From the National Parks to the expansive deserts, Utah has endless spots for your perfect elopement. Whether you want to spend your wedding day conquering the canyons or glamping beneath the stars, we have the ideal spot where you can write the next chapter of your love story! As a Utah elopement photographer, I adore working with couples to plan their dream celebrations. Here’s what you need to know for your Utah elopement!
Explore Your Options For A Perfect And Stunning Utah Elopement In This Guide
When You Should Elope in Utah & How to Pick Your Date
Much of Utah is located in the midst of the desert, bringing you chilly winters and hot, arid summers. Because the temperature can vary so much across the state, I would suggest first picking your location (we can go over spots in just a second!). Once you have your dream wedding site, you can look up the climate so you can know what to expect.
Here’s what the general climate in Utah looks like:
- Winter: There’s a reason why so many people plan their ski vacations in Utah! In the mountains, it’s not uncommon to see lows in the single digits (or below!). Salt Lake City sees averages around 40 degrees, while Moab tends to stick in the mid-40s.
- Spring: No matter where you are, spring in Utah tends to be downright gorgeous, with averages ranging in the 60s and 70s. This season also gives you the chance to avoid the crowds of incoming tourists.
- Summer: Summer across the state is normally really busy! The average temps can range into the 90s, and people are coming in from across the country to see the National Parks. If you choose a wedding date in this season, dress in loose clothing and bring lots of water!
- Fall: Finally, the crowds are starting to thin, and the weather is back to a bearable temperature. You can count on temps in the 60s and 70s. Many spots across the state also put on their best shows with vivid foliage guaranteed to light up your pictures!
Set Your Date And Time
Once you have your season, it’s time to think about the actual date and time. One thing I always advise is to consider a weekday wedding. You can avoid the weekend surge of tourists, giving you better options for your location. Sunrise weddings in the National Parks also give you an easy way to avoid both the crowds and the heat!
Utah Elopement Locations
In case you were wondering, yes, the National Parks do let you host a wedding on the grounds! Most of the parks have designated spots where you can fit up to 100 guests, depending on the location. Here are the best Utah destinations:
- Arches National Park: The namesake Arches are positively breathtaking as the sun starts to come up! Double Arch and Delicate Arch are both spectacular wedding sites.
- Canyonlands: Located near Arches, this location puts you at the top of the canyons, giving you your dream Liz on Top of the World moment (iykyk).
- Bonneville Salt Flats: This place gives you a wedding site that looks straight out of another planet. During the rainy season, the entire land floods with a few inches of water, giving you ethereal wedding portraits you just can’t get anywhere else on this earth.
- Bryce Canyon: With its towering red rocks, this spot is going to give you views you’ll remember all your days!
- Zion National Park: From the Narrows to the Temple of Sinawava, this park has so many dreamy spots for your vows. They also have some of the best options for parties with up to 100 guests.
- Lake Powell: With a number of islands and inlets, you can have the perfect private celebration in the midst of a day full of adventure!
How to Get a Utah License
Utah makes it pretty easy to get your marriage license. Unlike many states, there is no waiting period. This gives you the freedom to apply for your license as soon as you arrive in the state without having to worry about the paperwork being valid. You will need to head to the County Clerk’s office (it does NOT have to be in the county where your wedding will take place) and show a valid government ID as well as proof of divorce if necessary. The state will require you to have an officiant for your ceremony.
You will also want to check the requirements on your location of choice. The National Parks require a Special Use Permit for all ceremonies. You can apply up to a year ahead of your date. Just be sure to apply well before your date since it’s first come, first serve! It can take 2-4 weeks to process.
What to Wear to Your Utah Elopement
The thing I love the most about elopements is the freedom to customize your day however you’d like. You can forget about all the traditional expectations with clothing and go with the outfit that makes you happy. I would just advise you to think through the logistics. If you choose a spot where you’ll be hiking a lot, tight dresses probably won’t work. Layer up if the weather is going to be chilly. And don’t forget about the shoes! If you have to walk much to your site, wear hiking shoes. You can always change into cuter options once you arrive!
How Much Does a Utah Elopement Cost?
A Utah elopement will vary wildly in price depending on what you plan to do. The average cost of an elopement ranges from $5000-$15000. Here’s what you need to budget:
- License: $50
- Special Use Permit (site dependent): $100-200.
- Flowers: $100-$1000
- Hair and Makeup: $400-$1000
- Clothing: $500-$3000
- Accommodations: $400-$4000
- Wedding Photographer: $4000-$10000
Hiring a Utah Elopement Photographer
When budgeting, I highly suggest putting a lot of thought into your photographer. This is not just another wedding expense; it’s an investment! Most of the people who choose elopements do so because they value experiences over everything else. Your photographer should be right by your side, capturing every second of your adventure. As a Utah elopement photographer, this is always my goal! Not only am I going to be there to show off all the major moments, but I will be there to help you plan and document all the details. I even offer custom packages so you can decide what you need for your day. It’s my mission to deliver a dream celebration you can carry with you throughout your lifetime!
Let’s Capture Your Dream Utah Elopement Together!
Hopefully, this guide helps you as you start making your Utah elopement plans. And if you want to learn more about booking me as your photographer, let’s chat about it! Send me a message today to get the conversation started!
