How To Plan An Elopement Wedding In Valley Of Fire State Park!

>> for the nature lovers and wild souls

Valley of Fire wedding & elopement photographer

Valley of Fire has been captivating visitors for years. With its bright red colors and unique rock formations, it’s not a landscape you see every day or that you can find just anywhere. A huge draw to the park is also the fact that it’s just one-hour from the iconic Las Vegas, NV!

Ready to trade the bright lights, traffic, and slot machines of Vegas for epic landscapes, desert views, and smaller crowds? You’ve definitely made the right choice to get married in Valley of Fire! And wanna know the best part?? Planning an elopement in Valley of Fire 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 Valley of Fire State Park that maybe you’ve been wondering yourself…

Can you get married in Valley of Fire?

Short answer… yes! You can hold a legal ceremony inside of the state park. Instead of paying thousands of dollars on a wedding venue, you can pay less than $200 and be surrounded by a spectacular landscape!

Valley of Fire elopement & wedding photographer

How much does it cost to get married at Valley of Fire?

The permit fee is $150 per time slot reservation. Each available time slot is 1.5 hours long. The fee gets paid to the permit holder (such as myself) and the permit holder then pays the park office. Easy peasy!

**Most couples do not need more than one time slot.

Beyond that, additional costs depend entirely on which vendors you decide to hire. For example, for photography only, if they are a permit holder, the cost would be based on the photographer’s package pricing + $150 for the permit fee. If you’d like to learn more about my package pricing, click here.

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 range. For basic weddings and elopements, couples usually spend an average of $5,500. For more detailed weddings and elopements, couples usually spend between $7,500 - $12,000.

Do you need a permit to get married at Valley of Fire?

Yes! Virtually all state and national parks require a permit in order to hold a wedding ceremony or special event inside of the park. But I have some amazing news for you — I am an annual SUP permit holder with the park, which means you do not need to apply for the permit yourself or hire another vendor in order to acquire a permit.

Another great thing about ceremonies in Valley of Fire, is that they have two designated locations that are restricted from public access. (Seven Sisters and the Visitor’s Center). That means, in the middle of your vows you won’t have a random hiker or unexpected tourist walking by. Not all parks have this as an option, so it’s definitely a stand out feature for Valley of Fire.

Both ceremony locations that are available, are the only locations you can hold a ceremony in the park. However, the park does allow you to venture away from these locations for additional photo taking, with a separate photography permit. This extra permit must be applied for directly by your photographer. I have been issued this permit many times and can acquire one for you, if you decide you’d like to explore more of the park on your big day. And here’s another bonus — this permit fee is included with any of my packages, so it’s not an extra fee for you! Yay!!

With Valley of Fire wedding and elopement ceremonies, you can also include things like: chairs, flowers, food, and more! This park is an amazing option not only for its breathtaking views, but also for its flexibility with allowed extras.

Now on to the big question…

How do you plan an elopement or wedding in Valley of Fire?

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 Valley of Fire, 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. Only an annual SUP permit holder can reserve a date/time slot.
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 SUP.

Once you’ve completed all of these steps, you’ve officially eloped in Valley of Fire 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…

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 Valley of Fire?

Yes! This is another great reason to choose Valley of Fire for your wedding or elopement, if you have a fury best friend you want to include. However, the pet must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.

What is the best time of year to get married in Valley of Fire?

Each season in Valley of Fire 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 the park! 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 the park because of the amazing weather.

SUMMER: This would be considered June to August. This is not the best time to get married in the park 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 the park. 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. Valley of Fire has very rarely experienced snow and often is pleasant in the winter. However, between the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s the park can experience really high visitor traffic, so I would recommend avoiding this time. 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.

Which vendors should I hire for my Valley of Fire 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.

Where should I stay for my Valley of Fire wedding or elopement?

Inside of the park: The only way to stay inside of Valley of Fire is if you camp. You can read more about campsite information here.

Outside of the park: With Las Vegas being just an hour away, this is the most popular location couples I’ve worked with have stayed. The Strip is typically the top choice with lots of hotel options, but there are also some great Airbnb’s in the area. Also just an hour away is Mesquite, NV. If you plan to explore some of Utah this is a small town that’s located between Nevada and Utah.

How do I get to Valley of Fire?

Because Valley of Fire is in a more remote area, the only way to get there is by car. If you are coming from Las Vegas, NV it’s just a one-hour drive. The Las Vegas airport (Harry Reid International) is also the closest and cheapest airport to fly into.

Valley of Fire wedding and elopement advice:

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

While the park isn’t as large as a national park, there are lots of beautiful trails and stunning rock formations. You might even see some bighorn sheep or other wildlife wandering around. I’ve seen lots during my visits! There are also a few excursions that are popular in the park like: ATV tours or helicopter tours. Because Las Vegas is nearby, I’ve also had several couples rent a classic car to use on their big day and ride off into the sunset!

Have I convinced you yet that Valley of Fire is THE best place to get married?? I hope so, because it really is!

Ready to have an adventurous elopement in Valley of Fire, with me as your planner and photographer??

Valley of Fire 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 $4,400

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

5-10 polaroid images to take home on the day of

Sneak peek photos

The permit and permit fees

Officiant services with the amazing Peachy Keen Unions

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

Guidance, friendship, and a meaningful experience!

Meet Your Valley of Fire 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 Valley of Fire 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.

Want to see what your Valley of Fire elopement or wedding could look like and get some inspo??

Check out these blog posts!

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