How To Plan An Elopement Wedding In Red Rock Canyon!

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Red Rock Canyon Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Red Rock Canyon is the desert gem of Las Vegas! It’s only about 30 minutes from city center, and feels like a completely different place. One minute, you’re driving through residential areas and shopping centers, and the next minute the park opens up to breathtaking views!

Want to break from Vegas wedding stereotypes and get married with nature as your backdrop?? If you’re nodding your head right now, then Red Rock is the right choice for your wedding or elopement! And wanna know the best part? Planning an elopement in Red Rock Canyon doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. In fact, it can be a lot of fun!!

First things first, let’s address a few of the most commonly asked questions about Red Rock that maybe you’ve been wondering yourself…

Can you get married in Red Rock Las Vegas?

Short answer… yes! You can hold a legal ceremony inside of the conservation area. Instead of paying thousands of dollars on a wedding venue, you can pay a few hundred dollars and be surrounded by a spectacular landscape!

Red Rock wedding & elopement photographer

Where can you get married in Red Rock?

There are four available locations to hold a ceremony in Red Rock Canyon.

They are: Ash Creek Spring, Red Rock Overlook, Red Spring Boardwalk, and the Visitor Center Amphitheater. The maximum guest count allowed ranges from 15 to 200 people depending on the location you choose.

Do you need a permit to get married at Red Rock Canyon?

Yes! Most public lands in general require a special permit in order to hold a wedding ceremony on that land. For Red Rock, the permit is called a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) and ranges in cost depending on a few factors. However, it’s generally only a few hundred dollars. The permit has to be applied for by the couple getting married. However, most photographers like myself can guide you through this process.

Applications can only be submitted between 30-180 days before your wedding or elopement. Outside of this window, the permit may be denied. To avoid the stress of the permitting process, I like to connect my couples with some of my favorite local vendors, who are annual permit holders. These vendors are able to reserve a date and time slot on your behalf. It makes the process much more seamless. Available time slots are two hours in length.

How much does it cost to get married in Red Rock Canyon?

The only direct cost to getting married in Red Rock is the permit. However, Red Rock’s fee structure depends. Minimum fees for non-commercial groups is $6 per person per day or the $115 minimum, whichever is greater. If you will have any other commercial entities present (i.e. a photographer, officiant, etc.) the cost will include the minimum fee or 3% of gross revenue for the vendors; whichever is greater.

Beyond that, additional costs depend entirely on which vendors you decide to hire. For example, if you want to have a photographer, officiant, flowers, wedding planner for a larger guest count, hair stylist, makeup artist, etc. then the price will vary. For basic weddings and elopements, couples usually spend an average of $5,000. For more detailed weddings and elopements, couples can spend anywhere from $7,000 - $12,000.

Now on to the big question…

How do you plan an elopement or wedding in Red Rock Canyon?

Here is a basic checklist to help you get started:

Decide on a date (or at least have some ideas). For more about the weather in Red Rock Canyon, click here.
Hire a photographer. I recommend someone that is familiar with the area, who can guide you through this process, while delivering images that tell your individual story.
Secure the permit! I recommend doing this fairly early on in the process because a permit ultimately decides if your ceremony can happen in the park or not. Either apply directly for an SRP or hire a vendor that’s an annual permit holder. I can refer you to some of my favorites that also allow outside photography!
Begin deciding on the details you want included in your day like: other locations you want to visit in the park, other vendors you’d like to hire, activities you’d like to do, etc. This is another reason why it’s important to hire your photographer early on because they can help inspire you and plan out all of these details. They can also help you use this information to create a seamless timeline of your day.
Book your accommodations!
If you’ve decided to include other vendors (like an officiant, florals, etc.) be sure to secure those vendors.
Make it legal! Don’t forget to have an ordained minister present and the appropriate paperwork on hand for the ceremony. If you’ve decided to hold the legal portion of your ceremony elsewhere and just want to share private vows, don’t forget to bring your vows with you!
**If private vows take place within the park and will not include any guests OR a legal ceremony, a photography permit would still be needed but not an SRP.

Once you’ve completed all of these steps, you’ve officially eloped in Red Rock and had it documented for you and your loved ones to cherish for generations.

Here are a few answers to additional questions I’ve heard over the years…

Red Rock elopement & wedding photographer

Can you get a marriage license the same day in Las Vegas?

Yes, you can receive your marriage license and get married the same day in Las Vegas! Valley of Fire falls within the county’s jurisdiction, which means if you want to get your license the day before or the same day of your wedding or elopement, you can! This is especially good news if you’re planning to travel to Las Vegas from out of state, because you don’t have to arrive weeks in advance or make a special trip out just to get your marriage license.

You can read more about marriage licensing in Las Vegas here.

Are pets allowed in Red Rock Canyon?

Yes! The direct answer from Red Rock’s official website is: “Pets are allowed in the Conservation Area and along trails. They must be kept on a leash at all times and they must never be left unattended - not even in a vehicle. Do keep in mind that the temperature inside a vehicle can rise to unsafe levels. Please pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.”

What is the best time of year to get married in Red Rock Canyon?

Each season in Red Rock offers a different experience. Let me break them down:

SPRING: This would be considered March to May. These are great months to get married in Vegas! Temperatures typically average in the 70’s beginning in March and increase into the 90’s through May. However, this is a busier time for Red Rock because of the amazing weather.

SUMMER: This would be considered June to August. This is not the best time to get married in Red Rock due to the excessive heat. Temperatures often climb to well over 100 degrees. However, this is the slowest season in the park.

If you choose to get married in the summer, I would recommend early to mid June. Lately the heatwave has been starting at the end of June. I would also recommend sunrise. It’s the coolest time of the day during the summer months. Beware of late July to August, because that’s monsoon season for Southern Nevada. Which means a lot of rainfall, winds, and extreme weather. But if you’re up for an experience, this might be for you!

