Bryce Canyon Elopement Photographer

Hi! I’m Lucy, a Bryce Canyon elopement photographer here to share my list of Bryce Canyon elopement locations to get YOU inspired. The main attraction is the spectacular Bryce Amphitheater. Spires of red, white, and orange rock form hundreds of knobby structures called hoodoos. Some are up to 200 ft high. I wrote this guide because I LOVE dramatic landscapes and I want to encourage more folks to enjoy them by choosing to elope in our National Parks. The NP is about 4.5 hours drive east of Las Vegas; west 4.5 hours from Moab and 1.5 hours northwest of Zion National Park. As Bryce Canyon is therefore quite remote; it’s best to plan several days to fully enjoy and explore the park’s many features.

10 Incredible Places to Elope in Bryce Canyon – Updated in 2024

Elopement ceremonies are allowed at Sunset Point and in other spots by special request. For couples choosing to elope in Bryce Canyon, the seclusion and spectacular scenery of the area is a big draw, so choosing a less traveled spot within the amphitheater is a great idea. When approving permits, park rangers want to confirm that your vows won’t have any impact on the park’s resources or the ability of other visitors to see the sights. Keeping this in mind, all Leave No Trace rules apply, and in addition, no amplified music, confetti of any kind, or arches/large props are permitted – but in this location, trust me, nothing is needed to make it a beautiful place to elope.

#1 Queen’s Garden Trail Elopement Location

The Queen’s garden trail is an easy to moderate 3.5 mile loop trail that descends into the hoodoos and under a few arches. It winds down past the landmark Thor’s Hammer hoodoo. It’s a popular trail, so it’s best at sunrise.

#2 Bryce Canyon Waterfall Elopement Location

One of my favorite Bryce Canyon elopement location is a waterfall set in an incredible desert valley, with towering red rocks on either side and a small cave. This hike is less than half a mile with very little elevation gain. While I usually love to photograph at sunrise and sunset, this area’s position in the canyon makes it a great spot during mid day.

#3 Navajo Canyon Elopement Location

This spot isn’t on any maps nor does it really have a name. It’s a spur trail from the nearby popular Wall Street switchbacks, and offers couples a chance to be surrounded by hoodoos and an arch.

#4 Sunset Point Elopement Location

This is the designated wedding site in Bryce Canyon, and it’s wheelchair accessible just a short paved path from the parking lot. The views are good, but it’s a busy walkway. You can have up to 30 guests at both of the spots at Sunset Point.

#5 The Rim Trail / Inspiration Point Elopement Location

The rim trail runs along the border of Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. From here, you’ll be looking down on the many spires instead of being amongst them. You can hike just a little bit or the whole 6 mile trail.

#6 Fairyland Point Elopement Location

Outside of the main visitor-heavy area, the Fairyland Point overlook is much less visited. It’s peaceful and private. The road to Fairyland closes each winter, though you can hike in.

#7 Sunrise Point Elopement Location

An incredible area to explore that’s filled with wonderful hoodoos and even a few white spires. There are few trees here and it’s best at sunset, despite the name.

#8 Red Desert Elopement Location

You’ll never see a brighter orange earth than this mars-like landscape located at the north end of Sunrise Point.

#9 Rainbow Point Elopement Location

Near the very end of the road, the twin lookouts of Rainbow point and Yovimpa Point offer tranquility and far-reaching views. From here, you can see Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada on a clear day. However, the road to Rainbow point closes each winter.

#10 Bryce Point Elopement Location

Anchoring the south end of the Rim Trail, this developed lookout gives an almost bird’s eye view of the main Amphitheater.

Alternative Elopement Locations Near Bryce

  • Dixie National Forest
  • Cedar Breaks National Monument
  • Kodachrome Basin State Park
  • Goblin Valley State Park
  • Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument
  • Capitol Reef National Park

Here is my Bryce Canyon Elopement locations map

This map is for photographers and couples alike! It’s a map-based virtual tour of Bryce Canyon and the surrounding highlights with color photos I’ve taken of each place. So you can see all the great spots without leaving your living room. If you’re planning from afar, this is a visual key to picking out the elopement spot that works for you. Details like what seasons and time of day are best for each location are included. It will help you plan your activities, accommodations, and your day’s itinerary. Lastly, it’s easy to have a great backup location picked out with this map in front of you. Having that Plan B in your back pocket will keep your planning stress-free!

See a real elopement in Bryce Canyon

Micaela & John-Michael graciously gave me the reins to design the most beautiful day for their adventure in the park. Since they had not visited before, I was able to show them around. Sharing the magic of this incredible landscape is one of my favorite things! We started just before sunrise, and shared a moment of prayer on the Queen’s garden trail and then saw the rim trail and Bryce point.

How to Elope at Bryce Canyon in 2024

A special use permit is required to elope in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Special Use Permit, or SUP, costs $100. You will need to note your location when submitting your permit application – or if you choose me as your planner and photographer, I’ll help fill it out for you. Those fees are used towards the park staff’s time administrating the permit application and coordinating with you. More info here. If you have guests (up to 30) You may choose one of the 2 ceremony sites at Sunset Point. Both are paved. Expect to apply for your permit 2 weeks to 6 months before your planned elopement for processing.

