How to Elope in Bryce Canyon National Park

A Bryce Canyon Elopement Guide

So, you’ve decided to get married in the magical land of hoodoos! Eek! I am absolutely thrilled for you. Bryce Canyon took my breath away the first time that I visited. I’m kind of a huge rock nerd anyways, but the uniqueness of the beauty that is Bryce Canyon is just unlike anything else. Your wedding photos will be stunninggggggg. OMG. Read on my friends, and let’s make your elopement dreams come true! 

Planning Your Bryce Canyon Elopement

It’s important to know that the average elevation in Bryce Canyon is around 8,000 feet, so you may want to consider giving yourself a few days before your elopement to acclimate if you’re not used to higher elevations. Who wants altitude sickness on their wedding day? Huge thumbs down. This altitude also causes varying temperatures throughout the day and seasons, so layers are key! Speaking of seasons….

What is the Best Time of Year To Get Married in Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon National Park is open year round. If you’re looking for Goldilocks weather, you know, not too hot, but not too cold? I’d recommend Spring and Fall. These seasons offer the most moderate weather out of the four seasons. But, depending on the vibe you’re going for, here are a few pros and cons for each season to help you make your decision.

Spring (March-May): Along with the milder temps, there are less crowds this time of year. Fewer crowds means more time alone to explore! The only tiny hiccup is that you may have a rogue snow or rain shower crash the party. But that’s ok! With the right attitude, raindrops = whimsy.

Summer (June-August): Summer weddings in Utah are a sizzling celebration! You’ll have long summer days to snap photos until the very last drop of summer light. The only catch? It gets HOTTT, like surface-of-the-sun hot in southern Utah. And those pesky thunderstorms may throw a bolt or two of lightning into your plans.

Fall (September-November): You’ll fall in love with Utah in the fall. The moderate temps are a dream come true. The crowds have thinned out, making way for clearer trails to enjoy those fall colors and use them as a stunning backdrop for your big day! Storms may be possible, but if it’s a winter storm, think how cozy it would be to bundle up next to a fire together!

Winter (December- February): If you’re imagining a winter wonderland wedding, maybe even with some snowshoeing, then this is your season! A pristine blanket of snow on those gorgeous rocks will make your photos breathtaking! And with the smallest crowds of all the seasons, you can adventure about like you own the place! Just be prepared to bundle up because it gets nippy. You’ll probably want to make an earlier start of your day too, since shorter days means less time for pics.

How to Get Married in Utah

If you’re getting married in Utah, you need a Utah marriage license. You can get one from any county in the state, at the county clerk’s office, regardless of what county you’re getting married in. This is the closest county courthouse to Bryce Canyon: Garfield County Courthouse – (435) 676-1100

• There is no waiting period. 
• The county clerk issues a same day marriage license.
• You do not need to be residents of Utah.
• Both parties must apply together, in person. 
• Brince one of these: your driver’s license, passport, state identification card, or original birth certificate.

You need 2 witnesses and an officiant to make it legal. Have them sign your license after your ceremony is performed then return it in person, or through the mail to the clerk’s office where they’ll record it and you’ll receive your official sealed certificate.

As an elopement photographer, I’d LOVE to help you with the details! It’s part of the services that I offer with my elopement packages. Get in touch with me today so that we can start planning your Utah elopement!

Bryce Canyon Elopement Permits

Do you need a permit to get married in Bryce Canyon? Yes. Do you need a pass to enter Bryce Canyon? Also yes. Don’t worry though, obtaining both is a very easy process.

Elopement Permit

To get married in Bryce Canyon National Park, you need 3 things:

If you’re having guests, Bryce Canyon requires ceremonies to take place at Sunset Point in one of two specific locations. Up to 30 guests are allowed, but they do not allow chairs or props. Also not allowed are balloons, confetti (or anything else that can be thrown, such as bird seed or rice), music, decorations, signs, or receptions. 

