Canyonlands National Park
Elopement Guide
You should elope in Canyonlands!
Canyonlands National Park is one of my favorite spots for a southern Utah elopement! Of the five national parks in Utah, Canyonlands is one of the least busy, with fewer average visitors a year than Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon. This is ideal if you’re seeking a private, intimate elopement off the grid.
Because it’s less busy, Canyonlands is also a less popular place to elope, so you can expect creative, authentic photos that capture your love story and are more unique than an elopement in Zion or Arches.
Canyonlands National Park is also known for its stunning, wide views. From the vistas and overlooks, you can see expansive valleys of ancient canyons cut into the red rock, and misty clouds reaching down to touch jagged buttes. This landscape is totally one-of-a-kind, and the wide, unobstructed views are ideal for jaw-dropping portraits and ceremony backgrounds.
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Howdy! I'm Sam, Your
Canyonlands Elopement
Photographer & Planner
I know there are so many options and things to consider when planning an elopement. I absolutely adore helping couples through this process + reducing stress! Canyonlands is one of the many national parks I know like the back of my hand.
Hiring your elopement photographer + planner is the perfect first step in planning your Canyonlands National Park elopement – even if you aren't 100% sure of when or where yet! I’ll help you through every step of the process, from choosing a time of year/date for the perfect weather conditions, to picking a spot with amazing views, to securing any necessary permits, to finding other vendors and planning wedding outfits that are perfect for adventuring.
Hopefully the information below will help you decide if Canyonlands is right for you guys! Let's go over everything you need to know about eloping in Canyonlands National Park.
We're gonna chat about all of this:
Where to Elope in
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park allows wedding ceremonies at five spots throughout the Island in the Sky and Needles areas of the park. Applications for ceremonies at other locations in the park are also considered on a case-by-case basis – but I think the locations below have so much to offer!
Locations at
Island in the Sky
Island in the Sky is a huge mesa resting on sheer, 1000-foot sandstone cliffs. Its relatively high elevations offers 360-degree views of the canyons below, the area is easily accessible by car, and the mesa is the start of many hiking trails for built-in adventuring before or after your ceremony.
Shafer Canyon Overlook
Location: Grand View Point Road
Group Size Limit: 25 people
Shafer Canyon Overlook is convenient and accessible, close to the park’s visitor center and just a 0.1-mile walk from a large parking lot. From the overlook, you can see down into Shafer Canyon, with a backdrop of the distant La Sal Mountains. The shocking contrast between red rock, purple mountains capped with snow, and expansive blue sky is gorgeously evident at this overlook.
The Shafer Trail, a scenic but slightly challenging 4WD road, switchbacks down into the canyon below (and could be a fun post-ceremony adventure for those with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle). This location is a popular stop for tourists so may be a bit crowded, but you could consider a less popular time of day, weekday, or season for a more private experience.
Green River Overlook
Location: Near Willows Campground
Group Size Limit: 25 people
Just past Willows Campground, Green River Overlook has views of the meandering Green River, Soda Springs Basin, and White Rim Trail. This overlook is particularly gorgeous around sunrise and sunset, with the sun dipping below the hills around the canyon and creating bold colors in the sky.
This site is also fairly accessible by paved road, with a large parking lot, but is less trafficked than Shafer Canyon Overlook. Maybe the best perk is that you (and your guests) could camp right nearby before or after your elopement day!
Grand View Point
Location: Southern end of Main Island Road
Group Size Limit: 25 people
Grand View Point Overlook is at the start of the Grand View Trail, a popular 1.8-mile out-and-back hike along the canyon edge. You can see features in the Maze and the Needles, two of the most famous landmarks in Canyonlands, from the spectacular viewpoint that’s only a short walk from the parking lot.
This outlook is farther from the visitor center but also a very populated site, so it’s a good choice for an off-season or weekday elopement. The easy hiking options of different lengths, starting directly from this overlook, offer built-in adventuring.
Locations in
The Needles
The Needles, in the southeast corner of Canyonlands National Park, is made of colorful spires of rock stretching into the sky, their completely unique shapes like nothing else on earth. It’s also home to hiking and off-roading trails to take you further into the backcountry for unbelievable portraits on your elopement day. Personally, I prefer the Needles over the Island in the Sky!
Pothole Point
Location: Southern end of Main Island Road
Group Size Limit: 15 people
Pothole Point is another option that combines a gorgeous ceremony site with a hiking trailhead for built-in adventuring. Sandstone and slickrock dimpled with potholes catch rainwater along the 0.6-mile trail with views of the Needles.
