How to Elope in Snow Canyon State Park Without the Crowds (or the Stress)
The Ultimate Snow Canyon Elopement Guide
Looking for a red rock elopement location that feels like a secret adventure—without the Zion crowds? Enter: Snow Canyon State Park. Nestled just outside of St. George, Utah, Snow Canyon delivers jaw-dropping sandstone cliffs, soft white sand dunes, and lava rock trails that’ll make your jaw drop. It’s basically a mini national park without the chaos. And yes—it’s one of my all-time favorite elopement spots for a reason.
Whether you’re dreaming of a hiking elopement with just the two of you or a low-key ceremony with your closest ride-or-dies, this guide will walk you through exactly how to elope in Snow Canyon like the nature-loving rebels you are.
Why Choose Snow Canyon for Your Elopement?
- Dramatic red rock formations + pastel desert tones = A chef’s kiss photo backdrop
- Far less crowded than Zion, but just as stunning
- Easy access hikes + secluded spots
- Elopement-friendly with designated ceremony areas and affordable permits
- Close to cute towns, cozy Airbnbs, and good tacos (you’ll thank me later)
Why Settle for a Ballroom When You Can Have Red Rocks?
Snow Canyon isn’t just a pretty face—it’s the ultimate playground for couples who’d rather swap “I do’s” on crimson cliffs than in a crowded ballroom. If you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s more adventure, less awkward small talk, you’re in the right canyon.
Snow Canyon Elopement Permits (Yep, You’ll Need One)
Snow Canyon is a State Park and does require a permit for elopements and professional photography within the park.
To elope in Snow Canyon, you’ll need:
- A special use wedding permit ($200)
- A professional photography permit ($150)
- An entrance fee per vehicle ($15 non-resident / $10 Utah resident)
You can have up to 50 guests max. Lower Galoot is the only reservable ceremony site—great for small guest counts and guaranteed parking. I’ve got a pro permit already and I walk all my couples through the whole process (no need to stress). The full details for weddings and elopements can be found on the official Snow Canyon State Park website.
Best Ceremony Locations in Snow Canyon
Depending on how many people you plan on inviting, there are several different locations within Snow Canyon that allow wedding ceremonies. Lower Galoot is the only location that you can reserve ahead of time, but there are restrictions. Reservations are only allowed from 8AM-10PM on Saturdays and Sundays from March-May and October-November, and may not be made during certain dates such as holidays and and special local events.
The other locations will remain open to the public at all times. When you elope in Snow Canyon, your elopement will be nothing short of freaking amazing, and gorgeous! Pro tip: If privacy is key, opt for sunrise or a weekday elopement. This park is small, and parking fills up fast.
Parking is limited in Snow Canyon, as it’s not a very big park. It’s on a first come, first serve basis, with the exception of the Lower Galoot area, which is a great place to get married if you plan on having guests. They’ll reserve the gravel parking lot for you with your reservation. See what a wedding at this popular southern Utah location could look like.
For 2–25 People:
For 26–50 People:
Snow Canyon Hiking Trails
You can’t go wrong with any of the hikes in Snow Canyon. They’re all incredible! Any one of them would be sure to give you some freaking AMAZING photos of your elopement day. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
My number one tip for hiking in Snow Canyon State Park, or anywhere really, is to download the map of your hiking routes on the AllTrails app beforehand. Service can be pretty spotty in the park, but if you already have it on your phone, you can use it to guide you along the routes. Sometimes the half-dome trail markers are hard to see along the trail, and it’s easy to get off course.
Where to Stay For Your Snow Canyon Elopement
Depending on what you want to do for the duration of your visit, there are several options where to stay when eloping in Snow Canyon State Park. Of course, if you’re wanting to camp out, you can do so right inside of the park.
One important thing to think about when choosing where to stay for your elopement, is that the place you choose will forever be a part of your wedding photos. Make sure to look through all of the photos offered by the hotel or AirBnB and see if the aesthetic matches where you imagine yourself getting ready for your wedding day.
St. George is about a 15 minute drive to the park from the center of town. With a variety of hotels and AirBnBs, you’re sure to find the perfect place to recharge. This is a pretty good size town with lots of restaurant options. Go to Tia’s for the. best. papusas. ever.
Hurricane is another great option. It’s about a 30 minute drive between there and Snow Canyon. If you’re also planning on visiting Zion National Park while you’re in the area, Hurricane is the perfect base for your adventures since it’s also about a 30 minute drive from Hurricane to Zion National Park.
Santa Clara, a 20 minute drive from Snow Canyon, has a quaint historic atmosphere. It’s perfect for those seeing a cozy, small town feel. Along with AirBnbs, there are also a few bed and breakfasts in the area.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Snow Canyon
Fall and spring are your best bets:
- Mild temps
- Glowy golden hour
- Fewer tourists (especially mid-week)
March through May and September through November are peak elopement seasons. Avoid spring break and holiday weekends if possible. Early morning or late afternoon is when the light—and the magic—happens.
For even more information on eloping in Utah, including some fun activity ideas, take a look at my Utah Elopement Guide.
Airports Near Snow Canyon
- SGU Regional Airport, St. George, Utah- 15 minutes
- Cedar City Regional Airport, Cedar City, Utah- 1 hour
- Harry Reid International, Las Vegas, Nevada- 2 hours
Movies Filmed in Snow Canyon
Did you know this place has Hollywood roots? Films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were shot here. If it’s cinematic enough for them, it’s perfect for your elopement.
- The King and Four Queens
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
- The Conqueror
- Jeremiah Johnson
- The Electric Horseman
SNOW CANYON UTAH ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Here’s the deal: you deserve a wedding day that’s 100% you. I’ll help with everything from permits and timeline planning to location scouting and, of course, capturing every wild, joyful, tear-filled second.
Ready to start dreaming up your Snow Canyon elopement?
