(all-new updated guide for 2024)

The Southwest is hands down the spot for an epic elopement. Picture this: red rocks in Sedona, badass canyons in Arizona and Utah – it’s a total visual feast. Sunsets here? Insane. Want some intimacy? Plenty of hidden desert gems. It’s not just about the backdrop; it’s about creating kickass memories in a place that’s naturally cool. The Southwest is full of places you’ve likely never heard of + a canvas for an adventurous elopement that’s as unique as you two. These 6 extraordinary Southwest elopement places are sure to leave you with zero regrets + the most unforgettable elopement experience EVER.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Zion

Moab

Slot Canyons

Joshua Tree

Superstition Mountain

Sedona

If you want to skip the research, click HERE for all-encompassing elopement packages (with zero travel fees)

Eloping in Zion National Park

• Nearest Airport:
  • St. George Regional Airport (SGU): Approximately 50 miles southwest of the park.
  • McCarran International Airport (LAS): Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, approximately 170 miles southwest of the park.
  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Approximately 310 miles northeast of the park.
• Wedding License and Permitting
  • A marriage license needs to be obtained in person, by a scheduling an appointment at the Washington County Clerk’s office
  • The marriage license fee is $50 and is effective immediately, but must be used within 32 days from the date of purchase
  • To enter Zion National Park, there’s a $35 entrance fee that’s valid for the week
  • To have your elopement ceremony elope within the park, you’re required to obtain a $100 special use permit for one of their pre-approved ceremony locations. Portraits can take place anywhere within the park accessible to the general public, no permit required
• Hiking Trails
  • Angel’s Landing: A challenging and iconic trail with breathtaking views. To deter overcrowding and have more safety measures, the park does require that you need a permit. The permits are only given through a lottery system and you can find more information to apply for the permit here. 
  • The Narrows: A hike through the slot canyons of the Virgin River. Hiking the trail Bottom-Up (from Temple of Sinawava) doesn’t require a permit. Waders, hiking stick and waterproof shoes are highly recommended for this hike and can be rented at many outfitter locations in Springdale.
  • Emerald Pools: A series of trails leading to beautiful pools.
• Accommodation
  • The most common types of accommodations for this area are vacation rentals, cabins, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds
  • Top recommended accommodations
    • LaFave Luxury Vacation Rental
    • Zion Lodge, the only “in-park” lodge
    • Under Canvas Zion: A luxury camping experience with canvas tents.
    • Zion Mountain Ranch: Rustic cabins and lodges near the park.
    • Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens: Located along the Virgin River with beautiful views
    • Zion Tiny Cabin + HotTub
• Local Activities
  • Hiking, backpacking, bicycling, bird watching, camping, canyoneering, rock climbing, horseback riding, river trips, helicopter tours and stargazing.
• Weather
  • Elopements can happen all year round at Zion National Park, but the time of year and time of day will greatly affect your experience. The summer is the most popular time of year, and it can also be hot—so if you’re headed out on a hike, make sure to plan for early mornings or evenings. The winter is the least crowded season and has the added benefit of snow on the red cliffs. Fall and spring are perfect times to visit—the weather isn’t too hot or too cold, but be sure to pack in layers since it can get chilly at night.
• Elopement Packages
  • For Zion elopement photography packages (+ videography, planning and officiating) click HERE

Eloping in Moab, Utah

• Nearest Airport
  • Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY): This is the primary airport serving Moab and is located about 18 miles north of the city. However, it’s a smaller airport with limited service.
  • Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): About 110 miles northeast of Moab, this airport in Colorado is larger and offers more flight options.
  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Approximately 230 miles north of Moab, this major airport provides a wide range of flight choices.

