How to Avoid Crowds When Eloping in Zion
Zion National Park is iconic for a reason — towering canyon walls, glowing sandstone, and landscapes that are epic! But with that beauty comes crowds, especially during peak seasons. The good news? With thoughtful planning, it’s definitely possible to have a peaceful, intentional elopement or micro wedding in and around Zion without feeling like you’re sharing your vows with a tour group.
As a Zion elopement and micro wedding photographer, crowd avoidance is one of the biggest things I help my couples plan for. Below are the best strategies to keep your experience intentional, private, and stress-free without sacrificing views.
Go to a Lesser-Visited Place for Your Ceremony
One of the easiest ways to avoid crowds is to think beyond the main canyon. Zion is surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in the Southwest. Many are just as epic and much less visited.
Some of my favorite ceremony alternatives include:
Bryce Canyon National Park – quieter at sunrise, dramatic hoodoos, and cooler temps
Snow Canyon State Park – red rock cliffs, lava flows, and wide open space
BLM Land – flexible, secluded, and perfect for truly private ceremonies
Kanab, Utah – a hidden gem with desert-meets-canyon scenery
Grand Staircase–Escalante – vast, remote, and incredibly cinematic
You can always pair a ceremony in one of these locations with portraits inside Zion, giving you the best of both worlds. I’ll help you create a timeline that fits everything.
Choose the Off Season
Timing is everything in Zion. November through March is significantly less crowded than spring and fall, and it’s one of my favorite windows for elopements and micro weddings.
During the off season:
Popular locations feel quieter and more intimate
Permits are easier to secure
Lodging and vendor availability improves
You don’t have to plan around shuttle schedules, which gives you far more flexibility
While winter does bring cooler temperatures and occasional snow, the tradeoff is a calmer, more intentional experience — and some of the softest, most beautiful light of the year.
Elope at Sunrise on a Weekday
If you’re planning during peak season, this one is non-negotiable. Sunrise weekday elopements are essential for avoiding crowds in Zion, especially from March through October.
Why sunrise works:
Fewer visitors (many don’t arrive until mid-morning)
Cooler temperatures in warmer months
Soft, glowy canyon light
More privacy at popular locations
Tuesday through Thursday tend to be the quietest days, and sunrise ceremonies allow us to experience iconic spots before the park fully wakes up.
Have Your Micro Wedding at a Private Venue with Scenic Views — Then Go Into the Park for Portraits
For micro weddings, this is one of my favorite planning strategies. Hosting your ceremony at a private venue with Zion views allows you to enjoy a relaxed, uninterrupted celebration — then step into the park for portraits without the pressure of holding a ceremony there or securing permits.
Some stunning options include:
This approach offers privacy, flexibility, and a luxury experience — while still capturing the magic of Zion in your photos.
Choose a Ceremony Location in the Kolob Canyon Section of the Park
Most visitors associate Zion with the main canyon — which means the Kolob Canyon section is often overlooked. Located on the northwest side of the park, this area is quieter, more spacious, and just as breathtaking.
Timber Creek Overlook is one of my favorite ceremony locations in Kolob Canyons. It offers sweeping views, dramatic cliffs, and far fewer visitors compared to the main park areas, especially at sunrise or sunset. We don’t have to ride a shuttle or deal with the busy park entrance.
If you love Zion but want a calmer, more secluded feel, Kolob Canyons is absolutely worth considering.
Avoiding crowds in Zion isn’t about giving anything up — it’s about planning intentionally. With the right location, timing, and approach, your elopement or micro wedding can feel peaceful, meaningful, and deeply personal.
As your Zion Wedding & Elopement Photographer my goal is to give you photos that feel like you’re reliving your favorite day over and over again, but I also help plan your favorite day from the ground up - that includes helping you decide how to best navigate crowds.
I’ll also help with
Timeline Planning
Vendor Recommendations - tailored towards you two as a couple and your desert location. No more google searching!
Custom Location Guides - all of my favorite scouted areas that aren’t listed on my site!
Permit + Licensing help
Adventure Planning - all the best options for hiking, horseback riding, climbing, or whatever else you’re dreaming of doing together!