How to Elope in Utah - A Complete Guide to Eloping in Utah
For nature lovers and couples who are always chasing that next adventure, eloping in Utah provides an absolute treasure trove of opportunities for the elopement of your dreams! Utah is ideal for couples who seek incredible natural landscapes and the chance to dive into the unknown. There’s so much variety that figuring out how to elope in Utah can sometimes feel a bit daunting!
This comprehensive Utah elopement guide covers everything you need to know about how to plan an elopement in Utah, including my top tips and can’t-miss locations.
Each location offers something completely unique and captivating — from red rock deserts to majestic mountain ranges, to pristine lakes, and otherworldly salt flats. If you have an adventurous spirit and a love for the wilderness, you’re guaranteed to find a place in Utah that’s perfect for your one-of-a-kind vision!
Here’s what you need to know about getting married in Utah and how to make your adventure elopement in the Beehive State completely your own.
STEP 1: CHOOSE A LOCATION
HOW TO FIND YOUR UTAH ELOPEMENT LOCATION:
This is the brainstorming part of the process that I find to be so fun!! Start dreaming up exactly what scenery you would like to see and even what activities you might like to do on your elopement day! Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing an elopement location:
What type of scenery do you want to be surrounded by on your elopement day? (mountains, desert, salt flats, wildflowers, etc.)
What type of activities do you want to do on your day? (hiking, skiing, camping, road tripping, swimming, hot air balloon ride, stargazing, picnic, etc)
Are you looking for a more accessible location or are you looking to hike/adventure out to a spot? How far are you looking to hike?
How far are you willing to drive from your lodging to your ceremony location?
What’s most important to you on your elopement day?
The answers you come up with might give you a better ideas of which area is the best place for you. Each location has its own unique features to it, some are easier to get to, while others are more ‘out there’ so it’s important to consider all these factors before choosing your location.
Don’t worry if you can’t decide exactly where yet. Part of what I do is personal location scouting for my couples! You tell me what you’re looking for & what your dream elopement day looks like & I’ll help narrow down the locations for you. I want you to be able to have a relaxing, fun, and stress-free planning experience. Contact me to get started today!
SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CHOOSING WHERE TO ELOPE IN UTAH:
Certain hikes and spots are well-known and popular, but that can also mean serious crowds. There are ways to avoid crowds when eloping outdoors, but some of the best spots are the ones off the beaten path and aren’t well known! I’m passionate about finding these peaceful, secluded locations for my couples.
You don’t have to pick just one type of scenery or location! A few ways to include multiple locations are: a two-day elopement or finding an area where different types of scenery are closely to each other so you can explore both in one day. Couples with family will have their ceremony in a certain type of scenery/nature then explore a different area all by themselves to get some alone time on their wedding day.
Make sure to check the permit requirements before finalizing your location. Different lands/parks have different wedding permit rules depending on the location, guest count, and activities being held. I talk more about permits below, but it's something to think about when researching locations.
ZION NATIONAL PARK
For couples dreaming of a truly epic "I do," an adventure elopement in Zion National Park is unparalleled.
Imagine exchanging vows beneath towering sandstone cliffs, the Virgin River winding beside you, or against a backdrop of panoramic canyon vistas. Zion’s wide array of hiking trails also makes it one of the best places to elope in Utah for adventurous couples.
From leisurely strolls to some truly challenging mountainside treks, Zion allows you to tailor your day to your comfort and thrill level. The sheer majesty of Zion provides an unforgettable and deeply personal start to your marriage, surrounded by nature's grandeur.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Eloping in Arches National Park offers an otherworldly landscape with a unique blend of breathtaking geological formations and amazing hiking trails.
A special use permit is required to elope here, and ceremonies are limited to designated locations to preserve the delicate landscape. This surreal location is absolutely worth the bit of extra paperwork!
The dramatic beauty of Arches will provide an intimate and visually stunning backdrop for your special day!
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
Capitol Reef National Park is genuinely one of the most hidden gems of Utah! This national park isn’t as crowded as the other national parks in the state, you get beautiful other-worldly like views, and there are a TON of incredible 4x4 options in the area.
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
With canyons, mesas, and viewpoints across four distinct districts, eloping in Canyonlands National Park provides an epic, almost dreamlike backdrop. Imagine saying "I do" at a quiet overlook, the landscape stretching to the horizon, or embarking on a rugged 4x4 adventure for some truly unique photos!
While permits are required and ceremonies are restricted to specific locations, the sheer scale and raw beauty of Canyonlands ensure an intimate and deeply adventurous start to your journey together.
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Bryce Canyon National Park elopements are wonderfully unique and beautiful, even by the high bar set by Utah’s many other amazing locations!