At lower elevation than the Island in the Sky sites, Pothole Point has a backdrop of sheer canyon walls and distant mountains beyond, and is ideal for a small, intimate ceremony.
Needles Group Campsites
Location: Throughout the Needles
Group Size Limit: 15-50 people
There are three group campsites you can book in Canyonlands for a camping elopement with friends and family: Split Top (15 people), Wooden Shoe (25 people), or Dutch Oven (50 people). Imagine a relaxed elopement where you can spend your whole day with your favorite people, getting ready in pristine nature before holding a ceremony right at your campsite.
All three campsites are sandy, with trees and impressive rock formations just steps away. The National Park Service recommends tents or small trailers and RVs.
Ceremony Site Permits
In order to have a wedding or elopement ceremony anywhere in Canyonlands National Park, you'll need to secure a special-use permit from the National Park Service.
Permit applications take at least four weeks to process, so you'll want to submit yours in advance. You can request a permit up to one year before your wedding date.
To apply, you’ll first need to pay the permit fee of $185 through Pay.gov. You can find instructions for paying permit fees on the NPS website. Then, you'll need to submit the Pay.gov confirmation and a
completed Form 10-930s to [email protected].
Permits are written for one hour of ceremony time. Photography at other locations throughout the park is allowed before or after the ceremony—so let’s take some amazing portraits!
Other Rules for Canyonlands Elopements
Adventuring During Your Canyonlands Elopement
Without the structure of a traditional wedding day, we have the freedom to do whatever you want.
One of the reasons I love photographing adventure elopements is that we get to plan a whole day that feels true to you as a couple.
Canyonlands National Park has so many options for activities to showcase your love off the grid, and I’ll help you plan an itinerary that takes into account weather, lighting, and timing your ceremony and anything else you want to do with your day.
Hiking
There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Canyonlands – these are just a few of my favorites! They’re organized by length and area of the park, so you can pick the hike that fits perfectly into your day.
Island in the Sky
- Mesa Arch Trail (0.6 miles) leads to an iconic arch on the edge of a cliff that is especially stunning at sunrise, with views of the La Sal Mountains.
- Aztec Butte Trail (1.4 miles) follows a sandy wash, then splits in two, leading to the top of Aztec Butte for spectacular views, or to two ancestral Puebloan structures.
- Grand View Point Trail (1.8 miles) starts at one of the ceremony sites above and follows the edge of a canyon with panoramic views.
- Gooseberry Trail (4.6 miles) is the steepest trail in Island in the Sky and switchbacks across cliffs for views you just can’t get without a little challenge.
The Needles
- Cave Spring Trail (0.6 miles) is a short loop that takes you to some amazing artifacts – a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric rock paintings – and requires climbing two ladders.
- Big Spring Canyon to Lost Canyon (8.7 miles) is a loop hike takes you between two canyons in with lots of vegetation, birds, and other wildlife. There are also three backpacking sites along the trail. This is one of my absolute favorite hikes ever!
- Peekaboo Trail (10.8 miles) crosses through three canyons – Wooden Shoe, Lost, and Salt Creek – and requires scrambling across slickrock and climbing two ladders to reach prehistoric rock paintings near the end of the trail.
- Druid Arch Trail (10.8 miles) follows the Chesler Park Trail before branching off to follow Elephant Canyon. This hike is challenging, with deep sand, loose rock, steep scrambling, and one ladder climb, but gets you to one of the most stunning views in the park.
Off-Roading
If you have a 4WD vehicle (or you and your partner want to follow along in mine), an off road trail can be a fun activity to slot into your elopement day, and can take us to some parts of the park not accessible otherwise. I also have a partnership with an amazing jeep company local to Moab! Here are some of my favorite 4WD trails in Canyonlands:
- Shafer Trail (18.3 miles) in Island in the Sky winds from a mesa down a colorful sandstone cliff, and is considered a challenging trail best suited for high-clearance vehicles because of the steep switchbacks. The road has a fascinating history that only adds to the experience of this ideal day trip.
- Lavender Canyon (19 miles) in the Needles follows a canyon bottom with deep sand and deep water, two major creek crossings, and many arches and archeological sites along the route. This route requires a day-use permit for the section inside the park, though the trail extends outside the park.
- White Rim Road (100 miles) loops around and below Island in the Sky, with the whole route taking 2-3 days to complete in a 4WD vehicle. The road is considered moderately challenging in good weather, and sections of the route can flood. All trips along White Rim Road require a day-use or overnight permit.
