How to Elope at Red Rock Canyon

With Las Vegas being the wedding capitol of the world, there are so many choices for where to elope. Some of my favorite ceremonies are the ones that take place out in the desert and away from the hubbub of the city. Today, let’s talk about why Red Rock Canyon is a great choice for your elopement and what it takes to have your ceremony there!

Why Elope in Red Rock Canyon

Many couples, from outdoorsy adventurers to free spirits to simple lovers of nature’s beauty, find Red Rock to be the perfect location for their elopement or wedding ceremony. The wide open spaces, fresh air, and breathtaking landscape feel so symbolic for couples beginning this new journey together. While it’s a ton of fun, Las Vegas proper can be so busy and overwhelming for some that it takes away from the pure enjoyment of this big moment. Escaping to the desert gifts you with a special sense of serenity and freedom to just exist and experience every second.

What to Know about Eloping in Red Rock Canyon

Couples hoping to get married at Red Rock Canyon are welcome to! You do need a permit, but the process is quick and easy. You can choose between four beautiful locations, but please be aware that the permits do not give us exclusive use of these areas so we may run into other visitors. Depending on which planner or officiant you choose (if any), they may hold a permanent permit that won’t require you to purchase one yourself. Be sure to check with them or check this list! Speaking of officiants, you’ll also need to find one (whether officially ordained or a close friend or family member) to perform the ceremony if that’s part of your vision. Beth and Ryan chose Hellbent Hitchings, who I recently featured in a post because she rocks so much.

One more important thing to consider is preparing for desert weather. Avoid monsoon season and please, please be prepared for being in the desert—it’s no joke, Wear sensible shoes or bring a pair to change in and out of as we walk to your ceremony location (Beth impressed us all by wearing stilettos the whole time WHILE pregnant. Hell yeah!) You can also plan to layer up or down throughout the ceremony and portraits in case it gets crazy hot or suddenly chilly. We can take a few official portraits in your full “regalia” then switch to some poses without a jacket or adding a shawl.

I hope this post helped you feel more prepared for eloping at Red Rock Canyon! I’ve done this hundreds of times over my years of experience, so if you have any other questions, send me a message or check out the official FAQ pages for Red Rock Canyon NCA here!

Amber is a Wedding and Elopement Photographer who is available in Las Vegas and beyond for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.

Photographer: Amber Garrett Photography

Videographer: Cydne Robinson

Getting Ready Venue: The Venetian

Ceremony Location: Red Rock Canyon

Officiant: Hellbent Hitchings

Portrait Location: Fremont Street Experience

Cake: Freed’s Bakery