salt lake city elopement guide
Everything You Need to plan a mountain elopement in salt lake city
table of contents
Why Elope in Salt Lake City
The Best Time of Year for a Salt Lake City Elopement
Mountain Elopement Locations in Salt Lake City
Fun Ways to Spend Your Elopement Day
How to Legally Get Married in Salt Lake City
Utah Elopement Photography Packages
Sample Elopement Day Timelines
Where to Stay in SLC
The Best Food in Salt Lake City
Vendor Recommendations
I'm Bri, an adventure elopement photographer, based in Salt Lake City!
wait but who are you?
I focus on creating authentic photos through nature and connection. All while helping couples plan mountain elopement days where presence, adventure, and real connection are at the core.
mountain enthusiast & dog mom fueled by coffee and the thought of my next adventure
let's chat about your elopement
why elope in salt lake city
1. Easy Mountain Access
You can fly into Salt Lake City and be in the mountains in less than an hour! I don't know what other large city could say that. This makes it a great place for couples wanting a mountain elopement that you can still include your loved ones in.
2. You Can Include Your Dog!
As a dog mom myself, I know all the dog friendly mountain and city spots in Salt Lake City. I would love to point you in the right direction when planning a dog friendly elopement!
3. Mountain Activities for All Levels of Adventure
From skiing to hiking to a laidback night around the campfire, there are tons of activity options to match whatever level of adventure you are looking for! You can have a ski elopement that fills your desire for adventure and adrenaline, or a relaxing day in the mountains to slow down, or a little bit of both!
say less, i want to start planning now!
"we came from out of state and bri was super helpful"
Bri was absolutely amazing! She photographed our elopement and the photos came out perfect. We live out of state and she was super helpful when finding a place to do the ceremony and photos. She is also very kind and communicative and I would 100% recommend her!
-Amanda + AJ
Let's start planning your adventure!
The BEst Time of year to elope in salt lake city
Salt Lake City is beautiful year round, offering a variety of weather and activities with every season. The best time to elope in Salt Lake City depends on what activities you want to do and what weather you can tolerate!
Summer
Fall
Winter
Pros: The mountains are green, wildflowers bloom in June and July, and pink sunsets are a regular occurrence! And you can almost always expect sunny weather
Cons: It’s hot!!! Expect 85-110 degrees. And the mosquitos are gross.
Pros: The leaves turn shades of red, orange, and yellow and the 60-70 degree temps are lovely
Cons: The canyons get backed up with traffic. But I know all the hidden gems if you’re up for a bit of a trek (;
Pros: Winter is incredibly magical. Perfect for a super fun adventure elopement on the slopes, or a mountain wedding at a ski resort with friends and family!
Cons: It’s cold!! And it gets dark early around 5pm. Be sure to pack layers and start your adventure early.
September & October
December, January, February
June, July & August
What About Spring?
I would not elope in Utah in the Spring because...
- The weather is extremely unpredictable. We could get a random snowstorm on a Tuesday and it could be 80 degrees on Thursday.
- There is still snow - and not the pretty kind; the melty, dirty, muddy kind.
mountain elopement locations near salt lake city
45 min drive from SLC
45 min drive from SLC
While this covers the free outdoor locations, if you have more than ~30 guests I'd recommend looking into a mountain wedding venue.
Check out my
mountain wedding venue guide
full of small wedding venues that are great for an outdoor wedding, or a laid-back reception after your mountain wedding ceremony.
Big Cottonwood Canyon has thick pine forests and gorgeous alpine lakes you can hike to on your elopement day. It's also home to Brighton and Solitude, laidback resorts to ski and snowboard in the winter.
Pros: Great for hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. Tons of cabins, campgrounds and picnic spots along side the creek for after your mountain adventure.
Cons: No dogs allowed, small parking fees at trailheads, one of the busiest canyons in Salt Lake
Little Cottonwood Canyon is one of the most stunning areas in Utah with dramatic granite cliffs that were carved by glaciers great for an adventure elopement or a mountain wedding at one of the canyons' world class ski resorts - Snowbird and Alta
Pros: Tons of wildflowers in the summer and amazing fall foliage in September and October
Cons: No dogs allowed, traffic can get very backed up in the summer and fall
1 hour drive from SLC
Provo Canyon is a gorgeous place to spend your elopement day. You can stay in a cabin at Sundance Resort, explore the canyon during the day, and celebrate with friends and family in the evening at Sundance or one of the parks in the canyon
Pros: Provo Canyon has some of the best overlook spots at sunset and it is dog and family friendly!
Cons: A bit of a drive from Salt Lake City, and a busy canyon. The best spots are always crowded on the weekends
20 min drive from SLC
Millcreek Canyon is a privately owned canyon, extremely close to Salt Lake City. It is home to two mountain wedding venues - Log Haven and Millcreek Inn, perfect for an intimate outdoor wedding!