The park has regulations on what kind of vehicles can use these trails; make sure you review these before you set off.
Backpacking
There are many trails in Canyonlands National Parks that take several days to complete – but these are perfect for a backpacking elopement or honeymoon! I have the gear and know-how to navigate the most adventurous couples on a multi-day hiking trip to the farthest corners of the park.
Keep in mind that most backpacking trips in the park require a permit – which I can help you navigate if you include backpacking as part of your elopement plan!
- Lower Red Lake Canyon (18.8 miles) in The Needles is a strenuous hike that climbs in and out of rock formations called the Grabens, then descends towards the Colorado River.
- Salt Creek Canyon (22.5 miles) in The Needles has less elevation gain than other backpacking trails; the route starts at Cathedral Butte and wanders through dense vegetation and past archeological sites and arches.
Backcountry Trails
The Maze area of Canyonlands has primitive, difficult-to-access trails in the backcountry that are perfect for backpacking for the most adventurous couples. Many of the trails require 4WD to access and have special permitting and backcountry rules; you can find more information on the NPS website.
Plane & Helicopter Tours
Several commercial companies offer scenic tours of Canyonlands National Park via small airplanes and helicopters. Imagine getting on a helicopter on your wedding day and seeing Canyonlands from above (and the amazing pictures and views you can’t get any other way)!
Here are a few of the companies offering tours – I’m happy to help you pick the best option as we plan your Canyonlands elopement:
Camping
In addition to the group campsites you can book as ceremony locations, there are two other campgrounds in Canyonlands National Park for the nights before or after your elopement.
Both campgrounds are open year-round. Some spots can be reserved in advance, and others are first-come, first-serve. You can check out the rules, as well as the current operating status, for all the campsites in the park on the NPS website.
Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
Open Season: year-round
Number of Sites: 12 individual sites
Reservations: All sites are first-come, first-serve.
Fee: $15/night
The Needles Campground
Open Season: year-round
Number of Sites: 26 individual sites, 3 group sites
Reservations: Some individual sites can be reserved spring through fall. Group sites can be reserved between mid-March and mid-November.
Fee: $20/night for individual sites
Stargazing
Canyonlands has some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S., which makes it perfect for stargazing—and star photography!
If you’re set on the perfect starry backdrop for your elopement, I can help you determine when and where the Milky Way will be most visible. You can also check sunrise and sunset times and moon phases on Discover Moab.
The Best Time to Elope in Canyonlands National Park
There’s no wrong time to elope in Canyonlands National Park – it just depends what you’re looking for! Southern Utah is part of the Colorado Plateau, a high desert area that can experience wide temperature fluctuations, even within a single day.
Spring
Spring (April through May) is one of the more temperate seasons in Canyonlands. Although it’s famous for red rocks, Canyonlands also has trees and shrubs that green up in spring for colorful contrast.
Daytime highs average between 60 and 80 degrees, with lows between 30 and 50 degrees—which is ideal hiking and camping weather! Weather can still be unpredictable, but packing layers and good outdoor clothing should keep us prepared for whatever nature throws at us.
Summer
Because Canyonlands is in the desert, summers can be hot and brutal, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees, and lows in the 60s. In the late summer, monsoons can cause flash floods in canyons.
A summer elopement in Canyonlands is definitely still doable—but I’d recommend a sunrise or sunset ceremony when temperatures are lower, and starting any planned hikes early in the day. You’ll want to make sure to bring tons of water, avoid strenuous exercise at the hottest parts of the day, and take it easy in the shade.
When it gets dark and cools off, though, we can do some amazing astrophotography thanks to the limited light pollution in the park!
Fall
Fall (mid-September through October) is my personal favorite season in the desert, with similar daytime highs (60-80 degrees) and lows (30-50 degrees) to spring.
The temperate climate makes all-day adventuring possible, starting with a sunrise hike and ending with sunset portraits against a canyon backdrop. Keep in mind that fall is a busier season, however, as other hikers seek out good weather in the park.
Winter
Large snowfalls are uncommon in Canyonlands, but dustings of snow can coat the rocks in a gorgeous contrast of red and white. Average highs are between 30 and 50 degrees, with lows between 0 and 20 degrees.
Keep in mind that snow, even small amounts, can make roads and trails impassable, and group campsites are closed from November to March. With that in mind, winter can be an ideal choice for a daytime Canyonlands elopement if you’re seeking privacy and snow-capped mountain views.
