How to Elope in Capitol Reef National Park


As a newly transplanted Utahan, I have had my eyes on several of the beautiful National Parks in this state to visit and travel to. One of those is the Capitol Reef National Park. Capitol Reef National Park is a prime location for a Utah elopement. If you’re looking to elope in Utah in some of the most stunning red rocks with gorgeous canyons, cliffs, and domes then you’ve come to the right place. Here is a complete guide on how to elope in Capitol Reef National Park.


In this complete elopement guide on how to elope in Capitol Reef National Park we go over:


  • What Is Capitol Reef National Park?
  • Permits & Fees To Elope In Capitol Reef National Park
  • When To Book Your Capitol Reef National Park Elopement
  • Photo Locations For Your Capitol Reef National Park Elopement
  • Important Information For Your Capitol Reef National Park Elopement
  • Places To Stay For Your Capitol Reef National Park Elopement
  • What To Do At Capitol Reef National Park


Photos provided by Capitol Reef National Park Service

What Is Capitol Reef National Park?


Capitol Reef National Park is located in the south-central part of Utah. Smack dab in the middle of the desert, Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s hidden gems and offers plenty of scenery to gaze upon. Some of that includes cliffs, canyons, domes, and plenty of other natural phenomena. 


In order for you to enter this breathtaking national park, you will be required to pay an entrance fee of $20 (per vehicle). You can read more about entrance fees here!

Photos provided by Capitol Reef National Park Service

Permits To Elope in Capitol Reef National Park 


Like many national parks, Capitol Reef National Park requires a special use permit (SUP) in order for you to elope. You will be required to have a permit in order to tie the knot at Capitol Reef National Park. 


If you’re looking to elope at Capitol Reef National Park, you will need to pay a permit fee of $100. You will also be required to fill out an application that must be submitted with a cashier’s check, money order, or personal check in order for you to go through the approval process. To access the link to the application, click here. My recommendation is to submit your application and permit fee within four weeks of your elopement. That is to guarantee that it will get processed in time with no issues!


Please send your application and permit fee to:


Special Park Uses Coordinator

HC 70 Box 15

Torrey, UT 84775

Email: penni_torgerson@nps.gov

Phone: 435-425-4101

Fax: 435-425-3026

Photos provided by Capitol Reef National Park Service

When To Book Your Capitol Reef National Park Elopement


When getting married in such a public place as a national park, you will need to watch out for crowds! People will be the number one factor when having your Capitol Reef National Park elopement for two reasons. One, they affect where you can get married and two, they can affect how long you can be in one spot. You obviously want to respect everyone who visits the national park, so trying to juggle all of this can be difficult. That’s why knowing when to book your Capitol Reef National Park elopement is so important.


If you’re looking for fewer crowds and people, ideally you would schedule your elopement during the off-season. This is usually October-March. I would also recommend if you would like to avoid as many people as possible on the day of your wedding, to aim to have your ceremony earlier in the day. The earlier in the day your ceremony is, the lower chance you will have run into people on the day of your wedding at your ceremony location!

Photos provided by Capitol Reef National Park Service

Photo Locations For Your Capitol Reef National Park Elopement


Since Capitol Reef National Park is so vast, you’re looking at a plethora of different wedding photo locations for your Utah elopement. I am a firm believer in turning just about anything into art, so when it comes to eloping at Capitol Reef National Park, don’t be afraid to get creative. With that being said, here are a few different trails and landmarks that are perfect for your Utah elopement photos at Capitol Reef National Park.


Chimney Rock Canyon Loop Trail


Sunset Point


Waterpocket Fold


Fruit Orchards

Photos provided by Capitol Reef National Park Service

Important Information For Your Capitol Reef National Park Elopement


If you’re planning on having a Capitol Reef National Park elopement, you’re also going to need some of this important information. 


  • Weddings/ceremonies can be scheduled up to a year in advance but no later than 7 days prior to your celebration
  • Parking is limited (especially during busy season) so the national park recommends carpooling or shuttling! Wilderness Ridge Adventures offers pickup and drop-off at Capitol Reef National Park!
  • Every location is different, however, the number allowed for any elopement at Capitol Reef National Park is 100 guests.
  • Ceremonies are typically limited to 20 minutes long, to respect other visitors at Capitol Reef National Park
  • You are not allowed to use the Park Visitor Center, Restrooms, or other buildings at the park to get ready or be used as a waiting area.
  • Photographers and officiants are covered under the original SUP for weddings, no additional permit is necessary!
  • Equipment like carpets, floral displays, generators, or tents may not be used. However, they do allow portable seating for those who need it.
  • Drones are prohibited
  • You may not have amplified music during or after the ceremony. Non-amplified musical instruments are allowed!
  • Capitol Reef National Park follows Leave No Trace principles. This means making sure that all trash and ceremony items are picked up and packed with you. Please respect Mother Earth :)

Photos provided by Capitol Reef National Park Service

Places To Stay For Your Capitol Reef National Park Elopement


While planning your Capitol Reef National Park elopement, you’re also going to need to determine your lodging! Thankfully, Capitol Reef National Park is nearby some gorgeous hotels and stays and also has options for those who love the great outdoors! 


Camping


If you love immersing yourself in nature, feel free to explore some of Capitol Reef National Park’s campgrounds. This will have you feeling connected with the park and have a bit more of an earthy experience for your Utah elopement at Capitol Reef National Park. At this national park, you will find the Fruita Campground, Cathedral Valley Campground, and the Cedar Mesa Campground.


Hotels


If camping is not your style and you would much rather have your wedding experience in a beautiful hotel/resort, I’ve got you covered. Capitol Reef National Park has a wide variety of hotels in the area that make it the perfect oasis for your wedding getaway. 


Some of those are:


Capitol Reef Resort


Cougar Ridge


The Noor Hotel

Photos provided by Capitol Reef National Park Service

What To Do at Capitol Reef National Park?


This goes without saying but there are a plethora of options of things for you to do at Capitol Reef National Park. While being around this gorgeous national park, feel free to enjoy some of the many activities that they have to offer! 


GET IN TOUCH!


Photos By Gayle does more than just take photos of people. Rather, it is capturing moments of LOVE and HAPPINESS. Singing to the skies, dancing in a field, smiles that hurt because they’re so big. There is nothing else I would rather be doing than photographing these unique details that make you and your significant other a couple. If these photos from this blog puts a spark in you, you know where to click <——— right there!