This article is meant to guide you about choosing a location for your Red Rock Canyon wedding elopement.
Most people don’t know the Bureau of Land Management has dictated only specific locations may be used to get married at Red Rock Canyon. As official permit holders Custom Las Vegas Weddings has chosen to get a permit for three locations the BLM authorizes.
Red Rock Overlook
Red Springs Boardwalk
Ash Springs
Red Rock Overlook
This photo was taken at the Overlook location. This is a favorite elopement location to choose for many reasons. It is easy to access because it is located directly off the side of State highway 159 as a dedication overlook. Even though tourists to drive through this area, we have a permit to perform the ceremony at this location. For couples that want a more private spot, we walk up the path to the top of the hill at the overlook for a panoramic view of the valley and the red rocks in the distance.
This photo was taken of the red rock mountains in the distance and the desert setting. This is the view from the top of the hill at a more private spot for a ceremony. It requires a 5 minute walk up a paved pathway to access the hill but it’s worth it.
This couple chose to have their elopement at the overlook and combine it with a scenic drive wedding photo tour. The photo was taken at sunset for a more subdued hues and the dramatic overtones.
This photo showcases the path that takes about 5 minutes to walk to the top for a private ceremony and view. This was taken as sunset. There are benches at the top in two different locations and the area is big enough to accommodate up to 12 people as guests.
This photo showcases the platform and backdrop at Red Springs boardwalk. To elope at this location requires a 8 minute walk on a plasticized boardwalk to get to a meadow. The backdrop for the wedding is beautiful red rocks and a meadow. You do hug the mountain at this location and it’s close in to red rocks. It’s a great option for the warmer months at the canyon especially as later at the sunset time frame it’s shaded from the harsh sun.
This boardwalk and the backdrop of the mountain at Red Springs is stunning.
Brides love this entrance to the Red Springs boardwalk platform. It is the perfect aisle to showcase the bride walking in with the special someone to present their hand in marriage.
This is the backdrop showcased from the boardwalk at Red Springs. Couples love the stunning views.
This photo was taken at the Ash Springs location. To elope at this location requires a 10 minute hike in through sandy desert paths. This location does require more time and effort to use. As you can see, the rock boulders are a stunning backdrop for a ceremony. This is the only location you may use to climb on to large red boulders to get married at Red Rock. Ash Springs requires at least 1.5 hours of minimum time at this location if you choose this location for the ceremony.
This photo was taken of a couple who eloped at Ash Springs, showcasing the stunning red and white rock variations.
There are a wide assortment of scenic photo opportunities at Ash Springs. Some couples fall in love with the valley Ash Springs sits in and the adventure of walking the paths with it’s various small streams and greenery.
There is also an option to hold a quick elopement ceremony at this location at Ash Springs and then go on the scenic drive after the ceremony. If there are no other locations available we can pair Ash Springs with a scenic drive package.
Red Rock Canyon has been designated as a National Conservation Area by the Federal Government. It is governed by the Bureau of Land Management and they oversee administering park permits for weddings. The mountain ranges that make up Red Rock Canyon are a part of the Mojave Desert. It’s beautiful mountain peaks and geological features were created by the Keystone Thrust Fault.
You finally decided on the perfect destination wedding experience and chose a Red Rock wedding. But there are details you need to know to plan for having a wedding at Red Rock Canyon and this article gives important facts, tips and ways to make it a more comfortable and successful experience.
Compared to the Las Vegas Valley, there is typically a seven degree difference to prepare for in elevation and sometimes the difference can be greater. Each season brings its surprises. Here are a few seasonal tips for planning around the weather for a Red Rock Wedding Las Vegas or photo shoot.
A Spring Wedding in Red Rocks
Spring Time Red Rock Weddings Las Vegas
The spring welcomes wildflowers in the lower elevations that pop out of the ground like butterflies from their cocoons. The remnants of winter chill the early morning. The wind picks up and the day is cool with clear skies. Springtimebrings the transitionseasonofwinter to anend.Fallbrings the transition season of spring toanend.
