When people imagine what the wild west once looked like, they think of endless desert plains with spires of red rocks under wide open skies that stretch as far as the eye can see—they think of an untouched natural world filled with mystery and possibilities. This is exactly what Kanab has to offer.
From its network of hidden caves and slot canyons to the one-of-a-kind rock formations scattered across the vast landscape, this city provides a setting that will make you feel like you’re exchanging your vows somewhere frozen in time.
Having travelled all over the world photographing elopements, I can say I have felt the impact of Kanab’s beauty firsthand and it’s unlike anywhere else—it is peculiar, striking, and perfect for couples who dream of having a truly epic elopement. If you’re looking to have one of your own, then just keep reading for my best insider tips on how to plan it!
Frequently asked questions about eloping in Kanab:
What makes Kanab a great place to elope?
After more than ten years of elopement photography, Kanab is still one of my favorite places to recommend for couples who want to elope somewhere that feels both unique and dramatic.
Kanab is one of the best examples of Utah’s signature red-rock landscapes, filled with sand caves, hoodoos, and canyons that are as stunning as they are striking. The Peekaboo Slot Canyons and Great Chamber alone have an otherworldly vibe that will make you feel like you’re exploring a place no one’s ever seen.
This is a place that feels epic, yet intimate—like you and your partner alone are part of something bigger than yourselves, which only makes exchanging your vows here all the more special and unforgettable.
How do you get to Kanab?
Luckily, Kanab is available as a destination on most common map apps! It’s located at 37°02’50.4″N 112°31’34.9″W, where US-89 meets US-89A, just over an hour’s drive west of Page, AZ and about 40 miles east of Zion National Park.
For out-of-towners, the closest major airport to Kanab is the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, about 200 miles southwest. If you rent a car, the drive should take about 3.5 hours, but you can also connect through Vegas and fly into the Page Municipal Airport which gets you within about 75 miles of Kanab and shortens the drive to a little over an hour!
When’s the best time to visit Kanab?
The best time to visit Kanab would be either during the spring or fall. Both those seasons offer fewer crowds and mild weather, giving you more opportunities to take advantage of all Kanab can offer. Fall, in particular, is absolutely stunning—the changing foliage brings golden hues to the Utah desert, complimenting the classic red rock formations the state is known for and offering epic backdrops for your wedding photos!
Weekdays are typically better than weekends if you want less foot-traffic, and the same goes for early mornings or late evenings. Those windows also provide the best lighting, just as the sun rises or sets, casting a soft glow on the entire area.
Best places to elope in Kanab:
With its winding canyons and unique desert landscapes, Kanab is filled with stunning elopement spots! Many of the best ones are located in state parks which means you are guaranteed to be surrounded by gorgeous views and incredibly preserved natural wonders that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world.
Here are just some of my favorite places to elope in Kanab:
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Cost: $105–$190
- Special Use Permit: $60–$100
- Park Access Fee: $5–$15
- Marriage License: $40–$75
- Permit: Apply for a Special Use Permit on the Utah State Parks official website here!
- Cost: $105–$190
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Cost: $105–$165
- Special Recreation Permit: $130
- Marriage License: $40–$75
- Permit: Apply for a Special Recreation Permit on the Bureau of Land Management’s official website—I’ve linked the application here for your convenience! Keep in mind that if your elopement is small enough, you may not require a permit, so be sure to double check with the BLM Field Office in Kanab (contact: BLM_UT_KN_Mail@blm.gov) before submitting an application.
- Cost: $105–$165
- Peekaboo Slot Canyon (sometimes called Red Canyon)
- Cost: $105–$165
- Special Recreation Permit: $130
- Marriage License: $40–$75
- Permit: Same as above, since the canyon is located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
- Cost: $105–$165
- The Great Chamber (also known as Cutler Point)
- Cost: $105–$165
- Special Recreation Permit: $130
- Marriage License: $40–$75
- Permit: Same as above, since the chamber is located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
- Cost: $105–$165
Best wedding venues in Kanab:
If you’re expecting more than 15 guests for your elopement, a wedding venue might be the best way to provide an accessible and manageable place for everyone to gather. Kanab has a ton of incredible options no matter what vibe you’re looking for—intimate and simple or extravagant and luxurious—and the range in pricing makes it easy to find the perfect place for you!
Here are just a few options for venues in the Kanab area:
- The Rivers Ranch
- Cost:
- Peak Season (April–June)
- $3,200 (Monday–Thursday)
- $4,750 (Friday & Sunday)
- $5,750 (Saturday)
- Regular Season (September–December)
- $2,400 (Monday–Thursday)
- $3,950 (Friday & Sunday)
- $4,950 (Saturday)
- Peak Season (April–June)
- Guest Count: 150 max
- Cost:
- Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch
- Cost: Starting at $6,000 (You can request a quote on the venue’s official website here)
- Guest Count:
- Ceremony: 10–60 (varies depending on the cave you choose—I’ve listed them and their respective guest parameters below for your convenience!)
