How to Elope in Canyonlands National Park

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Imagine yourself standing in front of your partner as you say your vows, surrounded by nothing and nobody but wide open skies, endless desert vistas, and colorful canyons as far as the eye can see. After tying the knot and making things officially official, you head back to your glamping Airbnb where you enjoy a cozy night making s’mores around the fire, reflecting on the adventures of the day, and lying on the patio as you stare up at the starry night skies, hand in hand, tied together for eternity. That’s exactly the type of unique elopement experience you can create when eloping in Canyonlands National Park, one of two incredible national parks in Moab, Utah. I’ve put together this guide full of insights, advice, and recommendations to help you plan a day you’ll never forget, and I can’t wait to see where you take it!

Where is Canyonlands National Park?

Canyonlands National Park is located in that iconic part of southwestern Utah that we all know and love—the part where you’ll find some of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the country, and four different national/state parks + forests. The closest town to Canyonlands is Moab, which is accessible from a multitude of nearby cities including Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. To get there, you can either fly directly to Moab Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), or rent a car and drive in from Salt Lake City (SLC), Denver (DEN), or Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). SLC is the closest, about a 4-hour drive away, but it totally depends on where you want to spend time throughout your elopement adventure!

Why Elope in Canyonlands National Park?

To kick things off, why should you elope in Canyonlands National Park in the first place?

The desert landscapes are otherworldly

Flat-topped mesas, vast canyons, craggy buttes, views of the Colorado River. . . the scenery offered in Canyonlands National Park is simply to die for. It’s a dream come true for anybody who feels most at peace in the desert, surrounded by nothing but vibrant reds and oranges, winding canyons as far as the eye can see, and endless opportunities to explore. The swirling spires and towering pinnacles of Canyonlands span over 500 square miles of southwestern Utah, offering a tranquil escape from the nearby cities and an air of solitude that you could only dream of experiencing during your elopement. There’s something truly special about the way this park tugs at your heartstrings and welcomes you in the moment you arrive—you’ll never want to leave!

Loving the idea of eloping in the desert, but aren’t sure how to make it happen? Here’s a full Desert Elopement Guide for you to explore.

It’s massive

Did you know that Canyonlands National Park is actually four times bigger than Arches? Wild, right? It’s actually Utah’s largest national park, covering so much land that it’s divided into four different districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers. Each of the districts offers its own unique charm, natural beauty, and outdoor activities; you really can’t go wrong, and I recommend exploring as much of the park as you physically can during your trip. Plan for at LEAST two days to trek through this desert dreamscape—and then maybe start looking at flights for your next trip to the park before you even leave 😉

It’s close to other gorgeous parks

One of the great things about taking a trip to Moab is that you have easy access to SO many stunning destinations, including Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and—my personal favorite—Dead Horse Point State Park. It only takes about 30 minutes to drive from Canyonlands to Arches, so visiting both parks in one trip is very doable if you plan it out correctly. Many people will even combine both national parks into one day to make sure they can experience it all before they leave. You can even get an Annual Park Pass that covers entry into both Arches and Canyonlands, which you can find more info about on the NPS website!

No matter which park you spend the most time in, it’s truly a gift to be able to travel between some of the most picturesque places in the country with such ease.

Learn more about everything Moab has to offer here, including all of the best elopement locations, permit information, fun activities, and more.

It’s less crowded than Arches

Despite being significantly larger, Canyonlands actually gets FAR less busy than Arches—about half a million fewer visitors every year, in fact. Both parks obviously attract a ton of visitors throughout the year, but you’ll have a better chance at finding solitude in Canyonlands, especially if you’re intentional about finding spots that are a little more off-the-beaten-path.

The outdoor recreation is unparalleled

Moab is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible destinations in the country for outdoor recreation + adventure, offering a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy; from thrilling whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and off-roading trips to more low-key, laid-back walks, river floats, and scenic drives. No matter your level of experience or the type of adventure you’re craving, Moab is abounding with unforgettable ways to explore the vast desert landscapes. Stargazing is super popular in the area thanks to the fact that it has some of the darkest skies in the US, so I always recommend planning a little time to stare up at the magical night sky at the end of your elopement day.

If you’re just as obsessed with national parks like I am, you won’t want to miss my guide to the Top 12 US National Parks to Elope In!