If you don’t mind crisp air, a spring Red Rock wedding is beautiful among the wildflowers. Enjoy milder weather and sunshine between noon and mid-afternoon. Though cool, the sun’s rays can still burn your skin, so be sure to bring sunscreen.
The temperature steadily rises in spring. Click here for an hourly temperature guide from the official Red Rock Canyon site. This is an accurate and very helpful resource to keep updated on the weather.
In March, the high reaches 65° F. In April, the high is 73° F, and in May, the temperature reaches up to 82° F.
Springtime is a great time to get married at Red Rock Wedding Las Vegas however it may still be windy. As the colder winter conditions subside, there is an air conversion effect which causes increased wind to come in to the Las Vegas valley and surrounding areas. You may want to have your wedding in the valley at Red Rock Canyon. A great place to have your wedding ceremony that is more protected from the wind is at Ash Springs. It does require a small 10 minute hike to get there however. Being closer to the rocks does seem to provide more refuge from the wind than the Red Rock Wedding Las Vegas overlook or the Amphitheater area does.
Summer is dry and sunny and and as the summer heat builds up it will cause thunderstorms to build as the monsoon season approaches. Temperatures can feel scorching in the 100’s. In June, the high starts at an average 93° F.
There is no avoiding the heat and summer also brings a good dose of humidity when the monsoon season hits. Monsoon season in Las Vegas officially starts early to mid-July from early to mid-September. July and August are the most humid months in the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon also experiences the same conditions if not worse. The mountain ranges there seem to attract in the storms. We constantly keep an eye on the weather and stay updated.
To cope with the intense heat we tend to schedule weddings after the sun goes behind the mountains or is close to setting. Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Consider bringing an umbrella or parasol a part of your wedding day. Some brides now prefer to carry parasols and other personalized alternatives in the place of a bridal bouquet. Many of the allowed locations for weddings in Red Rock State Park don’t offer shade. A desert summer requires sunscreen and grit.
Whenever Custom Las Vegas Weddings plans your wedding, they will make sure your limousine provides bottled water and a glorious invention that pushes out cold air, commonly known as air conditioning. We definitely recommend getting an early start. Late weddings can be beautiful and when the sun isn’t directly shining on you it can seem less scorching, but the rocks still hold the heat of the day to be careful when sitting or lying on the rocks.
Elope at Red Rock Canyon in the Autumn
As summer temperatures fade, a fall Red Rock wedding will feature mild and lovely weather conditions. Mid-September, the entire month of October up until mid-November seems to be Red Rock Canyon weathers sweet spot. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a very comfortable temperature as a standard with low wind.
Monsoon weather is usually over by the 1st week of September and raises only the occasional concern. Don’t get caught in the rain near a body of water or you may end up in a flash flood.
It will be the responsibility of your Las Vegas wedding planner to guide you in getting the timing right for your wedding in the desert. In September the sun sets around 7 pm. By October the sun sets around 6:30 and the later in the month it’s around 6 pm. November brings a time clock change and clocks roll back an hour with sunset at 4:45 pm.
A Winter Red Rock Wedding Las Vegas
The winter weather at Red Rock Canyon tends toward chilly and sometimes wind accompanies the rain attracted to the mountain areas. Layering is strongly advised and bring a warm coat. You can find fashionable wedding cover-up garments that will keep you nice and warm. It is also advisable to bring a hat or wrap around for your head. The wind can be sharp and cold on some winter days.
From mid-January to the beginning of March Red Rock can experience periodic bouts of rain in the forecast. The mountain range tends to attract the storms. If you have a wedding scheduled when there is rain in the forecast it is advisable to keep a close eye on what is happening as flooding often occurs in the wash areas of Red Rock Canyon. The Bureau of Land Management controls the permits for weddings in Las Vegas. If there is any danger they will contact your Las Vegas wedding planner who is helping you and issue a warning. They will also work with the planner to reschedule the wedding if needed due to safety reasons.
