How to Elope in Utah: A Complete Planning Guide for 2025

Utah Elopement Guide: When, Where & How to Elope

Wondering how to elope in Utah? You’re in the right place. Utah is one of the most incredible destinations in the U.S. to say your vows—whether you’re drawn to the red rocks of Moab, the surreal Salt Flats, or the wildflower-filled mountains near Salt Lake City. With epic views, easy access to adventure, and so many landscapes to choose from, planning a Utah elopement is easier than you think.

Hey, I’m Your Utah Elopement Photographer and Planner here to make eloping in Utah easy!
I’ve been photographing and planning elopements for over 9 years across the country, and I specialize in helping couples have a FUN, stress-free, and totally personalized experience in the most stunning spots this state has to offer. Whether you’re dreaming of a Moab Utah elopement or a romantic Salt Flats ceremony, I’m here to help you explore like a local, plan like a pro, and enjoy every second of your day.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to start planning your perfect elopement—from choosing your date and location to understanding permits, accessibility, and the best vendors to work with. At the end I will share with you my number one tip for all your planning needs. Let’s dive in!

Step One: Choose Your Date or Location First

What matters more to you: your schedule or the scenery?

This is one of the first things to decide when planning how to elope in Utah. If you already have a specific date in mind, start there and then choose a location that is best for that specific time of year. For example, the Bonneville Salt Flats can be cold and flooded in winter, while the mountain areas are often covered in snow until summer.

But if there’s a location you’ve been dreaming of—like the red rocks in Moab or the wildflowers in Albion Basin—choose that first, then plan your date around when it’s most accessible and beautiful.

The more flexibility you have, the more incredible options you’ll get to choose from. No matter what, Utah has an unforgettable adventure waiting for you!

Understand the Elopement Options in Utah

The best Utah elopement locations by landscape and season

Utah is seriously packed with variety! Whether you want mountain views, red rock arches, wide-open salt flats, or dramatic canyons, there’s something for every kind of couple. And the best part? All of these landscapes have their own peak seasons, so no matter when you’re planning to elope, there’s a spot that will be just right.

Mountain Elopements Near Salt Lake City

Mountain Magic in Albion Basin and Beyond

If you’re dreaming of wildflowers, alpine lakes, and cooler temps, the mountains near Salt Lake City are the perfect choice. One of the most popular spots is Albion Basin, especially in late summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom. It’s easy to get to, stunning for photos, and great for small groups. Just keep in mind that it’s completely snowed in during winter, so it’s best saved for July or August.

Other mountain locations close to the city include Big Cottonwood Canyon and Guardsman Pass. These spots offer lush green backdrops, scenic views, and minimal hiking. Plus, they’re all within an hour of the Salt Lake City airport, which makes travel super easy for you and your guests. *and yes your elopement can include family *

The best time of year for Albion Basin is summer as the wildflowers are beginning to bloom. If you wait until the wildflowers have been bloomed for awhile you may have a swarm of bugs waiting for you. The beautiful wildflowers do attract masses of insects/bugs so you will need to plan accordingly.

For your beautiful mountain wildflower elopement at the Albion Basin I highly recommend sunrise over sunset. The general public and lots of other photographers have discovered this location so sunset can be a bit crowded. Most of my couples value privacy so I encourage sunrise over sunset for this reason!

If you’re looking for that fresh mountain air and peaceful, pine-covered views, this part of Utah delivers.
Want a closer look at a wildflower mountain elopement? Check out this blog post all about an Albion Basin elopement for photos, tips, and real elopement inspiration.

Eloping at the Bonneville Salt Flats

Iconic and Surreal: Bonneville Salt Flats

If you want a truly unique backdrop for your elopement, the Bonneville Salt Flats will blow you away. This vast, flat landscape is best visited in late spring through early fall, as it can get flooded or snowy in the winter. The flat terrain and endless horizon create a stunning, almost otherworldly aesthetic—perfect for editorial-style photos.

Because of its accessibility, the Salt Flats are a fantastic choice for couples with elderly guests or anyone who might have mobility concerns. The location can also host both private ceremonies or small gatherings with ease.

The clean, open space gives you endless possibilities for photos, making it one of the most popular spots for couples looking for something totally different. If you’re dreaming of a bold, modern look for your elopement photos, this is the place to make it happen.

One thing to keep in mind for the Salt Flats is that permits are required by the BLM office. As an elopement photographer and planner, I acquire these permits for my couples.

Bonus tip: For the best photos, plan for sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and magical.

If you’re curious about how to elope in Utah and plan a Bonneville Salt Flats elopement, check out this detailed guide to planning a Bonneville Salt Flats elopement for more tips and inspiration.

