Snow Canyon Elopement: Slot Canyon to Stunning Overlooks

Drew and I just celebrated three years (!!!) of marriage with a trip down to southern Utah, where I got to photograph this stunning Snow Canyon elopement. Originally, we were going to camp right outside of Zion National Park. But, the more research we did prior to our trip, the more we realized Zion is oftentimes overcrowded (no thank you!). We spent half a day in Zion, and the rest of our time we were in Snow Canyon State Park and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land with minimal people and maximum adventure. Most of the time we had entire trails to ourselves with views that were just as breathtaking as Zion.

While Drew and I were in Snow Canyon State Park, I got to photograph Dasya and Shilo’s incredible southern Utah elopement. A couple of days before their Utah elopement, Drew and I got to adventure together to location scout. Let me tell you, Snow Canyon delivered! This hidden gem of Utah is full of beautiful landscapes, including slot canyons and gorgeous overlooks.

On Dasya and Shilo’s day, we started in a slot canyon that added stunning depth and drama to their outdoor wedding portraits. Then, we made our way up to an overlook and spent time on petrified rocks (um, what?). Snow Canyon truly was filled with dramatic textures and patterns in the rock walls that made for some breathtaking elopement portraits. And wait until you see the amazing sunset at the end! Still not over the colors of this sunset mixed with Utah’s desert.

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Where to Stay in St. George Near Snow Canyon

Drew and I stayed in the little city of St. George, which is right outside of Snow Canyon. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for camping in the great outdoors, but sometimes I will let me diva side reign and we’ll get an Airbnb. Click here to check out the little oasis where we stayed in St. George (the pool had a water slide, so Drew was sold!). If you’d rather camp in Snow Canyon, you can click here to reserve your campsite. Are you adventuring on a budget? There’s room for you, too! Click here to check out how you can stay on BLM land in southern Utah for free!

Adventuring on BLM Land in Southern Utah

In the very beginning, these public lands were used to encourage homesteading and westward migration by the General Land Office (established in 1812; how cool is that?!). Now, the Bureau of Land Management promotes multiple-use on public lands. They back environmental responsibility, conservation, promoting jobs on working landscaping and providing traditional uses of public likes. Curious if there is a BLM land near you? Click here to explore more!

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Best Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park

By far, my two favorite hikes in Snow Canyon were the Petrified Dunes Trail and Jenny’s Canyon! You can read more fun hiking opportunities in Snow Canyon by clicking here.

And, just when I thought it couldn’t have gotten any better, the sky illuminated into one of the most epic sunsets I have ever seen. If you are drooling over how beautiful Dasya and Shilo are among the stunning landscape of Snow Canyon, you will love Brenn and Zach’s Smith Rock climbing elopement in central Oregon.

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Getting a Marriage License for Your Southern Utah Elopement

You’ve got the incredible partner, the stunning dress, the dreamy flowers and the epic elopement backdrop. But, you cannot forget one of the most important witnesses to your adventure-packed vows: your marriage license! Read about all the information you need to know about getting a marriage license for your southern Utah elopement by clicking here.

  

Planning an adventure elopement in Southern Utah? Wanting to explore the slot canyons in Snow Canyon? Reach out and let’s plan your next adventure!

 

Between the Pine is an adventure elopement and wedding photography brand created by Mollie Adams. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Mollie travels with her camera in hand to document “I dos” in epic landscapes including Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.