Horeshoe Bend

Page, Arizona
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Horeshoe Bend outside of Page in Northern Arizona is an iconic feature. Millions of photos have been taken of this unique bend in the Colorado River. The parking lot is off U.S. Hwy 89, about 5 miles south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center (the main visitor center for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area), and is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday.

PHOTO: Eric O. Ledermann ©2023

Airport Access
The nearest airport is Page Municipal Airpot (PGA), a 15 minute drive from the overlook. You can fly directly into PGA from some airports. Or you can fly into one of the larger airports in Arizona:

  • St. George Regional Airport (SGU) — 2.5-3 hour drive

  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) — 5 hour drive

  • Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) — 5 hour drive

Parking at Horseshoe Bend
The parking lot is a 1.5 mile round trip hike from the overlook. It is wheel chair accessible, but the grade is about the maximum allowed for handicap access. Parking costs $10 per vehicle to park at the Bend.

Best Time of Year to Visit
Summer is the peak visitor season, and temperatures can get over 100ºF. The spring and fall are the best seasons, when temperatures are around 70ºF.

It can get below freezing in the winter, with daytime highs around 45ºF. If you want to avoid crowds and you’re good with colder temps (and potential snow!), the winter is beautiful at Horseshoe Bend.

Getting Married or Eloping at Horseshoe Bend

Avoiding the Crowds

The best way to avoid crowds at the Bend is visiting at sunrise or on a weekday (I strongly recommend weekday because at sunrise the sun is rising in front of the bend — you’ll get awkward shadows, and, honestly, the sun setting behind you with the bend visible is a stunning photo!

Horseshoe Bend Wedding Permit

To get married at Horseshoe Bend, you’ll need to get a Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Special Use Permit. 

Here’s the process you’ll need to follow to obtain the permit:

  1. Complete this application form at least 45 business days prior to your desired date

  2. Email your completed application go glca_sup@nps.gov, or mail it to the address below, along with your nonrefundable processing fee of $100 (via check or a link they’ll send you):

    Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
    ATTN: Special Park Use Office
    P.O. Box 1507
    Page, AZ 86040

  3. Wait for your permit to be approved

  4. Pay the required $200 cost of recovery charges and provide proof of liability insurance if requested

  5. Sign and return your permit along with your payment for final approval

Arizona Marriage License

You’ll still need to get an Arizona marriage license, have an officiant (I am a qualified officiant), and two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign the certificate. Go to any Arizona County Clerk together with valid photo IDs (you must apply in person), pay your license fee, and then get married within 12 months! There’s no waiting period, so you can get married as soon as you have your license (takes about 30 minutes if there’s no line.

Horseshoe Bend Elopement Packing List

Here are some of the essentials you’ll want to carry if you plan to elope or get married at the Bend:

  • Your Arizona marriage license

  • Your wedding permit from the Glen Canyon National Park

  • Water (lots of it, especially in summer)

  • Sunscreen

  • A hat (you can take it off for photos)

  • Snacks

  • Sturdy, closed-toed shoes you’re okay getting dirty (you can bring other shoes with you for the photos)

  • Layers if it’s a cold day

  • A blanket to sit on

  • A backpack to put all this stuff in

Places to Stay Near Horseshoe Bend

You’ll find some great places at AirBnB.com and VRBO.com (I am not sponsored, nor to I endorse these sites — they’re just used by a lot of people) near Horseshoe Bend. Having a great place to stay is essential to having an amazing elopement experience. You’ll love having that cozy place to spend time together before and after you exchange vows. While you’re there, you may as well extend your stay to a few days and enjoy some of the other sites around Page.

Campgrounds
There are also campgrounds nearby. Here’s a list of some that people have recommended (I have not been to all these places, I’ve only heard about them):

Lodges & Resorts

Your Horseshoe Bend Elopement
& Wedding Photographer

If you’re ready to elope or get married at Horseshoe Bend, get in touch with me so we can get your dates booked and start planning! I love photographing adventure elopements and am ready to get yours going!

If you’re looking for a photographer who will:

  • capture with artistry, depth, and authenticity those gorgeous Horseshoe Bend elopement ceremony photos you’ll look back on forever;

  • help you shape your dream elopement experience at the Bend, including a complete itinerary; and

  • help you find all kinds of activities in the area to make your elopement a trip to remember;

then I’m your photographer!

Visit the rest of my website to learn more about me and get to know my approach to photography. Then schedule your free no-obligation consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

I can’t wait to hear from you!