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Haley & Eric’s Intimate Wedding at Zion National Park was a truly special experience. They had a Zion Sunrise Elopement that included just their immediate family and friends, which meant they could make time for each other, as well as for the people they love most.

Like so many couples in 2020, Haley & Eric had to make some hard decisions about their wedding plans. This gorgeous pair had planned their wedding for March, but they had to cancel the whole thing just two weeks beforehand! Instead of letting it get them down though, they put together some stunning plans for their September elopement, and put the rest of their wedding budget to good use.

INTIMATE WEDDING ZION NATIONAL PARK

Surprise Benefits of Eloping: Redo Your Backyard!

One of the most well-known Benefits of Eloping is that generally, elopements cost less than traditional weddings. That doesn’t mean you have to skimp out on your wedding clothes or location (or a great photographer!), it just means that cutting out expensive three-course guest meals and traditional venues will save you a lot of cash! Of course, money shouldn’t be the only factor when it comes to making your wedding plans, but I just love Haley & Eric’s story. After they had to cancel their wedding plans in March 2020, instead of rescheduling, they took the money from their wedding and redid their backyard! And I’m not talking about an average backyard makeover – their backyard now legitimately looks like a resort! At the same time, they managed to plan a beautiful trip to Zion with their immediate families for their beautiful elopement, and they’re still planning an epic honeymoon, as well!

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Zion Sunrise Elopement: Under CaNVAs

When Haley & Eric contacted me about their Intimate Wedding in Zion National Park, they were super excited about their elopement, but they didn’t have any particular plans. All they wanted was to have an amazing time with their families, and to explore the magic of Zion. To avoid the crowds, we decided to have a Sunrise Elopement, starting out with an adventure session just the two of them. They spent the night before at Under Canvas, some gorgeous glamping accommodation near the park. Haley got ready in a tent with her mom & her sister, before doing a very casual but very sweet first look with Eric.

We then did a short hike to one of the park’s most famous viewpoints and were so lucky to be the only people there!! This is why, if you’re hoping to have elopement photos taken in a well-known spot, I always recommend sunrise shoots. The early morning can be tough, but I promise, nothing beats the emotion of feeling like the only people in the world at a place like Zion.

Intimate Wedding Zion National Park

After Haley & Eric’s Zion Sunrise Elopement portraits, we headed over to another trailhead to meet up with their families. We did a short hike into a slot canyon which happens to be one of my favorite (secret!) spots. It’s the perfect spot for an Intimate Wedding because it’s super private and there’s never anyone there. Because we started the day so early, we weren’t rushed for time and each of their family members were able to share a little speech and make a toast after Haley & Eric shared their vows. There were tears, laughter and a lot of hugs, and it just proved once again how special eloping can be – especially eloping with your family in tow!

Getting Married at Zion National Park

If you’d like to plan your own Intimate Wedding at Zion National Park, the process is quite easy! You’ll need to apply for a Permit at least three weeks in advance, for a flat cost of $100.00. To make the most of it though, I’d really recommend working with a photographer or planner who knows the park well. Zion is incredibly beautiful, but it does get busy!! And whether you’re planning a more traditional elopement or an Intimate Wedding, I guarantee it will be so much more special if you don’t find yourself surrounded by crowds while trying to share your vows!