Ryan and Kayleigh chose the Temple of Sinawava for their elopement in Zion National Park. They loved the big, red rock walls and the Virgin River flowing through the site for their spot to get married. They traveled from North Carolina with their immediate families to join them for a full wedding weekend. They rented out a cute airbnb in St. George, which is about an hour away, with a pool for everyone to hang out for the festivities. When I had my initial client call with Ryan and Kayleigh, they told me that they chose to elope at the Temple of Sinawava because they felt closer to God, which was a big part of their ceremony and day. I’m originally from Georgia (but a proud Utah wedding photographer now) so we instantly connected over the south 🙂

We started their wedding day at 5:30 am with their first look at the Canyon Overlook Trail. Yes, Kayleigh hiked in her wedding dress, which I always admire. We took photos there and at the Pa’Rus Trail in the morning. We met back up in a few hours to start the rest of their day. They wanted their full day photographed so I took some getting ready and details photos of them with their families at their airbnb.

“My husband and I are from NC and decided to have an elopement wedding in Zion National Park, UT. We looked and looked for a perfect photographer and then came across Courtney’s page. It was the perfect fit. I loved her work, style and the things she believes in and loves to capture through her photos. I could not have asked for a better photographer to capture our day from beginning to end. Courtney was very thorough and was readily available at any time leading up to the wedding, providing questionnaires, phone interviews and examples to best help collab and make your vision come to life. She offered great ideas of places throughout the park to take our photos and was willing to drive way out of her way throughout the day to accommodate us and our wedding party. We left that wedding weekend with the most beautiful photos and a new friend! Courtney is so sweet and servant hearted. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone and everyone! Another plus, was that she had such a quick turn around time on getting our wedding photos back to us. Lastly, as if she couldn’t get any better: because we flew and were heading straight out to our honeymoon afterward, we weren’t going to be able to take my bouquet with us. Courtney offered to preserve my bouquet and dry it into a piece of art and then mailed it to me, along with a final USB of our photos. I’m not sure where else you would find photographers willing to go that extra mile, but she does. Just another testament to her work, care and character.”

Kayleigh + Ryan

I was absolutely obsessed with Kayleigh’s dress. It was perfect for their summer elopement in Zion National Park.

Kayleigh wrote Ryan letters every single day since they met to read on their wedding day. She is the most thoughtful person and he was in tears reading these sweet letters.

Their ceremony was very sweet and simple. They read their own vows to each other surrounded by the giant cliffs around them. They just had their parents, siblings, and Ryan’s grandma attend the intimate wedding.

They shared their first dance on this boulder in the middle of the Virgin River. Kayleigh and Ryan waded through the water to get to this spot. I love when couples aren’t afraid to get too dirty on their wedding day 🙂

Their first look at sunrise at Canyon Overlook. Not only did they wade through water on their wedding day, but they also hiked over a mile in their fancy clothes. They are seriously the best!

I love adventurous, intimate weddings like this so much! I loved getting to know this sweet couple and their families. Are you thinking about having a Temple of Sinawava elopement in Zion National Park? I created this Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Zion National Park to help you plan your day 🙂