start planning your canyonlands wedding here….
Deep canyons, towering mesa, other-earthly hoodoos, ancient pictographs, and the Colorado River — Canyonlands National Park is one of the most breathtaking places to get married in Moab, Utah. Canyonlands not only has sweeping vistas, but the immensity of the park means you have space to explore. Spend your wedding day hiking, climbing, going on 4×4 tours, or even stargazing. Canyonlands is the most remote of the Moab parks but only 35 minutes from the town. Frequently compared to Arches National Park, the park has a completely different landscape.
If you’re wondering if Canyonlands is the right place to get married, I’m the Utah elopement photographer for you. Not only can I help you navigate the process, I find top-secret locations in and near Canyonlands National Park to make your wedding even more special.
How To Get To Canyonlands National Park
You’ll need a car for a Canyonlands wedding since it’s 35 minutes from Moab. The closest airport to the park is Grand Junction Regional Airport, two hours away. Often, couples fly into Salt Lake City and drive the four hours to Moab. Or, they’ll make a road trip out of their elopement.
Most couples stay in Moab, although you can camp in Canyonlands National Park. There are no lodging or food places in the park, so when I map out your elopement timeline, we’ll include food time — almost the most important part!
Where To Get Married At Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is split into four areas, but only two allow weddings. That doesn’t mean you’re limited to those spots for photos throughout the day — only that the ceremony must be completed in these areas. If you want to travel more after or before the ceremony, the isolated Maze and impressive historic Horseshoe Canyon should be on your bucket list.
The Needles
The more remote Needles district of the park has dramatic red rock spires, sandstone formations, and wild landscapes. You likely will have your Canyonlands venue to yourself here because it requires a moderate trek for the best Moab wedding spots. Approved locations in Needles to get married are Pothole Point (space for 15) and Needles Group Campsites (space for 15-50 people depending on location).
Island In The Sky
The panoramic views of the canyons, the snaking Green and Colorado Rivers, and easy accessibility make Island In The Sky the most popular part of Canyonlands National Park. You can even get an iconic photo at the Mesa Arch with views of the White Rim and La Sal Mountains in the distance. Because you can get beautiful sights without the trek, you likely won’t have a private ceremony at Island In The Sky. I recommend weekday and early morning elopements — it’s the best lighting too! Make sure to book your date with the park in advance.
There are 3 approved Island In The Sky venues. Shafter Canyon Overlook, Green River Overlook, and Grand View Point — with space for 25 people.
Other Canyonlands “venues” are up to the approval of the park.
How To Prepare For Your Canyonlands Wedding
Whether you’ve adventured in Moab already or this is your first time, let’s plan your Canyonlands wedding together!
1. Get Ready For Crazy Weather
The weather changes quickly in Canyonlands National Park. The desert climate and high elevation mean that even when the weather forecast is nice, you can experience cool mornings, blistering afternoons, and 40-degree ranges in one day. Weather changes in the blink of an eye. This is all part of the adventure!
You don’t have to pack up all your gear if you’re from out of town. My Moab wedding couples get access to the Gear Garage, where I’ll bring what you need for a beautiful day no matter the weather.
2. The Season You Get Married In Matters
The most popular time to get married is in the spring and fall at Canyonlands, which is also the most popular time for tourism, so plan in advance. If privacy is important on your wedding day, book your elopement during the shoulder season of February to March and November to December. Or, plan to get married on a weekday or at sunrise for the best light and the least crowds.
3. Canyonlands Has Strict Wedding Requirements
Canyonlands requires couples to apply for a permit at least one month in advance, up to 12 months in advance. You must apply for a special use permit for the location you want. As your elopement photographer, I’ll guide you through the process, but it’s up to you to apply.
Alcohol, musical instruments, decorations, and amplified sound are all forbidden in the park. For a list of requirements, please see the government site. When planning your wedding, remember the “Leave No Trace” principle applies to cleaning everything you bring in and staying on the trails.
Pro Tip From Your Canyonlands Wedding Photographer: You don’t have to get married in the park for the views. I scout public lands that sometimes don’t require a permit, and way less crowded near Canyonlands — all part of my elopement packages.
4. Utah Marriage Laws Apply
You’ll also need a marriage license from Utah — not the state where you live. Both of you will need to go to the county clerk’s office with a photo ID, sign the papers, and pay the $40. There’s no waiting period. You’ll need to have your officiant (a pastor or a family/friend that got ordained) chosen before. You don’t have to pick your two witnesses in advance, though.
Let Me Help You Plan Your Canyonlands Wedding
Hi, i’m Kelly!
Don’t worry, as your Utah elopement photographer, I’m here to make sure all the boxes get ticked so your Canyonlands wedding is truly all about you and having fun.
Between the kick-off call and questionnaire, I figure out what your dream elopement looks like, what to bring, what to wear, how many hours of coverage you need, suggest vendors, and give you location recommendations with a 3D map.
LET’S CAPTURE YOUR LOVE STORY.
- STEP 1: FILL OUT THE INQUIRY FORM BELOW
- STEP 2: PHONE CALL
- STEP 3: WE PLAN THE SHIT OUT OF YOUR DAY
- STEP 4: BEST DAY EVER & BEST PICTURES EVER
