Every Monday this year we are highlighting a unique Vegas wedding venue in the Ultimate Vegas Wedding Guide! Today it’s the incredible venues overlooking the sienna rocks of the iron rich Aztec Sandstone formation layered with limestone at Red Rock Canyon.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
(Dedication Overlook and Red Spring at Calico Basin)
http://www.blm.gov
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area | 702.515.5371
Capacity: Up to 50 | Outdoor Sites Only | Hosts: Ceremonies + Receptions
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Just the Deets
If you are seeking incredible vistas overlooking extraordinary desert landscapes for your wedding, you might consider either one of the locations available at Red Rock Canyon. With over a million visitors a year this is a huge draw for people visiting the Las Vegas area looking for something a little less neon and more natural.
Located approximately 30 minutes drive west of the Las Vegas Strip, both of these locations, Dedication Overlook and Red Spring, offer stunning views and facilities that are well-suited for weddings. I would be hard pressed to say they are perfect though, and the couple having their wedding there must have a sense of adventure (as should their attendees) and be a little low maintenance or flexible. That being said, the sites are quite good if you want an outdoor wedding but don’t want to hold it in the middle of nowhere as it strikes a balance between the two extremes.
Calico Basin/Red Spring (one mile from the intersection of State Route 159 and Calico Road) offers more of a intimate feeling and has a boardwalk to stand on. Dedication Overlook (approximately 1.7 miles south of Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive entrance off of State Route 159)Â is more exposed, overlooking the Red Rock mountain range with an amazing panoramic view. Both spots offer parking, a picnic area and basic washroom setup.
There are a few things to take into consideration, including that there is a permit and application form you must fill out for any special events at either of the sites. The special recreation permit must be submitted at least 14 days in advance of the wedding, and a $200 fee is required. At this time, it permits you to have a photographer on site.
What’s Special?
- Incredible views in a very rustic, natural setting
- The flexible hours range from sunrise to sunset, beginning at 6am and ending between 5pm and 8pm depending on the season
- The ability to personalize your officiant, photographer and wedding day timelines
- The sites are wheelchair accessible
Factor In
- Because it is a state park, there are very strict rules on decorations. Rice, birdseed, butterflies, balloons, arches, chairs and other props are prohibited
- The sites are NOT exclusive and because the areas are very popular, there will most likely be people walking and using the areas while your wedding happens
- As of publishing, the Bureau of Land Management is allowing you to bring a professional photographer when you apply for your wedding permit. BLM runs the sites, and normally enforces strict rules about commercial photography on their land. These rules may change at any time – check with your photographer or the staff at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area office when you apply for your permit what the most recent regulations are
- You may need to provide transportation for your guests to the sites
- Wear appropriate footwear. Both sites require a bit of walking, and may be a challenge for any guests with mobility issues although both are wheelchair accessible. The boardwalk for Calico Basin is smooth, but there are uphill sections, and there is a paved walkway at Dedication Overlook
Real Weddings at Red Rock Canyon
- Ultimate Vegas Wedding Venue Guide: Red Rock Canyon + Calico Basin
- Spring Mountain Ranch Vintage Desert Wedding Style from Poppy La’Rue Photography
- Scenic Elopement at Red Rock Canyon from Taylored Photo Memories
- Scenic Ceremony at Calico Basin {Red Rock Canyon}
- Romantic New Years Eve Elopement in the Desert | Taylored Photo Memories
- Painted Desert Engagement Session {Red Rock Canyon}
- Outdoor Elopement at Red Rock Canyon | Ashlynn Savannah Photo
- Nicolas and Jessica’s Wedding Portraits at Red Rock Canyon with Taylored Photo Memories
- Lovely Desert Wedding in Calico Basin | Taylored Photo Memories
- Intimate Elopement at Red Rock Canyon by The Amberlight Collective
Searching for the perfect venue for your Las Vegas wedding? Be sure to check out the other posts in the Ultimate Vegas Wedding Venue series, or peruse the Vegas Wedding Venue Directory!
I am hoping you can help me with some info! Struggling to find it elsewhere.
How do brides handle the logistics of a ceremony here? Is there someone on premise to hand the permit to, do people need to be cleared out of the boardwalk area? I have been told no amplified music is allowed, but you can use an amplifier for mics? Photographer told me she has shot weddings here before and they’ve always had music, just from an iPod or iPhone or something. Suggestions?! Help! Thanks!
There is no one onsite to hand the permit to, but you need to have it on hand if someone shows up and asks for it. They may also ask to see it when you enter the Red Rock Canyon – scenic drive loop.
No ones “cleared from the boardwalk area”. Its open to the public and there’s a pretty good chance others will be there during the time of your ceremony.
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