Utah is one of the most popular and affordable states to get married in. This is due to its beautiful and diverse landscapes. Utah is full of State and National Parks that are absolutely stunning and magical but they require permits and can be busy. Luckily, there is also a ton of beautiful public land in Utah that is free to get married on that I will share with you in this post!
I am a photographer that has been photographing couples for nearly 8 years. I have lived all over Utah, and consider myself a pro in navigating the landscape here. Throughout my years, I have spent hours upon hours location scouting and I know how to find the hidden gems. I’m passionate about being outside and active, and I believe in taking care of our home. If you are looking for timeless, intimate, and natural photos with an emphasis on love and scenery – we should definitely chat.
But let’s get to what you’re here for – Here are 11 locations that you can get married at for free in Utah!
1. Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a quick 30 minute drive from Salt Lake City. It it full of hiking, biking, picnic spots, campsites, climbing and two ski resorts so you can fill your day with outdoor adventure! There are multiple spots in the canyon with great mountain views and patches of pine trees. An important thing to note is that no dogs are allowed in the canyon.
Jordan Pines Campground
This popular location known for its natural beauty is located about 20 minutes up Big Cottonwood. There is a large parking lot and a lot of space to explore! Jordan Pines is one of Salt Lake’s most well known photo locations, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself unless it’s a weekday morning.
Storm Mountain
This is a great spot for picture perfect views. There is a small parking lot and not a ton of space, so this is a good spot for a private elopement, but not for a bunch of guests.
Silver Lake
Silver Lake takes a bit longer to get to, as it is near the top of the canyon. This is an easily accessible lake with a lot of visitors. And you must stay on the paths. I would not recommend Silver Lake if your group is over 5-6 people.
2. Albion Basin
Albion Basin is near the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. There is lots of parking and the views are absolutely beautiful. You can also hike the 1.8 mile trail to Cecret Lake for a wedding day activity and more stunning backdrops. Albion Basin is the best place to see wildflowers in Utah so it is very busy from June-August. If you are wanting to get married in the summer, plan a weekday or sunrise ceremony. And ALWAYS BRING BUG SPRAY!!!
While there is no permit required to get married here at the moment, you will need to pay a $10 entrance fee per car to access the road.
3. Bonneville Salt Flats
The Salt Flats are a unique landscape about 2 hours east of Salt Lake City. It is one of the best locations to get married for free in Utah. If this location interests you, take a look at my full guide to eloping at the Salt Flats for more information!
4. Park City
Park City is full of beautiful land to get married on. My favorite spots are along Empire Pass and Guardsman Pass. You will find spots along these roads to hold a ceremony with anywhere from 2-30 people. The mosquitos can be bad in the spring and summer, so I would always bring bug spray!
Empire Pass Overlook
Guardsman Pass
5. Emigration Canyon
Emigration Canyon is one of the closest canyons to Salt Lake City. The mountain peaks are much smaller than the Cottonwoods, but it is still beautiful, especially in the fall and winter! It is free and dog friendly.
6. Little Sahara Recreation Areas
The Little Sahara Sand Dunes are and hour and a half outside of Salt Lake City. This is a great spot to get married if you love neutrals and minimalism. And ff you are into 4 wheeling and camping you can make a weekend out of it and include 4 wheeling in your wedding day activities!
7. American Fork Canyon
American Fork Canyon is known for its Alpine Loop Scenic Drive. It is a beautiful canyon to drive, but there isn’t much space for groups, as there are mainly small pull-offs in the road. I would recommend this canyon to couples having a private elopement, especially if you are wanting to hike to your ceremony spot. There are lots of beautiful trails.
8. Tunnel Springs Park
Tunnel Springs is one of Salt Lake’s most popular photo locations as it is close to the city, easily accessible, dog friendly and free. So you will likely encounter other couples and families. If you are wanting to hold your ceremony here I would recommend planning on a weekday to avoid crowds.
9. Millcreek Canyon
Millcreek Canyon is one of the closer canyons to Salt Lake City. It is free to get married and take photos here but there is an entrance fee of $5/car. This canyon is dog friendly and has lots of good hiking trails if you are wanting an adventurous elopement. There are a couple spots that could house groups of 10-30 people, but expect to encounter other visitors.
10. White Dome Nature Preserve
If you’re into minimalistic beauty and warm weather, this location is for you. Located near the southern Utah border, lies this hidden gem. There is a lot of space to set up a ceremony with a group of 10-30 people.
11. Castle Valley – Moab
Moab is home to Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Both beautiful and jaw-dropping locations if crowds and buying permits doesn’t bother you. However, Castle Valley is a great alternative if you want to be close to Moab but get away from the crowds.
These locations only scratch the surface of what Utah has to offer. There are plenty more outdoor locations in Utah that you can get married at for a small cost of $50-150. I have an extensive Utah location guide that each of my couples receive with every location I have taken photos at in Utah.
If you are planning your elopement or outdoor wedding in Utah, I would love to work with you. You can see my recent work here!
