A Grand Canyon Honeymoon With Gorgeous Views and Adventure

A Grand Canyon honeymoon allows newlyweds to share a once-in-a-lifetime, awe-inspiring adventure without leaving the country. This stunning US honeymoon destination spans 277 miles, is 6,093 feet deep and holds millions of years of geological history.

Sightseeing at a place with otherworldly natural beauty is just one of the many reasons why the Grand Canyon makes for a romantic getaway. There are plenty of opportunities for fun day trips while honeymooning in Arizona, like horseback riding and rafting in the Colorado River. Grand Canyon lodges and hotels allow you to unwind without losing sight of the beautiful geological wonder when the sun sets.

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Ready for adventure? Here's everything you need to know about planning a honeymoon around Arizona's Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Grand Canyon Honeymoon Hotels and Ranches
• Grand Canyon Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Grand Canyon Honeymoon

Photo: Jim Mallouk | Shutterstock

Best Time to Honeymoon in Grand Canyon

Arizona summers are scorching—think 100+ temperatures from June through September, and July and August can be rainy. Temperatures are milder (and rainfall is lower) in the spring. The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is from April to early June.

Best weather: April to June.
Festival highlights: While the Grand Canyon itself is more focused on natural beauty than festivals, nearby communities often host events that can enhance your visit. These include the Grand Canyon Music Festival, Grand Canyon Star Party, Native American Heritage Days and Echoes from the Canyon.

Grand Canyon Honeymoon Planning Tips

The trip to Arizona is fairly straightforward for Californians and others on the West Coast. It's about two hours by plane from San Francisco to the airport in Flagstaff, Arizona. Couples flying from Houston will spend about three hours in the air. Those from the Northeast will have a longer trek—about five hours by plane, sometimes with a layover. People coming from Utah or the Las Vegas area are so close they often make a road trip out of it.

The Grand Canyon is perfect for honeymooners who want to do plenty of al fresco sightseeing. There's a ton to do outside, from standing in awe of the Grand Canyon's South Rim to walking along Bright Angel Trail. There are numerous hotels in the area, or you can look into vacation rentals with Airbnb and Vrbo for a one-of-a-kind experience. Honeymooners with time to spare can also visit other areas of Arizona like Sedona and Phoenix.

As gorgeous as the Grand Canyon is, the trip is not for every couple. The canyon is a bucket-list vacation for many people, so it can get crowded. You'll be spending a good bit of time outside, but it's definitely not a beach vacation.

Entry requirements: You won't need your passport, but don't forget to bring your ID along with you.
Language: English.
Location: Arizona is located in the southwestern region of the United States, bordered by California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and the country of Mexico.
Currency: USD.
Flight time to Destination: Flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Phoenix are between 1 and 2 hours, while flights from New York City are around 5 hours.
Getting around: The Grand Canyon area can be navigated by shuttle buses within the park, which are especially useful along the South Rim. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and for exploring the broader region, including drives to the North Rim and nearby attractions.

Pro tip: Add a honeymoon planning expert to your wedding team. Visit The Knot Marketplace to discover travel agents near you who specialize in Grand Canyon honeymoons and see their reviews and testimonials. Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team.

Best Grand Canyon Honeymoon Hotels and Ranches

When planning a honeymoon to the Grand Canyon, consider booking accommodations and activities well in advance, especially if you're visiting during the peak seasons of spring and fall. Check the park's calendar for any special events or possible restrictions. Opting for a honeymoon package that might include guided tours, meals and other amenities can also enhance your experience, allowing for a combination of adventure and relaxation.

