How to Elope at Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend Elopement
Samantha Rose Photography - Arizona Elopement Photographer
Horseshoe Bend, located in Page, Arizona, near the border of Utah, is one of the most iconic and beautiful places in the southwest to get married. If you’ve always pictured you and your partner saying “I do” on a cliff edge with the Colorado River in the background and red rocks all around you (or even if you’ve never pictured anything and then you saw Horseshoe Bend and just knew) THIS IS THE PLACE. I have photographed and help plan over 20 elopements at Horseshoe Bend–I know all the ins and outs, the best time of year, the best time of day, how to make your day run as smooth as possible, and a lot more. If you’re looking for how to plan your elopement there or just trying to get an idea of where you want to go to get married, you’re in the right place!
Keep reading below for more beginning details on how to plan your Horseshoe Bend elopement.
Horseshoe Bend is one of Arizona’s most iconic landmarks. It gets its name from the natural horseshoe shape that the Colorado River creates through the canyons. With over a 1000 ft drop to the bottom–it’s not for the faint of heart (or if you’re scared of heights), but the views are absolutely breathtaking–making it one of the best spots to elope in Arizona.
Everything you need to know about eloping at
Horseshoe Bend:
Step 1: Choose time of year & time of day for your elopement
Page, Arizona–where Horseshoe Bend is located, gets very hot in the summer time & can get snow in the winter.
It all depends on what works best for you. I DO NOT recommend the summer time. Despite slightly lower crowds in June and July, you have some of the hottest weather during that time. August is also very warm and a high-tourism month.
Best Weather: late February, March, April, early May, late October, November, and early December.
When it comes to time of day–I suggest having a minimum of 3 hours completely at Horseshoe Bend (there’s a lot to explore along the rim). Starting about 2.5-3 hours before sunset will give you a great amount of time & the sun sets behind the bend, giving a perfect golden hour that leads into blue hour.
Not sure what month or whether you want sunrise or sunset? I can help!
Step 2: Hire a Photographer
I don’t want it to seem like I’m jumping the gun here, but when it comes to eloping at Horseshoe Bend, you want someone that knows the area very well and also someone that can help you with the whole process leading up to your actual day. Which is where I come in. The next step after this is applying for your special use permit and that’s something I can help with!!
Step 3: You must apply for a special use permit
To get married at Horseshoe Bend you’ll need to acquire a special use permit. This allows you to get married at the location & take photos. Permits currently run $300 & you must apply a minimum of 45 day before your event date. Other fees may apply.
There is an entry fee–even with your permit. The fee to park is $10 per vehicle, $5 per motorcycle & fees for buses range from $35-$140 depending on the size & number of passengers.
The parking lot has been recently expanded to fit more visitors & is easy to maneuver.
*America the Beautiful NPS passes are not valid here.
Step 4: Plan Your Attire & Details–it’s about a 1.1 mile hike to the edge
The path begins with a little bit of sand (I’d suggest not wearing flip flops/sandals), but then leads into a flat path that winds around at a slight decline with 2 small, shade rest spots if needed. The walk takes about 20-25 minutes if you take your time! You can easily do the hike in your wedding attire!
Step 5: Bring lots of water, salty snacks & wear good shoes & sunscreen
If you’re coming from out of state or out of the country, Arizona is the desert & yes, it is extremely dry & even though you may not sweat as much without the humidity, you NEED to be drinking lots of water. There is no shade once you get to the edge. When you’re walking & hiking around all day in the heat - it can be very draining & you don’t want to get dehydrated.
Bring salty snacks to fuel your body & help you keep sweating throughout the day. Classic Trail Mix is my go-to, but dried fruit & beef jerky are also great to have & hold up well.
No matter how easy people say the hike is - closed toe shoes with a good grip (red rocks can be slippery) are suggested since the sand can be very hot in the summer time (& it’s just annoying if it gets in your shoes).
As I’ve said before - there is NO shade at Horseshoe Bend. You will be in the sun all day long & even if it’s a cooler day, you can easily burn. And don’t forget the top of your head if you have a hairstyle where you scalp is exposed, but can’t wear a hat (hat hair on your elopement day is not fun).