One of the park’s trademark features is its iconic natural amphitheaters, filled with thousands of vibrant, orange-hued hoodoos — towering rock spires that create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Bryce Canyon offers accessible viewpoints right off the Rim trail, making it easy to share this incredible experience with a small group of close friends and family. The high elevation of Bryce Canyon provides an unforgettable and intimate venue for your adventure elopement.
BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS
If you’re craving a celebration that's minimalist, wildly dramatic, and unlike anything else on Earth, an elopement at the Bonneville Salt Flats might be your dream come true. The dazzling white landscape that stretches to the horizon creates a blank canvas where you can tell your unique love story in your own unique way.
This unique setting offers incredibly cinematic photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sky paints the flats with soft hues. The sheer size of the flats often allows for privacy, letting you focus purely on your ceremony amidst profound silence and breathtaking natural beauty.
WASATCH MOUNTAINS
For couples envisioning an elopement surrounded by lush alpine beauty, rugged peaks, and wildflowers, eloping in the Wasatch Mountains offers a stunning and accessible choice! This majestic range boasts everything from alpine lakes and waterfalls to pine forests and dramatic canyon views.
Whether you dream of a short, scenic hike to a hidden overlook or want to incorporate activities like skiing or snowshoeing into your Utah adventure elopement, the Wasatch Mountains will provide everything you’ll need for a truly memorable day.
HIDDEN GEMS
For couples wanting true privacy, there are SO many places in Utah that are in State Parks or on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land that do not have the same visitation as popular national parks. Some of my favorite areas are BLM land in Moab, BLM land outside Capitol Reef, Goblin Valley State Park, and so many others. Helping couples find locations that are off-the-beaten-path is something I love to do.
STEP 2: PICK A DATE OR TIMEFRAME
The next step in planning your Utah elopement is to pick a date/time frame. When it comes to picking a date, it’s important to consider two things: weather & crowds.
WEATHER:
One of the things that makes Utah such an amazing state for adventure elopements is that it offers something spectacular at any time of the year! The date you choose for your elopement will depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for since in each season the state is gorgeous and unforgettable in its own way.
Here’s how I would break down the seasons:
Summer: June - August
Fall: September - November
Winter: December - February
Spring: March - May
WINTER UTAH ELOPEMENTS:
Expect a winter wonderland all across the state this time of year! Yes—even in the desert locations it’s not uncommon to see the red rock dusted with pristine white snow. This time of year is also the off-season for many of the national parks, so you can expect very few crowds (the only exception is the ski resorts).
FALL UTAH ELOPEMENTS:
Fall is probably the best season to elope in Utah! The weather is mild all across the state and you can view beautiful fall foliage in the mountainous areas. There are also wayyyy less tourists after Labor Day weekend, so you can expect to have more seclusion during this time of year as well.
SPRING WASHINGTON ELOPEMENTS:
Spring is my secondary suggestion for time frame you should elope in Utah! The weather is more mild in the desert, which makes it a great time to elope in places like Zion or Moab. There are also vibrant wildflowers in bloom at lower elevation desert locations! Note that mountainous regions will likely still be snow covered and starting to melt during this time.
SUMMER WASHINGTON ELOPEMENTS:
Summer brings warm temperatures and longer daylight hours! This is not an ideal time to elope in Utah if you are wanting a desert elopement as mid day temps will get up to 100+ degrees Fahrenheit regularly. However, if you’re looking at locations in Northern Utah like the Wasatch Mountains, this is a beautiful time of year to elope as the snow has fully melted and you are left with stunning greenery and TONS of beautiful wildflowers.
CROWDS:
Summer is always the most crowded time to visit national parks in general. To avoid crowds at popular parks / areas in the summer, I would consider planning your elopement on a weekday. If you can’t elope on a weekday, then I would consider eloping at sunrise or early morning (to avoid weekend tourists) or to pick a lesser known location / elope on private land. Another way to avoid crowds is to elope during the ‘off-season’, which would be mid fall (after Labor Day) until May/June. The weather won’t be as predictable, but you’re guaranteed less crowds!
There are a lot of different way to avoid crowds, but it’s something to be conscious of when picking an elopement day! Summer weekend days and holidays will be the most crowded time of the year in Oregon, so I would especially avoid eloping on Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, and Fourth of July week.
STEP 3: FIND YOUR CEREMONY LOCATION & OBTAIN PROPER PERMITS
Once you have your location and date figured out, it’s time to pick a ceremony spot! I know I mentioned this earlier, but it’s important to figure out permit requirements in the area you are looking to elope at before you finalize a ceremony location. A lot of National Parks have a list of specific locations you ca have your ceremony, but you can take photos afterwards anywhere in the park. Each park/land management has their own specific rules, so make sure to do your research!