In winter temperatures usually reach the mid-fifties by day, but warmer weather can occur. It’s best to have a winter Red Rock wedding in the early to mid-afternoon to take advantage of warmer temperatures.
From mild to cold weather, you don’t need to worry about sunscreen too much. Of course in winter the sun goes down earlier and ducks behind some of the tall mountain range by 3:30 to 4 PM. You will want to consider having your Las Vegas desert wedding earlier in the afternoon if you want to capture some warm from the sunlight to offset the cool weather. Even in the desert, blankets of snow cover the Red Rock Canyon mountains after a snowstorm and snowstorms do happen then.
Let Nature Inspire Your Wedding
Red Rock State Park is made up of 286 sprawling acres with stunning scenery. Trails meander through juniper and manzanita to the edge of Oak Creek. The creek travels around the park, enriching the riparian habitat with abundant wildlife and native plants.
Do be careful with the natural habitat at Red Rock Canyon. There are hefty fines in place established by the BLM for breaking the rules so don’t feed the burros. You also need to know that the desert tortoise at Red Rock is considered endangered and you must not stand within 5 feet of them or else there is a hefty fine.
This ancient and scenic environment provides several beautiful backdrops for a dream outdoor wedding in nature. Take advantage of warmer weather and walk the trails several months or a year before your wedding to get ideas about theme, color scheme and possible weather conditions.
Keep in mind that only certain areas of the park permit weddings and no weddings are permitted on the scenic drive. Custom Las Vegas Weddings is one company that is approved to perform weddings at Red Rock Canyon. They hold a permit for 3 of the designated areas to have a wedding in Red Rock. They will be able to guide you in very creative and romantic experiences at Red Rock Canyon.
Red Rock State Park visitor’s center website is a great resource and place to learn about the history of Red Rock. It is located at the entry of the scenic drive which is a must see if you have the time. You are instructed on the various life zones of the park, which include plant life, wildlife, history and archaeology. Make note of the plant life and colors you see. If you’re a fan of birds, bird walks and hiking trails abound. Remember to always leave the park as you found it.
Planning Wedding Attire around Red Rock Weather
It’s a popular idea to showcase the backdrop of the scenic mountain range with a cactus bouquet or artificial flowers as natures alter. Have your Vegas wedding planner style your wedding at Red Rock and help you create your own unique vision to match the environment.
Be creative and incorporate blush or pastel colors into your theme, bouquet and wedding attire or have Custom Las Vegas Weddings help you plan a Las Vegas desert wedding that will be very private and unique for you.
Imagine the use of blue and yellow primary colors against the red rocks of the park. Blue, violet or silver hues would also look lovely in a winter wedding. Let the natural dusky hues bring out the wild romantic in you.
You must keep your attire choices in mind as you plan around the weather. Don’t sacrifice your dream wedding wear, but do remain conscious of your fabric choices. Be prepared to carry wedding gown trains.
Imagine custom-made vegan or leather boots or pastel color dress and tux styling for your wedding that match the desert landscape.
If it’s a little rainy and muddy, you don’t want to sacrifice delicate and expensive shoes. Bring along an extra pair of shoes to walk the trails and put your expensive shoes in a carry bag or tote. Then when you are ready to start the planning for the wedding ceremony and photos get those beautiful shoes out and let your style shine. Don’t forget umbrellas or a stylish parasol.
Layer up for chilly weather, and wear SPF makeup and sunscreen for hotter months. Umbrellas or parasols also come in handy to provide instant shade from the scorching sun.
Red Rock provides an inspiring landscape for a stunning destination wedding. Let nature inspire your Red Rock wedding Las Vegas, but keep the changing seasons in mind as you plan.
Contact Custom Las Vegas Weddings for more tips on navigating the changing weather at Red Rock during your Las Vegas wedding planning process. They will make sure you get there in style and comfort, so you can focus on making one of the most important memories of your lifetime.
Gerry and Brenda met in June of 2014 and began dating and it blossomed into something special. They never gave up hope that they would find that special someone who would the their perfect fit. They came in to the marriage with grown children but their families blended beautifully and even add a 9 month year old miniature golden doodle (Zoey) that has been a joy for all family members.
