When people think of Las Vegas, they often picture the dazzling lights of the Strip, extravagant hotels, and non-stop nightlife. But beyond the glitz and glamour lies a breathtaking natural wonder that serves as the perfect backdrop for stunning photoshoots—Red Rock Canyon.
Just a short drive from the city, Red Rock Canyon offers a dramatic contrast to the neon skyline with its towering red sandstone formations, sweeping desert landscapes, and golden sunsets. Whether you're planning an engagement shoot, fashion editorial, or just looking to capture unforgettable moments, this hidden gem provides a unique and picturesque setting that showcases the natural beauty of Nevada.
We had the absolute pleasure of bringing this vision to life with an engagement photoshoot for Alexandra and Hunter. As close friends of one of our Events Cherished team members, they were more than willing to travel from California for this special experience. With their wedding just around the corner this spring, we were thrilled to provide them with photos they can cherish for a lifetime.
Courtesy: Leo Rodriguez
Planning and Tips for Your Desert Photoshoot at Red Rock Canyon: What You Need to Know
Red Rock Canyon’s breathtaking desert landscape is a dream location for photoshoots, offering striking red rock formations, wide-open skies, and golden desert hues. However, shooting in this unique environment requires thoughtful planning to ensure a smooth and successful session. Here’s what you need to know before heading out:
Timing is Everything
The best light for photoshoots happens during early morning or late afternoon, when the sun casts a soft, flattering glow and avoids harsh midday shadows. Golden hour is particularly magical, as it enhances the warmth of the red rocks.
💡 Pro Tip: Look up the sunset time in advance. If you’re aiming for dreamy golden-hour shots, arrive early to set up. As the day progresses, crowds increase, and parking becomes more challenging.
Weather & Seasonal Considerations
During summer temperatures can soar above 100°F, so be sure to schedule shoots in the early morning or closer to sunset. However, during winter, desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset, so we suggest bringing layers. Strong winds are also common, so be sure to avoid loose fabrics that may cause too much movement in photos.
Outfit & Styling Tips
Earthy tones, neutral colors, and warm shades complement the desert backdrop beautifully. We found that the bride wearing white helped her stand out against the red rocks. The terrain is rocky and uneven, so bring practical shoes for walking between shots, and then change into heels or other nice shoes once you’ve reached your location.
Permits & Regulations
For professional shoots, you may need a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Check in advance to avoid issues. Always be sure to stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing wildlife or plants.
To get your vehicle pass for Red Rock Canyon, click here. It’s $22 per vehicle. For a commercial photography license form, click here. This form is for all the parks in Nevada aside from Valley of Fire.
We emailed the BLM to ask for a permit for “casual use”, since we were only doing an engagement shoot. We highly suggest you reach out to them yourselves and do your research to gauge the type of permit you need for the size of production of your photoshoot.
Essential Gear to Bring
We cannot stress this enough, but stay hydrated and bring water as well as proper sun protection. This is the desert, and regardless if it is hot out, you are still being exposed to direct sunlight. Dust and sand can be an issue as well, so bring lens covers and a small brush for cleaning photography equipment. Portable Reflectors can also be useful for bouncing light and reducing shadows in harsh conditions. Something else to be mindful of is cell service. Once we were on location, we had little to no service available. So be sure to download maps or pin locations beforehand.
