GRAND CANYON
ELOPEMENT GUIDE
ELOPEMENT GUIDE
Grand Canyon Elopement
& Wedding Guide
The Grand Canyon. One of those wonders of the world you HAVE to see in person to understand the true beauty of it. The bright hues of red, orange, and purple cannot be recreated in their perfect formations in the Canyon. If you’re into warm tones and a desert vibe, the Grand Canyon has all the bohemian desert wedding vibes you could want.
It’s pure vastness and colorful landscapes make it the perfect backdrop to your wedding day. Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone who likes a small hike, the Grand Canyon has beautiful vistas accessible to different levels of outdoors people.
As you’re elopement/wedding photographer it is my job to help be your planner, travel guide, and photographer. I have visited the Grand Canyon, photographed couples, and explored the area extensively to make sure I can give you the best recommendations for your wedding day. So thinking about having your wedding in the Grand Canyon? Keep reading to find out where to stay, what to do, and how to get there.
Related: Interested in learning more about elopements? Check out this elopement guide- a new adventurous wedding experience
Planning an Elopement at the Grand Canyon
When planning a wedding in the Grand Canyon you have a wide variety of ideas for your big day. Your wedding day can include hiking, helicopter rides, whitewater rafting in the canyon, horseback riding, or a road trip around all the beautiful vistas.
I’ve explored the Grand Canyon intensely to find the perfect spot for couples to have their ceremony at. When working with couples, we discuss what would be the best option for them in terms of locations and activities to have on their wedding day. I would also be happy to recommend vendors, such as an officiant or a florist.
How to Get to the Grand Canyon
Dependent on where you want to go in the Grand Canyon, there are multiple options on how to get there. Grand Canyon National Park is broken up into the North Rim and the South Rim. These two spots are about 4 hours driving distance apart. The South Rim is the more common destination for tourists, filled with more views, warmer temperatures, and more lodging accommodations.
The North Rim is much less crowded than the South Rim. Along with being about 10 degrees cooler, the North Rim is only open from mid-May to mid-October. The views on the North Rim are much different than the South Rim, including three viewpoints (compared to the South Rims 20+ viewpoints), and plenty of hiking trails and forest views.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options on where to fly into to get to the Grand Canyon.
Flagstaff Airport (FLG)- Flagstaff Arizona is about a 1.5 hour drive from the Grand Canyon. This tiny airport is a great option if you can find some affordable flights on American Airlines or United.
Las Vegas Airport (LAS)- McCarren International Airport is a 4 hour drive to the Canyon. This is a good option if you are flying from outside the U.S. to the Canyon.
Phoenix Airport (PHX)- The Phoenix Arizona Airport is about a 3.5 hour drive to the Canyon.
No matter which airport you fly into, you will have to rent a car to get to the Grand Canyon. Public transportation is limited and I’ve even had difficulty finding ubers in the area. It’s important to have a reliable form of transportation once you get to the area. All of the airports are good options, I would just choose based off of which one has the best flight deals.
Lodging:
Where to Stay for
your Grand Canyon
Elopement
Whether you’re bringing family or not for your elopement, you will need somewhere to stay in the area. I’ve listed both hotels and Airbnbs for your elopement lodging options. All of these spots are located in the South Rim, since it is where the majority of people are going to visit the Canyon.
Phantom Ranch (picture above) is an opportunity to sleep in cabins at the bottom of the Canyon. This is an amazing experience but is extremely difficult to get lodging for. Starting January 2019, there is a each month for tickets to stay here. You must enter the lottery the 15th month prior to the desired stay month, so over a year in advance. If you are planning far enough ahead, I highly recommend this experience.
Under Canvas (pictured above) is a luxury camping experience for those looking to experience the outdoors and beauty that Arizona has to offer while still having a comfortable place to stay. I always recommend this option to couples looking for a beautiful spot to get ready at before their elopement and get some desert bohemian photographs.
Lodging Outside the Grand Canyon
There is a tiny town, Tusayan, located outside the Grand Canyon with a few hotels and small restaurants.
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Elopement & Wedding Packages
Are you 100% set on getting married in Grand Canyon National Park? HECK YES. Now it’s time to start planning! Here are my wedding/elopement photography packages for couples looking for someone to help them plan & photograph their adventurous wedding day!
What’s included in each package:
Offering half day, full day, and 2 day photography packages
Adventure Guide filled with customized elopement plans from ceremony locations, where to stay, what to do, things to see, vendor recommendations personalized to your interests & needs
Unlimited planning discussions & guidance
Assistance with permits and marriage licenses
A huge gallery of fully edited, high resolution photos for you to download with personal printing rights
Option for me to be your ordained officiant and sign off on your marriage license if you want to have a ceremony with just the two of you
No travel fees!
Packages Starting at $5800
hey, i’m amanda.
I’m an adventurous travel elopement photographer who believes in experiencing all that life has to offer. I do not see the value in objects, but rather in experiencing moments and developing relationships with others.
i believe YOUR WEDDING DAY SHOULD BE AS adventurous, as breathtaking, and unique as you want it to be.
Life is made up of moments, and when we are old and wrinkly, I want you to look back on life and remember all of the crazy & amazing memories you had, not the things you owned.
I want to work with couples to design their ‘perfect day’ that they didn’t even think was possible. I am so excited to hear more about you two as a couple and help create the perfect adventure for both of you.
Adventurous Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
HELICOPTER TOUR
One of the best ways to see the Grand Canyon in its entirety. Helicopter tours are a great half day activity if you want to fly above the Grand Canyon and explore it from the sky. Learn more here.
PRIVATE JEEP TOUR
The pink Jeep tours are a well known guided tour around the South Rim. I personally recommend exploring in your own rented car, so you can stop at lesser known spots and stay longer at unique places. Explore Jeep Tours here.
BIKE TOUR
Bike tours are great if you want some exercise while exploring the Grand Canyon. Whether you want to just rent bikes or go on a guided tour, you can bike the side trails and small roads that aren’t accessible by cars or crowds! Explore Bike Tours Here.
WHITEWATER RAFTING TOUR
If you’re really looking for an adrenaline adventure, white water rafting in the Grand Canyon is one of the most exciting and fun experiences you can have while you’re there. Explore the different tours and expeditions for river rafting. Learn more here.
