Lake Powell Elopement Packages
Lake Powell is an extraordinary place that is unlike anywhere else. With its red deserts, vast fossil findings (yes, there were dinosaurs near Lake Powell!), shorelines, and cascading cliffsides and plateaus, an elopement in Lake Powell incorporates a whimsical desert feel with a vast and diverse depth of color and scenery. This guide will discuss Lake Powell, eloping in Lake Powell, and options for couples looking to tie the knot beneath desert skies.
How big is Lake Powell?
Lake Powell stretches about 186 miles long across two states. The average depth of the reservoir is 132 feet but can reach depths upwards of 583 feet.
How was Lake Powell made?
The US Bureau of Reclamation built Glen Canyon Dam as part of the Colorado River Storage Project in the 1960s to generate hydroelectric power and water storage for citizens. The creation of Lake Powell was controversial, as it required the flooding of Glen Canyon, which was widely considered one of the most beautiful canyons in the world. Today, Lake Powell provides power to over 5.8 million businesses and households across Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. In addition, over 2 million people visit for recreation every year.
Is Lake Powell a National Park?
While not considered a National Park, Lake Powell is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which spans 1.25 million acres and offers water-based and backcountry recreational activities. The area itself, however, is managed by the National Park Service.
Where is Lake Powell?
Lake Powell spans parts of Garfield, Kane, and San Juan counties in southern Utah, including a small portion of Coconino County in northern Arizona.
Can you get married at Lake Powell?
Yes! Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas offers a range of ceremony sites that can accommodate parties sizes of 2 to 200. Couples can exchange vows on the Escalante Lawn overlooking Wahweap Bay, rent a luxury houseboat, or elope on one of Lake Powell's many picturesque shorelines surrounded by red plateaus towering 3000 feet high.
Where can I elope on Lake Powell?
What is a Lake Powell elopement like?
Lake Powell is ideal for getting married if couples want a romantic and adventurous experience under the desert skies. Whether you elope on a houseboat at sunset, at the foot of ancient plateaus, or along the lake shoreline with red cascading cliffsides in the background, an elopement in Lake Powell is a unique and memorable experience to cherish forever.
What animals are in Lake Powell?
Lake Powell is an incredibly diverse ecosystem, home to many fish species, such as striped bass, catfish, carp, walleye, and crappie. The lake is also home to rare species such as razorback suckers, Colorado pikeminnows, humpback chubs, and bonytail chubs. Over 315 bird species can also be spotted here, including bald eagles, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys, herons, egrets, pelicans, gulls, terns, ducks, and geese. In the surrounding area, you can see lizards, snakes, turtles, and frogs such as collared lizards, whiptail lizards, chuckwallas, gopher snakes, rattlesnakes, desert tortoises, and canyon tree frogs. Larger mammals such as bobcats, coyotes, foxes, beavers, muskrats, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions can also be found in the surrounding canyons and plateaus, but many animals remain elusive from humans.
What fossils have been found near Lake Powell?
Several essential fossil discoveries have occurred near Lake Powell and Glen Canyon. Some include:
Tritylodontid mammaliaforms:
These are early mammal relatives from the Early Jurassic period, about 180 million years ago. They were herbivorous and are considered to have been very rare. The fossils were discovered in the Navajo Sandstone within the Glen Canyon Group, full of bone impressions and fragments.
Swim traces of large amphibians:
These are traces of the forefeet of giant amphibians that swam in slow-moving streams during the Early Triassic period, around 251 million years ago. The traces are preserved in the oldest formation of the Triassic Period in the Glen Canyon area, the reddish-brown Moenkopi Formation.
Petrified wood:
These are fossils of giant coniferous trees that grew over 150 feet in height during the Late Triassic period, about 200 million years ago. They are found in the Chinle Formation, which contains fossils of fish, reptiles, and dinosaurs.
Footprints of meat-eating dinosaurs:
These are fossils of the tracks of theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Early Jurassic period, around 180 million years ago. They are the most famous and abundant fossils in the canyon and are found in the Glen Canyon Group, consisting of sandstone, shale, and limestone layers.
Lake Powell Elopement Packages
All elopement packages include my travel to anywhere in the United States (no hidden or extra fees!), customized location scouting and research, permit assistance, personalized vendor recommendations, unique-to-you + your location activity suggestions, and a customized elopement timeline for your one of a kind day. Every elopement gallery also includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share your gallery with your family + friends to relive the day with you!
4 Hour ~ $3000
Perfect for the couples who are wanting to take a more simplistic approach to their elopement day. Typically this package is ideal for capturing getting ready, a short hike to ceremony location, and couples portraits.
