When to Elope in Zion
Zion National Park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, green canyon floors, narrow slot canyons, and scenic views every where you look. While the landscape changes dramatically with the seasons, there’s truly a perfect time to elope in Zion if you know where (and when) to go. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet sunrise ceremony beneath massive canyon walls or a cozy winter vow exchange with snow-dusted cliffs, this guide will help you decide the best time to elope in Zion, season by season.
First and foremost - Zion is one of the most popular National Parks in the country, so I always recommend considering a weekday for your elopement. Many people do long weekends in the area, so eloping Tuesday - Thursday typically makes it so we can beat crowds and have popular spaces to ourselves. I also highly recommend sunrise ceremonies when we’re doing a National Park elopement.
Spring and fall are the most popular seasons in Zion and bring the most crowds to National Parks, so November to March is my favorite time for a Zion elopement!
WINTER (December - January)
Zion in winter is super underrated. Snowy red rock walls, softer light all day long, and far fewer visitors make this one of the most peaceful times to elope here. If you’re craving an adventurous but elevated, stress-free experience, winter in Zion might be perfect. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by quiet sandstone cliffs, then warming up with a private dinner or cozy cabin stay nearby.
Winter Elopement Activities: Winter hiking, snowshoeing at higher elevations, scenic drives, stargazing
Winter Elopement Locations: Winter is one of the best times for National Park elopements in Zion. Permits are easier to obtain, you don’t have to work around a shuttle schedule, and many popular locations feel surprisingly private.
Pro Tip: Winter is Zion’s off-season — meaning better lodging availability, more flexible vendor schedules, and significantly fewer crowds. You’ll want to dress warmly and plan timelines carefully, but winter opens up so many options that aren’t possible during peak months. If your heart is set on a sunset ceremony or a weekend elopement, winter is absolutely the best time to make that happen.
SPRING
Spring in Zion is so beautiful. The canyon turns green, waterfalls start flowing, and temperatures are comfortable — which also means everyone wants to be here. Between spring break travelers and ideal hiking weather, Zion gets busy quickly. That said, with thoughtful planning and early mornings, spring elopements can be incredible.
I highly recommend weekday sunrise ceremonies during spring. We beat the crowds, get dreamy morning light, and then have the rest of the day to explore quieter areas or add in activities.
Spring Elopement Activities: Hiking, canyoneering (guided), climbing, scenic overlooks, helicopter tours, stargazing, horseback riding
Spring Elopement Locations: Popular areas within Zion fill up fast in spring, so I often guide couples toward lesser-visited trails, quieter permit-approved locations, or nearby alternatives like Bryce Canyon, Snow Canyon, Zion backcountry areas, and surrounding public lands.
Pro Tip: We can plan a split timeline — visiting iconic locations at sunrise, then heading to quieter spots for sunset or a private celebration. Avoid dates around spring break and holiday weekends whenever possible.
SUMMER
Summer in Zion brings heat — especially within the canyon — but with smart planning, it can still be a beautiful time to elope. Early mornings and evenings are key. Sunrise ceremonies are absolute magic in summer, with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. We can choose activities that will keep us cool during the day - hiking the Narrows, hopping in a helicopter, or breaking midday and regrouping when it cools down in the evening.
Summer Elopement Activities: Hiking (early!), canyoneering, river walks, helicopter tours, stargazing, scenic drives
Summer Elopement Locations: Sunrise ceremonies within Zion, higher-elevation areas nearby, and quieter surrounding locations outside the main canyon for sunset.
Pro Tip: Summer requires extra awareness of heat, monsoons, and flash flood conditions — especially for slot canyons and narrow hikes. I always help my couples plan backup locations and flexible timelines so weather never derails the experience.
AUTUMN
Fall in Zion is truly special. The temperatures cool down, the light becomes softer, and the canyon feels calmer — especially toward the end of the season. Early fall can still be busy, but by late October and into November, crowds thin and the park feels more peaceful. November is one of my favorite months for Zion elopements: cooler and much less busy.
Fall Elopement Activities: Hiking, climbing, backpacking, camping, scenic picnics, exploring nearby viewpoints
Fall Elopement Locations: Many couples love pairing a Zion ceremony with a cozy lodge stay, glamping experience, or private dinner nearby. Fall is perfect for intentional, slow-paced elopement days that feel both adventurous and luxurious.
Pro Tip: Zion hosts events and sees increased visitation during peak fall weekends. Checking local calendars and avoiding major event dates can make a huge difference in your experience.
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 the perfect time of year to get married.
Choosing a season is just one of the first steps, 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!