Utah is one of the best states get married outdoors because it has so many beautiful and diverse landscapes to offer. Rocky mountains, pine forests, red rock deserts, and unique salt flats that you can’t find anywhere else.
Each area comes with different weather, terrain, and permit rules. This can be difficult to navigate when planning an outdoor elopement or wedding in Utah.
After growing up in Utah and photographing weddings and elopements all across the state, I consider myself an expert in the terrain. So I have pulled together all my knowledge and tips to help you get married in Utah!
Meet the Writer
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Bri! I’m an outdoor elopement photographer, a Salt Lake local, and mountain enthusiast! I know Utah like the back of my hand and want to help you plan the day of your dreams here!
Explore the different sections below or reach out to me for one on one help planning your special day.
Table of Contents
Click through to skip around the different sections or keep scrolling to take it all in!
- The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Utah
- Location Recommendations – Where to Get Married in Utah
- Venue/Airbnb Recommendations
- Activities for your Elopement Day
- How to Legally Get Married in Utah
- Where to Start Planning Your Utah Wedding or Elopement
- Utah Elopement & Wedding Packages
The best time of year to get married in Utah
Utah is beautiful year round. And every season brings something different. Here are my thoughts on each season to help you find what time of year will be best for your personal preferences.
Spring: April – June
Pros: The mountains are just starting to turn green, wildflowers are blooming in July and the temperature is still great! It’s not quite travel season so there will be less crowds.
Cons: The weather is all over the place in Utah. Some spring days are 60-70 degrees, sunny and beautiful. While the next day can be 40-60 degrees, rainy with high winds. If you elope high in the mountains, there will still be snow and some roads are closed until June or July. Due to the snow melt, hiking trails can become muddy.
Summer: June – August
Pros: All Locations are accessible now that the snow has melted and all the canyon roads are open. There is a high probability that the weather will be sunny and warm. It’s the best time of year if you want an elopement day on the water or if you’ll be high up in the mountains where the weather will be the perfect temperature.
Cons: If you’re like me and can’t stand to be outside when it’s over 85 degrees then Utah in the summer is not for you! A normal summer day from June to August is 85-110 degrees depending on location. Hiking trails, State & National parks will be busy.
Fall: September – November
Pros: The temperature is great (a little chilly in the evening) and the mountains are absolutely beautiful with the leaves turning yellow, orange and red. You can miss the crowds if you plan a mid-week elopement.
Cons: I think people are starting to catch on to how great Utah is in the fall because September and October have become the months that book up the quickest. You’ll want to plan in advance and plan on people flocking to the mountains to see the fall leaves on the weekends. You also have the chance of a rain or an early snowstorm, especially near the end of October and November.
Winter: December – March
Pros: There are far less crowds, especially in Southern Utah and the weather won’t be as cold as Northern Utah. If you love to ski or snowboard, and want to incorporate that to your elopement day, this is the perfect time of year for you. After all, Utah has the best snow on Earth!
Cons: It is very cold and snowy up north so you must be ready to brave the cold. Some roads are closed due to the snow and many locations are inaccessible. The sun sets between 4:30 and 5pm so there is less daylight to work with.
If this is going to be your first time in Utah or you aren’t very familiar with the locations in Utah I can help you! We will figure out what season is best in the location you would like to get married at during our planning calls.
Where to Get Married in Utah
Utah is one of the most scenic states in the country, with diverse landscapes. You have countless options when it comes to eloping in Utah.
Northern Utah:
Wasatch Mountains – 30-60 minutes North and South of SLC
- Big & Little Cottonwood Canyon
- Millcreek Canyon
- Mount Timpanogos
- American Fork Canyon
- Ogden/Logan Canyon to escape the crowds
Uinta-Cache Mountains – 1.5-3 hours east of SLC
Park City – 45 min east of SLC
Bonneville Salt Flats – 2 hours west of SLC
Southeast Utah – 4 hours south east of SLC airport
Moab
- Castle Valley
- Arches National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
South central Utah
- Capitol Reef NP
- Escalante – grand staircase escalante
Southwest Utah – 4 hours south west from SLC airport
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Snow Canyon State Park
- Kanab
On a budget? Find free locations to get married in Utah here
Utah’s Venue/Airbnb Options
If you are having a private elopement or a small wedding, a cabin or Airbnb can be a good option to be your landing place for getting ready and post ceremony activities.