Pros: Dog Friendly and lots of trails to hike and bike. Great fall foliage! In the fall, it feels like you are engulfed in red and orange trees. Very close to the city.
Cons: There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle to enter Millcreek Canyon, no overlook view points
1-2 hour drive from SLC
This is the highest mountain range in Utah and a much larger area than the canyons, offering lots of area to explore for a private adventure elopement day
Pros: Crowds are rare, you're more likely to get a private spot here than anywhere else in Utah. Dogs allowed and mild temperatures in the summer.
Cons: Spotty service and a bit of a drive from Salt Lake City. The road is only open from mid June to October.
45 min drive from SLC
Park City is one of the most popular mountain towns in the country and while it is a great place to stay if you want your elopement day in the Uintas, the town itself is known for its luxury resorts, great for a mountain wedding day
Pros: Easy access to hiking trails, and multiple ski resorts for a winter elopement.
Cons: The road to the most scenic locations (like the one pictured) is only open from May to October.
want more hidden gem places to elope?
I help couples from all over the world elope in Utah in some of the most beautiful places that are off-grid and less crowded! If you want more expertise, reach out and let's chat for free about your vision!
schedule a free consultation!
fun ways to spend your elopement day in salt lake city
Hangout by the Campfire
A fun and intimate way to end your adventure elopement day in the mountains. Crack open a couple beers, roast some s’mores, and cuddle up around the fire.
Picnic in the Mountains
Lay out a blanket underneath a tree and enjoy a mid-day snack. I'd recommend packing a basket with sandwiches or ordering a charcuterie board from Harvest & Honey Co. a local business that creates charcuterie boxes, perfect for a picnic!
Get Some Good Food
Refuel with pizza at The Pie or Slackwater for pizza AND the largest beer menu in Utah!
Who doesn’t love pizza and a cold beer after a day in the mountains?!
Visit a Local Brewery in Salt Lake City
After your mountain adventure, celebrate with drinks at a local brewery - this is a great way to include your family and friends in your elopement day.
Fisher Brewing, TF Brewing, and Level Crossing are some of the best in Salt Lake City!
Plant a Tree
What a special way to plant the roots of your relationship into nature and give back to the environment!
You can request a free tree from the SLC Urban Forest Division or pick one out at Millcreek Gardens
The Cottonwood Canyons and Uintas are full of gorgeous alpine lakes we can hike to for your Utah elopement day!
Some of the most beautiful:
- Cecret Lake - 1.8 miles
- Brighton Lakes - 7.2 miles
- Lofty Lake - 4.6 miles
- Twin Lakes - 2.4 miles
- Silver Lake - 4.5 miles
You can reserve one of the following campsites with a fire pit:
- Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Albion Basin Campground in Little Cottonwood Canyon
- Granite Flat Campground in American Fork Canyon
- Ledgemere Picnic Area in Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Storm Mountain Picnic Area in Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Big Springs Park in Provo Canyon
The Best Parks & Day Use Picnic Areas:
- Sugarhouse Park in Salt Lake City
Spend the Day on the Water
- River raft down the Provo River
- Rent a row boat or canoe at East Canyon Reservoir
- Go fishing on the dock at Silver Lake
How to legally get married in salt lake city
Utah makes getting married quick and easy! You can apply for your application online, and then there’s no waiting period, so you can pick up your wedding license the day before your elopement day.
You Will Need an Officiant & Two Witnesses
You can reach out to my favorite Salt Lake City officiant, Anita Gordan, who has 10 years of experience and is well versed in mountain elopements!
OR one of your loved ones can get ordained for free to officiate your wedding
Getting Your Marriage License
apply for your marriage license
get ordained for free
salt lake city elopement photography packages
salt lake city elopement photography packages
Full Day and Multi Day Packages available for adventures of any size!
6+ Hours Photography Coverage With Bri as Your Local Guide
A Unique Outdoor Adventure
Your Personal Planning Guide
Permit Application
Flexible Timeline Creation
Online Photo Gallery
$4200 for everything above, and 6 hours of photography coverage
Every Utah Elopement Includes:
72 Hour Sneak Peeks
We will have 2-3 zoom calls during the planning process to discuss your vision, explore locations and activities, and build out your timeline to create a memorable adventure you’ll want to relive over and over again!
You'll receive recommendations from a local - locations I have personally scouted out and the best local vendor, lodging and food in Zion.
Your elopement photos will be delivered in an online gallery where you can view, download, and print your photos, to share and hold onto for generations.
You’re excited, I’m excited, and I won’t keep you waiting to see what we created. You’ll get sneak peek photos within 72 hours of your elopement day!
