ZION

ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT

HOW TO’S


Sign reading 'We eloped! Zion National Park' with wedding rings, on a rock.
  1. APPROVED LOCATIONS.

    THERE ARE SIX LOCATIONS WEDDINGS ARE AUTHORIZE:

The Temple of Sinawava, Nature Center’s North Lawn, Menu Falls, South Campground Amphitheater, Zion Lodge Lawn, and Timber Creek Overlook.


Temple of Sinawava

A couple exchanging rings during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with an officiant standing behind them in a green suit and hat, surrounded by natural rock formations. in Zion National Park in Utah

Wedding guests seated outdoors with towering Zion National Park mountain in background.

Nature Center North Lawn

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Zion National Park with red rock cliffs and trees in the background.

Timber Creek Overlook

A couple embracing on Timber Creek Overlook in Zion National Park with red rock formations and expansive sky in the background.

Outdoor wedding ceremony in a scenic mountain park, with a couple exchanging vows surrounded by wedding party members, greenery, and majestic cliffs under a clear blue sky. in Zion National Park in Utah

Menu Falls

South Campground Amphitheater

Zion Lodge Lawn

Zion National Park sign with 'Wedding Permit Required' text overlay, clear sky, trees, and mountains in the background.

HOW TO APPLY FOR WEDDING PERMIT.

A Special Use Permit is required for any wedding in Zion National Park.

Steps to get a Special Use Permit

  1. Complete Application

  2. Pay Application Fee

  3. Submit Application


1. Complete Your Application For Special Use Permit

The form used to apply is known as “Application For Special Use”, or NPS Form 10-930. The form is used for all types of special use, not only weddings. Because of this the form has sections you do not need to complete to apply for a wedding permit. It is easy to be confused on what information is required and what can be skipped. To make completing the application easier use the complete instructions below.

Use this link to open application.


Complete Step by Step Instructions On Filling Out Application For Special Use Permit

  • Complete only the left side of the page with your information. You do not need a fax number.

  • Leave blank, even if you have a wedding planner or coordinator. This section is not used for weddings

  • Wedding Ceremony

  • Location you selected from the six authorized locations, and an alternate location in case your first choice is not available.

  • If you plan to use chairs or tables, list all such items, otherwise leave blank. If you plan to use chairs at the Temple of Sinawava list vehicles needed to deliver chairs.

  • Set-up Begins - Fill in date and for time fill in time 45 minutes before your ceremony, or 60 minutes if you need to set up chairs or other items.

    Activity Begins - Fill in date and for time fill in time 30 minutes before your ceremony time.

    Activity Ends - Fill in date and time 45 minutes after your ceremony time.

    Removal Complete - Fill in date and time 60 minutes after your ceremony time. unless more time is needed to take down items like chairs.

  • Participants - List the total number of people; include photographers and officiant.

    Cars - List all vehicles that will be used; include vehicles used by vendors such as photographers and officiant.

    *Note that when shuttles are running in the park no cars will be allowed at the Temple of Sinawava. If Menu Falls is used only two cars are allowed to go up Scenic Drive.

  • This is typically used for people that will not be at the wedding but will be delivering items or helping with set-up. You can list your vendors like photographer or officiant, but it is not needed.

  • This is typically the name of the applicant.

    Large corporations like Netflix will have a production manager that is different from the applicant.

  • These should all be No.

  • Lastly date and sign the form.

    Make sure you save the document so you can email it later. Title the document with your name and “SUP application for wedding ceremony.”

    This will make it easier for the park to process your application.

2. Pay Fee-

Pay a nonrefundable application fee of $100 - Payments must be submitted electronically through pay.gov by visiting: https://pay.gov/public/form/start/77183452. This fee is for the application processing and not for the permit. If your request is denied you do not receive a refund. If you wish to apply for a different date or location you will have to pay the application fee again.


3. Submit Application

Your completed application needs to be sent to zion_commercialservices@nps.gov. In the subject line of your email include “Application for wedding in Zion” as well as your last name and the date you want to have your wedding. This will make it easier for your application to be processed.

Applications must be submitted at least three weeks in advance of your wedding day. This gives the commercial services folks at the park time to review, consider, make determination on approval, and send out notice of approval or disapproval. It is highly recommended that you apply for your permit as soon as possible. This allows you time to adjust your plans in the event your application is denied. 

AFTER YOU APPLY FOR YOUR PERMIT.

You will receive email notification of your application’s approval or disapproval. Monitor your email for updates from the park. On some occasions additional information may be needed. 

IF YOU ARE APPROVED- Bring a copy of your permit with you to the location on the day of your wedding. 

IF YOU ARE NOT APPROVED- There are a couple of options for you if your application is disapproved:

  • Apply again- If time allows you can apply again for a different date or different location. 

  • Locations out of the park- There are many beautiful locations just outside the park that offer similar views and more seclusion. It is important that you work with a local vendor if you plan to find a location outside the park. Do not rely on navigation apps or social media to give your accurate information! 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LOCATION IN ZION

TIP: Consider What Your Needs Are.

