How to Elope in Capitol Reef National Park
Utah is full of amazing landscapes. Mountain vistas, slot canyons, multi-hued skies, colorful deserts, azure lakes and rivers, glorious green spaces—it’s really a state with so much to offer.
And one of the places nature-loving couples choose to get married is Capitol Reef National Park. This park is massive, covering more than 240,000 acres of protected land. Couples can treat their senses to so many wonders, including rock arches, sandstone canyons, petroglyphs, rare plants, and more.
But with a park that big, it’s also hard to know how to plan your wedding day. So, here’s everything you need to know about planning your wedding or eloping in Capitol Reef National Park.
Wedding Permits for Capitol Reef National Park
As with most national park weddings, you’ll need a special-use permit. Luckily, this is affordable and fairly easy to acquire.
A Capitol Reef special-use permit costs just $100—beats the heck out of wedding venue prices, right? To apply, simply fill out the application found on the national park’s site.
Easy stuff. But there are still a few things you should know about.
Entrance fees. You and your guests will still need to pay an entrance fee per vehicle. The standard fee is between $10 to $20. However, you can purchase an annual pass to all the national parks for $80, which is a great deal if you plan on visiting multiple parks or multiple days. In fact, this option pays for itself after just 4 visits in a year!
Capital Reef has restrictions. For example, the park does not allow chairs, music, decorations, runners, archers, tents, or similar items. If these items are essential for your wedding-day vision, you can choose to get married outside of the national park, then venture into the park for portraits later. The best-of-both-worlds strategy.
Where to Get Married in Capitol Reef National Park
To keep things simple (and sustainable), Capitol Reef has an approved set of locations for wedding ceremonies. Each location has its own guidelines—such as how many people can attend, what time of year you’re able to get married there, and how many cars are allowed.
If that sounds complicated, don’t worry. I’ve done all the work for you!
So, here’s a quick list of where to have your Capitol Reef wedding ceremony and the guidelines for each.
Fruita Campground Amphitheater: This area is known as the “oasis in the desert.” It’s cute and has all the amenities you’d expect from a well-managed campground. The amphitheater makes for a ready-made ceremony site, even for couples expecting higher guest counts.
100 people, 20 cars
Year-round availability
Wheelchair accessible
Must bring porta-potties
Group Campsite: A grassy area meant for group camping, but very amenable to weddings. This option is best for couples who want an area to themselves and their guests. However, there are fewer amenities here compared to the more public campgrounds.
100 people, 40 guests can spend the night, 20 cars
Must reserve on recreation.gov
Wheelchair accessible
Covered pavilion
Must bring porta-potties
Doc Inglesby and Chesnut Picnic Areas: Two options here—both of which are on the Scenic Drive. The first is Doc Inglesby, which is a lush picnic area near Capitol Gorge and just a short way from Gifford House (known for its pies). The other option is the Chesnut Picnic Area, which has a grill and a nearby water spigot across the road.
50 people, 15 cars
Year-round availability
Picnic tables
Some areas are wheelchair accessible
Ceremony must occur on grassy areas
Adams Orchard by Ripple Rock Nature Center: Just a couple miles from the visitor center is a lovely apple and apricot orchard. It even has remnants of the pioneer community that settled here. It’s a super cute spot for your wedding or elopement, but it does require a smaller guest count.
30 people, 8-12 cars
Year-round availability
Picnic tables
Merin Smith Orchard: Another orchard option, this time with a more diverse set of fruit trees, including apple, apricot, cherry, and pear. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can see trees either blooming or fruiting.
30 people, 8-12 cars
Year-round availability
Uneven ground
Highway noise
Mulford Orchard: This one is all about the apricot trees. Usually flowering in early March to mid-April and fruiting in late June to mid-July, this orchard is fairly big and is located on Scenic Drive.
30 people, 8-12 cars
Year-round availability
Trees
Mostly flat
Panorama Point: With a name like that, you just know this spot is all about the 360-degree views of sandstone cliffs and endless skies. The ceremony itself must occur on Slickrock. The parking area is relatively small, but it’s a brief walk to the viewpoint. It’s also a beautiful location for stargazing.
30 people, 8 cars
Year-round availability
Ceremony must occur on Slickrock
Park in existing spots
Sunset Point: Really the prime place to take in the sunset and read your vows to your special someone. It is a bit smaller, so this one is better for elopements rather than weddings. The ceremony itself will be held on Slickrock.
