the top 5 places to elope in utah
the most beautiful elopement locations in utah + how to elope in each one
I'm so happy for you! You're choosing to prioritize your peace and happiness, and focus on what this is all about - the committment you're making to each other and your future.
As an elopement photographer, I love showing couples that getting married can be a fun and stress free experience.
Let's get into the best places where you can elope in Utah that are way cooler than the courthouse!
So you're considering skipping the big wedding and eloping in utah?
but wait... who are you?
Hey I'm Bri!
I'm an elopement photographer, born and rasied in Salt Lake City with a scenic and timeless style. I love creating authentic photo galleries that tell a story and feel like you.
mountain enthusiast & dog mom fueled by coffee and the thought of my next adventure
let's chat about your elopement!
The Best Elopement Locations in Utah
click on each location for more info!
Cottonwood Canyons
Zion National Park
Moab
Salt Flats
American Fork Canyon
1. Cottonwood Canyons
Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon are home to some of the most accessible mountain locations where you can elope in Utah. Only 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, you will find some of the best alpine lakes to hike to and thick pine forests.
How to get there:
Fly into SLC International & rent a car! Then you're only a 30-40 minute drive away
Where to Stay:
If you want to stay in the canyons you can stay at the The Cliff Lodge in Big Cottonwood Canyon or Snowpine Lodge in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Or if you're more of city dweller you can stay in Salt Lake City and drive into the canyons.
Best Time of Year:
Summer is the most beautiful time of year with late sunsets, gorgeous weather, super green mountains and wildflowers everywhere!
Fall is the next best as the trees turns orange and yellow, and the weather cools down.
Let's talk about WHERE you can get married in the Cottonwood Canyons
Here are a few spots I have seen work well for couples and I may have a few more hidden gems up my sleeve I can take you to (;
- Best for Micro Weddings
- Up to 40 Guests
- No Permit Needed
Check Out an Intimate Wedding at Jordan Pines Campground
2. Albion Basin
Albion Basin is located at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and is one of the most beautiful mountain locations in Utah. It is known for it's large wildflower bloom in July.
3. Storm Mountain
Located near the bottom of the canyon is this stunning mountain overlook.
There is nice picnic area across the street where you can spend your evening around the campfire, as well as a privately owned cabin nearby where you can stay, and hold a ceremony with up to 30 guests. Reach out to Bri for cabin info
Ready to get married in the Cottonwood Canyons?
- Best for Private Elopement
- Up to 4 Guests
- $12 Entrance Fee/Car
This campground is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The group campsites make a great space for an intimate ceremony and laidback evening around the campfire.
Find a Sample Timeline for a Mountain Elopement Here
Check Out This Mountaintop Elopement at Storm Mountain
lets start planning!
2. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular places to elope in Utah. The huge rock walls and grand overlooks inside the park and surrounding Springdale will make you feel like you exist to take in nature’s beauty. There are multiple gorgeous spots in the park to hold an intimate ceremony, and even more beautiful spots that we can explore after you say ‘I do’
How to get there:
Fly into SLC International or Provo Airport & drive 4 hours South
Where to Stay:
Springdale is the best place to stay when visiting Zion. It is the cute little town thats leads right up to the park entrance, and you're surrounded by towering red rocks in every direction.
Best Time of Year:
Spring and Fall are the best time to elope in Zion. The weather is perfect and tourist crowds start to die down
I'd recommend planning your zion elopement on a weekday if possible to avoid crowds and high prices
Permits
You will need to a special use permit to get married in Zion National Park. Learn how to apply here
Check out my full Zion Elopement Guide
Zion Elopement Locations
There are 6 designated ceremony locations in Zion National Park, and then we can go anywhere in the park to take photos of the two of you. Here are the best spots in the park:
1. Nature Center North Lawn
Located less than 10 minutes from the park entrance, this is the most accessible ceremony site in Zion National Park.
- Up to 50 guests
- Only available November-April
- More secluded than other sites
- Special Use Wedding Permit Required
Check out this private elopement at the Nature Center Lawn
2. Timber Creek Overlook
This spot is a bit out of the way, but gorgeous! It is located in the Kolob section of the park, about an hour from Springdale.
- Up to 20 guests & 4 cars allowed
- Best conditions from April-October
- Best at sunrise or sunset
- Special Use Wedding Permit Required
3. Canyon Overlook
You can't get married at this overlook but it is the best place in the park to take sunset photos!
- 1 mile hike round trip
- Very popular & busy
- Limited parking - plan for a weekday in off season!
Apply for a Zion wedding permit here
Find this trail and more of the best photo spots in my Zion Elopement Guide
Ready to get married in zion?!
lets start planning!
3. Moab
Moab is one of the top destination elopement locations in Utah, and for good reason! There are dozens of places where you can hold your elopement ceremony, from grand overlooks to red rock deserts that make you feel like you’re on Mars.