Canyonlands National Park Elopement FAQ’s

Moving onto some important questions you may be wondering about visiting and eloping in Canyonlands National Park, including info about permits and reservations.

Can you get married in Canyonlands National Park?

You absolutely can get married in Canyonlands National Park, as long as you obtain the proper passes and permits, and follow park rules! I’ll be diving deeper into permits later in this guide, but essentially you will need to pay the entrance fee, as well as get a Special Use Permit, in order to tie the knot in the park.

Where can you get married in Canyonlands National Park?

The National Park Service provides a list of the following permitted wedding ceremony locations, each of which has a different group size limit:

  • Shafer Canyon Overlook | 25 people
  • Green River Overlook | 25 people
  • Grand View Point | 25 people
  • Pothole Point | 15 people
  • Needles Group Campsites | 15-50 people

However, you can request to have your ceremony at other locations within the park—it’s just not guaranteed that they’ll be approved by the park office, as every wedding is looked at on a case-by-case basis. See a park map of the above ceremony locations here!

Do you need a pass to visit Canyonlands National Park?

You will need an entrance pass in order to visit Canyonlands National Park, and can choose from the following options depending on what fits your needs:

Do you need a reservation to visit Canyonlands National Park?

Nope, no timed entry reservation is required to enter Canyonlands National Park! You’ll only need a reservation for day-use and overnight backcountry permits, as well as for group campsites throughout the park. 

Are dogs allowed in Canyonlands National Park?

Pets are only allowed on established front-country roads, front-country campgrounds, and parking or picnic areas. Because Canyonlands National Park is a designated natural area that preserves the beautiful natural environment, pets aren’t allowed on any hiking trails, at any overlooks, or inside any visitor centers. You’ll have to leave your pups at home, or at your Airbnb while you explore Canyonlands. 

Can you drive through Canyonlands National Park?

Because the four districts aren’t connected by any bridges or roads, you’ll have to drive to each one separately to explore. Keep in mind that there are many unpaved roads to get to different trailheads around the park (such as the road to The Maze), as well as certain viewpoints and campsites—you’ll often need a high-clearance, four wheel drive vehicle for access. Learn more about getting to and around the park on the NPS site here!

When to Elope in Canyonlands National Park

Choosing when you want to elope is just as important as choosing where—here’s everything you need to know about when you may want to elope in Canyonlands National Park.

When is the best time of year to elope in Canyonlands National Park?

If you’re ready to pick a date for your big adventure, spring or fall is hands-down the best time to elope in Canyonlands National Park—or anywhere in Moab, for that matter. Summers in this part of Utah can get extremely hot, making it tough to spend extended time outdoors, especially if you’re planning a day full of exploring (as you should!). For a more comfortable experience, I’d say stick to the milder temperatures of spring or fall, when the weather is far more enjoyable for any outdoor adventure! Summer is really only a good time to elope in the Moab area if your elopement plans involve water activities like rafting or paddle boarding on the Colorado River—in which case, the warmer months could work in your favor and you may want to take advantage of that heat.

The only thing to keep in mind about eloping in the spring or fall is that these ARE the busiest times of year in Moab, as everybody else wants to escape the heat, too; you’ll have to put in a little more work to find privacy in Canyonlands, but it’s absolutely doable. If you really want to avoid the crowds (and are okay with chillier weather), the park is typically open year-round, so you could always elope in the winter!

When is the best time of day to elope in Canyonlands National Park?

While Canyonlands is absolutely stunning at any time of day, I’m personally partial to sunrise and sunset, which are simply magical to watch from many of the viewpoints and overlooks throughout the park. Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook, Grand View Point, and Shafer Canyon Overlook are all jaw-dropping spots to watch the sun rise or set over the expansive desert landscapes, but as long as you’ve got open views of the sky, you really can’t go wrong. If you want to prioritize avoiding crowds, traffic, and long lines at the park entrance, be sure to arrive at Canyonlands early in the day if possible!

Top 4 Canyonlands National Park Elopement Locations

Time to share a few elopement locations in Canyonlands that I’m completely obsessed with: Mesa Arch, Shafer Canyon Viewpoint, White Rim Overlook, and Green River Overlook. Shafer Canyon and Green River are both permitted for wedding ceremonies, while Mesa Arch and White Rim Overlook are available on a case-by-case basis, OR are simply amazing spots to check out and snap a few portraits at.

Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch is likely the big arch you’ve seen photos of even if you’ve never visited Canyonlands, seeing as it’s one of the most photographed arches across all of southeastern Utah. It’s breathtaking at any time of day, but the glow cast on the arch at sunrise is just magical—as is watching the vast desert scenery and the mountains in the distance slowly light up. The loop hike to Mesa Arch is only 0.6 miles round trip, making it a very easy hike for anyone; however, due to its rough and uneven terrain, the trail isn’t wheelchair-accessible. 

Shafer Canyon Viewpoint

Located in the Sky district of Canyonlands, Shafer Canyon Viewpoint is another iconic spot just a short 0.9 mile drive from the Island in the Sky visitor center. You’ll get awe-inspiring views of the Shafer Trail that winds down through the sandstone cliffs and into the valleys, where thrill-seekers will often go for an adventurous off-roading adventure. This viewpoint is perfect for couples/guests who don’t want to, or are unable to hike, as there’s a small roadside pullout and a short, unpaved trail to get to the viewing area.

White Rim Overlook

If you want views of the picturesque Monument Basin without having to climb the Grand View Point Trail (or if there’s no parking at Grand View Point), White Rim Overlook is a great option with magnificent views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains! The trail isn’t wheelchair-accessible due to its uneven surfaces, so make sure that you and your guests are able to walk up and down the hill as well as the steps to get to the overlook. With a round trip distance of just 1.8 miles, it’s a fairly easy route and is well worth every step you take!

Green River Overlook

This overlook boasts some of the best views of both the Green River in the entire park (hence the name), with southwest-facing views of the winding river and deep canyons of the park. If you’re looking for a phenomenal place to watch the sunset in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands, this is the place to go!

Canyonlands National Park Wedding & Elopement Permits

Next, let’s chat all things wedding permits to ensure you know how to apply for your own when the time comes. 

As I mentioned earlier in this guide, you’ll need a Special Use Permit in order to hold any kind of wedding or commitment ceremony within Canyonlands National Park. The NPS allows weddings to be scheduled up to one year and no later than four weeks in advance—but I always recommend applying as early as possible to ensure the park has ample time to process your permit. Canyonlands is in high demand right now for adventure elopements, so getting your permit ahead of time is crucial so that you can schedule your ceremony at your desired location.

A few key things to note about the conditions of this permit:

  • Permits are written for one hour
  • You’ll need to create a parking plan if your group has more than 25 people
  • Dried plants are prohibited in bouquets
  • Decorations are prohibited
  • Ceremonies can only take place on slickrock, dry washes, and other maintained areas in order to protect the biological soil crust and plant life
  • Pets are not allowed at ceremony sites

Even though your permit restricts you to your ceremony location of choice, you’re absolutely allowed to take photos at all locations in the park—so we’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore elsewhere!

To get your Special Use Permit, you’ll need to fill out this form, pay the $185 permit fee via Pay.gov, and email your permit and payment confirmation to seug_commercialservices@nps.gov. Find full permit application instructions here.  

Normal park entrance fees apply as well to all of your guests, vendors, and yourselves.

Best Places to Stay for Your Canyonlands National Park Elopement

Last but not least, I wanted to give you a few amazing places to stay in Moab for your Canyonlands elopement. From luxurious glamping suites, to rustic desert-inspired homes, to campgrounds within the park, there are tons of accommodation options for every type of couple. Below are just a few of the most popular stays in the Moab area!

Hiring Your Canyonlands National Park Elopement Photographer

Ready to plan your dream Canyonlands National Park elopement and find somebody to document it all? I’m Sarah, an elopement photographer based in my campervan who is absolutely, completely obsessed with this breathtaking area of southwestern Utah. I’m always ready for an adventure, whether yours looks like hiking through the desert, rafting through the rapids of the Colorado River, stargazing at your cozy glamping site, or all of the above. I would so love to photograph your Canyonlands National Park elopement and help you plan your adventure of a lifetime! Get in touch by filling out my contact form, and I’ll get back to you within 48 hours.

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