Planning a Last Minute Elopement in Zion National Park

Planning an Elopement in Zion National Park, even if it’s last minute!

Have you ever dreamed of ditching the traditional wedding plans and going all-in on a spontaneous elopement? Well, Megan and Tommy did just that, and let me tell you—it  couldn’t have turned out better, especially being surrounded by the beauty that is Zion National Park.

Megan and Tommy had originally planned a low-key courthouse wedding, but as that got closer, they decided why not to turn this day into an adventure! They both shared a dream of exploring Zion together, so they packed their bags, tossed out the courthouse idea, and headed straight for Utah's iconic national park. How fun is that?! 

Booking The Perfect Airbnb in Zion

First things first: accommodations with a view! They booked a cozy Airbnb overlooking the park, where they could wake up to the sight of red cliffs and that Zion red desert. It made for the perfect getting ready location, but also such a great spot for them to base themselves for their trip. A hot tub with canyon views? Sign me up!!

I recommend basing yourself in Springdale if possible, as it’s the closest to the main entrance of the park, and close to a few shops + amenities! Otherwise, the towns of La Verkin and Virgin are great too, and might offer a few more options!

Vows in Zion’s Nature

Instead of a stuffy courthouse, Megan and Tommy chose to exchange their handwritten vows along a trail in East Zion. They lucked out with a trail that was practically theirs alone—a rare gem in this national park, but something that elopement day luck seems to make happen sometimes!

You do need a permit to get married in Zion National Park, so you’ll want to give yourself a good 3-4 weeks to apply for that. However, if you’re planning your elopement super last minute. Fret not! You can still take photos in the park, and plan on having your ceremony on some of the surrounding BLM land or even private land like a cool airbnb, if you’ve run out of time to apply for a permit. There are several great spots that are not part of the national park, so this plan can work just as well and be just as beautiful!

First Dance in a Private Slot Canyon

After sharing their vows, it was time to explore the park! You can visit the desert without a trip to a slot canyon, so that was our next adventure. I took them to one of my favorite slot canyons in the park that is rarely visited by anyone else, making it the perfect spot for a first dance! Surrounded by the stillness + grand walls of a canyon while they listened to their favorite song. So much better than the courthouse!!

Sunset Views from Canyon Overlook Trail

What better way to end your elopement day than with sunset views overlooking the best parts of Zion National Park. That’s exactly what we did! We made our way to the trail and hiked the 15 minute path to one of the most beautiful overlooks in Zion. They focused on each other and the beautiful scenes ahead of them, I focused on getting those dreamy sunset portraits, and BAM. We had the most perfect end to the best day.

Megan and Tommy's decision to elope in Zion National Park was simple yet profound. It was a day filled with adventure, love, and the beauty of nature—a far cry from the courthouse wedding they had initially planned. They couldn't have been happier with their choice to embrace spontaneity, head to Utah, and create this day that was just for them. 

So, if you're thinking about saying "I do" in a place that speaks to your soul, consider following in Megan and Tommy's footsteps. Choose adventure. Choose nature. Choose love! 

If you’re inspired to plan your elopement in Zion National Park, even if it’s a last minute ordeal, get in touch below and let’s get the conversation started about how we can plan a last minute elopement in Zion! Can’t wait!

Nicole Daacke