With the highest concentration of hoodoos anywhere, getting married at Bryce Canyon is an otherworldly experience. The irregular rock spires are named after the Southern Paiute word for “scary” or “spirit,” oo’doo, and looking at them, you can see why. Bryce Canyon is also one of the most accessible national parks to get married at in Utah, with the best views just off the road.
Arriving before sunrise gives you a chance to see the Milky Way lighting up the darkness. You’ll also get to see the hoodoos go from dark blue to pink and then orange as the sun rises. Outdoor adventures, dreamy night skies, and an intimate elopement make your wedding day just about you at Bryce Canyon.
My job? I’m here as your Utah elopement photographer to capture what the day feels like and help you scout out the perfect place to elope.
Best Places For A Bryce Canyon Elopement
There are only two approved areas to get married at Bryce Canyon National Park. Both are overlooks off the side of the road, meaning that privacy can be a challenge, but accessibility isn’t. Plan to get married during the week, at sunrise or sunset, for an intimate wedding. After the ceremony, we can go throughout the park for more stunning photos.
Silent City at Sunset Point
Whether you stay here just for the ceremony or birdwatch, hike the Navajo Loop Trail, or stargaze at night, Silent City is an easily accessible Bryce Canyon outdoor venue with restrooms and drinking water. The spot is called the Silent City for the skinny sandstone fingers on the canyon floor. At 8000 feet, you’ll have views of hoodoos for miles. Especially striking at sunset with the shadows, you can spot the towering Thor’s Hammer at any time of day.
Overlooking the Main Amphitheater
The bowl-shaped canyon-looking area is covered in spiky red rocks and lush green trees, easily accessed from the parking lot. It’s considered a must-see when visiting Bryce Canyon, meaning it’s gorgeous for pictures and popular with tourists. This overlook fits 30 people.
Free Places To Get Married In Utah
While not exactly in Bryce Canyon, plenty of public land surrounds the park where you can get married. I can’t publish the spots online because then they wouldn’t be so intimate, but as your Utah elopement photographer, I’ll recommend my favorite free places to get married in Utah near the park.
Before Your Bryce Canyon Elopement
Each Bryce Canyon wedding is different, that’s why I do personalized planning, location scouting, and timelines for each of my couples. But, in general, you should know the following.
Choose a wedding date based on weather
Fall and spring are the mildest times for a Bryce Canyon elopement. Since the park is so high elevation, mornings and evenings are often cool, even in the summer. However, once the sun comes out, it can be blistering. Summer is also thunderstorm season in Utah, which can be dangerous in the park.
In winter, Bryce Canyon gets the most snow out of all the national parks in Utah. However, the snow-covered hoodoos are beautiful if you’re comfortable bundling up.
And don’t worry, we always come with backup plans if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Figure out logistics: how you’ll get to Bryce Canyon and where to stay
Bryce Canyon is about 4 hours from Las Vegas and Salt Lake City airports. Many couples choose to road trip there since you’ll need a car at the park. During peak season, there is an optional park shuttle.
You can book The Lodge at Bryce Canyon for overnights at the park, but it gets booked quickly, with spots opening 13 months in advance. The town of Bryce is the most convenient place to stay, only 5 minutes from the park entrance. You can also stay at Tropic, Utah, 15 minutes from the park.
Understand the legal requirements of a Bryce Canyon elopement
You must get a Utah state marriage license before getting married at Bryce Canyon. The closest Utah courthouse is Garfield County Courthouse. There’s no waiting period. You also must get an officiant for the ceremony: Justice of the Peace, judge, pastor, etc., that you’ll list on the license.
Apply for a permit
The National Park Services requires couples to apply for a special use permit before their Bryce Canyon elopement. It has to be applied for at least 4 weeks before the event. The $100 fee includes the park entrance fee.
Things to keep in mind:
- No real flowers are allowed
- No receptions are allowed
- Any decorations, props, and music are prohibited
Before You Start Planning, Reach Out To A Utah Elopement Photographer…
Hey, I’m Kelly, that fun person you invite to your wedding who knows how to snap memories and find the best spots (sometimes they’re free!) for the view, a.k.a. your Utah elopement photographer.
