Weddings At Zion National Park
Are you searching for Zion National Park wedding venues that can host your family and friends? Do you want to have an immersive wedding day experience where your beautiful portraits, ceremony, and reception all take place in one location? Or do you want a separate location for your ceremony and reception? You might be imagining a romantic elopement escape inside the canyon with a reception to follow. Either way, I’ve got you covered!
By far the most popular area would be the south entrance in the town of Springdale. Springdale provides not only easy but quick access to Zion; it’s also a great place to explore local attractions such as shops and restaurants. I recommend going through the south entrance to get to the canyon.
Below you’ll find a list of Zion National Park wedding venues with and without overnight accommodations It offers the most amenities and nearby attractions. It’s the only area in Zion that requires a shuttle bus. Or, you can opt for an e-bike instead. Entering Zion National Park through this entrance will provide you access to:
Angels Landing
The Narrows
Emerald Pools
Cliffrose offers two unique spaces to host your Zion elopement or wedding, their ballroom or their focus room. The Ballroom at Cliffrose Lodge can accommodate 50 to 175 guests. Meanwhile, the focus room can accommodate 12 to 35 guests. Cable Mountain Lodge offers indoor and outdoor wedding venue spaces for an unforgettable wedding day experience surrounded by the natural beauty of Zion.
Kolob Canyons is much quieter than Springdale. It is located just to the west of Zion National Park and is south of Salt Lake City, near Brain Head. Entering Zion National Park through this entrance will provide you with access to:
Timber Creek
Taylor Creek
Kolob Canyon does not have any venues inside of the park, but rather southeast in the towns of Toquerville and La Verkin. Kolob Canyon is way less crowded than Springdale and still provides stunning views of Zion National Park. They have one permitted spot inside of the park for a ceremony, called Timber Creek Overlook. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Springdale, you just might want to host your Zion Wedding Ceremony closer to the northwest side of the park. Below, you'll find three venues to choose from
The Shangri-La Event Center offers couples a serene lake, a white gazebo, and idyllic views in every direction. Shangri-La has the ability to accommodate up to 150 wedding guests and they offer full-day or half-day rentals with convenient on-site parking for your guests. Additionally, your venue rental also comes with tables and chairs (no hiring a rental company) as well as setup and breakdown of your wedding.
Also, if you’re planning your Zion wedding or elopement for the summer, the east side tends to be a bit cooler due to its higher elevation. This is one for the couples that have a deep love for fur babies! Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is in fact an animal rescue, but they also offer overnight accommodations at their cabins, cottages, and RV sites. Overnight stays at Best Friends are nestled in the red-rock cliffs of Angel Canyon. From here you’ll have a beautiful view of the horse pastures. Or for couples who wish to host their ceremony and reception at the nearby Angel’s Landing Amphitheater.
The Lodge at East Zion offers overnight accommodations along with dedicated event spaces to host your Zion wedding. The resort is a picture-perfect backdrop where their ceremony space is nested up against an astonishing red rock formation. In total, the property is over 75 acres, and the space is well-maintained and cared for at every turn. For an indoor wedding at The Lodge at East Zion, the venue can accommodate up to 100 guests, their picture-perfect outdoor space can host even higher,
The 6 permitted locations are ONLY for couples wanting an official wedding, led by a wedding officiant. You can choose to share private sacred vows with one another anywhere in Zion as long as there is no officiant. You can also take portraits anywhere in Zion.
In order for your Zion elopement ceremony to be a legally binding marriage, there is a two-step process involved. The first is to obtain a special use permit for a wedding in Zion National Park. The second is to obtain your marriage license through the local county clerk's office.
This application costs $100 and must be submitted at least three weeks in advance of the date of your wedding. Once approved, your application will include two hours of access to the park for your wedding ceremony (or vow renewal) and wedding photography
• You can obtain an application online for a special use permit at Zion National Park, here
• If you wish to submit the application electronically, you email it to: zion_commercialservices@nps.gov
• You can submit the $100 permit fee electronically, at this link: https://pay.gov/public/form/start/77183452
In order to apply for a marriage license for your Zion National Park Elopement:
• You will both need to complete an in-person application at the county clerk You must both need to state your name, address, date of birth, and social security number
• Valid government-issued identification must be presented such as your passport, birth certificate, driver's license, or state ID card
• You must both also provide the names and birthplaces of both of your parents, including your mother's maiden name• You will need to pay a fee to obtain your marriage license, which comes with two certified copies
(Tip: you can purchase The America the Beautiful Pass either online or at the Zion visitor center for $80 to be able to get entry to all the national parks for about a year!)
Recommendations To Wear:
For Zion National Park, the “best” wedding style isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about movement, contrast, and working with the desert environment. The red rock, wind, and light completely shape what looks good on camera and what actually feels good to wear
Think: soft tulle, chiffon, organza, layered movement Top choice for comfort
Long, dramatic veils (cathedral or longer) catch the canyon wind beautifully
Lightweight fabrics are key (desert heat + hiking access matters)
A-line or empire silhouettes move effortlessly on cliffs and trails
Why it works: The movement contrasts against the rigid red rock, creating that dreamy, editorial look. Perfect for your brand lane: layered veils, appliqué, soft romantic drama.
If you want a little more rustic undertones, think Chantilly lace, bell sleeves, crochet, relaxed silhouettes
Off-the-shoulder or long-sleeve lace gowns
Earthy tones (ivory, sand, warm blush) blend with the landscape
Accessories: floral crowns, textured veils, subtle beading
Why it works: Desert weddings naturally lean into boho styling, loose silhouettes and breathable fabrics are ideal!
For something more modern yet simply timeless
Think: sleek, structured, bold
Satin slip dresses, clean lines, minimal silhouettes
Dramatic cutouts, square necklines, or high slits
Statement veil or no veil, let the landscape do the work
The fabric is still light an airy,
Add a neck scarf to melt in the air.
Power move: Black wedding dresses photograph insanely against Zion’s red rocks
Why it works: The contrast = editorial, Vogue-level imagery.
What not to do
Heavy ballgowns (too hot, hard to move)
Thin stilettos (you’ll sink or not be stable on rock)
Super stiff fabrics (no movement = flat photos)
Overly short dresses unless styled intentional
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