Utah Micro Wedding Photographer | Getting Married at Red Rock Villa in Zions National Park

Dreamy Zions intimate Wedding with a Labyrinth Ceremony at Red Rock Villa

If you’re dreaming of a Zion wedding that feels magical, intimate, and surrounded by the beauty of the red rock desert, Red Rock Villa might just be your perfect venue. Nestled near Zion National Park in Southern Utah, this private villa offers a luxury-meets-nature experience that’s tailor-made for couples who crave something unique. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a full wedding celebration, Red Rock Villa provides an unforgettable setting, and as a Zion wedding photographer, I’ve got the inside scoop on how to make the most of it.

Why Red Rock Villa is a Hidden Gem for Zion Weddings

Red Rock Villa is more than just a wedding venue, it’s a private escape with panoramic views, luxurious accommodations, and one of the most peaceful and intentional ceremony spots in Southern Utah: the Labyrinth.

Located just outside of Zion National Park in Virgin, Utah, this high-end villa offers:

• Breathtaking red cliff views at golden hour

• Clean, modern architecture with a desert soul

• Plenty of space for both intimate elopements and small weddings

• An intentional, spiritual vibe thanks to its iconic Labyrinth Ceremony Site

The Labyrinth Ceremony Site: A Sacred Space to Say “I Do”

One of the most unique features of getting married at Red Rock Villa is the labyrinth. Designed as a meditative and symbolic space, the labyrinth is nestled into the earth with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. It’s a beautiful location for a wedding ceremony—especially for couples who want something non-traditional, earthy, and emotionally grounded.

Couples often walk the labyrinth individually before the ceremony, as a moment of reflection and grounding before they meet in the center to exchange vows. It’s deeply symbolic and makes for emotionally powerful photos (and yes—very cinematic drone footage, if that’s your thing).

When’s the Best Time to Get Married at Red Rock Villa?

Golden hour here is pure magic. Think soft glowy light kissing the red rock cliffs, pastel skies, and a natural palette that makes every photo look like a desert daydream. I recommend planning your ceremony about an hour before sunset to catch the best lighting for portraits.

This ceremony was at 3pm at the end of May, and it was HOT. Like HOT HOT. 100 degrees with no shade, someone might pass out at any minute HOT.

I had a hydro jug with me and chugged the entire 64 ounces during the ceremony, and the water went from ice cold to very warm during the ceremony. My cameras (which are professional grade) almost overheated, and people had jewelry burn their skin. It was gorgeous, especially when a couple of clouds rolled in, but I would recommend a bit closer to sunset. If I had built the timeline, I would’ve suggested 5pm for the ceremony, 3 hours before sunset for this style of wedding photography. (sunset time changes, so pay attention to your date!) All that said, it was still STUNNING, and the heat made it more memorable. I’m so glad I had two camera bodies with me in case one overheated. My meta AI glasses stopped working due to the heat, along with my phone.

Spring and fall are ideal seasons—temperatures are perfect, and the lighting is consistently beautiful. If you’re considering a summer wedding, be prepared for heat, but the villa’s shaded spots and pool help beat the sun.

Planning Tips for Your Red Rock Villa Wedding or Elopement

• Guest Size: Red Rock Villa is perfect for smaller weddings and elopements. It feels exclusive and personal, not overwhelming. This wedding had 58 guests.

• Getting Ready: The villa has stunning interiors and natural light—perfect for getting ready shots that look elevated and editorial.

• Vendors: Zion has a growing vendor scene, but I recommend bringing in your dream team (including your photographer 👋 hi, that’s me!).

• Timeline: Keep things loose and intentional. The desert asks you to slow down and be present—it’s the perfect place to lean into connection.

Why Hire Me as Your Red Rock Villa Wedding Photographer?

I specialize in emotional, editorial wedding photography that blends cinematic storytelling with real, unscripted moments. My work has been described as artful, adventurous, fashion-forward, and grounded in authenticity. I love working with desert light, wind, and the unique energy of Zion to create photos that feel timeless and alive.

