How to Elope in Bryce Canyon National Park
There are so many beautiful places in the world that it’s almost hard to call one place unique. But that’s Bryce Canyon National Park—a gem amongst the Big Five of Utah’s national parks that stands in contrast to the others.
That’s because of what Bryce is famous for—hoodoos! Tall column-like structures formed over thousands of years by wind and rain decorate this park. Hiking into the amphitheater, what the park’s bowl-like shape of hoodoos is known as, is such a treat.
A small park with easily accessible trails and roads, this park is a totally underrated spot for your elopement or micro-wedding, so let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Permits | Marriage License | Locations | Pets | Leave No Trace | Seasons | Hotels | Travel | Activities | Vendors | Advice | Packages
Wedding Permits for Bryce Canyon National Park
Almost all national parks require a special use permit. The good news? It’s way cheaper than a traditional wedding venue! You’ll need to obtain a special-use permit and pay a non-refundable fee of just $100.
There are also some important regulations to follow, such as no music, no chairs, no thrown items, no balloons or similar decor, no signage, and no reception.
Luckily for you, your entry fee to the park is waived when you obtain a permit. This counts towards the couple and officiant, but not the guests. So your guests will need to pay a $30 park entry fee at the visitors center. Personally, I am always in and out of national parks, which is why I purchased the “America the Beautiful” Pass for $80. It pays for itself in no time, is easy to buy at the gate, and helps support the places I visit.
Marriage Licenses for Bryce
To get married in Utah, you’ll need a marriage license from the state. Most of the park is in Panguitch in Garfield County, so that’s where you’ll need to get your license from.
Here’s the quick and easy steps for how to get a marriage license:
Search for the local county clerk’s office.
Apply online for a marriage license.
Make an appointment to pick it up together with your IDs.
Bring it to your wedding ceremony to be signed.
Deliver it back to the same county clerk’s office in person or via mail.
Where to Get Married in Bryce Canyon National Park
Locations like Bryce are beautiful, and with that comes some exclusivity. Ceremonies in the park are best kept under 30 people. In fact, you might not be allowed to bring more than 30 guests depending on the location.
At this time, the only pre-approved spot for wedding ceremonies in the park is at two locations at Sunset Point: overlooking the Main Amphitheater or Silent City at Sunset Point. Both locations are beautiful, but very public facing, so you might have some other park-goers nearby.
Other ceremony sites are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but may come with further guest restrictions.
Bonus Spots Near Bryce
Bryce is absolutely one of the most incredible national parks out west. The colors and hoodoos are striking and unique. It’s a hard view to beat, but if you need more options or a backup plan, I got you! Check out these similar and nearby locations:
Cedar Breaks National Monument: The closest you’ll get to Bryce-styled hoodoos. This spot is beautiful, especially in the fall when the leaves of the surrounding national forest are changing colors.
Dixie National Forest: There’s tons of national forest land around Bryce with similar rich colors and hoodoos. This is a great alternative for couples who want their pets to join.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: A massive area with so much to see. You might not find as many hoodoos, but there’s plenty of arches, red rock, slot canyons, and more.
Kodachrome Basin State Park: With views like Zion and red rocks like teepees.
None of these fit your vibe? Reach out and we can discuss your location needs!
Bring Your Dog to Your Bryce Canyon Elopement
Pets are generally not allowed in national parks. There’s a few reasons for that, but it’s best to leave pets at home. That being said, pets are allowed in campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads and viewpoints, on the Rim Trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, and the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point.
Absolutely want your pet to join? Check out spots in Dixie National Forest where pets are welcome.
Keep Bryce Canyon Clean: Leave No Trace
Bryce Canyon and other similar parks have a cool soil known as cryptobiotic soil. In short—it’s alive! Stepping off trail and onto this soil can destroy this important part of the ecosystem, so it’s important to travel on hard surfaces.
Keep this and other Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines in mind while eloping in these beautiful places:
Pack it in, pack it out. Take trash with you, even orange peels.
Dispose of waste in proper receptacles.
Obey signs if they tell you to stay on the trail.
Don’t disturb local flora and fauna, and don’t feed animals.
Protect indigenous heritage and artifacts, do not collect!
Watch where you step—don’t crush the brush.
Don’t set fires if there’s a ban.
When to Get Married in Bryce
The park is at high elevation, so weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. Be prepared for changing weather during all seasons by carrying layers and water.
Bryce is less visited than some other parks in Utah, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be busy. Expect crowds in the summer and on holidays. Elope early or on weekdays for a more private experience.
Here’s a quickie guide to season in Bryce:
Spring: Milder temps with the possibility of winter weather.
Summer: Due to elevation, you’ll find more mild temperatures here than other spots in Utah. Late summer monsoons can happen, so know what to do in rain and lightning. This is the busiest time in the park, so plan accordingly.
