FAQsFAQs

Question

What About People with Disabilities?What About People with Disabilities?

Answer

We will do our very best to accommodate everyone who would like to attend. The site is mostly flat with some slight variations in the ground level. There is a clear, flat walking path to the restroom which is approximately 65 steps from the pavilion where we will be enjoying the reception. If a guest requires a wheelchair or walker and does not have one with them, one will be provided on site. Please contact Michelle to arrange this in advance @ 951-757-9985. A limited number of chairs are allowed per our permit for people with disabilities who cannot stand for the 15-20 minute ceremony. If you require a chair, please let Michelle know so one can be requested in advance. The permit restrictions are strict but easy to modify if we request accommodations in advance. There is a short distance to travel (about 50 feet) from where our van will park upon arrival to the wedding site and the nearest seating. The groomsmen will be on-site to welcome and usher guests from our van to the reception area where we will serve drinks and hors d'oeuvre's before the ceremony.

Question

What is the most important thing to remember?What is the most important thing to remember?

Answer

Please allow plenty of time. Even though the event start time is not until 3:30 PM, the parking lots fill early in the day. We recommend that you see some sites at the canyon and then enjoy the evening at Shoshone Point with friends and family. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to celebrate Sarah and Zach's wedding here at Shoshone Point. However, due to the remote nature of this grand place, we are at the mercy of the sunshine for our lighting and we must get started on time. Please plan to be at the Grand Canyon early. Best to be there by 1:00 PM MST (even earlier is recommended) on the wedding day so that you get a parking place before the lots fill up and there is adequate time to park and ride in our private wedding van up to Shoshone Point as there is no parking available at the site. If you are early and have extra time, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the sites! Please see the Overview Page of this website or below in the next FAQ for detailed instructions about transport to the wedding at Shoshone Point.

Question

What time do we arrive and how do we get up to Shoshone Point?What time do we arrive and how do we get up to Shoshone Point?

Answer

For the most success in finding parking, please plan on arriving at the south rim of the park no later than 1:00 PM MST to ensure that you secure a parking spot at one of the shuttle bus parking lots. The parking lots begin to fill to capacity around 11:00 AM and are usually completely full by 2:00 PM. Guests will need to take the Kaibab/Rim Route (orange line) shuttle to the Pipe Creek Vista stop. Be mindful of the name and color coding of the different shuttle lines as there are a few different routes. Please wait at the Pipe Creek Vista lot for our ushers to pick you up in our van and drive you the rest of the way to Shoshone Point. Our van will be clearly marked for the Raylene & Wilkening Wedding. We will start picking up guests at Pipe Creek Vista stop at 2:45 PM and the last pick up before the ceremony will be at approximately 3:30 PM. Afterward, we will shuttle guests back to the Pipe Creek Vista stop where the orange line shuttle bus will run back to the parking lots. The Grand Canyon shuttle system runs until 1 hour past sunset (approximately 8:30 PM). Depending on where you park, you may have to take multiple shuttle lines to arrive at the Pipe Creek Vista stop. See the map: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm Please take care to be on time as our ushers are needed on site during the ceremony. Should you have an unforeseen problem causing your delay and arrive late, please contact Michelle via cell phone at 951-757-9985 and she will do her best to arrange for someone to guide you to the site. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee transport to Shoshone Point after our last pick up at 3:30PM. However, we will do our very best to help you get there.

Question

Is there cell service at the wedding site?Is there cell service at the wedding site?

Answer

This is tough to answer with certainty. Some cell phone companies have better reception there than others. The service is spotty and inconsistent. BEST NOT TO RELY on your cell phone for communication during the wedding and reception. Verizon has some areas up on top of the point where service is okay. T-Mobile has no service on the grounds but does have some good spots near the rim.

Question

Are there dangers and safety concerns to consider?Are there dangers and safety concerns to consider?

Answer

Yes! Although the event site is mostly flat and obstacles are minimal, the rim of the Grand Canyon surrounds the site and there are no fences or other safety features. If you are traveling with children, it is highly recommended that you keep them closely supervised at all times. One slip on the loose dirt and a fall could easily happen if one is too close to the edge. Common sense will come in handy here...

Question

What is the best way to get to the Grand Canyon?What is the best way to get to the Grand Canyon?

Answer

We found that the easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon (GC) is by car or plane or both. Depending on your location, making it a road trip can be fun and economical. If you are located a bit further and don't plan to drive, flying to Phoenix Sky Harbor airport and renting a vehicle to finish the trip to the GC is often the best way to get there. There are small airports in Flagstaff, AZ and even at the GC if you prefer to explore those options. We have included several links for travel information on the travel page of this website.

Question

What will the the weather be like?What will the the weather be like?

Answer

The weather at the Grand Canyon is beautiful in August. According to the official GC weather website: https://www.grandcanyon.net/weather, High 82, Low 53. This will be an evening wedding and the temperature may cool slightly as the sun drops. There is always a chance of summer storms in the area and if this occurs, we will gather under the large shelter and wait for the, usually short, storm to pass.

Question

How should I dress?How should I dress?

Answer

Smart Casual with the outdoors in mind. The bridal party and family will be dressed traditionally formal. We recommend that guests wear something nice that they are comfortable in and high heels are NOT recommended as the area is very rural with hard DG dirt, some dips and rocks, but is mostly flat and accessible. The ceremony is directly at the edge of the canyon and is located among the pines, boulders, and desert flora. Sweaters and jackets are recommended if you are sensitive to the cool evening breeze. We will have a place to store your sweaters and jackets if you bring them but do not need to use them.

Question

Is there a restroom at the site?Is there a restroom at the site?

Answer

Yes. An oversized single restroom is easily accessible and is located a short, mostly flat walk from the reception area.