Whether you’re hiking into the canyon, reading private vows in the labyrinth, or throwing the most stylish backyard-style reception under the stars—I’ll document it all in a way that feels elevated and you.

Let’s Create Something Wild and Beautiful Together
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement at Red Rock Villa in Zion and looking for a photographer who understands the beauty of the desert, the rhythm of a slow intentional day, and how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, let’s chat.

🔗 Inquire about your date here

📍 Based in Utah | Traveling Worldwide

Zion Elopement Photographer | Red Rock Villa Wedding Photographer | Editorial, Artful Storytelling

Is Louland Falls a Good Venue to get Married at?

Is Louland Falls a good wedding venue? This post will answer all your questions about the mountain scenery venue in Utah.

bride and groom at Louland Falls during golden hour

Reasons I vote Louland Falls as one of the best wedding venues in Utah:

Louland Falls has a gorgeous backdrop with mountain scenery for your ceremony. (Win.) You not only get beautiful ceremony scenery, you also get a variety of outdoor spots for portraits. (Win.) You get to work with owners who actually love what they do and are helpful. (Win.) And you can utilize the outdoor space for everything on your wedding day, but you still have indoor space if needed. (Win.)

Vogue style portrait with fog at Louland Falls

Let’s explore more reasons why Louland Falls is one of the best wedding venues in Utah:

You basically have a whole mountain for photos at Louland Falls (kind of). If you’re wondering “is Louland Falls a good wedding venue?” One thing that makes Louland Falls a great wedding venue is the ability to take photos in numerous areas. The getting ready area, the ceremony area, the area just by the ceremony area, and up the steps to Louland Falls itself. (Win.)

bride walking down aisle at Louland Falls in Utah

Bride about to walk down the aisle at Louland Falls

groom waiting for bride under ceremony arch

Ceremony under the Louland Falls arch

Groom reading vows at Louland Falls

Bride and groom share a candid moment during golden hour

The falls at Louland Falls

Louland Falls Waterfall backdrop

Another thing that makes Louland Falls a great wedding venue? The owners and employees who help. The owners are SO kind and helpful! As a photographer, they have always welcomed me, and are there to ensure things run smoothly. They have moved microphones for speeches for me, moved the cake for the couple, among a million other things. Seriously so sweet! (Win.)

I love that dance parties, dinner, and speeches can all be done outside with that “nestled in nature” wedding feeling. It also photographs way better!

Dinner area at Louland Falls

Louland Falls has comfortable getting ready rooms. The bride’s room is actually smaller than the guys, but longer and with mirror space. It’s a bit narrow and there is no window lighting, but with the right photographer you’ll still get great getting ready photos at Louland Falls.

Louland Falls is an especially beautiful wedding venue when you time your wedding around the best lighting. The colors will pop, you’ll look nice and even, and the venue looks stunning at night.

Top reasons I’m obsessed with Louland Falls

  • Louland Falls venue is stunning. You will get such gorgeous photos! That’s an important one, but as a wedding photographer, I may be biased

  • The pricing is super reasonable! However, they book up FAST, like more than a year in advance all Saturdays will be gone. So get on this one QUICK if you’re interested.

  • The owners are extremely helpful and have been just as helpful at the first wedding I photographed there in 2014 as they were at my recent 2024 wedding I photographed. That tells me they love what they do and want things to go well for your day. Everyone deserves that kind of care.

  • Ceremony, dinner, and reception can all be done outside in the stunning mountain landscape

  • Unique portraits can be taken up by the falls

  • Make sure your photographer has the right equipment for the vibe you’re after (if you dig this wedding vibe, fill out a contact form!!)

