20 Best Places to Elope in Utah

1. Zion Canyon, Zion National Park

Awe-inspiring. The only word that can describe the 2,000-foot-tall walls that surround you as you hike through Zion Canyon. You can spend days exploring the area and still not see it all. The great news is that vendors are readily available to help you with your elopement in this area. You can even reserve your date with Under Canvas Zion to turn your elopement into a glamping adventure.

     2. Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

An underrated side of Zion found just off of I-15, Kolob Canyons has so much to offer. Incredible mountain vistas, tall red cliffs, and multiple mesmerizing hikes makes Kolob a great place to climb up and say your vows.

     3. Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon State Park is located in the middle of St. George, an ever-growing city found along the Utah-Arizona border. Petrified Sand Dunes and colorful red-and-gray cliffs will take your breath away as you and your spouse begin your journey through life together.

     4. Gunlock State Park

If you’re lucky, you can get to this park during the time of year when waterfalls flow. If not, there is a crystal-blue lake surrounded by red stone hills that you can explore throughout your elopement day – you can even go cliff jumping to finish off an already amazing day!

     5. Quarry Trail

This trail is tucked away between the houses and restaurants on one of the tallest cliffs in St. George. A short, relaxed walk will take you to huge lava rocks and give you a great overlook of the city and Red Mountain in the distance.

     6. Ivins Reservoir

If you want to get as close as you can to Red Mountain, you can head over to Ivins Reservoir. This location is on the edge of the Shivwitz Reservation and Kayenta Art Village and features a small reservoir with incredible views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains.

     7. Pine Valley

If you drive around the back side of Snow Canyon State Park, you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by Juniper and Pine trees – then you’ll know you’ve reached Pine Valley. This area turns into a snowy escape for desert residents during the winter months and serves as a great option for a winter elopement that won’t make you too cold while still providing great mountain views.

     8. Hurricane

Hurricane is the town that leads to Zion National Park but has many beautiful natural gems of its own. Near Sand Hollow State Park, you will see huge sand dunes and beautiful views of Pine Valley Mountain off in the distance.

     9. Red Cliffs Recreation Area

See Pine Valley Mountain up close with towering, red cliffs framing it at the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. This location is just a short drive from the I-15 highway and requires little hiking, although if you do choose to hike, you will find incredible vistas of all the mountains and desert around you.

     10. Bryce Canyon National Park

Who knew hoodoos could look so amazing?? Bryce Canyon National Park is filled with crimson-colored spires that protrude from the ground and creates amazing hikes for you to explore during your elopement. Head back up to Sunset Point for an amazing overlook where you can say your vows and soak in the last bits of light at the end of your day.

     11. Cedar Breaks National Monument

This National Monument is comprised of huge cliffs and rock formations that create a crimson amphitheater stretching across 3 miles. The green tops of the cliff sides contrast with the red stone underneath to create stunning views for you to enjoy during your elopement day.

     12. Virgin

This small town can be found along the road to Zion Canyon and has multiple hikes that will lead you right into the red mountains surrounding it. Virgin is a lesser-known location in the area that will give you even more privacy during your elopement day.

     13. Three Peaks Recreation Area

A versatile camping area with tons of space to explore on your elopement day. You can camp under the stars and the silhouette of the three peaks, or stay in an Airbnb in neighboring Cedar City.

     14. Arches National Park

Over 2,000 sandstone arches make up Arches National Park. With over 76,000 acres of area within the park, Arches is able to provide jaw-dropping views of giant formations emerging from the desert floor as well as panoramic overlooks of the formations and mountains that stretch far beyond the park.

     15. Canyonlands National Park

When you visit Canyonlands National Park, you’ll be overwhelmed by the beauty of the patterns of the desert floor that have been carved by the Colorado River. You’ll have your pick from 7 easy and 14 more difficult trails within the park’s boundaries. Each gives unique vistas of the spacious park.

     16. Dead Horse Point State Park

When you hike to the edge of the red cliffs at Dead Horse Point, you’ll be met with a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. This high desert park has all the beauty of Canyonlands without as many park visitors, making it ideal for a private, just-for-you elopement experience.

     17. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Did you know you could spend your elopement day kayaking in the high desert and have a sunset wedding ceremony overlooking a canyon formed by the Colorado River? Well, you can at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

     18. Monument Valley

Towering buttes rise up from the ground at Monument Valley. At sunset, the buttes look like they’re on fire, and you can see the desert landscape for miles. Enjoy expansive vistas of these geological wonders when you choose to elope here.

     19. Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument

Sedimentary erosion has created a 200-million-year-old natural staircase for you to wonder at as you explore around the red sedimentary rock. You can have a single-day experience or a full weekend of backpacking here when you choose to elope at Grand Staircase-Escalante.

     20. Capitol Reef National Park

Reds, blues, and purples abound in the rock formations at Capitol Reef National Park. You can elope at an overlook of the Fruita valley or take on the river crossing that will lead you to gigantic monoliths named the Temple of the Moon and the Sun for your elopement. Either way, the viewpoints you can find at Capitol Reef are perfect for any adventure elopement.