Step 6: Be careful
Although it can be fun to get photos close to the edge - use common sense. Don’t stand on an area that looks like the rock could crumble below you. Always pay attention to where you are stepping & look before you move backwards. I will never have you stand somewhere that makes you uncomfortable. You can stand over 6ft from the edge & still get an amazing view of Colorado River below.
*A good rule of thumb is to stand far enough away from the edge that if you fell over, you wouldn’t go off the edge.
Step 7: Prepare for crowds
Depending on the time of year & time of day that you plan to be there - you will likely have to deal with people. Horseshoe Bend has become a popular tourist destination in recent years thanks to Instagram. Don’t worry though - it’s easy to avoid people once you walk away from the front section (or I can easily edit them out of the background later on).
Weekdays will be far less busy than weekends. If you do have to plan your elopement for a weekend, we can craft your timeline around what time of day would be best to avoid as many people as possible. Either way, the crowds are manageable if you come prepared!
Step 8: Driving distance & where to stay
Horseshoe Bend is about a 4.5-5 hour drive from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport & the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada.
If you’re planning a sunset elopement, driving up the day of & then staying in Page, Arizona the night of would be a great option! After a day filled with hiking & photos, an almost 5 hour drive back to either Phoenix or Las Vegas is not ideal. If you’re wanting a sunrise ceremony or an all day adventure around Page, AZ - driving up the day before & staying the night of your elopement is recommended (but you can always stay longer)!
Step 9: Park is open sunrise to sunset
If you look on Google, it says that Horseshoe Bend is open 24 hours, but this isn’t true. Although they don’t kick you out the second the sun dips down - you’re expected to start heading back up the trail once it is dark. There are no lights in the parking lot, so if you’re planning to stay through sunset, head lamps or a flashlight may be helpful for you walk back.
Step 10: There is a time zone change from Phoenix
The Navajo Nation in northeastern AZ observes Daylight Savings Time -MDT (the rest of Arizona does not). This is important to keep in mind when looking up what time the sun rises & sets.
Important Note:
There are trash cans throughout the parking lot, but none at the edge of the bend - please take your trash out with you & follow leave no trace principles!
There are latrine pit toilets to the side of the parking lot. They are well-maintained & are big enough inside to change clothes, but there are no hand-washing stations so be sure to bring hand sanitizer and/or wipes.
How to get legally married in AZ:
Check my blog post - How to Elope in Arizona - to prepare for your real elopement day.
What to do the day of your elopement:
Although there are endless possibilities because this is YOUR day & you can do absolutely anything you want… some simple ideas to get started could be:
A picnic at the top of your hike
Having a first dance with just the two of you
A champagne toast
Cake cutting & eating (Alan & Brittany did this & it was such a fun time where they got to just sit down, talk, take in the views, & enjoy a sweet treat)
Flowers by: Desert Poppy Floral Studio
Hair & Makeup by: Superstition Makeup Co.
Cake by: Summer Sweets Bakery
Why Choose Horseshoe Bend for Your Elopement?
Horseshoe Bend, located just outside of Page, Arizona, is a top choice for couples seeking an unforgettable and intimate wedding experience. Here’s why it’s an incredible location for your elopement:
Breathtaking Views – The sweeping curves of the Colorado River and dramatic canyon cliffs create an epic setting for your vows.
Golden Hour Magic – Sunrise and sunset provide the most stunning lighting, adding a dreamy glow to your photos.
Adventure Meets Romance – A short, scenic hike leads to one of the most iconic viewpoints in the world, making your elopement both accessible and adventurous.
Secluded & Intimate – With careful planning, you can find a quiet spot to exchange vows away from the crowds (that’s what I help with).
If you’re looking for an epic adventure in the desert that is easily accessible & a small, easy hike - Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona is the perfect place.
Samantha Rose Photography is an Arizona Elopement Photographer based out of Phoenix. She’s passionate about creating safe & memorable elopements for couples that feel like home out in nature. When she’s not capturing couples running around the desert she can be found hiking, listening to a true crime podcast, or binge-watching a new t.v. show.