Cocktail hour at Louland Falls

bride and groom by waterfall in the evening
Dance party at outdoor wedding

This couple loves moodier wedding photos, so I helped them curate a timeline that gave them gorgeous lighting from start to finish, with a mix of warm and filmy images along with moodier photos and nighttime portraits.

bride and groom walking by trees during golden hour

Golden hour candid portraits of bride and groom at Louland Falls | Datura Photo

bride and groom night portrait with smoke in back
groom fixing jacket on wedding day

Night portrait with marquee sign

To summarize, I absolutely think Louland Falls is a great place to get married! Especially if you’re adventurous, want an elopement vibe but in actual wedding-form, love nature, and want great photos that aren’t boring. If you want to see more of the best outdoor venues in Utah, take a look at this post for more of my favorites.

Photos and post by Jules at Datura Photo: Utah wedding and elopement photographer and videographer

A Redwoods Wedding at Waterfall Lodge and Retreat

Redwoods Wedding Tips from a Redwoods Wedding Photographer

If you're dreaming of a wedding surrounded by towering redwoods, dappled golden light, and the magic of a forest straight out of a gd FAIRYTALE, “Waterfall Lodge and Retreat” is a stunning venue you should consider. As a redwoods wedding photographer, I’ve seen a lot of incredible venues—but this one feels like stepping into a secret world where time slows down and you can breathe a little easier.

a couple poses under redwoods in wedding attire

Wedding Photo by Datura Photo

couple shares first kiss after vows in redwoods

Wedding Photo by Datura Photo

couple walking down the aisle with bubbles being blown

Wedding Photo by Datura Photo

Nestled in Ben Lomond, California, Waterfall Lodge is tucked into the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s a place where sunlight filters through ancient trees, guests sip cocktails under string lights, and vows are exchanged with the scent of pine and earth in the air. The ceremony site is wrapped in redwoods that feel like natural cathedral walls. They feel grand, intimate, and effortlessly cinematic. I absolutely LOVE photographing weddings in the Redwoods. There is something so romantic and carefree about Redwoods weddings.

couple walking up steps in redwoods forest

Wedding Photo by Datura Photo

couple kisses under cabin in the redwoods

Wedding Photo by Datura Photo

I recently photographed a wedding here that stole my heart. The couple chose soft pastels for the wedding party, which popped against the earthy tones of the forest. They leaned into the natural beauty of the space with minimal decor, letting the redwoods take center stage. And the vibe? Emotional, whimsical, and just the right mix of elegant and laid-back. But if I had to pick one word, it would be: ethereal. And they pulled it off SO WELL.

wedding party blurry running photo in redwoods

Wedding Photo by Datura Photo

As a redwoods wedding photographer, one of my favorite things about Waterfall Lodge is how versatile it is for capturing different moods. Whether you're going for ethereal and romantic, moody and editorial, or bright and joyful, the forest here gives you the dreamiest backdrop. The Redwoods for your venue feel ancient and alive, and it adds depth and story to every frame.

groom holding and spinning bride in the redwoods

Wedding photo by Datura Photo

What Makes Waterfall Lodge and Retreat Stand Out:

The Ceremony Site: They call this area the “Redwoods Cathedral”, which is an outdoor manicured area surrounded by Redwoods. You can make your decor simple or extravagant, as the Redwoods forest adds so much already.

redwoods cathedral in forest

The “Redwoods Cathedral” spot at Waterfall Lodge and Retreat

The Reception and/or Dining Area:

Open-air with twinkle lights, wooden tables, and plenty of room to dance under the stars.

The Reception Lodge:
Indoor space with accent lighting, a cozy barn feel, and space for dancing.

bride and groom dance in redwoods lodge

On-Site Lodging: Perfect for making your wedding a weekend retreat with your favorite people.

The Light: From golden hour glow to soft overcast skies, the light here is a dream for natural, emotional photography.

redwoods wedding photography

Redwoods Wedding Photography by Datura Photo

If you're planning a wedding among the redwoods and want a photographer who knows how to work with the light, textures, and tones of the forest, I’d love to be there to capture it for you! Every couple deserves a visual story that feels personal and cinematic—and there’s nothing more cinematic than a wedding deep in the woods.