Photo: Carmen Sorvillo | Shutterstock

Phantom Ranch

Phantom Ranch is in the bottom of the canyon. Getting there is a bit of an adventure—it's only accessible by raft, mule or on foot. Once you've checked in, Phantom Ranch provides guests with a unique experience ideal for couples who enjoy camping and being outdoors. Cabins fit two to 10 people and have a shared bathroom and shower. The ranch provides bedding and towels.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Little America Hotel

Located in Flagstaff, Little America Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Grand Canyon National Park. The decor is warm and inspired by the area's history and natural beauty. And the accommodations are comfortable and refined, with goose-down bedding and spacious bathrooms. Guests also gain access to a hotel pool, hot tub and an expansive 500-acre private forest.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Grand Canyon Lodge

Grand Canyon Lodge is the only lodging you'll find on the North Rim inside Grand Canyon National Park. The scenic spot offers rustic cabins and rooms. Guests can fill up in the lodge's dining room, then take a mule ride and hop on a free shuttle to the Kaibab Trailhead. Like the rest of the North Rim, Grand Canyon Lodge is only open from mid-May through mid-October.

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Grand Canyon Western Ranch

Grand Canyon Western Ranch leans heavily into a cowboy-style experience. The decor feels straight out of the Wild West—think wagon wheels and horse saddles—and live musicians are almost always donning cowboy hats. The ranch hosts nightly campfires, has a live rodeo arena, and offers horseback riding excursions and helicopter tours. As for the accommodations, guests can choose between luxe glamping tents and pine cabins with claw tubs.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for Grand Canyon honeymoon stays that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Grand Canyon Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Once you're in the area, the main attraction isn't hard to find. But knowing the nuances of this honeymoon destination will help you make the most out of your time there, especially when it comes to planning things to do.

Photo: M.G. Family Photography | Getty Images

Hike the South Rim

The Grand Canyon South Rim is the most developed area of the expansive national park. Yavapai Observation Station provides panoramic views of the Grand Canyon and an unobstructed look at the Colorado River. While on the South Rim, honeymooners can experience one of the canyon's most famous hiking trails: Bright Angel Trail. It's considered a relatively easy walk and boasts shady areas. The South Kaibab Trail is ideal for more experienced hikers. The historic Mary Colter's Hopi House is also worth seeking out.

Take in Beautiful North Rim Views

For a little more elbow room, head to the North Rim. It's harder to access and only open from mid-May to mid-October. To get there, you'll have to hop on the Trans Canyon Shuttle (which only runs once per day) or drive. It's complicated, but those who've been there before swear it's worth it for the beautiful views and sense of serenity.

Go on a Rafting Adventure

Honeymooners often enjoy the canyon from above, but it's just as beautiful from below. Couples can take guided rafting adventures on the Colorado River. The rafting trips are equal parts thrilling and serene, and you'll work with each other and a small group to navigate the waters. All the while, the guide can clue you in to the history of the river and the Grand Canyon.

Visit Sedona

Located about two hours from Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona is a worthwhile day trip. Couples can gain a different perspective of the Grand Canyon by taking a helicopter or hot air balloon tour over it. And if you haven't seen enough red rock during your time at the canyon, you're in luck: Sedona is home to Red Rock State Park, a 286-acre nature preserve with meadows, creeks and plentiful wildlife. Spend the day exploring the area, you won't regret it.

Pro tip: Add Grand Canyon honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so your family and friends can contribute to your adventure in Arizona.

What to Pack for a Grand Canyon Honeymoon

Photo: Dean Fikar | Getty

Arizona temperatures can go up and down, so you'll want to come prepared for warmer or cooler weather. Your packing checklist should include casual, hiking-ready clothes you can layer, like T-shirts, pants and sweatshirts.

Hydration is key when you hike—bring a reusable water bottle. You'll also want to prepare for rain or shine with a waterproof coat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. A backpack to stash all your layers in will also help.

If you plan on having some upscale dinners at resorts, bring collared shirts, slacks and sleek-but-not-too-formal dresses in your honeymoon luggage. Some nice restaurants call for more casual attire, like nice denim and a cute top or polo. Bathing suits are a must if you plan to take a dip in the hotel pool or hot tub.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.