Utah Elopement Guide
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.
What Do You Need To Elope In Utah?
What are the laws for elopement in Utah? The good news is that the requirements for legally eloping in Utah are relatively simple, straightforward, and easy to manage!
However, there are a few key points to keep in mind, and some essential documents you’ll need in order to make sure your Utah adventure elopement is legal and carried out in accordance with the correct administrative processes.
Here’s What You Need To Legally Elope In Utah:
A Utah Marriage License: The first thing you’ll need to do is obtain a Utah marriage license. To apply for a marriage license in Utah, you’ll need to go to a County Clerk’s office in Utah, preferably in the county in which you are planning to elope. Utah marriage license requirements include the following:
Both parties must be present at the County Clerk’s office at the time your application is filed.
State-issued identification documents that include your full names, addresses, and dates and places of birth. Driver’s licenses, birth certificates or valid passports are great for satisfying these requirements!
Social security numbers (unless an applicant does not have one, as a non-citizen, for example).
A one-time license application processing fee. This typically runs from $50 to $70 depending on which county you are filing your Utah marriage license application in.
Meet The Minimum Age Requirement: In order to get married legally in Utah without a legal guardian present, both parties must be over 18 years of age.
An Authorized Wedding Officiant: A Utah elopement must be solemnized by an authorized wedding officiant. This includes religious leaders, certain government officials, and anyone else who is recognized by the state to perform weddings. Your authorized wedding officiant must sign your Utah marriage license in order to render it valid.
Two Witnesses: Utah law requires that your wedding ceremony be witnessed by two witnesses who are 18 years of age or older. These witnesses must be present at the ceremony and must sign the marriage license.
Pro tip: Your trusty Utah elopement photographer can serve as one of your witnesses in a pinch!
Utah National Park Elopement Tips:
Site-Specific Permits (especially important for elopements on public land!): If you plan to elope in a national park like Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Arches, a state park, or certain BLM lands, you’ll most likely need a special use permit for your ceremony.
These permits often have associated fees, guest limits, and specific regulations regarding ceremony locations and photography. It's crucial to research and apply for these permits well in advance (often 4-6 weeks) with the specific park or land management agency.
As your Utah elopement photographer, you can consider me your go-to resource for the best way to navigate this process. I’ve photographed many Utah adventure elopements that have required permits, and I’d be happy to help you secure all the documents you need to elope in the location of your dreams.
What Is The Best Month To Get Married In Utah?
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 a quick overview of what makes Utah special in each season of the year.
Spring (March-May)
Highlights:
Mild Temperatures: Spring weather in Utah offers generally pleasant temperatures that are ideal for outdoor ceremonies and activities, especially in the southern desert regions like Moab and Zion. Spring is perhaps the best time of year to elope in Utah if you’re planning on eloping in these desert areas, especially since the summer heat can often make these places a little too hot for comfort.
Wildflowers: Vibrant wildflowers bloom in the deserts and lower elevations, adding beautiful pops of color to your photos.
Fewer Crowds: While spring break can bring crowds, the shoulder seasons of early spring and late spring often see fewer tourists than peak summer.
Snow Melt In The Mountains: As the snow melts, waterfalls flow more vigorously, and some higher-elevation trails start to open up, offering diverse backdrops.
Summer (June-August)
Highlights:
Long Daylight Hours: Summertime in Utah means longer days and a larger window of opportunity for outdoor activities and ceremonies surrounded by Utah’s natural beauty. Summer’s extended daylight also allows for more flexibility when we’re planning your Utah adventure elopement photos, with plenty of excellent lighting conditions which gives us lots of time to plan and capture those perfect shots!
Full Access To Breathtaking Locations: Nearly all of Utah’s mountainside roads and trails are open in the summertime, which provides access to a variety of incredible locations.
Alpine Blooms: Higher elevations in places like the Wasatch Mountains and other ranges offer beautiful green landscapes and wildflowers.
Perfect Conditions For Water Activities: Summer weather in Utah provides perfect conditions for elopements involving water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or exploring Utah’s breathtaking lakeside environments.
Autumn (September-November)
Highlights:
Spectacular Fall Foliage: Utah's mountains and canyons transform with vibrant fall colors, especially aspens turning golden, creating incredibly picturesque backdrops.
Comfortable Temperatures: Generally mild and comfortable temperatures for outdoor ceremonies and exploring, particularly in the desert regions.
Fewer Crowds (later in the season): While early fall can still be busy with leaf peepers, crowds generally thin out by mid-to-late October, offering more privacy.
Golden Light: The lower sun angles of autumn provide beautiful, warm light for photography.
Winter (December-February)
Highlights:
Winter Wonderland Scenery: Winter in Utah means snow-capped mountains, red rocks dusted with pristine white snow, and frozen lakes. They all come together to create a truly magical and unique backdrop for your Utah elopement.
Minimal Crowds: Winter is the off-season for most of Utah's national parks (except for ski resorts), which means fewer tourists and a more intimate and secluded ceremony.
Unique Activities: Winter in Utah provides opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or even ice skating on the surface of a frozen lake as part of your elopement adventure.
Dramatic Lighting: Overcast skies and soft winter light can create incredibly moody and artistic photos.
What Are The Best Utah Elopement Locations?
Utah has so much to offer, and amazing elopement locations! Honestly, no matter where you choose to elope in Utah, you’re guaranteed to find yourself in an utterly gorgeous and completely unforgettable location!
There are a few Utah elopement locations that you should consider because they’re just so iconic and unique. Here are a few of my absolute favorite Utah elopement locations.
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Park City
For couples seeking a blend of mountain adventure and charming small-town vibes, an elopement in Park City, Utah offers the best of both worlds.
With its easily accessible trails, picturesque scenery, and the convenience of a vibrant resort town with luxury accommodations and dining, Park City provides a truly special elopement experience that combines unrivaled luxury with natural beauty.
Whether you envision a mountaintop ceremony reached by gondola or a cozy fireside exchange of vows, Park City delivers a sophisticated yet adventurous backdrop for your special day.
Your Utah Adventure Awaits!
If you’re planning your adventure elopement and are looking for an experienced Utah elopement photographer to capture your once-in-a-lifetime memories, then we should definitely have a chat! I’m here to help you plan an elopement that’s completely unique to you and your story.
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.
