Are you hoping to elope with the red rocks of southern Utah as the backdrop and need some inspiration? I got you! That’s what I made this Ultimate Guide to the 5 Best Places to Elope in Southern Utah!

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a great place to elope in southern Utah! It is the most popular national park and Utah and a very popular place to get married. I created The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Zion that will give you a ton of details on what to expect!

How to get married in Zion?

You need a PERMIT. The permit as of 2021 is $100 and is very simple to fill out. You will need to fill this out, but I am happy to help with any part of the permit process. I recommend filling out the permit as soon as you have a date picked out so your spot is guaranteed. You must fill it out 3 weeks minimum before the date.

Snow Canyon State Park

If you are wanting to get married in a place that isn’t too crowded, but still has the red rock backdrop then Snow Canyon State Park is the place for you! According to their website, regardless of the size of the wedding, a permit is required, however, the maximum number of people allowed is 50.

How to get married in Snow Canyon State Park?

You will need a permit. As of 2022, the price is $150 and is pretty simple to obtain. As with Zion, the earlier you fill out the application, the better! There are a few different spots that you are allowed to get married at in the park, which can be found here!

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is located near Moab and would make an amazing backdrop for a wedding!

How to get married at Dead Horse Point State Park?

As with all the other locations listed, you will need a Special Use Permit. There are a few locations that are available to you to get married with my favorite being the West Bench Site. The permit only costs $60 (the cheapest wedding venue ever)! Weddings are allowed year-round, but I recommend spring, summer or fall.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park would make a great backdrop for your southern Utah elopement! I love this park because it’s incredibly beautiful, really close to Zion, but not nearly as crowded as Zion 🙂

How to get married in Bryce Canyon?

You will need a Special Use Permit, which is pretty easy to obtain. You will fill out the form and pay a $100 fee. You need to submit the application at least 4 weeks before you plan to get married in the park, however, I suggest submitting the application at least 8 weeks in advance.

Things to note: You are only allowed to get married at 2 locations in Bryce Canyon National Park at Sunset Point. No chairs are allowed and you may only have up to 30 guests.

To see more Bryce Canyon inspiration, check out these engagement photos that I took there 🙂

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is one of the best places to elope in southern Utah and probably the entire United States! It is seriously one of my favorite places that I have ever visited. Check out my post, Dreamy Lake Powell Sunset Elopement, to see just how beautiful this spot is!

How to get married in Lake Powell?

You have to decide if you want to get married from the water or from above on one of the cliffs. If you’re wanting to get married on the water, I recommend renting a house boat so you can fit all of your people with you! If you are wanting to get married at the overlook, I recommend renting a Jeep from Kanab, Utah to climb the rocks easily to get to the spot 🙂

If you do decide to get married at one of these awesome spots, you will need a Utah marriage license, an officiant, and 2 witnesses (I can be 1 of those)! I’m also happy to help with any vendor recommendations and help guide you through the process of how to legally get married in Utah!

When Should I Plan My Southern Utah Wedding?

The weather in southern Utah is constantly changing and varies significantly throughout the seasons. Generally spring and fall months (March – May and September – November) are in my opinion, my favorite times to visit these locations. Winter and summer can definitely work as well, but be prepared for much harsher weather that time of year 🙂

If you have any questions or need any help planning your wedding in southern Utah, don’t hesitate reaching out!