Thinking of getting married in Zion National Park? For adventurers, Zion is a dream with canyoning, hiking, swimming, and a 1-mile-long tunnel through sandstone cliffs. The park’s vast 229 square miles of red rock, lush vegetation, and breathtaking canyon-dotted landscape create a stunning backdrop for your wedding. You’ll even find stone arches and protected archeological sites deep in the park. It’s no wonder it was rated the most beautiful park in Utah.
If you’re thinking of getting married in Zion, it’s likely because you’ve seen the gorgeous photos. As your Utah elopement photographer, I’m here to help you plan your elopement, scout intimate locations, and create a timeline. Basically, I’m here to make your day as fun and adventurous as possible.
Planning Your Zion National Park Wedding
Getting married in Zion National Park can be simple. Because the park is best for elopements, your planning is basic, and as your Utah elopement photographer, I’ll help you every step of the way.
Get The Legal Stuff Done
A special use permit is required to get married at Zion National Park. You must apply at least 3 weeks in advance. The permit has to be applied for by you, but as your elopement photographer, I’ll help you work through it. You also must get a wedding license from the county clerk before your marriage ceremony. There’s no waiting period from applying for the license and getting it.
Pick Your Wedding Date (Pay Attention To The Weather)
You can get married at Zion National Park any time of year, but the weather can fluctuate dramatically from season to season and even day to day. The spring starts early, and Zion vegetation is lush and fresh, with mild temperatures during the day. Generally speaking, the summer is hottest and has monsoon rains in the evening. Getting married in Zion at sunrise is best in the summer. During the fall, Zion is popular with more manageable temperatures and striking yellow trees but crips mornings and evenings. Winter in Zion is colder — in the 40s and 50s — and some trails will be closed for conditions. However, you can drive instead of relying on the shuttle.
Figure Out How You’re Going To Get To Zion
Zion National Park is only minutes from the town of Springdale, Utah. Except in winter, access to Zion National Park is only available through a shuttle from Springdale, affecting where you get married. The closest airport to Zion National Park is Las Vegas Harry Reid International (formerly known as the McCarran), over 2.5 hours away. The next closest is Salt Lake City, over 3.5 hours away. Couples generally spend the night in Springdale.
Photo taken by Tiffany Woerz
Best Places To Get Married At Zion National Park
Below are the only permitted locations for a Zion National Park wedding. Remember that you can take photos throughout the park before and after the ceremony.
Want a sneaky way to get married in Zion National Park without a permit? Use public land close to but not in Zion. This land is often just as gorgeous, less crowded, and has fewer restrictions. I know plenty of free places to get married in Utah, but I’m keeping them a secret for my booked couples. So if you want in, inquire here. 👇
Temple of Sinawava
Far away from the curious eyes of tourists, the Temple of Sinawava features stunning sandstone cliffs and the rippling Virgin River in a natural amphitheater. You must hike and changing weather makes flexibility important when choosing this location. Temple of Sinawava is accessible as the last stop on the Zion shuttle and fits up to 35 people.
Menu Falls
Just hidden from the Zion Canyon road is Menu Falls. The pristine waterfall and cove is a romantic spot to get married, although it requires a short walk along the river. The wooden deck lets you get closer to the falls for stunning Zion elopement photos and space for 10 people.
Zion Lodge Lawn
Although Zion Lodge Lawn can technically fit 100 people, planning a smaller elopement is easier since getting bigger vendors is difficult. The dramatic cliffs and towering cottonwood trees are a picturesque backdrop. While the Zion venue is open to the public, it’s a comfortable place to get married with the necessary amenities. It’s generally only accessible by shuttle.
Timber Creek Overlook
With sweeping vistas of the green valley framed by stunning red mountains, Timber Creek Overlook is a beautiful place for an intimate ceremony of up to 10 people. The trail is an uneven, sometimes muddy, but a quick trek to the overlook. The stunning elopement photos make it more than worth it.
Keep in mind:
- The park and your wedding location are open to visitors even during your ceremony. Zion is a busy park and permits don’t grant you exclusive access. Plan your ceremony when it’s less likely you’ll be interrupted: at sunrise, during the week, or during the off-season.
- Decorations require prior approval from the park.
- Amplified sound and food service are forbidden.
- Dogs and pets are not allowed on most trails.
Just Want To Say I Do?
Getting married in Zion National Park should be about what you want to do — a sunrise vow ceremony, 4×4 off-road adventure, this-can’t-be-real mountain overlook, champagne and donuts toast, midday nap (yep, we can fit it in!), spontaneous hike, and even a small gathering with friends and family afterward (only the ones that make the cut, of course).
As a local, I’d LOVE to be your Utah elopement photographer and capture the epic adventure of your love story. Inquire about Zion adventure elopements here. 👇