Want to see what a full gallery looks like at Waterfall Lodge and Retreat? Contact me here and I’d love to send some!

You’re gonna have the prettiest wedding photos in the Redwoods, babes.

-Jules, redwoods wedding photographer

Datura Photo

Find a Utah Elopement Photographer

So you’re looking FOr a Utah Elopement Photographer…

YOU’RE ELOPING!!! (Can I get a HELL yeah?)

I’m so excited for you, and so proud of you for doing this, because let’s be real… eloping is about your LOVE, and less about proving your love with a big SHOW. (Don’t get me wrong, we love both… but something about elopements screams genuine, beautiful, lasting love, and I am HERE FOR IT.)

So you’re at the next phase, looking for someone to join you and document this thing. How do you find the best elopement photographer for you?

Well, first of all, you’ve come to the right place if you like moodier, emotional elopement photography. Second of all, if that’s not your thing, that’s ok. I’m here to help you with your next steps, regardless of what kind of elopement photographer you’re looking for .

What qualifies someone as a great elopement photographer?

  • Experience with elopements in various climates, weather, and lighting

  • Has business insurance and ability to prove said insurance to the area you are hoping to elope

  • Experience obtaining elopement permits

  • Knows how to make their clients feel comfortable, and provide a great elopement experience

  • Knows the area you’re eloping at, and helps with planning steps along the way

  • Has a contract, and is prompt with emails and staying connected with couples

  • Has a photography style you resonate with

If you are looking for a Utah elopement photographer, you have lots of options! There are various places couples love to elope, and the scenery in Southern Utah is very different from Northern Utah. You’ll want a Utah elopement photographer who is familiar with the area you’ll be eloping, and can help you with the planning process, as well as obtaining permits for your elopement.

Are you hoping to elope during a busy time in the summer? You’ll want an elopement photographer who knows where to go and at what times to avoid huge crowds.

Are you hoping to elope at a Utah National Park? There are restrictions throughout the year, and some can be challenging to get a permit for. Make sure you find a Utah elopement photographer who knows the ins and outs and is willing to help you make the process smooth.

Planning your elopement

  • Find an elopement photographer who is familiar with your lodging options, dining options, and vendors who are close by. If you’re not familiar with Utah, you may think you’re hiring a wedding vendor who is close to your elopement site, only to find out they live 3 hours away and can’t travel to your destination, or charge a hefty travel fee.

  • Collaborate with your elopement photographer to make sure both of your expectations are clear for how your elopement will go, and what moments are important to you.

  • Can your elopement photographer officiate or do you need to bring someone who is ordained to officiate?

  • Are you doing a symbolic elopement or eloping and also obtaining a marriage license? Your elopement photographer should be able to help you with these questions, and should know beforehand if you need the ceremony officiated, or if it is symbolic only.

Deciding on a Style

  • What elopement photography style do you resonate with? Do you like bright and airy and creamy tones? Do you like moodier images with deep tones and emotive storytelling? Do you like something more rustic and country feeling, with warm sepia-like editing?

  • Ask your elopement photographer if you can view several FULL galleries of elopements they have photographed, ideally in similar places to the one you’re eloping at. Some photographers choose to only advertise styled photoshoots, and use paid models to advertise their wedding photography, and it’s important to see what their work looks like for their paying clients. And if it matches your expectations and resonates with you.

Come up with a Budget

  • You’ll be saving SO much money on a venue and catering by eloping. So focus on your love story and what is important to you. I may be biased, but I recommend splurging on elopement photography and videography, as well as your experience and location. Then work your way through the list of details you need. Trust me, the permit for eloping is SO much less than any venue I have photographed weddings at. You can afford to splurge a bit on your elopement. Make it special, because it truly IS special.

If you are eloping in Utah and are on the hunt for an experienced elopement photographer, and you like candid and emotional photos with personality, fill out that inquiry form babes, and let’s chat!


Datura Photo (Jules) is an award winning wedding and elopement photographer in Utah, the PNW, and worldwide.