Winter: The park gets snow! It’s quite beautiful, but shuts down roads and hiking locations, so it’s something to keep in mind. Crowds will be less during this time due to colder temps and limited access.
Fall: A variable time in the park when snow or sun can happen.
Tldr: Elope in Bryce Canyon in Fall and Spring
Pictures from our VRBO in Hatch, Utah—including deer, foxes, and amazing sunsets and starry skies.
Lodging: Where to Stay in Bryce
Bryce has some amazing places to stay, especially if you’re down for unique stays and glamping. Check out Airbnbs and VRBOS, or check out some hotels and glamping options.
Ruby's Inn: Hotel, 10 minutes from the park.
Wander Camp Bryce Canyon: Glamping tents, 20 minutes from the park.
Under Canvas: Glamping tents, 20 minutes from the park.
Clear Sky Resorts: Stargazing domes, 25 minutes from the park.
Bryce Glamp And Camp: Glamping domes, 30 minutes from the park.
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon: Cabins and hotel rooms, inside the park.
Secluded Luxury Riverfront Ranch on 13 Acres: Airbnb property, 30 minutes from the park. I stayed here in 2021 and have nothing but good things to say. Especially since we saw a baby fox on the property!
Getting Around (Planes and Cars)
Bryce is hours away from major airports, so you’ll need a car. Luckily, the park’s roads are paved so it’s easily accessible in any car.
Flying in? Here are the options:
Harry Reid International Airport: Las Vegas is just a 4 hour drive from the park. If you have time, stop at Valley of Fire SP, Zion NP, or Cedar Breaks NM on the way.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport: A much smaller airport with limited flights just 5 hours away. Perfect for stops in Page or Kanab.
Salt Lake City International Airport: Just 4 hours away from the park.
Fun Activities for Your Bryce Wedding
No outdoor wedding or elopement is complete without something adventurous in the great outdoors. Bryce is super accessible, which makes for some activities of all levels.
Hiking: Tons of trails and opportunities to get away from crowds. The ground is slippery and loose, so bring good shoes.
Stargazing: Bryce is an International Dark Sky Park, so stay out late! Bring your photographer for some stargazing photos.
Horseback Riding: Bring your own horse or go on a guided horseback riding tour.
Snowsports: You can do both snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter.
Biking: You can ride along the driving path in Bryce. Rent a bike and go for some slower-travel to really appreciate the park.
Hiring Vendors in Bryce
National Parks like Bryce are remote. That means less services and less variety when it comes to vendors. When looking for wedding vendors for this park, make sure to search the surrounding areas, such as Hatch, Tropic, and Panguitch. The nearest larger towns and cities are St. George, Cedar City, and Las Vegas, NV. Just be aware of travel fees.
Best Advice for Getting Married in Bryce
National parks can be busy and overwhelming, but you know that being prepared is the best way to have a good time. So here’s tips for getting married in Bryce Canyon NP.
Avoid crowds: Get married on weekdays late fall to early spring to avoid crowds. Skip holidays, especially in the summer.
Get acclimated: Bryce Canyon is at a high elevation, so remember to drink water and consider coming early to acclimate.
Extend your trip: Bryce is close to a number of amazing places! Extend your trip and visit Zion NP, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, or Page in Arizona.
Book Your Bryce Elopement Photographer
I first visited Bryce with my family in 2021. Sharing new places together is a treat we don’t always have, since your girl travels so much. I planned the trip with my mom without ever having visited, and it was an amazing time with my family.
Bryce is, of course, an amazing place to photograph. Since then, I’ve been dreaming of capturing an elopement here. Whether it’s a micro-wedding with family at an overlook, or just you two in the falling snow and magical winters—I’m here to capture the love and magic of your day in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Need a Bryce Canyon National Park wedding photographer to capture all of the magic? Book with Love & Latitudes Outdoor Wedding and Elopement Photography today!
Bryce Elopement Photographer
+ 4-12+ hours of coverage
+ Planning and vendor services
+ Location assistance
+ Online gallery with high-resolution photos
+ Option to download images or purchase prints online
+ Travel fees included, minus permits
+ Complimentary officiant services.
Meet Your Bryce Elopement Photographer
I'm Diana Lustig, a California-born adventurer with a camera for a hand and an inborn love for the outdoors. I'm a professional photographer of 18 years and counting. I fell in love after visiting Bryce Canyon on a road trip and have continued to be enamored with red rocks ever since.
How did I get into wedding and elopement photography? In 2019, I hired adventure photographers for my own wedding and they showed me there’s a different, more personal way to get married. It was such a special day, I want to bring it to so many more couples who believe in getting married their own way.
Let’s Chat About Your Bryce Elopement
