Are you a national park fanatic and have plans to visit all of the ones in the U.S. in your lifetime? What about getting married in one? Utah has FIVE national parks that are all stunning in their own way, and all showcase that red rock desert landscape that Utah is loved and known for. Eloping in Utah’s national parks doesn’t need to be complicated. And I’m here for any questions you may have!

I’m going to go through a little bit of information for each park to give you a better idea of what park may be best for you on your elopement day.

Weather:

Utah weather is a little finicky, but can be a huge factor when eloping in Utah’s national parks. It can be 92 degrees one day, and the next 70. But in general, these are the conditions you can expect:

• Temperatures in Southern Utah range from high 30’s (F) in January to over 100(F) in July. There are some parts that are apart of high desert region and they experience wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes more than 40 degrees in one day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April through May) and fall (mid-September through October), when daytime highs average 60º to 80º F and lows average 30º to 50º F.
• Though large snowfalls are uncommon (except in the nearby mountains in Moab), even small amounts of snow or ice can make local trails and roads impassable.
• Early to mid summer is considered monsoon season in Southern Utah. Which means it is very possible that you will see some rain during that time of year. And like they say, when it rains, it pours. Southern Utah is known to experience floods during these month. So use caution and allow for a backup plan (or two) if you plan to elope in those months.

How to Obtain Your Utah Marriage License:

If you are eloping in one of Utah’s national parks and want to make it legal and the real deal, there are a few steps you will need to go through to make it binding. There is no waiting period before you can get married, so as soon as you get your license, you can get married. However, the license is only valid for 32 days. If you do not have the marriage solemnized within that time, the license will expire.

Here’s what you’ll need to obtain your marriage license:

When eloping in one of Utah’s national parks, you will need the following to apply for a marriage license:

• An in-person application with both applicants present at the time of application.
• Full names, addresses and dates and places of birth of both applicants.
• Social security numbers of both applicants, unless an applicant doesn’t have a social security number.
• Names and birth places of the parents of both applicants , including mother’s maiden name.
• Valid picture ID such as a passport, birth certificate, driver license, or state ID card.
• Fees will range from $30-$50
• You will need an officiant and they will have to sign your marriage license.
• You must also have 2 witnesses who can sign the license as well.

Arches National Park

Arches is probably the most known national park in Utah. Its stunning display of sandstone arches have been carved out by wind and water over thousands of year. But due to it being so well known, it can get insanely busy during late spring and summer. And during the summer there is a timed entry ticket system to moderate the amount of people in the park.

Permit Information:

If you plan to have your ceremony in Arches, you must fill out an application and there is a $185 fee. You can apply for the permit up to a year in advance. But must apply within 30 days before your wedding. It typically takes about 10 business days to process these applications. To find out more about the permit and how to apply here.

How many people can you bring along?

While the Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater can accommodate 80 people, most locations in the park allow around 25 people total, including you two and me. You can find a list of ceremony locations permitted in the park, along with group sizes in that link about with the permit information.

What to do in Arches National Park

There are a number of things you can do in Arches! Here is just a few ideas:

• Hike to one of the iconic locations within the park, like Delicate Arch, the Windows, or Double Arch
• Do a ranger guided tour of the Fiery Furnace
• Drive through the entire park and take some photos along the way
• Have a picnic and one of the campgrounds
• Speaking of campgrounds, you can camp INSIDE the park!
• There’s also a ton of BLM right outside the park where you can go off roading!

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is kind of like the middle child in the family of Utah national parks. But when it comes to elopements, I can’t say that I have seen many done in this park! However, I like because it makes it more unique. Between the out of this world Hoodoos and stunning overlooks, you can’t go wrong with this location!

Permit Information:

If you plan to have your ceremony in Bryce Canyon, you must fill out an application and there is a $100 fee. You can apply for the permit up to a year in advance, but must apply within 30 days before your wedding. It can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to process these applications. To find out more about the permit and how to apply here.

How many people can you bring along?