FALL/AUTUMN: This would be considered September to November. This is another great time to get married in Red Rock. However, lately September has been a lot warmer than usual, so I would recommend mid October to November. Temperatures can still be in the 100’s through September and begin to cool down to the 70’s or even 60’s by the end of November.

November tends to get more autumn winds and rainfall, so be prepared and ready just in case. October is one of the busiest months in the park and for weddings in general, so be sure to book your vendors and secure your permit as early as possible.

WINTER: This would be considered December to February. One of the perks of the desert is the temperate weather in the winter months. Temperatures average in the 50’s and 60’s during the day. However, they can significantly drop in the evenings. I would recommend only sunset during the winter months as sunrise can be very cold.

Red Rock has been experiencing snowfall and other inclement weather more often than it has in years past. Seeing this desert landscape covered in snow is a rare sight, but absolutely beautiful! Just be ready for anything if you choose to get married in the winter.

**Insider tip: Red Rock gets extremely busy on the weekends. For that reason, I would highly recommend choosing a weekday for your wedding or elopement.

Which vendors should I hire for my Red Rock wedding or elopement?

Not all elopement photographers are created equal, but for my couples I put together a location-specific vendor list to make this part of the process less stressful for you. I know some incredible vendors that I’ve worked with many times! This list includes everything from florists to officiants, but I’m also always happy to update and expand it based on your specific needs. The list will show the available information for that vendor so that you can get an idea of their work and can easily contact them.

Red Rock Canyon wedding and elopement advice:

Couples often ask me, “What should we do for our wedding or elopement besides just vows?” There are a number of activities available in Red Rock. If you are a lover of beautiful landscapes, hiking, and exploration, then Red Rock is the right choice for your elopement or wedding!

While the conservation area isn’t as large as other public lands, there are lots of beautiful trails and stunning rock formations to enjoy. Hiking is very popular or taking the scenic drive. The land also offers activities like horseback riding and helicopter tours.

Fun fact about Red Rock Canyon: It is not a state or national park. It’s a national conservation area. What that means is, it is managed by the Bureau of Land Management as opposed to the National Park Service. And good news! If you have an America the Beautiful annual national park pass, it is valid at Red Rock. As a conservation area, the goal is to “conserve, protect and enhance [the area] for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

Have I convinced you yet that Red Rock Canyon is THE best place to get married?? I hope so, because it really is!

Ready to have an adventurous elopement in Red Rock, with me as your planner and photographer??

Red Rock Wedding & Elopement Packages

Full Day or Multi-Day

(Up to 12 hours of coverage)

This is the perfect option for you two if you want to explore and adventure and create a full on experience. This is also a great option if you’d like to have one day to include guests, and another to have to yourselves.

We can visit multiple locations and include various activities to make getting married more than just nuptials, but an event to remember.

Half Day

(Up to 8 hours of coverage)

This is for you if you’re a couple that wants a relaxing experience that allows you to maximize your time.

Your day can include a first look, getting ready, vows, guest photos, multiple locations, first dance, etc.

Mini

(Up to 4 hours of coverage)

This is a short and sweet option if you two are looking to have your vows captured along with a short adventure in one location.

PACKAGE PRICING BEGINS AT $4,000

WE WANT TO CO-CREATE WITH YOU!

All photography packages include:

One photographer

Personal planning assistance to help you choose locations, vendors, and create your timeline

Assistance with permitting

Private online gallery of high-resolution images, showcasing your elopement

5-10 polaroid images to take home the day of

Sneak peek photos

No additional fees

Guidance, friendship, and a meaningful experience!

Meet Your Red Rock Elopement Photographer

My husband and I have been married for 7 years, and have two cats — Kuro & Suyen. These three are my whole world.

I started my artistic journey with our family camcorder around age five, and the rest is history...

Capturing the love stories of others, going on adventures of a lifetime, and witnessing unforgettable landscapes are what I live for. Even though I would describe myself as being more introverted, I love connecting with my couples and making life-long memories together.

Shooting in an artistic style, with an intentional approach, allows your story to be told authentically.

I’m deeply passionate about photography, and I think that reflects in my work and spirit. Every couple is unique and every love story is different, so I approach each elopement with personal care.

You and your partner deserve an adventure where you are the focus.

Get in touch and let’s start planning your Red Rock elopement or wedding adventure!

Please be aware that I specialize in micro weddings & elopements, with a guest count of 30 people or less.

I focus on a limited number of elopements + intimate weddings each year, so that I can give yours the time and attention that it deserves. From co-creating your perfect wedding experience right down to the finer details in your final gallery, our work together will be an authentic representation of you and your love story.

In order for us to get started on the right foot, please share your love story with me and any ideas that you’re picturing for your day in the form below.

I love the outdoors more than anything! I could spend all of my time in it, but our national parks and public lands can only last as long as we protect them.

Protect this place and Leave No Trace:

Leave No Trace is a code of ethics and principles that we all should follow as best we can, when adventuring in the outdoors. These principles can help us enjoy public lands responsibly and preserve them for generations to come.

Here are the 7 principles of Leave No Trace:

Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of others

These principles may or may not impact your elopement or wedding, depending on what you have in mind. However, these guidelines are not meant to put a damper on your plans. They are meant to protect these beautiful places so that one day maybe you can come back for an anniversary, or bring your children or grandchildren to these places.

Ultimately, we want to enjoy these incredible lands year after year with minimal impact.

I do my best to practice Leave No Trace for all of my elopements. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask! But I will do my best to educate and guide you as necessary. National and state parks have Leave No Trace practices implemented by default.

Red Rock Canyon elopement & wedding photographer

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