HOW TO GET MARRIED IN
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Must Have
Marriage License
Location
Special Use Permit
Wedding Officiant
Should Have
Timeline and Itenary
Maps Downloaded
Water and Salty Snacks
Good Walking Shoes
Will Want
Flowers
Elopement Cake
Hair and Makeup
Photography
YOU MUST HAVE
TO GET MARRIED IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
Special Use Permit (SUP)
Utah marriage license
Wedding officiant
How to be issued a Special Use Permit
Applying for a Special Use Permit requires an authorized location be selected, an application to filled out, a small application fee be paid, and the application be submitted by email.
Authorized Location
When filling out a SUP application an authorized location must be listed. It is very important to understand that Zion National Park restricts where in the park any wedding (including elopements) can take place.
Six locations in Zion National Park are authorized:
Temple of Sinawava
maximum of 35 people
Menu Falls
maximum of 10 people
Zion Lodge Lawn,
maximum of 75 people
Temple of Sinawava
Menu Falls
Lodge Lawn
North Lawn of the Nature Center,
maximum of 50 people
South Campground Amphitheater,
maximum of 100 people
Timber Creek Overlook
maximum of 20 people
Nature Center North Lawn
South Campground Amphitheater
Timber Creek Overlook
Each of these locations have advantages and disadvantages. When deciding on the right spot for your elopement you will want to consider both the location and your group. Each has unique views, accessibility, maximum number of guests, and logistics to consider. Accessibility and logistics change during different times of the year as well. Before Applying
Before you apply for a Special Use Permit you will need to know what location you will be applying to use. In order to select the best spot for your elopement consider and decide on a few logistical items.
Numbers-
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-
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.
Date and time of year-
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.
Learn More
SPECIAL USE PERMIT.
Steps to get a Special Use Permit
Apply
Pay Application Fee
Submit Application
1. Apply For Your Special Use Permit
Use link to open application NPS Form 10-930 “Application For Special Use Permit”
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.
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Complete only the left side of the page with your information. You do not need a fax number.
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Leave blank, even if you have a wedding planner or coordinator. This section is not used for weddings
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Wedding Ceremony
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Location you selected from the six authorized locations, and an alternate location in case your first choice is not available.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This is typically the name of the applicant.
Large corporations like Netflix will have a production manager that is different from the applicant.
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These should all be No.
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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.
3. Submit Application
Your completed application needs to be sent to zion_commercialservices@nps.gov.
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.
Complete Instructions On Filling Out Application For Special Use Permit
After you apply
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! If you need help visit outlandadventures.net/locations or contact us at info@outlandadventures.net.
Top Five Favorite Locations Just Outside Zion
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.
WEDDING OFFICIANT.
All weddings in Utah require a licensed officiant or ordained member of the clergy.
YOU WILL WANT.
IN ADDITION TO THOSE NEED-TO-HAVE ITEMS THESE ARE THINGS YOU REALLY SHOULD DO WHEN GETTING MARRIED IN ZION NATIONAL PARK:
Make a Plan Early
Have Flowers to be Delivered
Have Elopement Cake Delivered
Have a Photographer and Videographer
Have a Parking Plan
Coordinate Bouquets and Boutonnieres
Whether you're exchanging vows in a wedding gown or hiking attire, a bouquet of flowers adds a touch of bridal elegance and provides ample opportunities for stunning photos with your photographer. Even for those opting for a more casual affair amidst nature, a bouquet effortlessly elevates the occasion to feel and look like a wedding.
When selecting your wedding flowers, several factors merit consideration:
Seasonal blooms are ideal, as they withstand outdoor conditions and hiking adventures better than specialty flowers. Inform your florist about your outdoor elopement location to ensure suitability. Embrace the natural surroundings by opting for local flowers that complement the environment.
Opting for locally sourced flowers also aids in preserving the ecological balance by preventing the spread of invasive species. Sunflowers, when in season and locally sourced, exude timeless beauty.
Avoid pampas grass due to its invasive nature and tendency to spread seeds, particularly unsuitable for national park weddings where floral displays are prohibited. Its presence can disrupt makeup and attire, especially in windy conditions.
To streamline your experience, consider having your flowers delivered to your hotel or designated location. Choose a reputable florist specializing in elopements to ensure reliability and timely delivery, allowing you to maximize your time with your partner without unnecessary hassle.
For those unfamiliar with local flower availability and trustworthy vendors in Southern Utah, entrusting Outland Adventures to arrange your flowers ensures access to the finest florists and seamless delivery, saving you both time and effort.
Organize Local Bakery for Elopement Cake
Indulge in an elopement cake, perfect for capturing the classic cake-cutting moment and adding a sweet touch to your celebration. Elopement cakes typically range from 5 to 8 inches in diameter and feature 2 to 3 layers, offering a delightful treat for you and your beloved.
When selecting a bakery and cake, consider the following:
Prioritize reliability when choosing a bakery to avoid any last-minute mishaps. Opt for bakeries experienced in crafting both wedding and elopement cakes to ensure satisfaction.
Select a cake suited to the location and season, taking into account factors like temperature. Fondant is preferable for warmer climates, ensuring the cake remains pristine despite the heat.
Similar to flower arrangements, entrust Outland Adventures to coordinate your elopement cake, ensuring seamless delivery and impeccable quality, regardless of your chosen location.
By entrusting these details to professionals, you can focus on cherishing each moment of your special day without any worries or complication.
Watch Your Step, The Soil is Alive! Cryptobiotic Coil Crusts
DO NOT LEAVE THE PATH, Step Responsibly.
It may look like dirt but it is alive and it is a huge part of our desert ecosystem.
Cryptobiotic crust is a biological soil-a living soil that creates a crust over the landscape. In many places, soil crust comprises over 70 percent of all living ground cover. The knobby, black crust here includes lichen, mosses, green algae, microfungi, and bacteria, but is dominated by cyanobacteria.
Soil crust helps control erosion by keeping soil stuck together in one continuous crust. Sediment doesn’t wash away in the rain or blow away in the wind. This is why the Colorado Plateau’s high desert isn’t covered in loose sandy dunes.
Soil crust also holds and retains water. Plant roots tap into this spongy crust to survive dryer and hotter conditions. It also promotes plant life by taking nitrogen from the air and changing it to a kind of nitrogen plants need.
DO NOT DO IN ZION NATIONAL PARK.
SOME THINGS NO ONE SHOULD DO WHEN GETTING MARRIED IN ZION NATIONAL PARK:
Do NOT Feed Animals
Do NOT Leave the Paths
Do NOT Leave Trash