• Wedding License and Permitting
  • Marriage license must be obtained in person at the Grand County Clerk Office
  • The marriage license fee is $50 and is effective immediately, but must be used within 32 days from the date of purchase
  • $30 entrance fee to any national park in Moab, Utah
    • Arches National Park requires entry reservation for their peak days
  • The National Parks in Moab require a $185 wedding ceremony permit at pre-approved ceremony locations:
    • Canyonlands National Park
    • Arches National Park
  • $20 entrance fee to the State Park
  • Deadhorse State Park requires a yearly photographer permit and wedding ceremony permit submitted by the bride and groom
  • The BLM areas in Moab require an extensive yearly photography permit, as well as Intent of Use from the bride and groom. There is a list of pre-approved locations given to the photographer when the permit is finalized
• Hiking Trails
  • Arches National Park:
    • Delicate Arch Trail
    • Double Arch Trail
    • Devils Garden Trail
  • Canyonlands National Park:
    • Mesa Arch Trail
    • Grand View Point Trail
  • Dead Horse Point State Park
    • Dead Horse Rim Loop
• Accommodation
  • The most common types of accommodations for this area are hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds
  • Top recommended accommodations
    • Sorrel River Lodge
    • Red Cliff’s Lodge
    • Moab Under Canvas
• Local Activities
  • ATV tours, backpacking, biking, off-roading, camping, climbing, guided tours, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, skydiving, stargazing + more
• Weather
  • Moab, Utah is a dry and hot desert. Colder during the nights and have the most drastic temperatures during the Summer and Winter. Fall and Spring are the perfect times to visit this area, but keep in mind these tend to be the high seasons too
• Elopement Packages
  • For Moab elopement photography packages (+ videography, planning and officiating) click HERE
  • Check out How to Elope in Moab for even more details and information

Eloping in a Slot Canyon

Most slot canyons are located in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah – there are multiple ones to choose from in those regions.

• Nearest Airport
  • Page, Arizona
    • Page Municipal Airport (PGA) is the closest airport, located about 7 miles from Page.
    • McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, is approximately 275 miles southwest of Page.
  • Kanab, Utah
    • St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is one option, located approximately 185 miles southwest of Kanab. Alternatively, you could use Page Municipal Airport.
    • McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, is approximately 270 miles southwest of Kanab.
  • Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
    • The closest major airports are Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Colorado, approximately 220 miles northeast, or St. George Regional Airport (SGU).
    • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is about 240 miles north of Escalante.

We’re going to give you the deets for the most popular slot canyon: Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

• Wedding License and Permitting
  • Marriage license must be obtained in person at the Coconino County Clerk Office
  • The fee for a marriage license is $83.00
  • Antelope Canyon specifically, the most widely known Slot Canyon, actually does not allow wedding or engagement photos of any kind. There are other slot canyons though that offer similar views both in Page and the surrounding area
  • Most of the available slot canyons are located on Navajo land, requiring a private, guided tour in order to access the slot canyons and be allowed to have photos or a ceremony in the canyon. These tours can range anywhere from $600-$2000 for a 2-4 hour private tour, depending on the slot canyon.
    • For more details on available slot canyon tours in Page and the logistics of Antelope Canyon, click HERE
• Hiking Trails
  • Horseshoe Bend Trail
  • Antelope Canyon (guided tours only, no weddings allowed)
    • Upper Antelope Canyon
    • Lower Antelope Canyon
  • Hanging Garden Trail
• Accommodation
  • The most common types of accommodations for this area are hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds
  • Top recommended accommodations
  • Page Lake Powell Campgrounds
  • Amangiri
  • Lake Powell Resort
  • Under Canvas Grand Canyon
• Local Activities
  • Boating, kayaking, hiking, off-roading, camping, stargazing, helicopter tours
• Weather
  • The weather in the Summer can be brutal since it’s very hot and dry. If you want to avoid the intense heat, then it’s recommended to go during Spring, Fall, or Winter. Temperatures also tend to be cooler early in the morning or later during the night
• Elopement Packages
  • For slot canyon elopement photography packages (+ videography, planning and officiating) click HERE
  • For available slot canyon tours in Page, click HERE

Eloping in Joshua Tree National Park

• Nearest Airport
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): Approximately 55 miles from the park.
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT): Approximately 130 miles from the park.
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Approximately 150 miles from the park.

• Wedding License and Permitting
  • Marriage license appointment is required for your in-person license documents at San Bernardino County Clerk Office, but a license can be obtained and used anywhere within the state of California
  • California marriage license fee is on average $90; marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the issuance date for a ceremony anywhere in the State of California
  • $30 entrance fee into the park
  • $120 ceremony permit fee for a Special Use Permit at pre-approved ceremony locations; you need to submit your application at least 15 days before your elopement date
• Hiking Trails
  • Ryan Mountain Trail
  • Hidden Valley Trail
  • Barker Dam Trail
  • Arch Rock Trail
• Accommodation
  • The most common types of accommodations for this area are camping, vacation rentals, and hotels in 29 Palms area
  • Top recommended accommodations
    • Joshua Tree House
    • Joshua Tree AirBnbs
    • The Mojave Sands Motel
• Local Activities
  • Backcountry roads, backpacking, biking, birding, climbing, geology tours, hiking, horseback riding, sound baths, stargazing, and wildflower viewing
• Weather
  • The weather in Joshua Tree is pretty hot and dry throughout the year and temperatures can get pretty high in the summer. We highly suggest having your elopement between either March to May or October to November when temperatures are around 85 degrees. Joshua Tree National Park is an open desert, so there’s not a whole lot of shelter from the sun, wind, or rain
• Elopement Packages
  • For Joshua Tree National Park elopement photography packages (+ videography, planning and officiating) click HERE

