Kanab Utah Adventure Elopement

Anna and Gilly’s Kanab Utah adventure elopement was the kind of day you dream about when you want big views, zero stress, and your own little corner of the desert.

Why Kanab?

Calling itself “The Greatest Earth on Show,” Kanab is a rugged playground of cliffs, hoodoos, and vast desert vistas — perfect for couples who want an elopement that feels like a cinematic road trip.

Their Day in a Nutshell

Jeep to Overlook

Anna and Gilly loaded into a 4×4 Jeep and headed off-road toward a jaw-dropping overlook above Lake Powell. The location was remote, private, and accessed only by adventurous wheels — just how they imagined it.

Ceremony With a View

It was just the two of them, perched on sandstone, with the lake and desert stretching behind them. No audience, no fuss — just vows, quiet, and an epic backdrop.

Picnic & Desert Frolicking

They celebrated with a cozy picnic right there on the cliff, then hit the trails toward dramatic hoodoos — those mushroom-shaped rock formations only found in southern Utah.

Running Wild in the Desert

Carrying that post-wedding high, they raced across sand and rocks, skirted between hoodoos, and soaked up that wide-open freedom that only the desert offers.

Must-Do Notes Around Kanab

Getting married in Kanab means plenty more to do before or after the ceremony:

  1. Toadstool Hoodoos Hike – A short ~1.5‑mile roundtrip brings you to iconic hoodoos — easy, rewarding, and perfect for exploring couples.
  2. Wahweap Hoodoos & Lake Powell Views – Off-roading to this overlook above Wahweap Bay delivers remote panoramas with Lake Powell below.
  3. Local Jeeping Routes – High-clearance rides like Jeeps are essential — expect to bring 2–3 gallons of water, sunscreen, and offline maps.
  4. Nearby Slot Canyons & Local Trails – For more exploration, secret slot canyons and narrow desert paths await outside Kanab.
  5. Kanab Town Vibes – Head into town post-elopement for burgers, local art, and browsing the “Little Hollywood” sets used in old Western films.

Tips for a Smooth Desert Day

  • Jeep Ready: Only a high-clearance 4×4 with good tires will do.
  • Safety First: Bring sun protection, lots of water, a first-aid kit, and offline navigation.
  • Plan Timing: Start midday or late afternoon so you can end the ceremony at golden hour — that soft light is magic on the cliffs.
  • Keep It Small: Remote spots mean no permits, just follow Leave No Trace and stay solo or with just two to three people.

Why It Worked So Well

  • No distractions: Just Anna and Gilly, a Jeep, and the quiet desert.
  • All the feels: Ceremony, picnic, hiking, and play — a full-day experience, not just a moment.
  • Wild beauty: Hoodoos, cliffs, and Lake Powell made their backdrop without needing extra decor.

Thinking of your own epic Kanab Utah adventure elopement? If you’re dreaming of your own Kanab Utah adventure elopement — whether it includes Jeeps, hoodoos, or just the two of you under a desert sky — I’d love to help you bring it to life. Let’s get in touch 🙂

Documenting Alaska & Utah elopements, intimate weddings, & portraits

Running Away From A Wedding That Feels
Run-Of-The-Mill?

I’ll meet you there. Happy to run, walk, or climb — all adventures are welcome here.

(With an adventure elopement photographer like me?)