Zion National Park is an incredible place to say your vows & if you’ve decided to include your furry best friend in the day, as well, then we’re here to help!
Here are some of the questions you should consider while planning your elopement in Zion National Park & including your dog:
What is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Zion?
This will of course depend on your personal preference, but our recommendation would be to try & plan your elopement in the Spring or Fall for the best weather chances.
Winters are beautiful in Zion, but snowfall & icy mountain roads may impede on your plans. And in the Summers you will certainly feel the desert heat!
Zion does get crowded & sees a lot of visitors, so you may want to consider eloping on a weekday when it is less busy. This would be especially prudent if you want to hike on the Zion’s only pet friendly trail, the 3.5mile RT Pa'rus Trail, which is right across from the Visitor Center & campsites.
2. Where Will You Stay?
The accommodations in the park at the Zion Lodge are unfortunately not pet friendly, so if you’re planning to have your pet stay with you, you’ll need to look into pet friendly places close to the park.
Springdale is the closest town to the park, sitting just outside of the main entrance. If you’re looking for a boarding facility for your pup, look no further than Doggy Dude Ranch. Conveniently located & offering high quality service, this is a great option!
On the East side of the park, there are a few options, as well. Check out the Zion Mountain Ranch for incredible views & private lodging.
3. What is Your Plan for the Day & Where Will You Say Your Vows?
This is where the exciting planning begins! You get to imagine the absolute perfect day with your partner. Forget the rules, forget what everyone says you need to do, this day can be anything you want!
Will you hike out to a special spot for your vows? Or maybe you want to have your ceremony early on in the day at your cabin/hotel, then take out on the trail.
If you’ll be legally getting married IN the park, you will need a permit. You can check out the NPS website for more info on ceremony locations & more.
When you plan everything, consider when you would like to include your dog in the day. If it’s important that they are present for the ceremony, then make sure the location you choose is pet friendly. You may just want to have them at your side while you get ready & for photos.
It should also be mentioned to look into Leave No Trace policies when exploring in the wild. This is vital to keeping our public lands clean & safe for all!
4. What is Your Pet’s Personality & Temperament?
This is important to take into account when planning your day, as well.
If your pet does not do well in crowded areas or they are not physically equipped for a hike, it’s likely best that you keep them off any trails. Instead, you could plan out a few look points outside the park for photos.
If you will be taking them hiking on trail, consider planning this in the early morning when the trails are less crowded. Also, factor in the time of year that you’ll be visiting & ensure you have all supplies prepared ahead of time. This includes water (especially in the summer months as it gets HOT), proper leash, first aid kit & anything else they may need.
The Pa’rus trail is 3.5 miles round trip & you can estimate being on trail for about 2 hours. It is a paved trail & dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6ft. Bicycles are also allowed on trail. You can find restrooms & water filling stations at the Visitor Center within walking distance of the trailhead.
5. Do You Have Someone to Watch Your Dog for the Day?
Last, but certainly not least in your planning process, is to seriously consider who will be taking care of your dog for the day.
Even if your dog is extremely well behaved, will you & your partner want to be focused on ensuring your dog’s safety & needs are being met all day?
Hiring a professional means that you will be rest assured knowing your dog is happy, comfortable & well taken care of throughout the day. They will properly pick up after your pet & their focus will be solely on their care.
This means you can remain present & flexible on your wedding day & that all of your plans will not need to revolve around where your dog is and is not allowed. The peace of mind this will provide is truly invaluable on your elopement day.
A professional will work closely with your photographer by posing your dog, when needed, & helping get their attention on the camera, too, so you’ll be guaranteed to capture that paw-fect shot!
