Utah Wedding Permits: Yes, You need this for your wedding!

Jamie Tobin Photography

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Date Posted

February 4, 2025

Utah wedding permits, Utah National Park Permits, National Park Wedding Permits, Guide to Wedding Ceremony Permits in Utah’s National Parks

(Because Ranger Crashers Aren’t the Wedding Trend We’re Going For)

Listen up, adventure lovers – before you start dreaming about that epic arch ceremony, we need to chat about permits. Yes, they’re about as fun as organizing your sock drawer, but they’re absolutely crucial for your national park elopement.

Permits in Utah’s National Parks, Let’s break it down park by park:

Arches National Park

  • Permit Fee: $185
  • Must apply at least 14 days in advance
  • Maximum group size: 25 people
  • Popular ceremony spots: Delicate Arch (sunrise is MAGIC), The Windows, Park Avenue
  • Pro tip: They only allow ceremonies before 9am or after 4pm at Delicate Arch (trust me, this is for your own good – no one wants tourists photobombing your vows)

Canyonlands National Park

  • Permit Fee: $185
  • Application required 14 days in advance
  • Maximum group size varies by location
  • Best spots: Green River Overlook, Mesa Arch (sunrise only, unless you want a crowd), Grand View Point
  • Hot tip: Island in the Sky district has the most accessible ceremony locations

Zion National Park

  • Permit Fee: $100
  • Apply at least 14 days in advance
  • Maximum group size: Varies by location
  • Prime locations: Temple of Sinawava, Emerald Pools, Pa’rus Trail
  • Insider secret: The Kolob Canyon section is way less crowded and just as stunning

Bryce Canyon National Park

  • Permit Fee: $100
  • Submit application 14 days before
  • Group size restrictions vary
  • Gorgeous spots: Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point
  • Pro tip: Sunrise ceremonies here are UNREAL with the light hitting the hoodoos

Capitol Reef National Park

  • Permit Fee: $100
  • 14-day advance notice required
  • Smaller crowds = more flexibility
  • Beautiful locations: Gifford House lawn, Panorama Point
  • Secret tip: This is the most underrated park for ceremonies, and the permit process is usually smoother

Utah’s Wedding Permits, Important Things to Remember:

  • Every single person counts toward your group size (yes, even your photographer – hi, that’s me!)
  • Most parks require Leave No Trace practices (no throwing rice, confetti, or anything else)
  • Some locations within parks are off-limits for ceremonies
  • Weather backup locations should be included in your permit application
  • Permits don’t guarantee exclusive use of the area (except in specific cases)
  • Photography permits might be required separately (don’t worry, I’ve got this covered)

Timeline Tips:

  1. Apply for permits AS SOON as you pick your date
  2. Have backup dates in mind during peak seasons
  3. Consider weekday ceremonies for better permit approval odds
  4. Factor in seasonal park closures or restrictions

How to Make it Happen:

  1. Choose your park and specific location
  2. Visit the park’s official website for the Special Use Permit application
  3. Submit required documentation and fee
  4. Wait for approval (usually 7-14 business days)
  5. Keep permit with you on ceremony day

My Top Secret Pro Tips:

  • Some areas require separate permits for ceremony and photos
  • Sunrise ceremonies usually have more location options
  • Consider less popular areas of popular parks
  • Always have a backup location in mind (preferably outside the park)
  • Some parks offer multiple ceremony locations on one permit

Need help navigating all this permit jazz? As someone who’s photographed incredible national park elopements, I know these processes inside and out. Let’s chat about making your dream location legally and logistically possible – without the stress of figuring it out alone!

Remember: Getting married in a national park is absolutely worth the permit hassle.

These places are protected for a reason, and trust me, you want those epic landscapes as your backdrop. Plus, following the rules means these amazing places stay beautiful for future adventure-loving couples!

Let’s get this elopement started!

I’m so ready to be your photographer and help you navigate the permits you might need. I promise it is not as confusing as it can seem, and they are always updating the rules so this post will probably need to be updated again soon!

But as your elopement photographer it’s my job to keep up to date on this so you can just be confident in everything we have planned, knowing we have the rangers on our side. Contact me here, or below to get started. Can’t wait to be your photographer.

Utah wedding permits, Utah National Park Permits, National Park Wedding Permits, Guide to Wedding Ceremony Permits in Utah’s National Parks

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