How to Elope in Snow Canyon?
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 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.
Make sure to obtain a necessary wedding permit. You can go to any clerk in Utah to get one. 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. 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 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?