Bryce Canyon Elopement Planning Checklist

It’s honestly so easy to elope in a National Park. With no catering, DJ, bar, arch, chairs, or guests to plan for and pay for, your elopement is all about YOUR experience. So follow these easy steps and you’ll be DONE planning.

  1. Select your season and date to visit Bryce Canyon
  2. Hire an experienced Bryce Canyon elopement photographer & Planner
  3. With your photographer’s help, fill out your Special Use Permit. Plan your way to and from the park.
  4. Book accommodation, pick your outfits, and hire any optional vendors like a florist.
  5. Elope!!

About your Bryce Canyon Elopement Photographer

I’m a colorful elopement photographer with an obsession for exploring, national parks, and couples who feel free to express themselves. As an elopement planner, I handle every logistic and detail, from vendor recommendations to a full timeline build out, where to stay and eat and more. My photography style emphasizes the epic landscape of your dreams and the authentic moments that make you two.. well, you two! I love my job and my nature-loving clients. Bryce canyon is special to me – it’s where my partner and I got engaged! Maybe I’ll see you there on my next trip!

When to Elope in Bryce Canyon National Park

Consider a shoulder season to elope in Bryce – May is my favorite month for a Bryce Canyon elopement. Fall is also temperate and less visited. June, July and August are too hot to comfortably hike and are also the most crowded. And a free shuttle runs throughout the park during peak hours to reduce congestion. The winter months are quite cold and snowy because Bryce Canyon is a high elevation desert. When planning your Bryce Canyon elopement, consider planning for a weekday ceremony in the early morning or sunset. This will also greatly increase your chances of being approved for your permit.

Where to Stay at Bryce Canyon?

There are some places to camp inside and outside the park, or a handful of hotels in Bryce Canyon City that book up quickly. There’s a cute Bnb in nearby Tropic, UT and Under Canvas at Bryce Canyon. But if you value experiences over things, consider getting a unique Airbnb for your elopement near Bryce. Here’s my list of great local Airbnbs ranging from entire homes to cabins, glamping tents, unforgettable dome homes and a desert oasis.

Bryce Canyon Elopement Timeline

Imagine waking up and knowing this is the day you marry your partner – and explore a mystical, otherworldly place! Here is just one example of a full day Bryce Canyon elopement timeline. Your elopement could look totally different based on your preferences!

6:00 Watch the sun rise from Sunset point and feel it warm your skin. Hike to Navajo Canyon and read letters from your loved ones.
10:00 Jetboil coffee and bagels on your tailgate
11:00 Visit the waterfall and have your elopement ceremony with your bare feet in the river. Holy cats, you’re married!!
12:30 Eat a picnic lunch together on a rock.
1:30 – Adventure time! Go horseback riding, rent ATVs, or even a scenic flight! Alternatively, you could hike the Rim trail or relax in your hammock and read together.
5:00 Steakhouse dinner
6:30 Return to your campsite for a campfire and smores and cuddle up together under the stars.

2024 Bryce Canyon Elopement Packages

I offer Bryce Canyon elopement packages that include a full day of planning & epic photography. There are no travel fees, download fees, watermarks or other hidden fees. These prices are for 2024.

2 Day elopements in Bryce Canyon – $9900

1.5 Days of elopement photography – $7900

1 Full day adventure elopement in Bryce Canyon – $6900

Up to 4 hours elopement in Bryce Canyon – $5500 **Only available on select dates in 2024**

What is there to see at Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon is hands-down the most beautiful desert I’ve visited, and that’s saying something! There are many different vistas to enjoy the views. The southernmost point of the park is also the highest at over 9,000 feet. The Bristlecone loop at the very edge of the park is a great place to explore in the shade. The closest town of Bryce is quaint and equipped with just the basics of what you’ll need before exploring the park.

The Magic of Night in Bryce

The clear skies of the park make for incredible stargazing in any of the Bryce Canyon elopement locations. The park is amazing in the daylight, but at night it is just as magical. This dark -sky area (magnitude of 7.4, for you astro nerds) allows our eyes to see well over 7,000 stars after your eyes adjust, compared to a mere 2,000 in areas with more light pollution. As I shot this night sky at the Bryce Amphitheater, I was able to observe a pair of Ring Tailed Cats. Native to the desert southwest but seldom seen, Ring Tailed Cats are actually members of the raccoon family. They are somehow even cuter than their trashcan-diving urban friends. It was such a special encounter!

Elope in Bryce Canyon

If you’d like to get started planning your Bryce Canyon Elopement with incredible photography, the first step is to inquire with me. I would love to help guide you into having the adventure elopement of your dreams at Bryce Canyon – and photograph you having the time of your lives! I offer full day, 1.5 day and 2 day elopement photography in Bryce Canyon National Park. See my pricing and package details here. 

Ready to start panning your Bryce Canyon elopement Photography? Contact me!

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