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 for the past 10 years, 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.
Summer: June-August
Pros: All mountain locations near Salt Lake City and Park City are accessible now that the snow has melted. The temperatures are lovely in the evening and this is the best time to get gorgeous pink sunsets at the Salt Flats.
Cons: It is hot and there are lots of mosquitos in the mountains. The temperature in the mountains is nice in the evening but avoid Southern Utah where a normal summer day is over 100 degrees. Hiking trails, State & National parks will be very busy on the weekends.
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. Every location in Utah is gorgeous and has amazing weather at this time of year!
Cons: This is the most popular time to get married in Utah so you’ll want to start planning early, choose a weekday if possible, and reach out to vendors ASAP. People flock to the mountains to see the fall leaves on the weekends so it will be busy! 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’re willing to brave the cold for the best snow on Earth, there are many amazing mountain wedding venues that make for the perfect winter wedding or ski elopement.
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.
Spring: April-June
Pros: The mountains are just starting to turn green, wildflowers start blooming in July and the temperature is still great! It’s not quite travel season so there will be less crowds. This is a great time of year to elope in Moab or Zion as there will be less crowds, lower prices, and lovely weather!
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.
Where to Get Married in Utah
Utah is one of the most scenic states in the country, with a variety of landscapes. From alpine mountains and unique salt flats to red rock deserts that make you feel like you’re on another planet! You have countless options when it comes to getting married in Utah.
The Mountains Surrounding Salt Lake City
There a dozens of places we can explore in the Wasatch and Uinta Forests. Find everything you need to know about how and where to plan a mountain elopement in Salt Lake City here!
Moab
Located 4 hours south of Salt Lake City and home to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. As well as multiple state parks and BLM land that you can get married on for less than $200.
Check out my full guide to getting married in Moab for more information!
Zion
Located 4 hours south of Salt Lake City is Zion National Park. You can get married in this gorgeous park for less than $100 and I can help you plan every bit of it! Check out my Zion elopement planning guide to get you started.
Eloping with less than 25 guests? Find (nearly) free locations to get married in Utah here!
Utah Wedding and Elopement Photographer
Hi there, I’m Bri!
I’m an intimate wedding and elopement photographer located in Utah. I have been telling love stories for over 10 years and really value helping couples plan stress-free wedding days where you can be fully present with each other and your loved ones.
Whether you want to get married in the mountains, Moab, Zion, or the Salt Flats – I’m your girl when it comes to intimate weddings and elopements in Utah. Share your vision with me and I will help you plan the day of your dreams!
Utah’s Wedding Venues
For weddings with more than 40 guests I would definitely recommend booking a wedding venue in Utah. This will give you the space you need to help your wedding day run smoothly, and keep you stress-free.
The Best Mountain Wedding Venues in Utah
If you are having a private elopement or intimate wedding with less than 40 guests, a cabin or Airbnb can be a good option to be your landing place for getting ready and post ceremony activities. 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.
Airbnbs/Cabins for just the two of you
Airbnbs/Cabins that can sleep between 15 and 40 people
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!
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
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
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