To obtain a special use permit for your Bryce Canyon elopement, you’ll need to fill out a form that you can get on their official NPS website and submit it with the $100 fee no later than 2 weeks and up to 6 months before your wedding date.

For the best lighting, and less crowds, I recommend trying to have your vows around sunrise- especially if you’re getting married at one of the two locations where guests are allowed. This area is off of the main parking lot and will remain open to other park visitors during your ceremony.

Bryce Canyon National Park Pass

Everyone that enters Bryce Canyon must have a pass. You can purchase one at the gate, just keep in mind that the park does not accept cash. It’s $20-$35 for a standard pass and $70 for an annual pass, however I don’t recommend buying either of those. If you visit more than one park a year, the best deal for visiting them is to purchase an “America the Beautiful Pass” for $80. It is good for unlimited visits to any National Park for one year.

Bryce Canyon Elopement Locations

Silent City at Sunset Point: Perfect for those who want to say “I do” surrounded by sandstone spires. Just watch out for Thor’s Hammer; he’s a real scene-stealer.

Overlooking the Main Amphitheater: A breathtaking backdrop that fits up to 30 of your closest friends—or just the two of you.

These locations are great, but there’s so much more to see in the park!

Popular Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that range from easy strolls to challenging adventures. Here are some of the most popular hikes that will have you saying, “I do” to nature while you elope!

Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip | Elevation Change: 650 feet (198 m)

The Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop combines two iconic trails into one stunning adventure, and guess what! It starts right at Sunset Point, where your ceremony will take place! There are stairs that descend into the canyon, where Thor’s Hammer greets you. The trail takes you through the enchanting Queen’s Garden, where whimsical rock formations (like Gulliver’s Castle) make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. My personal favorite area is through the Wall Street tunnel, which is as Instagrammable as it is breathtaking. There are a few switchbacks as you descend down, but overall this isn’t a challenging hike.

Fairyland Loop
Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip | Elevation Change: 1,000 feet (305 m)

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to escape the crowds, the Fairyland Loop is calling your name! This trail takes you on a journey through the Fairyland Amphitheater, where you’ll encounter unique rock formations and stunning vistas. The descent into the canyon is steep, but the views of Boat Mesa and Tower Bridge are worth every drop of sweat. Just be prepared for a workout on the way back up—this hike is not for the faint of heart, but imagine your first hike as a married couple in a real life fairyland! 

Rim Trail
Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km) one-way (can be done in sections) | Elevation Change: Varies (up to 700 feet)

Don’t freak out at the distance of this one. It’s perfect for those who want to take it easy while still soaking in the views. This trail meanders along the rim of the Bryce Amphitheater, offering breathtaking views of the hoodoos and the surrounding landscape. You can pick and choose your distance, starting at Fairyland Point and ending at Bryce Point, or just hike the paved section between Sunrise and Sunset Points for a leisurely stroll, stopping here and there for amazing photos. 

Peek-a-Boo Loop
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km) round-trip | Elevation Change: 1,200 feet (366 m)

If you’re looking for a hike that’s as fun to say as it is to experience, the Peek-a-Boo Loop fits the bill! This trail is a bit of a workout, descending into the canyon and winding through stunning rock formations. You’ll be greeted by vibrant pink and orange hoodoos that pop against the dark forest floor. Since this one is a little more challenging, that makes it a little less crowded, so you can enjoy the beauty in relative peace. 

Bristlecone Loop
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) loop | Elevation Change: 200 feet (61 m)

This quick and easy trail takes you through a beautiful forest filled with ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living trees on Earth. It’s a great way to stretch your legs without committing to a long trek. Plus, the views from the top are stunning, making it an ideal spot for a quick elopement photo op!

Where to stay for your Bryce Canyon Elopement?

Finding the perfect place to stay during your elopement is essential for ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience. There are several charming towns near Bryce Canyon National Park that cater to adventurous couples, like yourselves. 

