How to Get Married in Utah’s National Parks

Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks

No matter which park you choose, Utah will offer some pretty incredible experiences for your wedding day. Some parks are better if you have guests. Some are better for certain adventures. As you choose a location keep in mind what you envision for your day. We can totally chat further about what is right for you if you have a few spots in mind

Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s most underrated parks. If you are looking for privacy, beauty, and dirt roads then this is the place to be. With unique sandstone towers to the North, and arch you can walk across or rap down, epic viewpoints, and plenty of trail to explore Capitol Reef is a gem.

From March to late November you can stop by the Gifford House and get a slice of pie with fruit from the nearby orchard. Explore the homestead that was originally built in 1908 and learn about how the valley was irrigated by settlers.

Explore the park on foot, by 4×4, or on horseback to travel deeper into the canyons and explore!

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of my faves. The hoodoos here are just so unique! I love watching the sunrise or sunset from the rim of the canyon as the hoodoos glow. Hike down into the hoodoos and explore to get out of the sun. You can also travel on horseback if you’d like!

Bryce has a ton of fun hikes you can choose from. Spend the morning hiking and then get married on the rim before the hoodoos. Afterwards have a picnic and enjoy the view, or go on a helicopter tour to see this unique place from above.

Zion

Zion National Park is Utah’s most visited one – and for good reason. With epic canyon overlooks, world class canyoneering, Jeeping, helicopter tours, and incredible hikes, Zion offers nearly every adventure you could want.

Explore the Narrows on your wedding day, hike Angels Landing, or visit an overlook to take it all in. Zion has some ceremony spots within the park that are great if you are bring guests along. I can also recommend some rad spots outside the park if its just the two of you.

Canyonlands

Canyonlands National Park offers epic views of the canyons, has neat arches and overlooks, and offers sweet adventures like Jeeping down Shafer Trail.

Mesa Arch at sunrise is a sight you will not soon forget, and the sunsets overlooking the canyons and nearby mountain range are just incredible. Have your ceremony before the canyon and then go Jeeping or hiking to take in more of the sights. Canyonlands is not far from Arches, so the two could easily be explored in one day.

Arches

Arches National Park is another truly iconic park in Utah. It is home to over 200 arches, the most famous of which you will likely see on Utah license plates. Get married under an arch and then explore the park and all its beauty. Some arches are much more popular than others, so a sunrise ceremony is a good way to get some privacy. Some lesser visited arches also make a great ceremony site and require a bit of hiking. No matter your choice, Arches provides a really unique place to say your vows.

In Arches you can explore on the trails, climb a route, or Jeep out to see more arches. You could also grab a permit and go explore in the Fiery Furnace if navigating slots is your jam.

Arches does have a timed entry process that begins in April. Your ceremony permit does grant you (and your guests) entry to the park. Even with this process I still highly recommend coming for sunrise during the busier season of April-October to ensure more privacy and a parking spot.