8 Hour ~ $5000
Perfect for couples wanting a day of adventure like a long hike, off-roading, or traveling to multiple locations. This package is best for telling the complete story of your elopement day. Typically couple’s who are eloping just the two of them will select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family and would like to have their reception captured as well. Your reception could look like pizza at your airbnb around a fire with your parents + siblings or a private chef serving you a 3 course meal on a table decorated in florals.
12 Hour ~ $7000
Perfect for couples looking for complete coverage of their elopement story. This package offers the ultimate storytelling experience. From waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after dawn. Couple’s who are eloping just the two of them will select this package to document their day for the friends + family who are not in attendance to have that opportunity to experience the day. Also ideal for couples bringing friends + family and would like to have their full day with their guests documented.
Multi-Day ~ $9000
Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you’re wanting to elope in one epic location and also experience another epic location the following day. An example of this would be eloping on a houseboat in the middle of lake powell and spending the afternoon exploring the beautiful rock formations throughout the lake or take on one of many unpaved roads in a 4x4 to a beautiful overlook!
What to do at Lake Powell
Can you swim in Lake Powell?
Yes! Swimming is popular at Lake Powell, particularly during summer when the water temperature reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that there are no lifeguards or designated swim beaches at Lake Powell or on the Colorado River, so swimming with high discretion for safety is recommended.
What boat ramps are open at Lake Powell?
The National Park Service has confirmed that at least one boat ramp is available for launching and retrieving motorized vessels in both South Lake Powell and North Lake Powell. However, circumstances can sometimes change, and it’s important to call National Park services before your visit to verify current information.
Visit the Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center
The Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center is built 700 feet above the Colorado River, providing a stunning view of the Glen Canyon Dam with a viewing area and glass walls inside. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, watch audio-visual programs, attend ranger presentations, and shop at the gift store or educational bookstore.
Walk Along the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge
Walking across the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge is a unique experience that offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the surrounding landscape. The bridge is accessible to pedestrians and is separated from traffic by a concrete barrier that provides a safe walking experience. Please note that those who fear heights may find this … interesting.
Visit Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend, located near Lake Powell, is a famous horseshoe-shaped Colorado River bend found in Glen Canyon. The overlook can be accessed through the town of Page, Arizona, and is especially popular during sunset when fiery red cliffsides accent the turquoise waters. The walk to the overlook point is approximately 3/4 of a mile long and is considered easy. If you plan to visit during peak season, bringing water and sun protection is highly advised. There is also a $10 entrance/parking fee.
Where to stay at Lake Powell
Camping:
Lees Ferry Campground
Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area
Stanton Creek Primitive Camping Area
Beehives Campground
Wahweap Campground & RV Park
Bullfrog RV & Campground
Halls Crossing RV & Campground
Antelope Point RV Park
Primitive/Backcountry Camping:
Lake Powell Shoreline Camping
Camping on Lake Powell's shorelines is free except in developed marinas. However, entrance and vessel use fees still apply. Portable toilets are required as burying waste on the beach is forbidden. If you plan to camp on the shoreline, avoid doing so beneath under overhanging rocks. Campfires are allowed below the high water line, and fireworks are illegal.
Colorado River Primitive Camping
There are six primitive camping options available along the Colorado River, between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. To access these designated areas, you must travel by boat, and spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The designated areas are marked with signs, and the upriver campsites are equipped with toilets and fire pits for your convenience.
Dispersed Camping throughout Glen Canyon’s Backcountry
Dispersed camping is allowed throughout Glen Canyon's backcountry, except in developed recreation areas. Here are some guidelines:
Leave No Trace
Only light campfires in designated areas
All campsites require a portable toilet
Buy a map beforehand and anchor your boat on a beach at night
No motor vehicles, off-road vehicles, or bicycles in Glen Canyon's roadless areas
It is important to note that fire is restricted to designated areas, and ground fires are prohibited. All burned charcoal from fires must be removed from the area if you choose to use a portable fire pan. It is strictly forbidden to collect wood from the area. All litter and garbage must be appropriately disposed of to maintain the environment's natural beauty.
Given that there is no regular garbage collection, it is the responsibility of visitors to carry out all litter and garbage. Plastic litter bags are free at the ranger station, and garbage disposal dumpsters can be found at the launch ramps.
Glamping:
Airbnb:
Resorts:
Getting married in Lake Powell can be a unique and exciting experience for adventurers and nature lovers. With lake-side beaches, sunset plateaus, and luxury houseboats atop turquoise water, couples will likely find something perfect to make their day one of a kind.
Ready to Start Planning Your Lake Powell Elopement?
As a passionate elopement photographer, I am committed to capturing your love story and perfecting your Lake Powell elopement experience. I can assist in finding picturesque locations and curating a timeline that aligns with your vision, ensuring that every moment is documented beautifully for you to cherish for a lifetime. Your dream Lake Powell elopement is within reach, and I'm here to help you make it a truly unforgettable experience.