If the thought of doing this all by yourself is overwhelming, I can help! As an elopement photographer, I help all my couples with permits, locations, planning, timelines, and vendor recommendations. If you’re interested in hiring an elopement photographer who can help you with all of this, fill out my contact form below to get in touch!
UTAH MARRIAGE LICENSES:
Couples can either choose to legalize their marriage on their elopement day, or just have a symbolic ceremony. If you are interested in legalizing your marriage during your actual elopement, Utah marriage laws require 2 witnesses and an officiant to sign the license. You’ll be able to pick the marriage license up at any county clerk’s office and there is no waiting period once you have your license.
STEP 4: PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES
The next step in planning your Utah elopement is to decide what type of activities to include on your day! One of the best parts about eloping is you can do whatever you want during the day.
Adventure elopements are all about turning your whole day into an experience. The best way to brainstorm activities is to ask yourself, ‘If you could create your dream day from the time you wake up to the time you fall asleep, what type of things would you do that would make you the happiest?’
If you’re thinking of eloping in Utah, there are SO many different types of activities you can include. Hiking is probably the most obvious & most popular among couples, but don’t limit yourself to just hiking (and don’t feel like you have to hike if you’re not a big hiker!). here’s a few ideas to get you thinking:
Hiking
Camping
Stargazing
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Off Road Through the Desert
Campfire & S’mores
Relax in a Hot Spring
Swim in an Alpine Lake
Skydiving
Sand Boarding
Cook Together
Helicopter Tour
Hire a Private Chef
Horseback Riding
Skiing / Snowboarding / Snowshoeing, Ski Touring
Canyoneering
Have a Fancy Picnic
STEP 5: NAIL DOWN VENDORS & FIND LODGING
Now that you have your location, date, permits, activities figured out—the nest step is to lock in some vendors for your day! Even though you’re not having a traditional wedding, plenty elopements still include a handful of wedding vendors. Here are the most common types of vendors that eloping couples hire for their day:
Florist
Photographer
Officiant
Hair & Makeup Artist
Videographer
Baker / Caterer
Planner / Stylist
ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER ADVICE:
I know I listed hiring your vendors as step 5, but really you can start to research and hire them whenever you want! My recommendation would be to hire your photographer ASAP. I know it sounds biased saying this (because I am an elopement photographer) but hiring an elopement photographer first can save you A LOT of work because most elopement photographers help their couples with ALL the things I mentioned in the previous steps. So when looking at elopement photographers, make sure you pick someone who actually helps with planning and is experienced in elopements!
For my elopement couples, I help them find customized locations, get permits, choose other vendors, think of activities, find lodging, create a custom timeline, and SO much more. So if you’re looking for a photographer who will not only capture your day but also guide you through the planning process—learn more about my process below:
STEP 6: CREATE A TIMELINE
One of the last steps in planning an EPIC Utah elopement is creating a timeline! Timelines can vary depending on what activities you plan to do, where your ceremony location is, how you want to celebrate afterwards, what time of day you want to elope at, etc. As a rule of thumb for hiking, I always plan 45 minutes per each mile spent hiking (so you don’t feel like you need to be rushing or pushing yourself up the trail) and to put in buffer times because things typically take longer than you expect.
SAMPLE TIMELINE FOR A SUNSET HIKING ELOPEMENT IN UTAH:
1:00pm: Getting Ready at Airbnb
2:30pm: First Look in Airbnb Backyard
3:00pm: Drive to Trailhead
3:45pm: Start Hiking Up
5:00pm: Vow Ceremony
5:30pm: Celebratory Picnic
6:30pm: Sunset Exploring & Photos
8:30pm: Start Hike Back Down
9:30pm Stargazing & Photos
10:30pm Finish Descent
11:00pm End Photography Coverage
STEP 7: HAVE THE MOST EPIC ELOPEMENT DAY!
YOU MADE IT!! Once you’ve finished all these steps you are well on your way to an EPIC Utah elopement. If you have any questions or are looking for an elopement photographer who can help guide you through the planning process, get in touch with me below! I would love to be a part of your wedding day.
Are you 100% set on getting married in Utah? HECK YEAH! One of the biggest steps is to pick a photographer to capture your day. I work with couples to help them plan and capture their day! If you are interested in working with me, here are my elopement photography packages for couples looking for someone to help them plan & photograph their adventurous wedding day!
What’s Included in each package:
Photography coverage telling the story of your elopement day
Customized Location Guide and Vendor Recommendations
Assistance with permits and marriage licenses
Access to my 90+ page Elopement Planning Guide with step by step instructions on how to plan an adventure elopement
An online gallery of fully edited, high resolution photos for you to download with personal printing rights
Option for me to be your ordained officiant and sign off on your marriage license if you want to have a ceremony with just the two of you
All of my travel to & from the location is included, so no extra fees!
Starting at $5,000
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
CHECK OUT MY FREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