Airbnbs/Cabins for just the two of you
Airbnbs/Cabins that can sleep between 15 and 40 people
This is a more affordable option than a venue and it creates a cozy environment. I would recommend hiring a private-chef for the evening or having a casual reception with charcuterie tables. This is sure to be an intimate and meaningful experience for you and your guests.
If you will have more than 30-40 guests I would recommend looking at wedding venues. Find Utah’s top mountain wedding venues here
Fun Activities for Your Elopement Day in Utah
If you are into outdoor recreation and adventure, then Utah is the place for you. Below are some activities you can incorporate in to your elopement or wedding day in Utah
- Hiking: Utah has an abundance of hiking trails for beginner to advanced hikers! Big and Little Cottonwood have some of the prettiest views but these canyons do not allow dogs. So if you’re bringing your dog along, visit Millcreek Canyon or American Fork Canyon!
- Mountain Bike at Sundance Mountain Resort. You can rent a bike and get a lift pass all in one place!
- Rock climbing: If you are an experienced climber you can find climbing areas in Big & Little Cottonwood Canyon or you can climb with a guide
- River Rafting in Park City
- Zipline Canopy Tour in Provo Canyon
- Skiing & Snowboarding: Salt Lake is home to 15 ski resorts. Reach out if you need help choosing the closest and best one for you!
- Snowmobile Tours in Park City
- Boating: if you want to spend your wedding day on the water, or want to include it as part of your weekend in Utah, there are some great parks like Bear Lake, Jordanelle, Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge, Sand Hollow. You can find kayak, canoe & paddle board rentals at each one.
- Horseback Riding in Park City or Logan
- Visit the Utah History Museum
- Pack a picnic for a nearby park or for a break in your mountain day!
- Stargazing
- Salt Lake is rapidly growing in the Locally Crafted Brewery scene. I’d recommend TF or Fisher brewing!
- Take a Helicopter Tour over Zion National Park
- 4×4 Jeep Tour in Zion or Moab
How to Legally Get Married in Utah
- Get a Utah Marriage License
You’ll need a marriage license from the State of Utah to elope in Utah. Apply for a marriage license, schedule an appointment to pick it up, and be prepared to pay the $50 fee when you pick it up. Once the ceremony is completed you will need to return your license to the county office for their records - Find someone to officiate your wedding
To get legally married in Utah you need someone to officiate your wedding. You can hire a local officiant to join or have a friend or family member get ordained for free to officiate your ceremony! - Find two witnesses
You’ll also need two witnesses over 18 to sign your marriage license. If you’re inviting guests to your elopement you can ask two of them. But if your elopement is more private you can ask your vendors to sign your marriage license, or find any two adults throughout the day!
Where to Start When Planning your Utah Wedding or Elopement
The planning process will look a little different for everyone but here is a brief overview of the steps.
If you are feeling lost or overwhelmed, reach out to me and I would be happy to help you put your day together!
- Choose a season/month for your elopement
- Find a photographer. Experienced photographers can be very helpful with recommendations and planning. If your date is flexible, you may want to consider reaching out to your photographer first, as they may have insight into the best timing. I am a photographer local to Salt Lake City and would love to document your day and assist you with the planning! You can get a sneak peeks into my packages below.
- Think about your vision for the day. Think about what you would like your elopement day to look like and how you want to feel. Think of who you want there, the activities you would like to incorporate, and the food you want to eat.
- Start dress shopping! If you are dress shopping in Salt Lake, check out Fantasy Bridal and The Perfect Dress!
- Book your officiant and any necessary hotels/airbnbs. Then book any other vendors you would like to contribute to your elopement day – videographer, florists, hair and makeup artist, etc. If you don’t know where to start, I have a comprehensive list of recommended vendors in my elopement guide that each of my couples receive.
Utah Photography Packages
Each of my packages will include half or full day photo coverage, an online-digital gallery with your edited photos, vendor recommendations, and one-on-one planning assistance.
Elopements start at $2000 for up to 10 people.
Micro-Weddings start at $2200 for up to 30 people.
Weddings start at $2500 for over 30 people.
I would love to chat with you more about your specific wants and needs for your wedding or elopement day in Utah. You can send me an inquiry here.
I can’t wait to meet you!