Remember when looking for a room that it will serve as the background for your getting ready photos, and any other activity that you’d like to do there, such as drinking coffee, preparing a meal together, cozy hot tub photos, etc.. AirBnB always has great options and Under Canvas has THE perfect glamping options!  If you want to stay inside the park, there is only one option and The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is a hot ticket, so book early. 

Nearby towns:

• Bryce Canyon City: 1.5 miles away
• Tropic, UT: 10 miles away 
• Panguitch, UT: 24 miles away
• Hatch, UT 25 miles away

What to Do During Your Bryce Canyon Elopement?

This is the absolute best thing about elopements. You can make anything a part of your day that you’d like. Your special day should be a whirlwind of all the things that you both adore- whether that’s hiking, sipping cocktails, or dancing like nobody is watching in a field of wildflowers.

Here’s an example of what an all-day elopement, focused on adventure, love, and the two of you, could look like:

5:00 AM	Photographer arrives, coverage begins. Details, getting ready photos, etc.
6:15 AM	Drive to ceremony location
6:30 AM	Private ceremony, followed by portraits along rim
7:00 AM	Hiking, portraits, small picnic with donuts and coffee
9:30 AM	Helicopter tour, horseback riding, activity, etc.
12:00 PM	Grab a pizza and go for a scenic drive, stopping for photo ops
2:00 PM	Eat cake, read letters from loved ones, play a board game, etc.
3:30 PM	Drive back to AirBnB
4:00 PM	First dance, champagne spray, hot tub photos, etc.
5:00 PM	Photography coverage ends

Hopefully this is getting your wheels to start turning on what perfect means to YOU. Keep on reading for more ideas…

Activities In and Near Bryce Canyon National Park

If you need more inspo, I have a list of 50 fun things to do on your elopement day that’s sure to inspire!

Traveling To Bryce Canyon National Park

There are two major airports to choose from for your Bryce Canyon elopement:

• Las Vegas, NV: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) 267 miles
• Salt Lake City, UT: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) 274 miles

They’re both about the same distance away, so it just depends on what else you might like to include on your trip. If you’re having a hard time deciding, check out the driving routes from both and see what stops and sites that interest you are along the way.

Leaving No Trace While Eloping

When you’re eloping in Utah’s great outdoors, following the Leave No Trace Principles is an absolute must. Like, NON-NEGOTIABLE. The National Park service already gets us off to a great start here with the restrictions that they’ve imposed on ceremonies, but it’s a good idea to understand why these ethics are important and how we should follow them in ALL outdoor locations. Let’s set an example for fellow nature-lovers and embrace these principles while reveling in the unspoiled beauty all around you:

• Choose sustainable locations
• Pack it in, pack it out
• Minimize floral impact
• Travel on durable surfaces
• Respect wildlife
• Eco-friendly celebrationsEducate and inform guests of LNT principles, which you can find here.

What To Wear For Your Bryce Canyon Elopement?

Wear whatever you want!! This is your day, after all! If you’re planning on hiking, or adventuring, I do recommend a looser skirt on any dress. Can you imagine climbing on top of a big rock in a mermaid gown? PLUS, flowy dresses photograph really well. 

If it’s cold out, layer up! Leggings and creative socks can make for a fun element. Even in the summer, I’d probably recommend at least carrying some additional layers in your backpack, if you’re planning on any hiking. Summer nights can get cool, especially when you factor in the elevation.

If you’re hiking, decide if you want to hike in your wedding attire, or change near your ceremony location. There are several bathroom areas off of the parking lot that’s near the approved ceremony locations, but if you ask my opinion, I’m always pro hiking (or any activity really) in your wedding attire.

And let’s not forget comfy and appropriate footwear. The last thing that you want to worry about on your wedding day is blisters and achy feet! If your plan is to just walk to the ceremony location and your other activities don’t involve much walking or hiking, you’ll be just fine in regular shoes. But if you’re planning to hike or go below the rim at all, shoes with traction will be best.