Guide to Getting Married at the Grand Canyon
A Grand Adventure
The Grand Canyon, with its awe-inspiring beauty and timeless grandeur, is a destination that calls people from all over the world. While known for it’s breathtaking natural wonder, it's also becoming an increasingly popular spot for a truly unique and unforgettable wedding destination.
In this blog post we'll explore all you need to know when getting married at the Grand Canyon. We'll also dive into some exceptional accommodation options for your special day to enhance the grandness of your love story.
The Grand Canyon: A Perfect Backdrop for Love
Imagine exchanging vows in the heart of one of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, most couples are looking for a location that will leave their guests in awe and create lasting memories. Few places can accomplish this quite like the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon's dramatic vistas, rugged terrain, and captivating colors make for a stunning backdrop to your wedding day, and the pictures you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. No ballroom or banquet hall can replicate natural grandeur of a place such as this.
Perfect Point of View: South Rim Options
The National Park provides an array of location options on the South Rim, each with their own distinctive charm.
Lipan Point: located near the east entrance of the south rim, is an excellent spot to hold your ceremony. The location offers flat, easy to access and out of the way places to hold a small ceremony without a bunch of tourists or onlookers in the background of your photos. The fee to hold your ceremony here (and most other spots) is only $250, a reasonable price for getting hitched at one of the great natural wonders of the world. Accommodates 50 people.
Shoshone Point is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a more private setting. This spot is the only private event location at the Grand Canyon. The rental fee is a little more, but still very reasonable for being at a world class destination. Shoshone Point is only available May 15-October 15. This is the only location authorized for bringing in outside catering services. This location is limited to 85 people and features a covered pavilion, picnic tables, grills and a vault toilet. There is no water or electricity available.
Pima Point: this is one of the best places on the rim to see, and sometimes even hear, the Colorado River. Located on Hermit Road, which is closed to private vehicles between March 1 and November 30. During this 9 month period, most visitors access the road via the free Red Route shuttle bus. Limited to 30 people
Grandeur Point: A short walk west from Yavapai Point, near the visitors center. Parking fills quickly; consider using the free shuttle buses. Accommodates 45 people.
Moran Point: Just west of the main viewpoint in an un-railed area. Moran Point receives less visitors than other viewpoints and offers expansive canyon views. Parking usually available nearby. Accommodates up to 35 people.
West Rim Worship Site: Located at the western end of Grand Canyon Village along the Rim Trail, 1/4 mile from the nearest parking lot. Accommodates 50 people.
Shrine of the Ages: Only indoor ceremony site on the South rim. The Shrine features an auditorium with seating for up to 250, and a multipurpose room which seats up to 60 people. Food and drink (except water) are not permitted within the building. There are 138 parking spots at Parking Lot A but the Shrine can also be accessed by park shuttle bus or walking.
North Rim Location Options
North Rim sites are permitted between May 15 - October 15 each year.
Cape Royal: features log benches and a large gravel area next to the rim. This is one of the only spots with views of the Colorado river from the north rim. Accommodates up to 40 people.
Point Imperial: this location is the Highest viewpoint along the rim at 8,800 feet. This spot holds up to 20 people.
Legalities and Permits
Before planning your Grand Canyon wedding, it's essential to understand the legalities and requirements. Special Use Permits are necessary for all weddings within the park, and they come with guidelines that help protect this precious natural wonder. Couples can apply for a permit through the Grand Canyon National Park Service, which provides details on the process, fees, and specific regulations. There is a minimum of 30 days prior to your event to apply for a permit, and no rush options are available.
Where to Stay
Whether you envision an intimate elopement with just your closest loved ones or a grand celebration with a larger guest list, the Grand Canyon and the vicinity around the area offers a variety of locations and settings to accommodate your needs. When deciding on where to stay consider one of these memorable locations:
Clear Sky Resort
To make your Grand Canyon wedding an unforgettable experience, you need a place to stay that reflects the splendor of the surroundings. Located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Clear Sky Resort offers a unique option that seamlessly integrates with the grandeur of the park. This resort features unique dome accommodations and is definitely a memorable place to celebrate and stay.