In order to select the best location for your elopement consider a few logistical items.

  • Number of guests and vehicles-

    Application requires a firm count of people and vehicles in your group. Have this before you apply. If needed you may want to round up on your numbers to make sure you will be able to still use your permit if additional people decide to join you. 

  • Needs of your group-

    It is important to know what needs members of your group have as well as any limitations. Some locations require walking on soft sand and some locations are wheelchair accessible. Some locations have restrooms but other locations do not. Take the time to talk with your group to make sure you apply for a location that will work best for you and your group.

  • Weather you are comfortable with-

    Weather is not only about comfort, but also about safety.

ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS NEAR ZION NATIONAL PARK.

Our top 5 favorite elopement locations just outside of Zion National Park.

Location #1

Outdoor wedding ceremony at a canyon with three people: a bride in a white dress, a person in casual attire with a hat, and an officiant in a suit. Near Zion National Park in Utah

Location #2

A couple standing on the edge of a rocky cliff with a vast desert landscape and large mountains in the background, under a clear sky. Near Zion National Park in Utah

Location #3

A bride and groom are being married outdoors by a male officiant in front of a scenic desert landscape with rocky cliffs. Near Zion National Park in Utah

Location #4

A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky cliff overlooking a desert landscape with red rock formations. Near Zion National Park in Utah

Location #5

Outdoor wedding ceremony in a desert landscape with mountains and a partially cloudy sky. Near Zion National Park in Utah

UTAH MARRIAGE LICENSE.

All weddings in and around Zion National Park require a Utah marriage license. Instructions on how to get your Utah marriage license are on our “How to Get Married in Utah” page. You will also learn all other requirements to get married in Utah.

signing utah marriage license

WEDDING OFFICIANT.

All weddings in Utah require a licensed officiant or ordained member of the clergy.

Wedding ceremony with bride in veil, groom in cowboy hat, and officiant in gray suit. Near Zion National Park in Utah

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TIME TO GET MARRIED IN ZION NATIONAL PARK.

Date and Time

Consider the look and feel you want to have on your wedding day. 

    • Temperatures range a lot from summer to winter in the park. Some locations are lower in elevation than others. Summer is a good time to choose locations higher and winter is a good time to consider lower elevations.

    • Some times of the year the park is much more busy than other times. 

    • Some dates, such as holidays are blocked out and no permits will be issued for these dates. 

A couple embracing in a snowy field with mountains in the background. The woman is wearing a white dress and cowboy boots, while the man is wearing jeans, a black shirt, and a cowboy hat. Near Zion National Park in Utah
A bride in a white dress, a groom in a suit, and another person toasting with cans on a rocky, scenic overlook with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Near Zion National Park in Utah

CLIMATE AND WEATHER OF ZION NATIONAL PARK.

Chart displaying climate data for Zion National Park, including monthly average and record temperatures, days above 100°F and below 32°F, precipitation, record high precipitation, record daily snowfall, and days with thunderstorms from January to December.

PHOTO GALLERY

🚧 PHOTO GALLERIES ARE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION 🚧

MORE PHOTOS ON THEIR WAY

6 ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS INSIDE ZION NATIONAL PARK

TEMPLE OF SINAWAVA

Best for midday ceremonies and midsized groups. Easy access from parking lot. A little cooler during the heat of the summer. Nestled in large slot canyon at the end of Scenic Drive. Shaded nearly all day offers soft light during midday. Shuttle ride is required most of the year. River side, it offers backdrop no one can walk through.

MENU FALLS

Best for midday ceremonies and midsized groups. Easy access from parking lot. A little cooler during the heat of the summer. Nestled in large slot canyon at the end of Scenic Drive. Shaded nearly all day offers soft light during midday. Shuttle ride is required most of the year. River side, it offers backdrop no one can walk through.

ZION LODGE LAWN

Outdoor wedding scene Zion Lodge lawn in Zion National Park with a couple exchanging vows surrounded by friends, set in a grassy area with tall trees and red rock cliffs in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in Zion National Park at Nature Center with red rock cliffs.

Nature Center's North Lawn Gallary

NATURE CENTER

AMPHITHEATER

Wedding guests seated outdoors with towering Zion National Park mountain in background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom, guests seated, stone pathway, trees, mountain backdrop. Wedding guests seated outdoors with towering Zion National Park mountain in background.

TIMBER CREEK OVERLOOK

A man and woman standing on a rocky cliff with a scenic view of red rock formations and greenery at Kolob Canyon, Zion National Park during daytime.

Timber Creek Overlook Gallary

Bride and groom in wedding attire embracing on Timber Creek Overlook in Zion National Park with red rock formations in background, under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
Outdoor wedding ceremony at Timber Creek Overlook in Zion National Park bride in white dress and groom in blue suit under trees on rocky terrain.

Location # 1- Spoke’s Overlook

Location 2- Eagle’s Ledge

Location 3- Smith’s View

Location 4- Kolab Saddle

Location 5- Paiute Way

Location 6- Wright’s Overlook