20 people, 2 cars
Year-round availability
Ceremony must occur on slickrock
Park in existing spots.
Goosenecks Overlook: Another incredible overlook, Goosenecks offers an inspirational view of the cliffs around and Sulphur Creek below.
20 people, 2 cars
Year-round availability
Ceremony must occur on Slickrock
Park in existing spots
Temples of the Sun and Moon: Located within Cathedral Valley, getting to this location requires a high-clearance vehicle. But those willing to make the journey are treated to monoliths, sandstone ranging from pink to greenish-grey, and reddish-brown siltstone. It’s a pretty special spot for intimate wedding ceremonies.
20 people, 4 cars
Year-round availability
Ceremony must occur on durable surfaces. 4x4 or high clearance necessary to access this area. Park in existing spots only.
Don’t see your preferred location on this list? The park allows for very small wedding ceremonies in other locations. Make sure to mention your spot on the permit when applying. The park will judge each application on a case-by-case basis. However, for these off-the-radar spots, only 5 people and 2 cars are allowed—perfect for elopements!
Bonus Spots Outside of Capitol Reef
Utah is crazy pretty, and Capitol Reef is just one option for couples looking to tie the knot. I’ve been scoping out some incredible areas outside of the park for a couple of years now—from towering gray mesas and buttes to winding slot canyons, unique overlooks, and colorful hills to otherworldly monoliths.
It’s all so amazing. But I’m keeping ‘em hush-hush for my future clients. Hit me up for a full guide on the area and to discuss your location needs.
Can You Bring Your Dog to Your Capitol Reef Elopement or Wedding?
The short answer is not really. Pets are generally not allowed in national parks. But there are a few exceptions—like Fruita Campground, Fremont River Trail, and a few other spots.
If bringing your pet along is a must, hit me up to discuss some areas outside of the park.
Keep Capitol Reef Clean: Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is an essential strategy for keeping the natural world healthy and thriving. But what does that actually mean?
Beyond not littering, you also got to be careful of where you step. If you aren’t careful, even your footprints can harm the environment. Cryptobiotic soil can look like dirt or mold, but it is actually alive and vital for the ecosystem here.
If you’re hip, you can train your eye to spot it. But your best bet is to stay on designated paths and travel only on hard surfaces. Read the guide and see images so you know how best to protect the soil!
In addition to protecting cryptobiotic soil, follow these Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines and protect the land:
Pack it in, pack it out. Take trash with you!
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.
Watch where you step—don’t crush the brush or soil.
Don’t set fires if there’s a ban.
Do not draw on rock walls.
Seasons: When to Get Married in Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is your typical Utah park—cold, rainy, and snowy in the winter and warm in the summer. Since it’s at a higher elevation than other areas, it won’t get quite as hot in the summer as some other places. Although it tends to be very dry no matter the time of year, so pack water!
Something to note: Capitol Reef is pretty remote. In fact, the nearby towns partially shut down during the winter. From November-March, you’ll find a steep reduction in people and many stores closing for the season.
Here’s a quickie guide to Capitol Reef for each of its seasons:
Spring: Milder weather but still a chance of precipitation in early spring.
Summer: It can get hot here. But what you really need to watch out for is summer monsoons. From July to September, storms can roll through. It’s beautiful from afar, but very wet if you’re caught in it. A soggy wedding ceremony is one thing, but getting caught in a slot canyon or on backroads can be dangerous if things get really wet, slippery, or flashflood conditions.
Winter: Winter gets cold, like freezing cold! There’s not as much snow, but it’s definitely possible. The nearby towns also partially close from November to March. If you’re willing to brave the freezing temps in lieu of crowds, winter might be for you. Just avoid slot canyons or go on backroads if there’s moisture in the forecast.
Fall: Milder weather but still a chance of precipitation in late fall. Some areas might have changing foliage.
Lodging: Where to Stay in Capitol Reef National Park
There’s actually a lot of variety to your lodging options in and around Capitol Reef National Park. Some couples want to cozy-up in an alpine-esque cabin while the adventurous types might prefer glamping under the stars. The right answer depends on your vibe.
Hotels
Skyview Hotel: Beautiful views and private hot tubs.
Capitol Reef Resort: Hotel with glamping options and tours.