Bryce Canyon can only has two ceremony locations that can each hold 30 guests. Check out the link above for all of the details.

What to do in Bryce Canyon

• Hike trails like the Navajo Loop Trail, Rim Trail, or Peek-A-Boo Loop
• Watch the sun rise at Inspiration Point
• Or watch the sun set at Sunset Point
• Hike to Mossy Cave
• Go off roading
• Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are very popular in this area in the winter!

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is the lesser known park in Moab, Utah, but don’t let that fool you. While many people skip this park on their visit to Moab, I would argue that they are missing out! Seriously, I think everyone is sleeping on this national park and I’m obsessed with it. You’ll stand on the edge of cliffs and see incredible overlooks of the canyon and Colorado River below.

Permit Information:

If you plan to have your ceremony in Arches, you must fill out an application and there is a $185 fee. You can apply for the permit up to a year in advance, but must apply within 30 days before your wedding. It typically takes about 10 business days to process these applications. To find out more about the permit and how to apply here.

How many people can you bring along?

Canyonlands has 8 ceremony locations you can choose from that are within the park. Keep in mind that any location located in The Needles District is just under 1.5 hours away from Moab, but it is well worth the drive! Be sure to check out all of the information in that link above for locations and group size limits.

What to do in Canyonlands

• Explore Island in the Sky and see iconic places like Mesa Arch (best visited at sunrise) and the Grand View Point Overlook
• Stargaze at night (Did I forget to mention that all 5 of Utah national parks are certified Dar Sky Parks?!)
• Rent a Jeep and take a ride on Sharfer Trail through Shafer Canyon.
• There are many off roading trails out this way depending on your experience level and how much time you want to commit to it!
• Check out The Needles District and see places like Elephant Hill
• Have a picnic at one of the overlooks

Capitol Reef National Park

Another underrated park in my opinion, this place has so much history and stunning landscapes! I think I am about 1 of 5 photographers who have actually photographed a wedding in this park (that’s an exaggeration, but you can’t find many when you look online)! But if you are looking for a place that has that stunning red rock and is not super crowded, Capitol Reef is for you. It’s a geological treasure!

Permit Information:

If you plan to have your ceremony in Capitol Reef, you must fill out an application and there is a $100 fee. You can apply for the permit up to a year in advance, and no later than 7 days before your wedding. To find out more about the permit and how to apply here.

How many people can you bring along?

While the maximum number of people allowed for any location is 100, most sites are more suitable for 15-20 people. In general, the park will approve permits for small weddings in locations around the picnic area, campground, or other front-country areas.

What to do in Capitol Reef

• Hike to Cassidy Arch (and rappel down if you’re brave enough! Ask me how my experience went haha)
• Speaking of rappelling, you can canyoneer the slot canyons. Just make sure you or someone in your group is experienced!
• Go for a scenic drive through the park and make stops along the way for photos
• Have a piece of pie at the Gifford House
• Rent a 4×4 high clearance vehicle and see places like Cathedral Valley, or hop over to Hanksville to see Factory Butte or the Bentonite Hills

Zion National Park

Zion is the other national park Utah is well known for. People come from all over the word to hike here and see the breathtaking views!

Permit Information:

If you plan to have your ceremony in Zion, you must fill out an application and there is a $100 fee. You can apply for the permit up to a year in advance, and no later than 3 weeks before your wedding. To find out more about the permit and how to apply here.

How many people can you bring along?

Zion has 6 ceremony locations within the park that can hold anywhere from 10-100 people. Make sure to look over the link above to see the different locations, maximum amount per site, and photos of each location.

What to do in Zion

• Hike one of the many trails in the park like the famous Angels Landing or The Narrows
• Rock climbing
• Off roading
• Find petroglyphs
• Head over to Snow Canyon for more stunning views

As always, remember to Leave No Trace on your adventures and leave the parks better than you find them!

If you are eloping in one of Utah’s national parks or just need more tips on how to elope in a national park, head here for more tips and inspiration!