When I asked them what they liked the most about their relationship they had a lot to say. They started off saying they look forward to sharing each day and experience together. They expressed they now have a best friend to share life experiences with. They also look forward to retiring together and growing as a couple while experiencing the many opportunities for world together (travel to Europe, beach vacations, etc). Best of all sharing laughter and the ability to make the other one smile is something they both value and appreciate in one another. They have no problem laughing at or with each other.
Photo at the Red Rock desert amphitheater location
Gerry and Brenda decided to have their Red Rock wedding at the amphitheater location at Red Rock Canyon visitors center. This is a beautiful setting for any planned elopement or large wedding party looking for a desert wedding in Las Vegas.
Julie at Custom Las Vegas Weddings planned Gerry and Brenda’s Red Rock weddings elopement package. They decided to customize the basic package and include extra services. Their desert elopement wedding included planned transportation, ceremony, photos, flower planning, and a video to capture the moment for a lifetime of memories.
On the day of their wedding the weather was a beautiful 80 degrees at Red Rock Canyon. After the ceremony they walked in to the desert and took romantic wedding photos on the desert pathways. They had a fabulous time exploring the desert around the visitors center overlooking the scenic drive exchanging, romantic kisses and interchanges.
Gallery
The ceremony begins.
Gerry and Brenda seal their vows with a kiss.
Here the bride and groom enjoy the intimate moment when they make it official.
Here the wedding couple poses with the beauty of the desert with the Red Rocks behind them.
Happy newlyweds planned spelling out LOVE with their hands. Creative!
We had to showcase Gerry and Brenda’s fun and comfortable choices of shoes.
Red Rock weddings are very popular and trendy now. The reasons for this lie in the stunning natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon mountain ranges and terrain. A lot of wedding couples don’t know this but this is reserved as a federal park and is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. The BLM only allows a small amount of permit holders to hold weddings at Red Rock. In fact, there are 3 locations the BLM will allow wedding ceremonies to take place since Covid has happened. They are the overlook, the Red Springs Boardwalk and Ash Springs.
Are decorations allowed? The BLM stipulates permit holders and their customers are not allowed to engage in throwing bird seed or confetti at wedding ceremonies. They also do not allow natural decorations to be placed in the desert as it may affect the natural habitat of the species that inhabit the area. They do allow carefully placed artificial minimal decorations if they are all removed after the ceremony. The BLM are guardians for the natural habitat at the park and consider it a serious violation to break the rules or engage in picking up or interacting with the desert tortoise, which is protected now under the endangered species laws. There is a $500 fine if this rule is not abided by.
Photo by Matthew Seeman
About the scenic drive: The amphitheater ceremony location is located inside the guard gate entrance for the scenic drive. Red Rock Canyon scenic drive is a one-way 13 -mile drive with a 35 MPH enforced speed limit by park rangers. The BLM does allow wedding customers to enter the scenic drive with the photographer after the ceremony is done but it has to stipulated on the wedding permit by the wedding planner. The wedding permit covers the entrance fee for all guests to go on the scenic drive. The scenic drive is the place where you will get the most unique and beautiful wedding photos. To choose this option you may drive yourselves to Red Rock canyon and have the ceremony there and then move on to the scenic drive with the photographer. This will allow more flexibility for you and will be a cheaper option if you are on a tight budget. Otherwise, if you plan to use a limousine service and want to include the scenic drive for photos you need to reserve the limousine for at least 4 hours of time. Limousines will require a minimum vehicle booking of 4 hours to travel and take in the ceremony and the scenic drive. This is due to the fact that it will take 45 minutes just to drive around the scenic drive as it is a one way drive. This does not include stopping and walking to get photos, which lengthens the time spent on the scenic drive.
Nov – Feb – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM March – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Apr – Sep – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Oct – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This package showcases an example of a Red Rock wedding package that incorporates the scenic drive into the experience. However, Custom Las Vegas Weddings also provides other options starting with basic elopement services.