- Costner Cave: 50–60
- Dellenbaugh Cave: 30–40
- Weeping Cave: 10–15
- Reception: 300 max (Cave Commons)
- Ceremony: 10–60 (varies depending on the cave you choose—I’ve listed them and their respective guest parameters below for your convenience!)
- Camp Sarika by Amangiri
- Cost: Starting at $450,000 (includes venue, catering, and lodging)
- Guest Count: 20-40
- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
- Cost: $750–$1,500
- Monday–Thursday: $750
- Friday–Sunday: $1,500
- Guest Count: 300 max
- Cost: $750–$1,500
This information is accurate as of the writing of this guide in 2026, but be sure to double check with the venue for confirmation before booking. I am happy to share more recommendations and help you find exactly what you’re looking for when we work together!
How much does it cost to elope in Kanab?
The cost of eloping in Kanab varies depending on your choice of venue/site, whether or not you’re having a reception, your guest count, travel costs, etc. If you want something small and intimate, you can elope in one of the gorgeous state park canyons for as little as the cost of a marriage license, which could be anywhere between $40 and $75. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something grander and more luxurious, you can choose from any of the stunning venues Kanab has to offer, with costs ranging from $750 to thousands of dollars. No matter what you decide though, you will have stunning views of Kanab’s unique landscapes and access some absolutely beautiful spots you won’t be able to find anywhere else!
Most of the couples who hire me prioritize the experience of having an adventure somewhere epic, so they invest a lot of their budget in photography to make sure every moment is preserved. If you want to know more, you can check out my full cost of eloping guide here!
Activities to do during Kanab elopements:
With its unique and breathtaking landscapes, Kanab is one of the most interesting cities to explore in Utah and definitely one of my favorites! No matter what you do or where you go, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping views that can make you feel like you’re either on a grand adventure or just sharing a quiet moment somewhere epic.
These are just some of your options for activities in the Kanab area:
- Sandboarding at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Going on a UTV tour of the Peekaboo Slot Canyons
- Visiting the Great Chamber
- Exploring the Sand Caves
- Taking a tour of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
- Hike the Wire Pass Trail
- Visiting the Moqui Cave Museum
- Exploring the Toadstool Hoodoos
Including an activity in your elopement can turn the experience into something truly special and Kanab has some amazing options. Whether it’s exploring a sand cave or touring the canyons, you and your partner have no shortage of choices for ways to spend your time and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Are dogs allowed in Kanab?
Yes, Kanab is extremely pet-friendly—it’s actually home to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary! Most of the parks and trails in the area allow dogs if they’re leashed, but I recommend double-checking the specific rules for your destination of choice before visiting since some places like Bryce Canyon National Park will allow dogs at certain lookouts or on some trails but not all.
Kanab Elopement & Wedding Photos
Robin & Dillon’s Kanab Fall Adventure Engagement
I’ve talked about Robin & Dillon’s insanely epic 3-day engagement trip throughout Utah in posts I’ve made about Bryce Canyon National Park and the Bonneville Salt Flats. They hit so many genuinely jaw-dropping spots of Utah in such a limited time that I’m still floored.
Kanab was actually their first stop on this roadtrip, and they really wanted to tackle the slot canyons. There are TONS of them in this area, all super cool and carved out of the Earth in really unique ways.
They also visited the Great Chamber while they were here, which is a MASSIVE arched rock dome that genuinely has to be seen to be believed. Because it was a shoulder season and not in the middle of summer, not only was the weather better, there were also way less people around.
At the end of this day, as they were heading back to their glamping accommodations (a super cool elevated tent complete with rope swings built into the rock and a fire pit) we saw a huge rainbow in the sky. They got super excited so of course, we pulled over and took more photos! These two are huge film buffs so they really appreciated the super cinematic lighting and timing.
And all of that was just Day 1!





































































Hey I’m Maddie Mae
Kanab Elopement Photographer
For over a decade I’ve designed, planned, & photographed adventure elopements around the world, so if you’re looking for someone with years of experience photographing adventure elopements in different cities and countries, then you’re in the right place! I can help you navigate the logistics of planning a destination elopement and make sure it’s as stress-free as possible so you can have a wedding that feels 100% you.

Kanab Elopement Packages
To check my availability, just contact me here for a free planning consultation and we can get started!
Always included:
8+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae with relaxed sightseeing & exploring
The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™
My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in the U.S.A (including Alaska & Hawaii)
$9,800 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography
Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.
No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.



