A Coffee Date to Kick Off Our Adventure
We will meet up for a casual coffee date prior to your elopement day to get out any last nerves, and kick off the adventure we'll have together!
- Max + Katie
"Bri made us feel completely at ease throughout the day"
We couldn't be happier with our elopement photos! Bri captured every moment so beautifully and made us feel completely at ease throughout the day. Her calm presence, creative eye, and attention to detail gave us memories we'll cherish forever. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an elopement photographer who truly cares. Thank you for being such a special part of our day!
sample timelines for your adventure elopement day!
6 Hour Day
8 Hour Day
12/1pm Get Ready Together at Airbnb
2pm Drive to Provo Canyon & Go Ziplining Through the Mountains!
4:30pm Have a Riverside Picnic with a Charcuterie Board and Champagne
6pm Head to Secret Mountaintop Location
7pm Read vows at Sunset
8pm Head back to Salt Lake City for Dinner and Drinks at Level Crossing Brewery
9pm Coverage Ends - Good Sleep & Call it a Day!
3pm Get Ready Together at Airbnb
4pm Drive to Little Cottonwood Canyon
5pm Start Hike to Cecret Lake
7pm Explore the Lake + Read vows at Sunset
8pm Campfire, a Toast, and S’mores Under the Stars
9pm Coverage Ends - Get Some Dinner, Good Sleep & Call it a Day!
Morning
6am Start Our Trek to the Lake
7:30am Watch the Sunrise + Write Vows at the Lake
Afternoon
12/1pm Post Hike Pizza & Drinks at The Pie Pizzeria
2pm Go Back to Airbnb and Get Ready in Wedding Attire
5:30pm Head to Mountain Location for Sunset
Evening
7pm Read Vows as the Sun Dips Behind the Mountains
7:30pm Campfire, a Toast, and S’mores
8:30/9pm Feel Sooo Fulfilled After a Beautiful, Adventurous Day.. Go home & get a good night’s sleep!
Full Day - Sunrise to Sunset!
Full Day
Sunrise to Sunset
Adventure
Where to stay for your mountain elopement in salt lake city
A luxury resort located in Alta, at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. You can wake up to panoramic mountain views and then step right out onto the trail!
Stay at one of the world class ski resorts (seriously this mountain is no joke), also known for their Cliff Spa and rooftop pool with stunning panoramic mountain views.
A beautiful and modern cabin tucked in the trees and walking distance from Sundance Resort!
Cozy, quiet and affordable guest suite that is situated right between the mountains and city.
Located at the base of the Cottonwood Canyons and right on the creek. Wake up to the calming sound of water running by and be on the mountain within half an hour.
Beautiful wood cabin surrounded by quaking aspens, and in close proximity to Park City.
the best food in salt lake city
For brunch:
laidback american breakfast, and right across the street from liberty park for a lovely sunday afternoon
Best coffee:
In the City - The People's Coffee
Drive-Thru Coffee Stand - Java Jo's
For Dog Lovers - Bjorn's Brew
Park City - Atticus Coffee
Best breakfast sandwiches:
customizable breakfast sandwiches on the most amazing homemade wood-fired focaccia bread
For dinner:
A tavern at the base of the Cottonwood Canyons with great food, cocktails, local beer, and live music most nights!
Best sushi:
This hole in the wall sushi spot has some of the best quality fish in SLC with fresh rolls and ramen options
Best vegan spot:
This walk up sandwich shop is known for its fully vegan menu where everything is made in house, and prices are very affordable!
For brunch:
Artisan pizzas, live music, and the largest beer menu in Utah! This place is always fun and lively
Best local brewery:
Fisher is one of Utah's first breweries offers craft beer, rotating local food trucks each day, and a laid back atmosphere
For late night drinks:
Right in the heart of SLC with ample outdoor seating, live music, and brunch, lunch, and dinner menus
Can't Miss:
my favorite local vendors
Dress Shops
- Fantasy Bridal: Unique Dresses
- Lover's Bridal: Vintage Bridal Shop
- The Bridal Studio: Luxury & Classic Dress Shop
Last, but not least, the rest of the team that is going to help make your Utah elopement day a reality!!
Florists
- Kelly Toomer at Tomboy Floral - fresh florals
- Olive & Sage - the master of dried florals
- The Potted Pansy - fresh or dried
HMUA
- Lexi Harker with Blushing Beauties Co.
- Beauty by Johan
Videographers
Officiants
- Greg at Orange Bird Officiants
- Erica at Love Stories Officiant
- Linda Radford
Live Music
- The Proper Way: Acoustic Band
- Bri Lewis: Pianist
- June Brothers: Acoustic Duo
Food Vendors
- Cake: Bucko Bakery & Cake by Savz
- Charcuterie: Harvest & Honey
- Bar/Coffee Gondola Cart: Mecca Bar