Cabins
Tinker Creek Cabin: A-frame cabin in the woods.
The Juniper House: A-frame cabin with views and a hot tub.
Amazing Views
The Reef House: Remote with amazing views.
Lavish Shipping Container Experience: A roof deck with views.
Spacious Southwestern Cabin: A roof deck with views.
Glamping
Capitol Reef Domes: Domes near the park.
Kayenta Dome at Sand Creek Homestead: Domes near the park.
Star-gazing A-frame Cabins: Mini A-frame cabins.
Camping
You’ll find campgrounds within the park, and dispersed camping outside the park for a more rugged experience.
Getting Around (Planes and Cars)
Capitol Reef is remote—you’ll need to drive or fly to a nearby city and drive. Either way, get a car with off-roading capability if you want to explore Cathedral Valley or other rugged spots outside the park.
Flying in? Here are the options:
Salt Lake City International Airport: 3.5-hour drive from the park and likely the airport with the most options.
Cedar City Regional Airport: 3 hours away, a smaller and likely more expensive airport.
Grand Junction Regional Airport: 3 hours away, and located in Colorado.
Harry Reid International Airport: 5 hours away in Las Vegas, perfect for a stop at Bryce or Zion National Parks.
Fun Activities for Your Capitol Reef Wedding
Weddings aren’t just about exchanging rings. Adventure weddings give you the chance to do fun activities. Here’s a short list of cool things to do while in Capitol Reef.
Go canyonering or rock climbing: Utah is famous for canyoneering and rock climbing. Bring your own gear or hire a guide.
Horseback riding: Yes, you can ride a horse in the park! Hire a guide such as Wilderness Ridge Adventures or Capitol Reef Resort.
Take a scenic drive: Get behind the wheel, crank the music, and scope out the landscape with your partner in the passenger seat. Or let someone else take you two on a driving tour of the park.
Get fresh-baked pie: Capitol Reef is home to orchards, so naturally, there’s a spot in the park where you can buy pie. Go early, they sell out! Open March through November.
Stargaze: Fewer towns means less light pollution means better stars! Stargaze outside or near this national park.
Visit petroglyphs and the Pioneer Register: Both can be found in the park on short hikes.
Hike to an arch: We might not be in Arches NP, but there are still arches in this park. These rock formations are oh-so cool.
Explore 4x4 roads: Love getting out there? There are tons of 4x4 and high clearance roads to explore, both inside and outside of the park. Hit me up for some location ideas.
Go to a U-PICK orchard: There are orchards inside the park, and sometimes you can pick your own fruit! Perfect for a photo opp AND snack.
Hiring Vendors in Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef is fairly remote. The nearby towns and cities, such as Teasdale and Torrey, are partially shut down from November to March. As such, you might need to get crafty with your wedding vendors. Make it a DIY wedding by getting your friends and family involved, or check out St. George or Salt Lake City for wedding vendors to work with. Just keep travel prices in mind.
Best Advice for Getting Married in Capitol Reef National Park
Be flexible on the weather: In late summer, storms can roll through at random. In the winter, rain and snow are possible. Be flexible and prepared for changing weather.
Prepare for a remote location: The nearby towns and cities, such as Teasdale and Torrey, are partially shut down from November to March. Stock up on groceries and other essentials before traveling to the area.
Elope on a weekday or at sunrise to avoid crowds: This is one of the least visited parks in Utah, but that doesn’t mean it’s empty. Plan accordingly!
Read up on Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines: Especially when it comes to cryptobiotic soil and safety in remote parts of the park.
Book Your Capitol Reef NP Wedding Photographer
As a California-born photographer, Utah and the otherworldly landscapes found here just blew me away. After spending a winter in Capitol Reef, I did not learn my lesson about the cold because it was just so beautiful I couldn’t stay away.
Whether it’s an offroading two-person elopement or a cabin wedding just outside the park—I’m here to capture the love and magic of your day in one of the most unique places on earth.
Need a Capitol Reef wedding photographer to capture all of the magic? Book with Love & Latitudes Outdoor Wedding and Elopement Photography today!
Capitol Reef NP Wedding Photography
+ 4-8+ 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
+ Optional officiant services.
Meet Your Capitol Reef NP 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 15 years and counting. In my free time you'll find me traveling with my husband in our van, Clyde.
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.
