Jess and Chris wanted a simple, but beautiful elopement day in Utah’s mountains. After hearing all the stunning spots in Utah’s mountains that they could get married at for free, they chose to have a private mountain elopement in Salt Lake City.

Their Love Story

Best friends turn to lovers

These two have been in each other’s lives for a long time. They met at a dance club practice 15 years ago and there was an instant connection. There quickly became best friends and they have shared in many of each other’s important life moments over the years. About 11 years in, their friendship turned into a romantic relationship. Jess says it has been “an extraordinary experience to have a friendship that has blossomed into fully loving partners”

Jess and Chris have lots of fun together. They love to roller skate, have a cocktail and watch movies. But most of all they LOVE to dance and laugh together!

Their Mountain Elopement Day

Their elopement day started in the mountains up Big Cottonwood Canyon. We took a peaceful walk through the green summer trees to a quiet picnic area, where Jess and Chris wrote their vows to each other.

Reading Vows at Mountain Overlook

Then we took a short hike up to one of the most gorgeous overlooks in the Wasatch mountains.

I couldn’t hear much of their vows but they must have been funny because these two could not stop laughing! Afterwards, they told me they had both written very similar things and referred to the same inside jokes. I loved watching and documenting this fun moment for them.

How to Start Planning Your Utah Mountain Elopement

First, lets talk location and time of year. The best time of year to elope in Salt Lake City is between June and October. This is when the weather is it’s best, the mountains are gorgeous, and all canyon roads are open before it starts snowing.

Check out my top 5 elopement locations in Utah to learn about the best elopement locations in Utah and information on how to elope in each one!

Second, once you have an idea of when and where you want to elope, reach out to your elopement photographer.
As a Utah local and mountain enthusiast, I know Utah like the back of my hand! I have all the information you need to elope anywhere in Utah and will help you plan the entire thing.

From timeline creation to finding the perfect location for your elopement day. I will even give you all the best vendor, lodging, and food recommendations to make sure you don’t miss anything on your trip to Utah!

Third, start thinking about how you want to spend your elopement day. Do you want anyone else there? What locations do you want to explore? Are there any activities you want to incorporate into the day?

To give you some ideas… I have gone hiking, fishing, 4 wheeling, and horseback riding with couples for their elopement day! And what says mountain elopement more than roasting marshmallows around the campfire instead of cutting a cake? This is more than just saying ‘I do’ and taking pretty photos. LET’S MAKE THIS FUN!

Thanks for reading Jess & Chris’s love story! Find more elopement inspiration on my blog and Instagram