Zion National Park
Wedding, elopement & micro-wedding photographer
Based in St. George, Utah
our 2026 Calendar
Jan - Great Smoky Mountains
Feb - North East Florida
March - South Florida
April - Gateway Arch National Park
May - Zion National Park | Sedona
June - Rocky Mountain | Moab
July - Malaga, Spain | Madeira, Portugal
August - Sarajevo, Bosnia | Dubrovnik, Croatia
Sept - Lake Como, Italy
*Destinations are subject to change. Get in touch for a more up-to-date schedule. Last updated 1/26/26.
Having Jonas and Tatjana capture our wedding was truly one of the best decisions we've ever made. They made being in front of a camera feel natural and they captured the most spectacular photos and video that we will cherish forever. I have had so many people reach out to me (even people I haven't spoken to in years) to comment on how beautiful our pictures are from the wedding. Jonas and Tatjana have some sort of magic talent where they know how to get those moments that instantly bring us back to that day and all of the love we felt. I cannot recommend these two enough!
-Kelsey & Matt
Should I have a
Micro-Wedding or an Elopement?
Here are the six key differences.
Elopements
1. Elopements are structured around the sun, lighting, weather, and your will to elope. Overall, you'll feel more grounded in a natural environment.
2. You're spending 95% of your time with us, unless you bring your dog and a trusted friend/family member as an assistant.
3. Lots of "congratulations" from fellow travelers in the wild.
4. Your energy is focused more on your significant other and getting up a giant boulder in a dang dress!
5. Your venue is at a freakin' national or state park! We'll follow the local rules, but let loose and capture some magic with your lover.
6. Elopements throw the "rulebook" away, allowing you to create new traditions that actually feel like you.
Micro-Weddings
1. Micro-weddings are smaller in nature—an intimate family gathering from both sides of less than 10 guests.
2. A typical micro-wedding involves us capturing getting-ready, (first look), the ceremony, family photos, and the couple's photos only.
3. Much like elopements, micro-weddings are emotional events. In our experience, emotions are heightened when friends, family, and guests are present. You'll feel their energy in the room.
4. There's more coordination involved with the family, such as when to be ready, ceremony site details, car rides, etc.
5. Your energy is split between your significant other and guests. This is important for others wanting to spend it with close family and friends.
6. Micro-weddings often come with traditional expectations from family, such as lineups, a family officiant, and family photos.
Capture Your Legacy was the perfect photographer & videographer for our wedding day. From the beginning, their communication was easy and punctual, making the planning process a breeze. On the day of, they were a dream to work with - they brought our vision to life and captured all the photos we wanted, even working seamlessly with the weather. The quality of their work was great, and we are thrilled with the beautiful photos & videos that allow us to relive our special day. We highly recommend Capture Your Legacy to any couple looking for talented, professional photographer & videographer!
-Brittany & Cameron
Best Places to Elope in Zion National Park
As a St. George local and a photographer who specializes in Southern Utah’s rugged landscapes, I have curated a list of the most breathtaking spots for your Zion elopement. Whether you are looking for iconic canyon overlooks or hidden desert gems, these locations offer the perfect backdrop for your legacy.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Canyon Overlook Trail is my top recommendation for couples who want the "grand scale" of Zion without a strenuous hike. This location features a dramatic sandstone cliffside with 360-degree views of the vast Pine Creek Canyon and the winding roads below. It’s an iconic choice for sunset vows, where the red rock formations glow with a brilliant warmth that is unmatched anywhere else in the park.
Pa'rus Trail & The Virgin River
For a more accessible and relaxed vibe, the Pa'rus Trail offers paved paths that wind alongside the Virgin River. This area is perfect for golden hour strolls, featuring open valley views and easy access to the water's edge. The sound of the river paired with the towering canyon walls creates a serene, intimate atmosphere for a private exchange of vows.
Emerald Pools Trailhead
Just across the Virgin River from the Lodge, the Emerald Pools Trailhead offers a completely different desert vibe. This location features a series of lush oases, sparkling pools, and weeping waterfalls that provide a refreshing contrast to the park's towering red cliffs. It is an ideal spot for couples looking for intimate, "hanging garden" photography and the soothing sound of falling water as their ceremony backdrop.
Court of the Patriarchs
If your vision includes a serene valley floor surrounded by towering desert giants, the Court of the Patriarchs is where we need to be. This location offers a unique perspective of the three sandstone peaks named Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The textures of the native trees and the proximity to the river provide a lush variety for your portraits that feels both intimate and grounded.
Temple of Sinawava & Big Bend
Deep in the heart of the canyon lies the Temple of Sinawava, the gateway to The Narrows. This cathedral-like amphitheater is surrounded by massive sheer cliffs and hanging gardens. Nearby, Big Bend offers a dramatic 180-degree view of the river's curve and the towering Great White Throne, making it one of the most powerful locations for wide-angle landscape photography.
