How to Plan A Dreamy Zion National Park Wedding or Elopement
OH. MY. GOSH. So you’re dreaming about a Zion National Park wedding and ready to dive into all the magic (and logistics) of getting married in one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the world? You are absolutely in the right place, my friend. Whether you’re planning a full wedding day or an intimate Zion elopement, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your national park wedding dreams a reality.
Zion National Park is one of the most unforgettable wedding destinations out there. Take it from me…. every time I visit, I tear up. Yes, every dang time.
But let’s be honest—while the excitement of planning a destination elopement is very real, the details can quickly feel overwhelming. From choosing the right ceremony location and navigating Zion wedding permits to building a timeline that feels meaningful and stress-free, there’s a lot to think about. That’s exactly why I created this guide to help you plan your perfect Zion elopement or wedding day—one that feels completely aligned with you and your love story.
If you’re wondering how to elope in Zion National Park, what time of year is best to get married in Zion, or how to make your wedding day feel intentional and unforgettable, keep reading. I’m walking you through all the must-know info, so you can focus on what actually matters—getting married in a place that feels wild and wonderful and 100% YOU.
Let’s dig in!
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 Have a Zion National Park Wedding?
- 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 Getting Married at Zion National Park
- Can you get married at Zion National Park?
- Are dogs allowed at Zion National Park?
- Where can you get married at Zion National Park?
- Do you need a permit to get married at Zion National Park?
- When should I get married at Zion National Park?
Zion National Park Wedding & Elopement Permits
What IS allowed at our 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 our Zion wedding?
- 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 contact the park or 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 Wedding
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 celebration 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!!
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 Your Zion National Park Wedding Ceremony
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 Resources for Planning Weddings in Zion National Park
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.
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