3 Epic National Parks to Elope in this Fall
(Southwest Desert Views & Adventures that’ll blow your funking minds🤯)
National Parks are the Ultimate place to elope—
Imagine exchanging vows with the vastness of the Grand Canyon stretching out behind you, the red rocks of Arches National Park framing your moment, or the towering cliffs of Zion standing witness. National parks offer unparalleled natural beauty that turns your elopement into an unforgettable adventure.
These iconic landscapes provide not just stunning backdrops but also a sense of freedom and intimacy that’s hard to find elsewhere. You’re not confined to a traditional venue; instead, you’re immersed in nature, making your commitment amidst these mindblowing desert towers and stunning sandstone mountains.
Plus— With our Airstream as a cozy basecamp, you have the flexibility to explore, relax, and celebrate at your own pace. Wake up to breathtaking sunrises, spend your days hiking or simply soaking in the views, and end with a campfire under the stars. It’s about creating a wedding experience that’s unique and full of memories!
If you wanna skip the wedding stress and elope out west this fall—these are the top 3 National Parks we recommend, broken down by the month they hit peak magic.
September – Arches National Park, Utah
Fiery Red Rocks & Desert Sunsets That’ll Blow Your Mind
Arches in September is stunnin. The summer crowds start to fade, the heat chills out just enough, and the red rock landscapes are absolutely poppin against those crisp blue skies. You’ll wake up in the Airstream, sip coffee as the sun hits the sandstone, and spend the day exploring a red rock wonderland that feels like Mars.
No sweating through your vows or dodging Insta-crowds — just you two, a whole lotta color in the sunsets/ stars in the skies, and enough “holy sh*t” moments to last a lifetime.
Why you should elope in Arches in September:
Shoulder season = fewer tourists, more space to roam
Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and unreal sunsets
Nights are not too cold yet which making stargazing way more enjoyable
We’ll set up camp in the Airstream, take you to hidden canyons, and capture wild, epic photos for you to cherish and look back on as you grow old together
Best for: Couples who want red dirt on their boots, campfire nights under desert stars, and a wedding day that feels more like a road trip adventure than a to-do list.
October – Zion National Park, Utah
Fall Colors, Slot Canyons & Epic Sandstone Walls
October in Zion is funking amazeballs. The summer crowds have thinned, temperatures are comfortably cool, and the cottonwoods and maples in the canyon burst into vibrant reds and golds. It’s the perfect time for couples seeking a blend of adventure and serenity.
Start your day with a sunrise hike to Canyon Overlook, where the first light paints the cliffs in warm hues. Explore the Narrows with fewer people around, or take a scenic drive through Kolob Canyons for breathtaking vistas. After a day of exploration, return to your cozy Airstream nestled just outside the park, ready for a campfire dinner under the stars.
Why elope in Zion in October:
Ideal weather: crisp mornings and mild afternoons
Stunning fall foliage in the canyon
Fewer crowds for a more intimate experience
Access to SO MANY iconic hikes, canyons and scenic drives
Best for: Couples who crave adventure without the summer heat, love vibrant fall colors, and want a mix of hiking, climbing or canyoneering + relaxation in a stunning setting.
October – Grand Canyon, Arizona
Golden Light, Quiet Trails & Majestic Views
November at the Grand Canyon offers a tranquil and awe-inspiring backdrop for your elopement. The summer tourists have departed, leaving the trails peaceful and the viewpoints serene. The crisp air and golden light create a dramatic atmosphere that’s perfect for exchanging vows.
Standing on the South Rim as the sun sets over the Colorado River, casting a warm glow throughout the vast canyon. Take a leisurely walk along the Rim Trail, or venture to less-visited spots like Shoshone Point for a private ceremony. Afterward, retreat to the Airstream we’ve booked and set up for you two right inside the park for a cozy evening, complete with hot drinks and a campfire.
Why elope in the Grand Canyon in November:
Dramatic lighting and cooler temperatures
Significantly fewer visitors for added privacy
Stunning sunrise and sunset vistas
Opportunities for both easy walks and adventurous hikes
Best for: Couples seeking solitude, breathtaking landscapes, and a memorable elopement experience without the crowds.
Wanna Make it Happen?
At Vows With Views, we plan and photograph wild, intentional elopements in places like Telluride, Moab, and Sedona—complete with officiating, cozy camp stays, epic adventures, and campfire dinners you’ll still be talking about when you’re 80.
You bring the vows. We’ll bring the logistics, airstream, ropes, carabiners, snacks, and sick views.
Meet Your Elopement Photographer & Your Officiant
We’re not your average wedding crew—and that’s kind of the point. When you elope with Vows With Views, you’re rolling with a tiny but mighty team that knows how to belay before sunrise, pack snacks for the summit, and keep your ceremony feeling raw, real, and totally you.
Claudia – Your Officiant, Rope Wrangler & Campfire Chef
Claudia’s your officiant, but calling her that barely scratches the surface. She’s the one guiding you through your vows and down your first canyon together. She’s part ceremony guru, part raft guide & part rope-slinger—ready to lead you up your first desert tower, down a sandstone slot canyon, or floating the Colorado with beers stashed in the drybag.
And after all that? She’s also the one making sure there’s Winner Dog crisping over the campfire, and maybe even a camp stove mac ’n cheese situation if you’re lucky. Whether she’s writing a ceremony that makes you cry-laugh or belaying you into your first married pitch, Claudia’s there making it feel like the best kind of adventure: the kind you never forget.
She doesn’t just marry you—she launches you into married life with grit, heart, and a side of mustard.
Mallory – Your Elopement Photographer, Camp Host & Chaos Coordinator
Mallory’s the eyes behind the lens and the soul behind the whole dang experience. She’s not just out there snapping pretty photos—she’s craftin up timelines, scouting secret ceremony spots, and making sure your campsite is set up somewhere super sic. When you roll up, she’s already there with the firewood stacked, the cooler stocked, and coffee is in the pot.
She’s a full-time elopement photographer, part-time trail scout, and forever fan of couples who’d rather write vows on a topo map than their phone.
She’ll get you stoked, take you guys to the sickest spots in the perfect light and make sure your photos feel like you, not a Pinterest board.
“Our advice ... if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of a traditional wedding, then hand it over to Mal and Claudia ... and relax. Think camp fires, nature, the cutest little airstream ever, adventure, and the best memories imaginable!!!”
— Allie & Michelle
Join us abroad…
Want to Elope in the Winter?