Zion National Park

Permit Information

Special Use Permit required for all ceremonies, elopements, and vow renewals regardless of group size. $100 non refundable application fee. Applications must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance. Per location group size limits: Temple of Sinawava 35, Menu Falls 10, Zion Lodge Lawn 75 (currently unavailable due to construction closure), Nature Center North Lawn 50 (November through April only), Timber Creek Overlook 20 (including vendors, 4 cars max). No wedding permits approved for groups l…

Seasonal Planning

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the prime windows, temperatures are moderate, crowds are manageable, and the light is at its best. Summer brings intense heat and the largest crowds, but the Narrows wading is only possible when water levels are low (typically July through September). Flash flood risk in the Narrows is real, always check the forecast. Winter is quiet and beautiful, with occasional snow on the canyon rim, but some trails close due to ice.

Photography Notes

The canyon floor is in shadow until mid morning. Late afternoon is ideal when the walls glow orange red. The Narrows is best in summer with low water; wide angle and waterproof gear are essential. Angels Landing is a sunrise location; start before dawn. Canyon Overlook Trail is a short option with good morning light.

Planning Your Day at Zion National Park

One-Spot Day

Zion canyon has a shuttle system that defines how you plan the day. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles March through late November, everyone takes the shuttle. The shuttle has 9 stops from Canyon Junction up to Temple of Sinawava at the end. Four ceremony locations sit on different stops: Temple of Sinawava is the final stop and the designated 35 guest ceremony site, The Narrows entry is at Temple of Sinawava, Angels Landing trailhead is at The Grotto (stop 6), and Canyon Overlook is on the east side of the tunnel (private vehicle only, no shuttle). Pick one anchor location and build the day around it. The east side with Canyon Overlook is the one exception where you can drive yourself.

Ceremony + Portraits Split

Shuttle rides between canyon stops take 10 to 15 minutes, but you cannot bring a vehicle. If you want Temple of Sinawava for the ceremony and The Narrows for portraits, the two are the same shuttle stop, so the split is just walking time and river wading. If you want Temple of Sinawava plus Angels Landing portraits, plan on a half day for the Angels Landing hike (5.4 miles roundtrip, chains lottery permit required per person). Canyon Overlook on the east side pairs with anything in the canyon but requires a 30 minute drive including the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel, worth it for couples who want both sides of the park.

A Note on Light

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the prime windows. The canyon floor is in shadow until mid morning because the 2,000 foot walls block the sun, so morning ceremonies at Temple of Sinawava or The Narrows mean soft indirect light, not direct sun. Late afternoon is when the walls glow orange red, about 4pm to an hour before sunset depending on season. Angels Landing sits above the canyon rim and gets sunrise light, start before dawn. Canyon Overlook on the east side catches morning light over Pine Creek Canyon. Summer heat pushes over 100 degrees in the canyon and monsoon flash flood risk in The Narrows is real July through September, always check the forecast before wading.

Ceremony Spots at Zion National Park

• The Narrows — Wading ceremony in a slot canyon, sandstone walls 2,000 feet tall pressing close, the Virgin River running cool between you
• Angels Landing — High commitment summit ceremony, chains assisted final ridge with 360° canyon views
• Temple of Sinawava — Accessible canyon floor ceremony beneath towering red walls at the start of the Narrows
• Canyon Overlook Trail — Short 30 minute hike to a wide canyon view, no shuttle required