Eloping at Superstition Mountain

• Nearest Airport
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Approximately 35 miles southwest of Lost Dutchman State Park.
  • Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA): Approximately 15 miles southeast of Lost Dutchman State Park.

• Wedding License and Permitting
  • $83 marriage license which can be purchased and processed at the Pinal County Clerk Office or county clerk office within the state of Arizona
  • Marriage license is valid for up to 12 months
  • $10 entrance fee to Lost Dutchman State Park
  • A wedding ceremony permit is required – price varies based upon location and guest count. Click HERE for all of the details
• Hiking Trails
  • Siphon Draw Trail
  • Treasure Loop Trail
  • Freemont Saddle
    • This trail is located outside of the park on the east side of the mountain, on BLM. That area is also accessible for elopements + much less crowded as well
• Accommodation
  • The area around Lost Dutchman State Park is not incredibly luxurious – there’s a lot of nearby RV Resorts, standard hotels and a few airbnbs in the area. We recommend staying in Phoenix for a wider range of accommodations!
• Local Activities
  • Hiking, camping, ATV or dirt biking, horseback riding, ghost town exploring
• Weather
  • The best time to visit Lost Dutchman State Park is during the fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) when temperatures are more moderate. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 100°F, while winters are milder but can still be cool. It’s recommended to check the weather forecast and plan outdoor activities accordingly. Early morning or late afternoon hikes are preferable during the hotter months.
• Elopement Packages
  • For Superstition Mountain elopement photography packages (+ videography, planning and officiating) click HERE

Eloping in Sedona, Arizona

• Nearest Airport
  • Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG): Approximately 27 miles north of Sedona.
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Approximately 120 miles south of Sedona.
  • Sedona Airport (SDX): While small and not ideal for commercial flights, it’s right in Sedona and used for general aviation.
• Marriage License and Permitting
  • $83 marriage license which can be purchased and processed at the Coconino County Clerk Office or county clerk office within the state of Arizona
  • Marriage license is valid for up to 12 months
  • The fee for a marriage license is $83.00
  • You do not need a permit to elope in most places in Sedona, however, you can not have free-standing arches, tables, chairs. Most trailheads require a red-rocks parking pass.
• Hiking Trails
  • Devil’s Bridge Trail
    • This location doesn’t allow wedding photos or ceremonies and is EXTREMELY crowded, even at sunrise.
  • Cathedral Rock Trail
    • The trailhead has to be accessed via the free Sedona Shuttle in town on certain days of the week
  • West Fork Trail
  • Bell Rock Pathway
• Accommodation
  • Top recommended accommodations
    • Enchantment Resort
    • L’Auberge de Sedona
    • The Sky Rock Inn of Sedona
    • Amara Resort and Spa
    • Sedona Airbnbs
• Local Activities
  • Bicycling, camping, climbing, hiking, spas, horseback riding, helicopter tours, nature viewing, OHV riding, wine tastings, motorcycle rentals and stargazing
• Weather
  • From March through May, the weather ranges from the low 60s to mid-80s—the ideal temperature for exploring Sedona and enjoying every inch of your surroundings. And with desert flora blooming everywhere during that time of year, Sedona is full of beauty. If you’re hoping to minimize crowds on your big day, plan earlier in the Spring season. The Summer has extremely hot temperatures
• Elopement Packages
  • For Sedona elopement photography packages (+ videography, planning and officiating) click HERE
  • Check out How to Elope in Sedona for even more details and information

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The Southwest is FULL of absolutely incredible places to elope for an intimate and adventurous wedding day experience together. If you’re looking to elope at a location similar to one of these but want something a bit less crowded and commercialized, we’d love to work with you for your elopement and find you the spot of your dreams.

If you want to skip the research, click HERE for all-encompassing elopement packages at any of these Southwest elopement places (with zero travel fees)