Timing isn't just about the season. Consider weekdays and sunrises for more privacy on your elopement day.
No matter the season, you can beat the crowds by choosing the right day and time for your Canyonlands elopement.
Weekdays are always less busy than weekends—and one significant advantage to eloping is that it’s usually not any more inconvenient to pick a weekday (unlike with a large wedding where lots of guests have to travel). If you’re planning to spend a few days in the park before or after your elopement, why not get married on a Tuesday?
Finally, the time of day you choose for your elopement makes a big difference in how crowded the most popular overlooks and vistas will be. Sunrise and sunset are the most picturesque times of day in terms of lighting, but sunrises are always less busy—so if you don’t mind an early morning, you can plan an intimate ceremony first thing in the morning, bathed in golden light, and enjoy the whole rest of your day being newly married.
Other Amazing Places to Elope in Utah
If you’ve read through this guide and aren’t sure if Canyonlands is right for you, no worries! There are so many amazing places around southern Utah that might be a better fit for you. You can reach out to me at any stage in the planning process – including if you’re not set on a location yet – and I can help you find your perfect location.
Moab
Moab is such a fun, centrally located town, between several national parks and monuments and with all the amenities you could want if you’re not quite sold on a camping elopement.
Arches National Park
Another great option in the Moab area, Arches also has a variety of ceremony options and beautiful red rock views.
Grand Canyon
If you were attracted to Canyonlands for its canyon views, the Grand Canyon is another equally stunning choice, with more bold canyon views and lots of designated sites along the South Rim. More information on the National Park Service’s website, or reach out to me to start chatting through ideas!
Other Unique Utah Locations
If nothing has struck your fancy so far, no worries! I have the rundown on all the beautiful places in Utah, some more “secret” than others, that are perfect for your elopement day.
When you hire me as your elopement photographer, you’ll receive a comprehensive location guide full of location and activity ideas customized to you.
how to Plan Your
Canyonlands Elopement
If this guide has convinced you that a Canyonlands National Park elopement might be right for you, but you’re not quite sure where to start and feeling overwhelmed by the options, don’t panic! I’ll break down the steps to planning your dream elopement and do my best to make the process as stress-free as possible for you and your partner.
Step One:
Contact Me
First things first, fill out my contact form! No worries if you don’t have all the details figured out yet – reach out to me with your ideas, and I can help walk you through the rest of the steps from inquiry to elopement day. I pride myself on being not just an elopement photographer, but also a local expert, planner, and my couples’ best friend and support as they navigate the elopement planning process.
Step two:
Pick a Spot & Secure Permits
Our first task will be choosing a location! If one of the options above caught your eye, that’s fantastic—but there are even more hidden gems all over the area to suit your priorities, and my first step as your photographer will be to create a custom location guide to help you select the best fit for you. I’m super familiar with the permitting process for national parks, so I can help you navigate the application and nail down a date.
Step three:
Book Lodging
Once we know the ceremony location, I’ll help you sort through the best places to stay, whether you’re seeking ultimate comfort or a night under the stars. I can help secure campground reservations, scour AirBnb for the perfect house, or find an off-roading trail for dispersed camping or backpacking.
Step four:
Find Other Vendors & Nail Down Timeline
Once we have a location and place to stay, we can start building out the timeline for your elopement day, including hiring any other vendors you may need to make your dream elopement a reality. This might include florals, hair and makeup, reservations for elopement day activities or rentals, formalwear, and food. I have established relationships with several local vendors and can provide recommendations to help you pick the right professionals to execute your vision!
Step five:
Get Your Marriage License
One key detail for planning a Canyonlands National Park elopement is getting a Utah marriage license. Both you and your partner will need to appear in person at the Grand County clerk's office in Moab with a photo ID and a completed (but not yet signed!) marriage license application. The office doesn't take appointments, so you can walk in to apply for a marriage license any time Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee for a Utah marriage license is $50.
Utah is not a self-solemnization state, meaning an officiant is required to perform a marriage ceremony. If you want to keep your elopement ceremony as private as possible, I am an ordained officiant and I’m happy to conduct your ceremony – I can be as hands-off as you prefer to keep the focus completely on you and your personal, private vows to each other! Alternatively, the county has a list of local officiants, and it’s easy for a friend or family member to become ordained online for free through the Universal Life Church.
Step six:
Elope!
With all the planning out of the way, and me on your team handling any last-minute details, all that’s left to do is marry your person and have the absolute best day ever.
Fill out my contact form below to start chatting, no matter where you are in the planning process!
Let's chat!
