If you’re searching for one of the best places to elope in Arizona, then look no further. Located in the town of Page lies one of northern Arizona’s most iconic landmarks: Horseshoe Bend! Often mistaken as being a part of the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend is actually a part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

With its gorgeous red rock formations and breathtaking views, this is a dream elopement spot! It’s also perfect for the adventurous couple who wants to make elopement day memories that last a lifetime! Here’s everything you need to know about how to elope at Horseshoe Bend.

A Magical Place for an Arizona Elopement

Situated 1,000 feet above a horseshoe-shaped bend carved out by the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend area features some of the most epic views that Arizona has to offer! With its steep red rocks cliffs and sparkling waters of the blue waters of the Colorado River that lie below, the Bend can make for an unforgettable wedding ceremony and stunning Arizona elopement photos! 

Where to Elope at Horseshoe Bend

If you’re wondering where to have your Horseshoe Bend elopement, the Bend itself is the most popular spot. Since it’s one of the most iconic and beautiful attractions Arizona has to offer, it’s no surprise that you’ll likely find crowds at the Bend. But most visitors tend to stick to the middle. For equally epic views and a little more privacy, you can hike out on either side of the Bend, but the terrain is a bit more uneven compared to the trail down.

Horseshoe Bend is so big that even if you’re “off to the side,” it still looks like you’re in the middle. 

Keeping Your Horseshoe Bend Wedding Legal 

When eloping at Horseshoe Bend, it’s important to have the correct permit. Since permit rules and regulations are always changing, it’s important to check the park’s website for the most recent information. 

Here are some things to know about getting married at Horseshoe Bend: 

• You must obtain a special use permit from Glen Canyon NRA to elope at Horseshoe Bend. As of 2024, there is a $100 fee for a Horseshoe Bend special use permit. You can find the application here. 
• You must submit your special use permit application 45 days (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to your elopement day. 
• Horseshoe Bend, like all National Park and Recreation Areas, is a “no drone zone.” It can be tempting to want drone-angle photos of your Horseshoe Bend elopement, but it’s not allowed. 
• You will need to apply for a marriage license at the Coconino County Clerk’s office. The fee is $83, and it’s valid for one year. 
• Since Horsebend Shoe is a public place, you cannot reserve it for your elopement day and will need to share it with any other visitors. 
• There is a $10 parking fee per vehicle. 
• An officiant will need to legally marry you, along with two witnesses.

The Best Time to Elope at Horseshoe Bend 

There’s no right or wrong time for a Horseshoe Bend elopement. The end result will be breathtaking, regardless. But there are a few factors you may want to take into consideration: 

Time of Year: The weather in Page, Arizona reflects typical desert to high-desert weather. The summers can be well over 100˚F, and they’re peak season for visitors. I personally love the weather from October through May. For mild temperatures and less crowds, I suggest eloping in spring or fall. In December-February, there’s a chance of snow, which is absolutely stunning on the red rocks and can make for the perfect winter wonderland Horseshoe Bend elopement photos!

Sunrise vs. sunset: Both sunrise and sunset at Horseshoe Bend are absolutely gorgeous for an elopement here. As a Horseshoe bend elopement photographer, I love both! But which is right for your ceremony?

Sunrise is perfect for avoiding crowds since there are very few people out at sunrise. On the downside, depending on what time the sun is rising, you may have to get ready as early as 3 a.m. That being said, the experience of watching an epic sunrise together on your elopement day makes it worth it for most people. It’s stunningly beautiful with the sun lighting up the far reaches of the desert in the distance as you remain in the shadows for a while.

Sunset at Horseshoe Bend is a magical experience. You can’t beat the colors, and the golden hour glow makes for breathtaking elopement photos. The biggest drawback to a sunset Horseshoe Bend elopement is that crowds are definitely heavier at sunset compared to sunrise. But like I mentioned above, the Bend is huge and there are always places to the side to escape some of the crowds. 