Accommodations & Amenities
Each of the domes at Clear Sky Resort is uniquely decorated and includes its own full size bathroom. The resort's amenities include a large reception dome with a bar, an on-site food truck, activity schedule, fire pits with s’mores, and stargazing galore.
Stunning Views
One of the standout features of Clear Sky Resort is its breathtaking views of the night sky. Each dome has an outdoor deck and dome skylight, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the grandeur of a clear night sky.
Wedding Services
Clear Sky Resort is well-versed in hosting Grand Canyon weddings. Their dedicated event planning team can assist with every aspect of your special day, from selecting the perfect ceremony site to arranging the reception. With their expertise, you can focus on celebrating your love while they take care of the details. Please note: this is a seasonal resort and is only open May-November.
Under Canvas Resort
Recently named ‘Best Resort Hotel in Arizona’ by Travel + Leisure magazine, Under Canvas Resort is the place for couples who love nature and luxury. Outfitted with West Elm furnishings, organic bath products, an attentive staff, onsite restaurant, coffee shop and more, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience staying here.
Luxury Glamping
Under Canvas provides the ideal blend of comfort and nature. Their luxurious tents feature comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and even wood-burning stoves for those cooler desert nights. It's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty near the Grand Canyon while still enjoying the comforts of a high-end resort.
Proximity to Nature
The resort's proximity to the South rim of the Grand Canyon allows guests easy access to the park to embark on hikes, take guided tours, or simply enjoy the surrounding wilderness. Under Canvas also offers campfires, s’mores and nightly stargazing, which enhance the romantic atmosphere.
Wedding & Event Info
Under Canvas offers two tiers for wedding events: 30 guests and under, and over 30 guests. Each category has its own set of rules, but here are the key things to know regardless of the size of your wedding party:
While Under Canvas doesn’t offer event catering, planning services, or event rentals, they do have preferred vendor recommendations to help set up your event.
Your guests must stay at Under Canvas as there are no day-use options.
You can only book large parties through their Group Sales team, and there are venue fees besides their rates. Contact the Canvas Group Team: By phone at 406.404.1861, email at groups@undercanvas.com, or via form at their events page.
Your Grand Canyon Wedding Planning Checklist:
When planning your Grand Canyon wedding, it's essential to start well in advance. Here is your checklist of steps to consider:
Obtain the necessary permits: As mentioned earlier, permits are a must for any wedding within the Grand Canyon National Park. You'll need to obtain a special use permit from the National Park Service to host your wedding in the Grand Canyon. Be sure to check their regulations and guidelines for ceremonies.
Timing: Consider the season and time of day for your wedding. Spring and fall offer milder weather, while summer can be quite hot especially during the day. Sunrise and sunset ceremonies are the most popular choices for the best lighting and temperature.
Select your wedding venue: Be sure to book in advance and secure your desired date.
Choose the right accommodation: Whether you opt to stay at one of the unique Resorts I’ve shared in this post, a hotel inside the Park or another rental option in the area, book your stay well in advance to ensure availability for your wedding date.
Hire a wedding planner: Enlisting the help of a professional experienced in Grand Canyon weddings can simplify the process and help you navigate the unique challenges of this location.
Plan your ceremony and reception: Work with your chosen venue or resort to plan the specifics of your ceremony, reception, and any other activities you want to incorporate.
Capture the moment: Don't forget to hire a skilled photographer, like Arizona local and Grand Canyon photographer Mary Redente, to capture the grandeur of your wedding day.
The Symbolism of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon's immense scale and timeless beauty can symbolize the grand adventure that is marriage. Just as the Colorado River has carved its path through the canyon over countless millennia, your love story takes shape and forms its unique path as you journey through life together. The Grand Canyon's magnificence serves as a reminder of the enduring strength and beauty of your relationship.
A wedding at the Grand Canyon is a magical experience, and it offers the opportunity to celebrate your love against one of the world's most awe-inspiring backdrops. Whether you choose an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, the Grand Canyon's natural beauty, unique guest experience, and the symbolism it embodies make it an extraordinary choice for your special day. So, if you've ever dreamt of a wedding that defies convention and immerses you in the beauty of nature, consider the Grand Canyon – where love meets nature's grandeur.