Desert Elopements in Moab, Utah

Red Rock Romance: Moab’s Top Elopement Locations

If you’ve always dreamed of saying your vows surrounded by towering red rock formations and wide-open desert views, Moab is the perfect place for your elopement. This stunning desert destination offers some of the most beautiful and accessible spots in Utah for couples who want to elope in nature without straying too far from the comforts of civilization.

Many couples don’t realize that there are elopement ceremony locations that are accessible by wheelchair with stunning views! Moab is full of epic elopement ceremony locations that are steps from the parking lot! Some are well known like Dead horse Point State Park and Canyonlands. Other easily accessible locations are on BLM land.

Let’s take a closer look at some of Moab’s top elopement locations.

Arches National Park

Arches is one of Moab’s most iconic spots, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning red rock arches and unique rock formations, it’s perfect for couples seeking a dramatic backdrop. However, it’s also the most popular, so be prepared for crowds, especially in peak season.

If you’re after a first kiss under a natural sandstone arch, you’ll need a permit. Arches has designated locations you can get married (yes, even if it’s an elopement). Arches National Park elopements also have to have a ranger “chaperone” the ceremony. For a more intimate experience, consider eloping in the off-season (winter or shoulder seasons) when the crowds are thinner. Consider choosing an elopement date in December or early March if you are interested in Arches. The crowds can be intense during the tourist season.

I recommend the Island of the Sky district since this area is a bit less remote. The Needles district of Canyonlands is for the more adventurous couples who are looking for a more off grid experience. Most of my couples value convenience and accessibility. Here are my recommendations for elopement ceremony locations in Canyonlands:

• Grand View Point Overlook: Beautiful sunset elopement ceremony location that is steps away from the parking lot and can accomodate up to 25 people.
• Green River Overlook: Another gorgeous elopement ceremony location that is easily accessible. This location can also accomodate up to 25 people.
• Shafer Canyon Overlook: I recommend this spot for a gorgeous sunrise elopement ceremony. The path to get to the ceremony is a bit rocky and uneven terrain. I wouldn’t recommend for couples wanting to bring their grandparents. This elopement location can accomodate 25 people. This particular location overlooks the Shafer trail that goes all the way back to Potash road to Moab. It’s a relatively easy 4×4 trail with beautiful views as you drive down the switch backs.

Dead Horse Point State Park

For those looking to elope at sunset, Dead Horse Point State Park offers some of the most dramatic views in all of Utah. There are several ceremony sites to choose from, each offering different perks. Here are my elopement ceremony location recommendations for Dead horse point state park:

• Cliffside Site: Best for sunset ceremonies with a private feel (but uneven ground). This is my favorite sunset ceremony location. Cliffside can accomodate 20 people.
• LaSal Site: Ideal for sunrise with space for up to 25 people
• West Bench Site: A wheelchair-accessible, flat area for easy access. This is an ideal elopement ceremony location for couples looking to bring family who are not able to walk on uneven surfaces. This site can accomodate up to 50 people.

If you want a less crowded experience, opt for sunrise. It’s a beautiful and peaceful way to start your day and beat the crowds. Cliff side site offers a bit more privacy that the other ceremony locations due to it’s location. So even in peak tourist season you can have privacy.

For more details and tips on eloping at Dead Horse Point, check out this guide to eloping at Dead Horse Point State Park.

Logistics & Permits

Don’t Forget the Paperwork

One of the most important questions you need to ask when looking at how to elope in Utah is do we have all the necessary permits in place. While Utah offers some of the most breathtaking elopement locations, many of them require permits, especially for national and state parks. The good news is that I handle all of this for you as part of my all-inclusive elopement package, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the permit process. If all the paperwork and logistics feel a bit overwhelming, my package covers everything, from permits to vendor coordination—so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know about permits:

• National Parks (Arches & Canyonlands): These iconic spots require permits for weddings and elopements, especially in more popular areas like Arches. Be sure to get in touch with the park’s office well in advance to secure your spot. Most national parks require you to submit your application 2–3 months ahead of time. Arches National Park only allows one ceremony per day per location so it’s very important for you to apply as early as possible for the permits.
• State Parks (Dead Horse Point): Like national parks, Utah’s state parks also require permits for weddings and elopements. Dead Horse Point is no exception. Permits here are usually easier to obtain than those in national parks, but it’s still a good idea to plan ahead. Dead horse point state park is by far the easiest to acquire permits for. If you are planning a last minute elopement, Dead horse point state park will be the most likely to accomodate you.
• BLM Land (Moab Area): If you’re planning to elope in the desert or canyons outside the national or state parks, you’ll likely be on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. These areas may require a permit, but the process is typically more straightforward, and there’s more flexibility with location and setup. The good news is that I acquire BLM permits for my couples so they don’t have to worry about doing any paper work.

