BECCA & JEFF’S ADVENTUROUS WINTER SLOT CANYON ELOPEMENT IN PAGE, ARIZONA | PAGE, ARIZONA SLOT CANYON ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | PAGE, ARIZONA

Social media has increased the popularity of Antelope Canyon tenfold. But what posts don’t tell you is that Antelope Canyon is only *one* of hundreds of slot canyons in the area. That’s great news because Antelope Canyon stopped doing private tours for elopements and photo sessions years ago, pre Covid.

So how are people having “Antelope Canyon” elopements if it’s actually not allowed? Spoiler alert – they’re marrying in other gorgeous canyons in the area! Becca and Jeff chose Waterholes Canyon. This gorgeous canyon in its own right is only a short ~10 away from Antelope Canyon. It has all the same distinctive, red Navajo sandstone with flowing curves as the famous canyon so it makes a great alternative!

What do you need to know for planning your own slot canyon elopement?

First, check on the Navajo Nation Covid regulations. Canyons such as Waterholes Canyon, Secret Canyon, Canyon X, and more are all on the Navajo Nation. Complying with their health and safety guidelines is required for access to the canyons on their land. If a mask mandate is still in order, that might not be ideal for an elopement.

If the Covid regulations allow, you’ll need to book a private tour for your elopement. This can range from ~$100-$2000 depending on the canyon and length of tour. However, this ensures you will have exclusive access to the canyon and an extremely private setting for your elopement! The Navajo Nation also requires a photography permit for your photographer/videographer. (However, as of this posting, the Navajo Nation Parks Department isn’t issuing permits for the Lake Powell area. Please check for current information here.)

So if the canyons on the Navajo Nation aren’t an option when you’re planning your elopement what are your options?

The nice thing about the geology of this area is that there are canyons and epic locations everywhere, even outside of the Navajo Nation. These other locations aren’t “Insta-famous” which is actually ideal for a more private and secluded location for your elopement! Check out AllTrails for a glimpse at all the options available in the Page, Arizona area. Even expand your search to nearby locations in Southern Utah. My favorites include Peek-a-Boo Canyon in Kanab, Utah and Wirepass Canyon in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. In the past, I have not needed a photography permit for these locations, but please check with BLM for Kanab, UT or Northern Arizona (depending on the location and if you plan to cross state lines) for current permitting requirements. Additionally, because these locations are on public lands, there are no required access or tour fees. However, some of my clients have opted for tours for the fun and peace of mind traversing some of the tricky desert terrain.

Have any questions about planning your own slot canyon elopement?

I’d be happy to help! I have a ton of possible locations in the area and would love to help you two find the perfect one for your elopement! I also regularly work with local BLM and Navajo Nation offices for permitting. Start by filling out my contact form here and we’ll get the ball rolling for your one-of-a-kind elopement!