Checkerboard Mesa
For couples who love the east side of Zion, Checkerboard Mesa offers a completely different aesthetic. The unique cross-bedding etched into the white sandstone creates a geometric, otherworldly backdrop that feels like another planet. It is the perfect spot for high-fashion, adventurous elopement portraits.
Zion National Park Lodge
The Zion National Park Lodge serves as a historic and elegant basecamp deep within the canyon floor. It is the only hotel located inside the park, making it a premier choice for couples who want a seamless transition from a high-end stay to their ceremony site. The sprawling lawn and massive cottonwood trees provide a classic, grounded aesthetic that captures the heritage of the American West.
Great people to work with, very professional and responsible. Jonas and his wife Tatjana handled the photography & videography for our wedding & also our engagement photos, we couldn't have been happier! Thanks for sharing the moment with us, thank you for being such a big part on our special day & thank you for the great services you provided. God bless you both :)
-Ryan & Jacquelene
Top-Rated Wedding Venues in Southern Utah
Southern Utah is home to a collection of world-class private estates that offer a more intimate and customizable alternative to traditional resort weddings. From the Mediterranean-inspired elegance of the Zion Red Rock Villa to the sprawling, multi-acre luxury of the Zion Red Rock Oasis, these venues provide a sophisticated "home base" for multi-day destination celebrations. Couples can enjoy 360-degree views of the iconic red rock peaks while hosting guests in high-end accommodations that feel both intentional and grounded in the desert landscape. As a local expert, I specialize in capturing your legacy within these exclusive properties, ensuring your ceremony feels as vast and timeless as the canyons themselves.
Zion Red Rock Oasis
This massive 14,000-square-foot luxury mansion sits on 15 acres and is designed for high-end destination weddings, accommodating up to 56 overnight guests and 120 for a reception. It features a private lake with a jumping trampoline, beachfront access to the Virgin River, and unique amenities like an indoor soccer field and a 3,000-square-foot grand kitchen.
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Perched on a 4,000-acre private plateau, this resort offers a full-service experience with diverse lodging from glamping tents to luxury vacation homes. Couples can exchange vows under towering ponderosa pines or at canyon overlooks, with options for adventurous group activities like Jeep tours and horseback riding.
Zion Red Rock Chalet
Perfect for more intimate "micro-weddings" or elopements, this 3,500-square-foot modern log home accommodates up to 22 guests on a private 5-acre property. It offers a cozy atmosphere with birds-eye views of the park and a private hot tub overlooking the mountains, situated just 10 minutes from the Zion entrance.
Zion Zen Ranch
Located in Leeds (about 45 minutes from the park), this venue is set on hundreds of acres atop a hill, providing a breathtaking 180-degree ceremony overlook. It offers a collection of homes that can sleep over 50 people, making it an excellent choice for a secluded weekend retreat with panoramic views of the Washington County Valley.
High Road Base Camp
Often associated with the rugged "off-grid" style of Southern Utah, this type of venue typically caters to couples looking for a raw, backcountry basecamp experience near the park's east entrance. These locations emphasize a "leave no trace" philosophy and are ideal for adventurous brides who want a minimalist, nature-first setting away from the main canyon crowds.
Zion Red Rock Villa
A Mediterranean-style estate on 15 acres, the Villa offers 360-degree red rock views from its wrap-around deck and is famous for its unique Labyrinth Ceremony Site. It provides a sophisticated desert soul with enough space to sleep 58 guests, making it ideal for couples seeking an intentional, spiritual, or editorial wedding vibe.
How do we handle permits for National Parks?
Most National Parks, such as Zion and Rocky Mountain National Park, require a Special Use Permit for ceremonies. Check the website of the national or state park where you want to hold your ceremony and reserve your date.
Do you offer hybrid "Video & Photo" coverage?
Yes, we provide both Photography and Videography! By booking us for both, you get a cohesive creative vision and a smaller, more intimate team on the ground. We also offer a specific "Video & Audio of your vows" add-on to ensure your most personal moments are preserved with high-quality sound.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Our policy is rain or shine. We are prepared for all conditions unless the National Park Service advises of actual danger. Moody clouds and rain often create the most cinematic and editorial-style images, and we have the professional gear to keep shooting safely.
Can we include family members in our elopement?
Absolutely! While elopements are more intimate, you are welcome to bring your dog or a trusted friend or family member to assist. If you want a larger group, we suggest a micro-wedding approach where we capture a small ceremony before heading off for your private adventure session.
How far in advance should we book for international destinations?
For our 2026 international dates—including Spain, Portugal, Croatia, and Italy—we recommend booking at least 8–12 months in advance. This gives us enough time to coordinate travel logistics and scout the best hidden locations for your session.