Weekend vs. Weekday: The area can get really crowded during the weekends and holidays, especially in summer. To avoid having a hectic and crowded ceremony, I highly recommend eloping at Horseshoe Bend during the week, if possible. 

Ideas to Celebrate Your Elopement Day

There are endless possibilities for how you can celebrate your special day, but here are a few ideas to get you started: 

• Have a picnic overlooking the Bend. 
• Share a first dance together, with just the two of you. 
• Celebrate with a champagne toast (or a hot chocolate toast like some of my past couples have done!). This can be done with your guests or just the two of you. 
• Cut a small cake and eat it together to celebrate your union! 

No matter what you choose to do, make sure your Horseshoe Bend elopement photographer has the opportunity to capture the special moments of your day! 

Places to Explore During Your Horseshoe Bend Wedding Day 

As an adventure elopement photographer, I highly recommend exploring more of the area around Horseshoe Bend before or after your ceremony! It gives you the chance to make new memories together on this day that marks the beginning of your lives together. Here are some ideas:

Visit Lake Powell. Nearby Lake Powell is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or adventuring on a boat. Fancy a 4×4 excursion? Some of the most stunning vistas are on Lake Powell but only accessible by 4×4!

Explore the beautiful slot canyons! Antelope Canyon is the most popular canyon in the area, but it no longer allows private tours for weddings or photos. Check out nearby Waterholes Canyon or Peek-a-Boo Canyon or check with your Horseshoe Bend photographer for other great slot canyon options in the area! If the slot canyon is on the Navajo Nation, you’ll need an additional special use permit from the Navajo Nation and will generally need to reserve a private tour (fees vary). 

Go hiking! There are a ton of excellent hiking trails in the area that can make for an adventurous Arizona elopement. Check out Alltrails to find a perfect trail to include in your special day. 

Go river rafting. While there’s no river access at Horseshoe Bend itself, you can start upriver and float through the Bend with many rafting tour companies. Rafting tours hit many iconic stops and can be the perfect start to your special day! 

Where to Stay for Your Horseshoe Bend Elopement

There are many hotels and vacation rentals in Page, Arizona. If you’re looking for a luxury resort stay, I recommend checking out Amangiri, which is about 25 miles away from Page Municipal Airport (PGA).

Depending on where you’re flying from, you might be able to fly directly into PGA. It’s a 4-5 hour drive to the closest major airports: St. George Regional Airport (SGU), Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS).  

Other Things to Consider When Eloping at Horseshoe Bend

Dogs are allowed at Horseshoe Bend! They must be on a leash and under control. If you’ve always wanted your pups to be a part of your elopement photos, they can be — but I suggest only bringing them if they’re comfortable with rocky, uneven terrain. It’s best not to carry them for your safety and theirs. 

Horseshoe Bend, as well as the town of Page, AZ and the whole Navajo Nation, follows daylight savings time, unlike the rest of Arizona. This can get confusing, depending on where you’re flying in from and where you’re staying. Be sure to double-check all times.

Be sure to pack lots of water, snacks, and sunscreen for your elopement. It might not feel as hot as some humid climates, but there’s no shade at Horseshoe Bend, so it’s easy to get dehydrated — and sunburnt!

Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be walking on sandy and/or rough terrain. The hike to Horseshoe Bend is only one mile on a gentle slope. If you want to wear nice shoes or heels for your Horseshoe Bend elopement photos, be sure to pack them separately. 

Although the park says it’s open 24 hours, it’s really not — only from sunrise to sunset. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to stay out too late, and it might be challenging to get down to the bend for a blue or golden hour at sunrise depending on when the parking lot opens. 

Ready to Book With Me? 

If you’re thinking about hiring me as your Horseshoe Bend elopement photographer, I couldn’t be more honored — and thrilled! I love helping couples plan the perfect day to tie the knot and make their elopement photo dreams a reality 🤗

While I help lots of couples elope at Horseshoe Bend, I also am an expert in many national parks and other locations like Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re planning a Horseshoe Bend elopement or you want to elope elsewhere, be sure to reach out to see if I might be able to help you document your love story!