Elope in Utah
canyon country, sandstone arches, and desert plateaus
Utah holds five of the most photographed national parks in the country, all within a few hours of each other. Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef each run separate permit systems with different fees, lead times, and guest limits. The canyon landscapes photograph in a way that is genuinely different from anywhere else, with layered sandstone, slot canyon light, and wide desert horizons. If you are planning a Utah elopement, build extra time into your permit timeline. The most popular ceremony windows fill months in advance.
Elopement Locations in Utah
10 location guides covering canyon country, sandstone arches, and desert plateaus.
- Zion National Park: National Park · March through May, September through November · Permit: Yes · Fee: $100 non refundable application fee
- Bryce Canyon National Park: National Park · May through October · Permit: Yes · Fee: $100 application fee (park entrance waived for couple and officiant only)
- Arches National Park: National Park · March through May, September through November · Permit: Yes · Fee: $185 non refundable application fee; additional cost recovery monitoring fees quoted on permit issuance
- Canyonlands National Park: National Park · March through May, September through November · Permit: Yes · Fee: $185 application fee plus cost recovery monitoring fees
- Capitol Reef National Park: National Park · March through May, September through November · Permit: Yes · Fee: $100
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: Tribal · Spring and Fall · Permit: Yes · Fee: 100 dollar non refundable processing fee for weddings of 5 or more people. 200 dollar fee for after the fact permit requests. Entry fee is 10 dollars per person per day per location plus 15 dollars per vehicle for the Valley Drive loop. Navajo guide fees separate and typically run 100 to 400 dollars or more depending on tour length. All fees subject to change at NNPRD discretion.
- Dead Horse Point State Park: State Park · March through May, September through November · Permit: Yes · Fee: $60 total ($10 application fee + $50 permit fee)
- Wire Pass / Buckskin Gulch: BLM · April through June, September through October · Permit: Yes
- Peekaboo Canyon: BLM · April through June, September through October · Permit: No · Fee: Free (BLM day use, no fee)
- Goblin Valley State Park: State Park · October through April · Permit: Varies · Fee: Solo couples: $20 day use only. Group ceremonies: $60 minimum permit ($10 application + $50 permit) plus $20 day use.
Permit Guides for Utah
- Zion National Park permit guide ($100 non refundable application fee)
- Arches National Park permit guide ($185 non refundable application fee; additional cost recovery monitoring fees quoted on permit issuance)
- Bryce Canyon National Park permit guide ($100 application fee (park entrance waived for couple and officiant only))
- Canyonlands National Park permit guide ($185 application fee plus cost recovery monitoring fees)
Utah Marriage License
No waiting period but one of the shortest expirations in the country at just 32 days. Two witnesses age 18+ required. Apply close to your ceremony date. Both partners must appear in person.
- License fee: $30 to $50
- Wait period: None
- Witnesses required: 2
- License valid for: 32 days