How to Elope at Bryce Canyon National Park

An increasing number of couples are opting for a more intimate and adventurous alternative to getting married: eloping. Eloping allows you and your partner to exchange vows in a personalized and meaningful way, free from the stress and expectations of a traditional wedding. If you’re considering eloping, look no further than the picturesque and breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park, where stunning landscapes, dramatic rock formations, and serene beauty await. Bryce Canyon is the perfect destination for your intimate elopement; full of unique natural features that make for the best spots to take wedding photos. Eloping should be a fun, exciting, and stress-free experience. To help make planning your dream Bryce Canyon elopement easy, I have created the ultimate guide to eloping in Bryce Canyon. If you plan to elope somewhere else, I have a blog post just for you!

Choosing the Right Time of Year & Location to Elope in Bryce Canyon National Park

When planning your dream Bryce Canyon elopement, one of the first questions you should ask yourselves is “When do we want to elope?” Bryce Canyon has four distinct seasons, each offering its own unique charm and challenges. Here are some key differences to consider for each time of year:

Spring (March-May)

Springtime brings blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures, making it an ideal time for an elopement. The park is less crowded compared to the summer months, and the weather is generally pleasant. However, be prepared for occasional rain showers and cooler mornings and evenings.

Summer (June-August)

If you don’t mind a little extra heat in exchange for long days and stunning sunsets, a summer elopement might be perfect for you. The park is busiest during these months, so finding more secluded spots for your ceremony is essential. Early mornings or late evenings are ideal for avoiding the crowds and capturing the best light.

Fall (September-November)

Fall is a magical time at Bryce Canyon, with cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn colors. The summer crowds have dispersed, leaving you with more privacy for your elopement. The weather is typically stable, but it’s essential to be prepared for chilly evenings.

Winter (December-February)

Winter elopements at Bryce Canyon are enchanting, with snow-covered hoodoos creating a winter wonderland backdrop. The park is quiet and serene, offering a truly intimate experience. However, winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to be flexible with your plans and dress warmly.

Where to Elope in Bryce Canyon National Park (MAPPED BELOW!)

Bryce Canyon Elopement Location Guide

Choosing the right location within Bryce Canyon for your elopement is crucial. Here are some of my favorite spots:

• Sunrise Point: Known for its breathtaking views of the hoodoos and the amphitheater, this spot is perfect for a sunrise elopement.
• Sunset Point: As the name suggests, this location is ideal for capturing the golden hues of the sunset against the canyon.
• Bryce Point: Offers panoramic views of the entire park and is a stunning location for both sunrise and sunset ceremonies.
• Inspiration Point: With its elevated vantage point, this spot provides dramatic views of the canyon, perfect for a memorable ceremony.
• Under-the-Rim Trail: For couples seeking adventure, this trail offers more secluded spots surrounded by the unique rock formations of Bryce Canyon.

Should We Include Guests in Our Elopement?

First, remember that your decision is yours (and your partner’s) to make, and whatever you decide should be a choice you make together without any coercion or added stress from others. There are numerous factors that make the decision to elope solo or with others a tough one. Weddings can be expensive, and if you’d prefer to spend your budget on something special for just yourselves, you are valid. Even planning a small gathering of 20 people requires permitting or a venue, food, décor, travel costs, and it all can start to add up.

If you and your partner are ready, I recommend an intimate ceremony for just the two of you. This way, the day is completely yours to do whatever, wherever you want. But if you can’t imagine getting married without family or friends but don’t want a big wedding, consider a small ceremony of no more than 20 people. Book your reception later in the day to allow time for photos after the ceremony. Deciding how to elope is a huge decision, as it marks the start of your lives together.

If you have questions, comments, concerns, what-ifs, or what-abouts, please do not hesitate to contact me and I am happy to walk you through all of it.

Choosing the Best Photography Package for Your Elopement

Eloping should not break the bank, and it’s important for you to select the package that makes the most sense financially. If you’re eloping at a courthouse and want a simple, quick session, then 1 hour is perfect, but if you are wanting to do multiple looks at multiple locations, 3+ hours is definitely needed. If you plan to host a small ceremony with guests, I recommend 4+ hours to ensure there is plenty of time for ceremony, family, and couple photos. No matter what kind of elopement you choose, we will curate a package that is just right for you.

Choosing the Rest of Your Vendors to Elope in Bryce Canyon

If you decide to elope with a small ceremony, book a venue, or even want to go to the courthouse, you may need to do some planning. It’s important to book vendors as early as possible to lock in your date. This goes for a photographer, officiant, courthouse appointment, venue, reception, florals, décor, permits, etc., whatever applies to your big day. If you need recommendations, I am always happy to help you find the perfect vendors for your big day.

Choosing Where to Get Married “Legally”

Getting married is not the most complicated process, but it is a process nonetheless. If you want to be legally married before the elopement session, schedule your appointment at the clerk’s office beforehand. If you plan to get married on the day of and want pictures after, it is completely possible. You’ll want to schedule an appointment at the courthouse in whatever city/county you plan to elope in. In order to get legally married, you need a valid photo ID and social security card. After you get your marriage license, you have a set period (often around 60 days) to say “I Do.”

CLERK OF COURT IN MAJOR UTAH CITIES:

• Salt Lake County Clerk of Court – 2001 S State St #S2200, Salt Lake City, UT 84190 | 385-468-7300
• Utah County Clerk of Court – 100 E Center St #3100, Provo, UT 84606 | 801-851-8109
• Davis County Clerk of Court – 61 S Main St #101, Farmington, UT 84025 | 801-451-3213
• Weber County Clerk of Court – 2380 Washington Blvd #320, Ogden, UT 84401 | 801-399-8400
• Washington County Clerk of Court – 197 E Tabernacle St, St. George, UT 84770 | 435-634-5712

Packing and Preparing for Your Bryce Canyon Elopement

Before packing for your Bryce Canyon elopement, think about the vibe you want and the location you chose. Is it rustic, adventurous, romantic, etc.? Once you know what kind of vibe you’re going for, you can narrow down your dress/outfits. There is no rule that says you have to wear white to elope; wear whatever makes YOU feel the best. After you pack your dress, I would next suggest: comfortable hiking shoes, layers for warmth, sunscreen, bug spray, honeymoon outfits, and outfits for any engagement session if we are doing one before your elopement. I would also suggest packing snacks and plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike to your ceremony spot.

On your elopement day, it is so important to eat a well-balanced meal and drink plenty of water. Depending on the location, I will drop a pin exactly where parking is or send directions to you. Remember, it’s totally okay to be nervous; not everyone has their picture taken every day! I strive for the process to be a seamless and fun experience from start to finish. My goal as your Bryce Canyon elopement photographer is to deliver a lasting collection of images that feel authentic, real, and 100% you. We will laugh, have fun, and spend the day celebrating and capturing your love story.

Honeymooning After You Elope in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon has so much to offer, and there are so many beautiful places to honeymoon at after eloping here. Below, I have listed some of the most romantic honeymoon destinations near Bryce Canyon.

Romantic Honeymoon Location Guide

• Zion National Park: Just a short drive away, Zion offers stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures.
• Capitol Reef National Park: Another nearby park with incredible rock formations and hiking trails.
• Lake Powell: For those who love water activities, Lake Powell provides a beautiful and relaxing setting.
• Sedona, Arizona: A bit further afield, Sedona is known for its red rock formations and spiritual retreats.

I hope this guide will help you through the elopement process at Bryce Canyon National Park. I am so lucky that I get to capture love stories in this beautiful location. If you want me to tag along and capture your Bryce Canyon elopement, please fill out my booking form!