Lake Powell is a dreamy elopement or engagement proposal destination for so many reasons. This stunning man-made reservoir on the Colorado River is surrounded by vibrant red rock canyons and crystal-clear blue water. It stretches over 1,960 miles of shoreline, so you’ve got endless options for your ceremony spot! Whether you’re looking for a secluded cove or a scenic overlook, Lake Powell has it all.
If you’re planning a wedding on public lands within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, you’ll need a special use permit. The application requires a $300 fee, and the National Park Service recommends submitting your application at least 45 days before your wedding to allow time for processing. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the permit guidelines, which cover things like guest limits, parking restrictions, and what equipment is allowed.
The best times to wed at Lake Powell are during the spring and fall seasons, offering mild weather and fewer crowds.
Spring brings pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and the beauty of wildflowers in bloom, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies. You can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Fall is another fantastic option. With cooler temperatures and the vibrant colors of autumn, September and October are especially perfect for a fall wedding. The fall foliage around the lake adds a touch of magic to your celebration.
Summer can be hot and crowded, with peak season running from June to August. While the lake is lively and offers numerous activities, if you don’t mind the heat, summer weddings are still an option—just be sure to plan well in advance due to high demand.
Hire a private tour operator for a scenic boat ride around the lake.
Take a guided kayak or paddleboard tour to discover hidden coves and breathtaking landscapes.
Hike to iconic spots like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon for unforgettable photo opportunities.
End the day with stargazing or a beachside campfire under the clear desert sky.
With endless possibilities, Lake Powell offers the perfect setting for a truly memorable wedding or elopement.
One of my most favorite thing to do at Lake Powell is taking my paddle board out to Antelope Canyon really early in the morning and exploring antelope canyon. Although Most of Antelope Canyon is on native american, Navjao, land there is still a section that can be explored without a guide. You'll have to work a little harder to get there. One of the reasons that I recommend an early start is that once the big boats get going, a lot of wake is created and it will take a lot longer to paddle the 3 miles from Antelope Point Marina to the slot canyon. Another reason is that the earlier you get there, the quieter it will be. Like all fabulous places even this is more busy these days. I am so happy that I've had it to myself so many times.
You’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the state of Utah or Arizona since the lake is situated on the border of both states, to get married at Lake Powell. It's a big place so it just depends on what location you choose to elope or get married at Lake Powell.
If you are an Arizona Resident, you can apply online one month before your wedding. If not you'll have to appear in person a day in advance. Where you will be married doesn’t matter; the license is valid anywhere in Arizona. Most county offices require you to reserve an appointment time. Always get your license well in advance
$83 fee for Arizona or a $50 fee for Utah. Prior to your elopement, you will both have to appear in person to pick up your marriage license. You can do this right before your elopement, just make sure to pay the fee to waive the three day waiting period if you plan to use it right away.
The Special Use Permit (SUP) program authorizes activities that provide benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large; and that require written authorization and some degree of management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Examples include fishing tournaments, weddings and other large group gatherings, 1st Amendment activities, and rights-of-way/easements.
Special Use Permits are granted for specific periods of time and specific locations. Certain fees and insurance requirements may apply.
Decide what kind of an adventure you want to have. If you aren't doing paperwork and having a symbolic ceremony, no permit will be necessary. You can take photos in wedding clothing anywhere that you want but you can't have a wedding without a permit.
1. Fill out the permit application, recommended 45 days in advance of your wedding date to ensure ample time for processing.
2. Email it to: GLCA_SUP@NPS.GOV
The permit includes rules and regulations for the wedding ceremony, such as the number of guests allowed, parking restrictions, and guidelines for the use of equipment like chairs or amplifiers. It’s important to note that wedding permits are only issued during certain times of the year, and peak season dates can book up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead and secure your permit as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
The closest airport to Lake Powell is Page Municipal Airport (PGA), located just 10 minutes from the town of Page and 20 minutes from the lake. It offers flights from Phoenix, AZ. If you prefer a larger airport, you can fly into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), both of which are about a four-hour drive away.
No matter where you fly in, you’ll be greeted with stunning desert landscapes and the promise of an unforgettable wedding experience at Lake Powell!
One of my most favorite locations for weddings at Lake Powell is an amazing spot overlooking the lake, called Alstrom point. You can drive there but you are going to want to rent a jeep. Along the way, the terrain is absolutely amazing and you'll want to build in a lot of time to take photos along the way. You can even camp at Alstrom Point and wake uo for sunrise as a newly married couple as well.
This is also an amazing location of an adventure engagement proposal!
Getting to Lake Powell
The closest airport to Lake Powell is Page Municipal Airport (PGA), located just 10 minutes from the town of Page and 20 minutes from the lake. It offers flights from Phoenix, AZ. If you prefer a larger airport, you can fly into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), both of which are about a four-hour drive away.
No matter where you fly in, you’ll be greeted with stunning desert landscapes and the promise of an unforgettable wedding experience at Lake Powell!
A houseboat is hands-down one of the best ways to explore Lake Powell. You can rent one for your elopement, explore hidden spots, and even host a boat-based reception with your loved ones!If you are from AZ you can apply a month in advance online.
Under Canvas - a unique glamping location
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Native American Eco Retreat
I go above and beyond just photographing your moments. Depending on who you are and what experience you want to feel, I am going to call in my team. I am your cupcake wrangler, musician talent scout, we are going to do things in a leave no trace way that fills your soul with light and love.
Francisco Vargas
Let me start off by stating, we are not people who usually leave reviews but this is one worth leaving !
Terri is AMAZING! I contacted her via her website and she responded ASAP, after asking her some initial questions I hired her on the spot. We coordinated all the details and when the moment came to pop-the-question she captured truly genuine photos that captured the magic of the moment. I am eternally grateful to have hired Terri to capture this core memory. Thank you, Terri! Thanks to you the Grand Canyon holds a special place in our hearts.
Truly cannot express how grateful I am to have had Terri as my photographer. She suggested a perfect spot, and the photos were stunning. She did a great job of getting so many different angles and I loved how many fun shots she took. Mine was a proposal shoot and I am so glad she took the time to give advice / pro tips to make the actual kneeling proposal moment lovely, which went a long way towards calming the nerves and making sure it went smoothly. Highly recommend booking Terri!
-Riley Miller
Megan Mitchell
Run, don't walk, to have Terri as your photographer! Literally could not imagine a better experience. Terri made my now husband and me feel comfortable in front of the camera, and she also listened if we had any special requests. She is a mastermind behind the lens, and so easy to work with.
My husband and I have had multiple friends tell us our engagement and wedding photos are the most beautiful, naturally edited, and unique photos they've ever seen.
If you are planning on having your small event outdoors, you have found your photographer! She knows how to work with light, she knows how to pose you, she thinks about how you'll look in photos, and she works fast. Could not recommend her more!
My partner (now my husband) surprised me with a proposal at the Grand Canyon, and Terri was our photographer. It was truly amazing and highly professional. She suggested the perfect spot for the proposal and knew every corner to capture stunning photos. Our friends and family absolutely loved the photos. -Ximena GL
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