusive, meaning travel is covered anywhere in Utah.

• Sage – 6 hours of coverage, sneak peeks within 7 days
• Rosemary – 8 hours of coverage, sneak peeks within 72 hours + Polaroid prints
• Basil – Up to 12 hours of coverage (or split multi-day), sneak peeks within 48 hours + Polaroids

Each package includes location scouting, custom timeline planning, and all your edited high-resolution images.

Final Tips for Eloping in St. George

• Start early for some gorgeous light in the desert, sunrise or sunset is best
• Bring plenty of water + sun protection
• Download offline maps before driving into remote areas
• Always check park regulations and apply for permits early
• Build in time to breathe, explore, and actually enjoy your day

St. George Wedding Inspiration / More Resources

If you loved this guide, explore more on my blog!

Ready to start planning your 2026 St. George elopement? Let’s make it happen. Inquire here and let’s create a day that feels like you.