Can we customize our own travel destination ?
Definitely, while our 2026 calendar shows where we’ll be—like Spain and Portugal in July or Italy in September—we are nomadic at heart and travel nine months out of the year. If you have a specific dream location outside of our current schedule, get in touch, and we can likely make it happen.
How do we handle transportation and crowds in busy locations?
While we do become your guide, photographer, and videographer, it's great to have a family member or friend serve as a designated driver in crowded areas where we can hop off, they find parking, and we reunite on the trail.
Are you connected with talented vendors?
Yes! Over the years, we've developed excellent relationships with vendors whom we now consider friends from all the states & countries we've worked in. You name it, we'll have someone in mind. If they're unavailable, we can find a new vendor referral and introduce you.
Zion
Elopement Photographer
Pricing & Packages.
If getting married in Arizona, Utah, or Colorado
Weddings - $5,200
Micro Weddings - $4,200
Elopements - $3,200
Destination anywhere in the US - $6,200
Add On
Adventure Photo or Video Session - $750
Video & Audio of your vows - $400
*There is a 50% retainer/deposit that goes towards your balance.
*If it rains or shines, we will continue unless advised by NPS of danger.
*Unlimited capture.
*Wedding or Small Wedding coverage is up to 9 hours, Elopements up to 5 hours, and Adventure Sessions up to 3 hours.
*Reception coverage is not included in our micro-wedding packages.
*Have as many outfit changes.
*All kinds of people are welcome! No hate here!
*Bring your sister as an assistant. Bring your vintage heirlooms. Bring your dogs!
*The adventure session can be done a day before or after you get married for $500.
The Zion Dream Team
Our favorite and trusted Utah wedding professionals to complete your day.
To ensure your legacy is captured perfectly, we connect you with a handpicked 'Utah Dream Team' of elite local professionals. From world-class floral designers to expert desert hair and makeup artists, these trusted partners specialize in the unique demands of red rock weddings. Together, we transform the state's most breathtaking desert landscapes into the ultimate canvas for your unforgettable Southern Utah experience.
Make Up & Hair- Wild Cactus Weddings
Wild Cactus Weddings is our premier choice for desert-proof hair and makeup that feels both effortless and high-end. They specialize in 'adventure-ready' beauty, ensuring your look remains flawless and editorial from the first light at a Zion National Park overlook to a sunset reception at the Villa. We trust them because they understand the unique Southern Utah climate, prioritizing natural textures and a glow that perfectly complements the sun-drenched red rocks. Their artistry doesn't just prepare you for the camera; it enhances the confidence you carry into your legacy.
Floral- Jocelyn's Floral
Jocelyn's Floral specializes in artful, wildly romantic designs that perfectly mirror the rugged elegance of a Zion National Park elopement. Their team has a remarkable eye for color and texture, creating bespoke arrangements that look just as stunning against the sun-drenched red rocks as they do in a lush desert oasis. We recommend them to our couples because they truly prioritize the 'story' behind every bloom, ensuring your florals aren't just an accessory, but a meaningful part of your legacy. Their ability to blend sophisticated artistry with the raw beauty of Southern Utah makes them an essential part of our Utah Dream Team.
Cocktails & Bar - Silver Lining Events
Silver Lining Events is our go-to partner for elevated bar service and signature cocktails that bring a sophisticated touch to your desert celebration. Their team excels at crafting intentional, high-end drink experiences, from curated satellite bars at the Zion Red Rock Villa to refreshing signature sips served under the stars. We trust them because they handle every detail with professional ease, ensuring your guests are well-cared for while you focus on celebrating your legacy. Their commitment to exceptional service and creative mixology makes them an indispensable part of our Utah Dream Team.
Wedding Planning- Simply Made Weddings
Simply Made Weddings is our premier partner for full-service wedding planning and seamless coordination in the Zion National Park area. Their team specializes in transforming complex logistics into effortless, high-end celebrations, allowing you to stay fully present in the moment while they handle every detail behind the scenes. We trust them because of their deep local knowledge and their commitment to creating an intentional, stress-free experience that honors your legacy. From the first design concept to the final send-off, they are an essential part of our Utah Dream Team.
Catering- Chef Alfredos
Chef Alfredo's is our top choice for exquisite Italian-inspired catering that brings a touch of fine-dining elegance to the rugged beauty of Southern Utah. Their team delivered a phenomenal experience for our own wedding in 2021, and we have trusted them ever since to provide the same world-class service to our couples. Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner or a grand reception, they prioritize fresh ingredients and impeccable presentation to ensure your wedding meal is as unforgettable as the Zion views. Their passion for hospitality and culinary excellence makes them a vital member of our Utah Dream Team.
