Where to Elope in the Southwest Desert

So you want to elope in the desert, or at least in the American Southwest. But there’s so many different landscapes throughout several states and you can’t choose them all. Well, let me at least help you narrow your choices!!

I’m Cherlyn, a landscape-focused adventure elopement photographer and I specialize in the Southwest! I love helping my couples figure out where to elope (even within the first consultation call prior to booking). Having explored a vast variety of Southwest landscapes since 2015, allow me to be your virtual guide.

You probably already have an idea of the Southwest deserts, but let me do a quick little summary:

• The Mojave Desert stretches from Southern California all the way to Nevada, think Joshua Tree National Park and Red Rock Canyon by Las Vegas. It’s drier and extreme weather, the most “desert” of all the deserts
• The Sonoran Desert encompasses Sedona, much of Arizona and actually a part of Joshua Tree National Park. It’s got your iconic saguaro cactus but also has forests
• The Great Basin Desert is what you think of as Red Rocks all of Utah and actually Nevada as well. It’s places like Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Moab. It’s unique in that it’s high plateaus and can have snow in the winter. The red rock is often limestone instead of sandstone.
• Zion National Park is at the confluence of the Mojave and Great Basin.

Okay, so there’s all these deserts but what does that even mean about my elopement? Well, with the varying climates and landscapes, it can truly dictate where and when you’ll want to elope! Let me share with you my favorites:

Zion National Park

This is a classic. This Utah park was one of my first introductions to the southwest desert and you can actually visit it year round. With deep canyons that remain cool in the summer, it can be a surprisingly great destination for summer elopements. However, if you want the iconic vistas of Zion National Park, eloping in the spring or fall seasons will have the best temperatures. Whether you love longer adventures or quick view points, it’s got a wide range of activities. Zion National Park is also best known for its canyons and approachable canyoneering routes ranging from full day to just 2 rappels. Pair it with a float down the Virgin River or a hike up to Angels Landing and you’ll have an adventure-ful elopement.

Activities: Hiking, canyoneering, rafting, climbing, scrambling, star gazing

Best Season: April – June and October – November (possible year round though)

Closest Airport/City: Las Vegas

Already wanting to start planning your Zion adventure elopement? Let’s get going!

 

Joshua Tree National Park

When you’re thinking desert, you’re probably overlooking the tan tones of Joshua Tree National Park in California. It’s a rock climbing destination but honestly it’s such a vibe. Between the Joshua Trees and rock formations, there’s so much unique scenery, plus the sunrises and sunsets here are unreal. It’s the best place to just wander and explore on the rocks, finding tight slots or cute rocks, or even finding your perfect Joshua Tree formation. It truly brings out the child in you.

Activities: Hiking, climbing, scrambling, camping, biking, star gazing

Best Season: October – May (chillier and windier in the winter months)

Closest Airport: Palm Springs

 

Red Rock Canyon

While everyone is looking for a national park to elope at, they often forget about other public lands, such as Red Rock Canyon only 30 minutes from Las Vegas. It’s like a little oasis with the most incredible red rocks. There are actually different layers of rock from the iconic Aztec red and pink sandstone (and even striped) to the grey limestone that makes up the mountains.

Activities: Hiking, climbing, scrambling

Best Season: October – April (chillier and windier in the winter months)

Closest Airport: Las Vegas

Southern Utah State Parks

If you’re thinking you want Zion without the crowds, you’ll want to head to a more local park, such as one of the many state parks just west of the national park. If you cross Red Rock Canyon with Zion National Park, these parks are what you get! Surrounding the small city of St George are: Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, Quail Creek State Park and Gunlock State Park. It’s easy to explore the red rocks (imo more red than in Zion) and some even have the relief that you see in Zion with the big cliff drops. Since they are more local parks, eloping during the weekdays is highly recommended for the least amount of crowds.

Activities: Hiking, climbing, scrambling

Best Season: October – April

Closest Airport: Las Vegas

 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Everyone is always talking about Moab and Arches but I want to highlight Bryce Canyon instead. It’s just as far to get to from Las Vegas as Moab is from Salt Lake City and a much more underrated area. With the unique hoodoos, you can find privacy in between the curves of the trails. And of course there’s plenty of easy view points with so many pullouts to stop at. Unlike other desert destinations that are best to visit in the temperate months closest to winter, Bryce is great in the summer since it is at a higher elevation. But as summer is high-visiting season, I would still recommend shoulder season.

Activities: Hiking, 4×4 on roads outside of the park, star gazing

Best Season: April – May and September – October

Closest Airport: Las Vegas

 

Already wanting to start planning your desert adventure elopement? Let’s get going!