How to Elope in Snow Canyon, Utah?
Snow Canyon is a beautiful state park located in southern Utah. It’s conveniently located about 20 min from the city of St. George, which would make a perfect base for your elopement or intimate wedding. The park features stunning red rock formations, sand dunes, and a variety of plant and animal life (including desert tortoises, coyotes).
There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Some popular trails (and photo locations) include the Petrified Dunes Trail, the Hidden Pinyon Trail, and the Butterfly Trail.
If you’re looking for scenery similar to Zion, but don’t want to deal with crowds and waste time waiting for shuttles, Snow Canyon can be a beautiful alternative for your elopement. Eloping in Snow Canyon can be a unique and memorable experience. Here are some steps to help you plan your elopement in Snow Canyon:
Choose a Location (I can help with that): Snow Canyon offers many designated but beautiful wedding locations for an elopement ceremony. Some popular spots include Pioneer Names Trail, Lower Galoot, Sand Dunes, and Petrified Dunes Trail. Groups larger than 26 (and not exceeding 50 people) can only use (and reserve) Lower Galoot. You can contact the park office or visit their website to inquire about venue availability and reservation procedures.
Make sure to obtain a necessary wedding permit from the park as well as marriage license to get married in Utah. You can go to any clerk in Utah to get one and permits are good for 30 days.
Hire a Photographer (say hi) to capture the special moments of your elopement. I specialize in outdoor elopements in Utah and can recommend locations and provide guidance on timing. Photographer will also need a special permit.
Plan Your Ceremony and the details: Decide on the details of your ceremony (all the vendors such as flowers, hair and make up artists), write any vows you want to include. You also need an officiant to get married in Utah and two witnesses. I'll be happy to recommend vendors near St George.
Celebrate! After the ceremony, take some time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and celebrate your marriage. Go on a hike for more portrait opportunities and consider having a picnic or dinner at a nearby restaurant in St George.
Best Places to Stay Near Snow Canyon State Park
- St. George: The city of St. George is located just a few miles from Snow Canyon State Park and offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts. St. George has numerous amenities, restaurants, and shopping options and that would be my number one recommendation.
- Ivins: Ivins is a small town adjacent to Snow Canyon State Park and is an ideal place to stay if you want to be close to the park's entrance. There are a few lodging options available in Ivins, including vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts. The town has a peaceful atmosphere and offers easy access to the park.
- Entrada at Snow Canyon: If you're looking for a luxurious option, consider the Entrada at Snow Canyon. It's a private gated community with vacation rentals, villas, and a golf course. This exclusive resort offers upscale accommodations and amenities, including pools, spas, and fitness centers.
- Kayenta: Kayenta is an art community located a few miles west of Snow Canyon State Park. It offers unique lodging options, such as desert homes and casitas, with a focus on artistic and cultural experiences. The tranquil setting and beautiful scenery make it an attractive choice for nature enthusiasts.
Best Time to Elope in Snow Canyon?
Southern Utah is gorgeous year round, but it is good to keep in mind the summer months (May-September) temperatures get very hot (often over 100f). Spring and Fall (March, April, October & November) are absolutely perfect times for weather, but the park does tend to be a bit more crowded! If you want the park to yourself and want to have a winter wedding or elopement I suggest winter, when temperatures (December-February) in Southern Utah are mild and tend to stay around 50 degrees in the daytime. Keep it mind it rains more often.
Are you looking to elope at Snow Canyon?
