How to Elope at Temple of Sinawawa: Permits and Regulations
As mentioned in my previous blog about Zion you have to hold Special Use Permit in order to hold any wedding ceremony in Zion National Park. It is required for all weddings, regardless of group size and the application fee is $100.
Applications must be submitted three weeks in advance to receive consideration but in general Zion is very easy at giving these permits as long as you give them enough notice to process all the paperwork.
The location you choose may depend on the size of your group - or vice versa. No wedding permits will be approved for any group larger than 100 people, and some sites have further restrictions. There are few rules, so make sure you get familiar with them before making any wedding plans.
- Vehicles entering the park for the wedding are subject to the same entrance fee $35 per vehicle as anyone else. You may use your annual $80 pass instead of buying a daily pass. In general parking inside Zion is very crowded so I highly recommend carpooling and then taking a shuttle. In busy season from April to October parking can be very challenging, and shuttle buses are mandatory.
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to vehicles March through November. You'd have to take the shuttle bus only and coordinate time accordingly. Luckily these shuttles run frequently.
- Live flowers arrangements are permitted provided that neither live plant or flower arrangements contain any seed pods whether dried or live.
- Any decorations will need prior approval. (No confetti or rice throwing is allowed)
- Chairs are permitted at Temple of Sinawava, Lodge Lawn and South Campground Amphitheater not to exceed the number of persons permitted at respective site. During the Shuttle operation season (roughly March-November), chairs must be folding chairs as regular chairs cannot be accommodated on the shuttle bus. Special permission to drive to event location to deliver chairs will not be permitted.
Also keep in mind that these are public areas and the park will not exclude or allow you to exclude other park visitors from the site during your ceremony.
Top 3 Reasons to Have Your Wedding at Temple of Sinawava
In this blog I'll write about one of the most popular (for a reason) ceremony location: Temple of Sinawava.
- Temple of Sinawava is located at the last shuttle stop number 9, which often means less crowds, as most people get off at the stops before (Angel's Landing being the most popular spot). Although this area is popular for hiking the Narrows and taking the Riverside walk, many people get off the shuttle few stops earlier.
- Accessibility: This location is easily wheelchair accessible if you're planning on having any elders at your ceremony. You literary cross the parking lot to the riverside where there is an opening for the ceremony. This spot also has many bathrooms available and this is one of the only three locations that allow use of chairs, as long a sit doesn't exceeds the max guest number 35 and they fit on the shuttle (folded).
- Beautiful scenery: Although the whole park is spectacular not often are you surrounded by towering red rock walls, the river and nice greenery at the same times. because it's the last stop on the shuttle after your wedding ceremony you can get off at other stops for short hikes and portraits. It's also nice that between March-October no cars are allowed to drive the scenic Drive, therefore less noise and vehicles.
Intimate Wedding at temple of Sinawava
Zion Elopement
Ceremony Locations in Zion National Park
When choosing Zion as your wedding or elopement location keep in mind that you can't get married just anywhere. There are 6 main designated areas for ceremonies and depending on your group size, accessibility requirements you can choose the one that fits best.
Here are some popular ceremony locations within the park:
- The Temple of Sinawava: This iconic spot at the end of Zion Canyon is known for its towering cliffs and the Virgin River. It provides a beautiful backdrop for a ceremony. Max 35 people.
- Menu Falls [Maximum of 10 people] perfect if you want a waterfall in your photos and more intimate location.
- South Campground Amphitheater [Maximum of 100 people] perfect spot for a larger ceremony.
- Zion Lodge Lawn [Maximum of 75 people] one of the few locations that allow chairs.
- Nature Center North Lawn [Maximum of 50 people] Available November-early April only
- Kolob Canyon Overlook: It's an ideal spot for a small ceremony with a stunning backdrop. max 20 people and 4 cars. This area is very beautiful but not a reliable option in the winter months as the road to Kolob Canyon often gets closed.
Also keep in mind that these are public areas and the park will not exclude or allow you to exclude other park visitors from the site during your ceremony.
So now, make your dream wedding a reality at the enchanting Temple of Sinawava. Experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and romance as you exchange vows in this stunning location. Start planning your special day today! Make sure to contact me with any Zion elopement, wedding, photography questions.