Pro Tip: Start the permitting process as early as possible, ideally 2–3 months before your elopement day. Permits can take time to process, and you’ll want to make sure everything is lined up well in advance so you can focus on enjoying your day.

Hiring Your Utah Elopement Photographer

Find a Photographer Who Knows the Terrain

When it comes to capturing your elopement day in Utah, you want a photographer who not only knows how to take stunning photos but also understands the unique challenges that come with shooting in such an epic, varied landscape. That’s where working with a local Utah elopement photographer can make all the difference.

A photographer who is familiar with Utah’s terrain will know:

• Permitting processes: Navigating permits can be tricky, and each location has different rules about where you can shoot and what you can bring. A local photographer will know exactly what’s needed and can help you avoid any hiccups on the big day.
• Best times of day for photos: Some spots are best at sunrise for the softest light, while others shine during golden hour. A local photographer knows the ins and outs of timing, ensuring that you get the best possible shots.
• Alternative locations for adventure: You never know what can happen in Moab. I have done last minute changes in locations for first looks due to crowds of people. Thankfully I know secret spots that are absolutely epic that I take my couples to.
• Weather and closures: Utah’s weather can change quickly, especially in more remote areas. An experienced Utah elopement photographer will have backup plans for inclement weather or sudden location closures, so you don’t have to stress if things don’t go as planned.

I’ve been capturing intimate elopements in Utah for years, and I specialize in making your day stress-free while still getting the most jaw-dropping photos. If you want a local photographer who can seamlessly guide you through the adventure, I’d love to chat about how I can help bring your dream elopement to life.

Finding Local Utah Elopement Vendors

Support Local & Make Planning Easier

Utah has a thriving elopement vendor scene, from florists and officiants to private chefs and picnic stylists. Choosing local vendors offers several benefits:

• Expertise: Local vendors know the area inside and out and understand how to navigate its unique logistics, including park restrictions and access.
• No travel fees: Working with vendors in Utah means no hidden costs or travel fees, which can help keep your budget in check.
• Personalized service: You get more one-on-one attention and a more seamless, relaxed planning experience.

Below is a list of trusted local vendors who can help make your Utah elopement even more magical:

• Native Flower Company: Beautiful, locally sourced florals for your ceremony.
• Tangled Sage Event Artistry: Expert event planning and design.
• LV Bridal Designs: Local to Moab professional Hair and Makeup artist with attention to detail.
• Red Cliffs Lodge: Scenic accommodations in Moab with breathtaking views.
• Wandering Wildflower Films: Professional videography to capture every moment.
• Moab Tour Company: Adventure tours to make your elopement day unforgettable.
• The White Magnolia: Beautiful bridal accessories for the perfect finishing touch.
• Farm Yard Moab: Stunning local florals that match the aesthetic because all of the flowers are grown here in the desert.
• Fantasy Bridal: If you want an array of bridal gown options in Salt Lake City, Fantasy Bridal has you covered. From modest gowns, to plus size, colored wedding dresses and everything in between.

By working with these local vendors, you’re ensuring that your Utah elopement is smooth and stress-free from start to finish.

What’s Included in My All-Inclusive Elopement Package

If all the planning feels overwhelming, don’t worry! I offer very limited, all-inclusive Utah elopement experiences for couples who want the luxury without the logistics. This is the completely hands off approach. If you want to check off every single item with one person and not have to worry about any thing at all, this is for you!

My packages take care of everything so your elopement day will feel like the best day of your adventurous honeymoon. Imagine if the producers of the Bachelorette planned your elopement. Yeah, it’s that good. Here’s what’s included:

• Ceremony location: I’ll help you choose the perfect spot, whether it’s a mountain, desert, salt flats, or canyon.
• Logistics and coordination: As a Utah local I have the team you need with zero travel fees. I coordinate everyone so all you have to do is show up and go on an adventure of a lifetime.
• Photographer + Videographer: Capture every magical moment with my trusted team of professional photographers and videographers.
• Hair & makeup: Relax and enjoy while a professional stylist takes care of you.
• Picnic or private dinner: Celebrate with a locally sourced picnic or a private dinner, just for the two of you or with your guests.
• Officiant: We’ll book a certified officiant who matches your vision.
• Any additional vendors: From florists like Native Flower Company to event planning with Tangled Sage Event Artistry, I’ll handle all the details.

If this sounds like exactly what you need, reach out to me, and let’s make your dream elopement come true.

Check My Avaliablity For My All-Inclusive Elopement Packages