How to get there:
Fly into SLC International or Provo Airport & drive 3 hours South
Where to Stay:
I'd recommend staying at Hoodoo Moab if you want to be close to the food and shops in downtown Moab. Or stay at Red Cliffs Lodge for a quieter, more peaceful stay
Best Time of Year:
Spring and Fall are the best time to elope in Moab. The weather is mildly warm and tourist crowds are lower than in the summer.
I'd recommend planning your Moab elopement on a weekday if possible to avoid crowds and high prices
Moab elopement guide
Where to Elope in Moab
Here are a few spots I have seen work well for couples and I may have a few more hidden gems up my sleeve I can take you to (;
Canyonlands is located an hour from Moab and known for its vast overlooks. There are 7 locations you can get married at in the park.
This is one of the best sunset spots in all of Moab. Located about an hour from Moab and near Canyonlands NP.
Only 15 minutes from Downtown Moab and home to the famous Delicate Arch. You can't miss this park when visiting Moab.
If you want to get married here, I would recommend a weekday between October and April becasue it is a very busy park!
- Great for a Micro Wedding or Elopement
- Locations Accommodate up to 50 Guests
- $185 Special Use Permit Necessary
- Great for Micro Wedding or Elopement
- 5 Designated Ceremony Sites Accommodate 5-100 Guests
- $60 Wedding Permit
Learn more about ceremony locations and how to apply for a permt
Everything you need to know about getting married at Dead Horse
Learn More About Getting a Wedding Permit
Ready to get married in Moab??
lets start planning!
4. Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats are one of Utah’s most unique natural landscapes that feels like another planet. You can walk directly out onto the flats or drive further out to find a pocket of solitude for your elopement.
How to get there:
Fly into SLC International & drive 2 hours West
Where to Stay:
You can stay Wendover - a small casino town, just 10 minutes from the Salt Flats. Though many couples prefer to head back to Salt Lake City
Best Time of Year:
May through October are when we get those gorgeous pink sunsets! And you're most likely to avoid a wind or rainstorm.
If you want to avoid the hot temps, choose a date between August and October.
salt flats elopement guide
Check Out A Few Salt Flats Galleries
Sierra + caden
Emma + Mike
amanda + nick
Ready to get married at the salt flats?
lets start planning!
5. American fork canyon
American Fork Canyon is home to Mount Timpanogos, and known for its gorgeous fall foliage on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in September and October.
It is home to many campgrounds, cabins, and mountain wedding venues making it the perfect place for an intimate wedding or elopement with guests.
How to get there:
Fly into SLC International or Provo Airport, and rent a car.
Where to Stay:
Stay in American Fork or Orem to be close to the mountain.
However, if you're more of a foodie and enjoy local businesses, I would recommend staying in Salt Lake City, an hour from the canyon.
Best Time of Year:
American Fork Canyon is gorgeous year round with the exception of mud season (steer clear of March-May)
June-October will give you the best weather. Everything is green in the summer and then the leaves turn red and orange at the end of September.
Ceremony Locations in American Fork Canyon
1. Sundance
Sundance Resort has something for mountain weddings of every size
- Ceremony & Reception Venues for groups of 50-150
- Cabins for small and laidback weddings
- Gorgeous views of Mount Timpanogos year round!
2. South Fork Park
Located in Provo Canyon, this park offers gorgeous views and multiple pavilions, picnic tables, and firepits for a laidback mountain wedding
- Best for groups of 40-80 guests
- Best in the summer and fall
- $65-85 reservation fee
3. Altamont Campground
Located on Alpine Loop, this is a gorgeous and affordable place to hold an intimate wedding in the mountains
-Best in the summer and fall
- Requires a campsite reservation & special use permit
- Can accommodate up to 100 guests
See What a Cabin Wedding at Sundance looks like
Find more info on the park and how to reserve
Contact the campground ranger to make reservations here
Ready to get married in american fork canyon?
lets start planning!
Which location feels most like you?
As your elopement photographer and planner, I will help you navigate and plan all the logistics to help your elopement day run smoothly and cut out the stress!
Reach out to me below and we can chat more about your vision, and together we will plan the elopement day of your dreams!
schedule a free consultation call
But don't just take my word for it...
I can’t recommend Bri enough!! She captured our elopement in Zion and was an absolute dream to work with! We really put our trust in her since we traveled to Utah to get married, and she exceeded all of our expectations! She even found a secluded ceremony location for us away from the spring break crowds. Our photos turned out beautifully, and she was able to capture our personalities and love for each other. I’m going to treasure our wedding photos forever.
Savanna + Jake
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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. I would 100% recommend her!
Amanda & AJ
But don't just take my word for it...
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Bri is hands down one of the best photographers in Utah. She made my fiance and I feel so comfortable, and we were able to be ourselves the entire time. The raw and authentic emotions she was able to capture nearly brought me to tears when we got our gallery back. I highly suggest Bri for any of your photo needs.
Madie & Christian
But don't just take my word for it...
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