Jess and Chris wanted a simple, but beautiful elopement day. 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 the Wasatch Range.

Their Love Story

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.

Best friends turn to lovers

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.

Writing Vows

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 very short hike up to one of the most beautiful and accessible spots for a mountain elopement.

However, it is not the most private location. We got caught up chatting with some locals as we took in the view, and then found a private spot to read their vows to each other.

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.

We spent some time at the overlook exploring the area, getting some photos, and taking the occasional dance video.

Utah Mountain Elopements

Whether you live in Utah or are just visiting, this state is truly a dream for mountain enthusiasts and outdoor junkies. Utah has a variety of landscapes making it a great place for outdoor elopements. Within a few hours you can experience pine trees and mountains to red rock deserts, to white salt flats that go on for as long as you can see!

How to start planning my Utah Elopement

First, lets talk location and time of year. Start by checking out my top 5 elopement locations in Utah to see all the variety Utah has to offer.

Read up on elopement guides for the locations you are interested in. This will give you more details and specific information for how to elope in that given location.

Then, reach out to your elopement photographer!
I am a Utah local, shooting dozens of elopements every year in Utah’s beautiful outdoors. I have all the information you could need about any location and will be there every step of the way during the planning process.

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