Best Places to Elope in Southern Utah
When you look at Utah's map Southern Ut spreads all across from places like Zion to Kanab and further North to Moab (technically still southern Utah). Picking your elopement location can be overwhelming but in general we can narrow down places to certain areas and best towns to based yourself out of:
- Moab: with two National parks: Arches and Canyonlands and lots of BLM land to roam around this is easily one of my favorite elopement locations.
- Kanab: little southern adventure hub with close vicinity to Zion National Park, Grand Canyon, bunch of amazing public lands and state parks.
- St George is a great hub if you're wanting to elope in Snow Canyon State Park or Zion.
- Torrey and Capitol Reef is another great location for elopements in Southern UT which also offers access to very remote but incredible public lands, perfect for adventure elopement.
Best Slot Canyons in Utah for Your Elopement
Utah is full of amazing slot canyons, some of which require hiking, rappelling and technical skills to but some very accessible with an off road vehicle. Majority of slots canyons are located in Southern Utah. Here is a list of some of the most famous slot canyons in Utah:
- Little Wild Horse and Ding Dang near Hanksvile and Torrey. The former one is one of the most difficult one and requires some climbing skills, but if you don't venture out too far in you can find easily accessible walls and beautiful scenery.
- If you're thinking about eloping in Zion National Park the Narrows come to mind, but Zion has many easier, less crowded but shorter slot canyons within the park or right outside of it.
- Another great place is Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah, which is surrounded by majestic mountains and red-rock canyons such like Peek-a-Boo and Spooky and Willis Creek Canyon.
- or the most famous one Antelope Canyon (which requires a guide and expensive permit for elopement or photography). Interested in Utah elopement packages? You can find out more here.
Eloping in a slot canyon can be a breathtaking and unique way to celebrate your marriage in a fun and picturesque setting. Slot canyons are narrow, deep canyons with steep, towering walls that are often carved by water erosion. These canyons offer a dramatic and otherworldly backdrop for elopements and weddings. Here are some steps to plan a slot canyon elopement:
- Choose the Location: Research slot canyons in your desired region. Popular slot canyon locations in the United States include Antelope Canyon in Arizona, Buckskin Gulch in Utah, and The Narrows in Zion National Park. Make sure to check if any permits or reservations are required.
- Select a Date: Consider the best time of year to visit the slot canyon, taking into account weather conditions and crowds. Some canyons may be closed during certain times due to flash flood risk, summers are in general too hot and pose great risk for flash floods.
- Photographer and Officiant: Hire a photographer and officiant who are experienced with slot canyon elopements. They can help you plan the logistics and capture the beauty of the location.
- Permits and Regulations: Check with the managing authority of the slot canyon for any required permits and regulations. This includes obtaining photography permits if necessary.
- Safety: Slot canyons can be challenging environments. Make safety a top priority. Be aware of weather conditions, flash flood risks, and follow any safety guidelines provided by authorities.
- Guests: Elopements are often intimate affairs, but you may want to invite a small group of close friends and family. Ensure they are aware of the physical demands and potential challenges of the location.
Top Reasons to Elope in Southern Utah
- Number one reason is that the scenery is unlike any other. Yes, you can find big red rock walls anywhere in Southern Utah, but what makes Southern UT the diversity of landscape from slot canyons and how unique they are, to weirdly shaped hoodoos and vast plateaus. Think of a big wavy labyrinth with desert color sand and beautiful smooth lines running along the walls. Millions years of geology at your finger tips ready to marvel.
- Off the beaten path destination sometimes accessible only by serious jeep or hiking. Some of the most amazing remote locations have a long and bumpy road to get to them but that's the 'adventure' element many couples are looking for.
- Southern Utah is a great all year elopement destinations. Summer are hot and dry (think of it as being in a blow dryer), spring and fall and mild and just perfect, and winter are temperate with sunshine and cooler temperatures.
