How to Plan a Utah Elopement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Eloping in Utah is more than just saying “I do” in a stunning location. It’s about crafting a day that feels like you. Whether you’re drawn to the red deserts of Moab, the dramatic cliffs of Zion, or the peaceful alpine lakes of the Wasatch, Utah offers some of the most breathtaking elopement spots in the country. And for me, Southern Utah is more than just a pretty backdrop, it’s a second home.
I’ve spent so much time exploring its hidden canyons, watching the sky turn gold at sunset, and breathing in that warm desert air. There’s something about it that just slows you down and makes you more present. It’s the kind of place that strips away distractions and reminds you of what really matters. If that sounds like the kind of energy you want on your wedding day, let’s break down exactly how to make it happen.
Step 1: Choose Your Dream Location
Utah is a land of contrasts, which means you have options. Do you want vast red rock canyons? Towering pine forests? A quiet desert overlook? Think about what landscapes make you feel something—where can you picture yourselves exchanging vows? Some favorites:
- Moab & Arches National Park: Red rock magic, epic arches, and unreal sunsets. I’ve never seen light hit the rocks quite like it does here.
- Zion National Park: Towering cliffs, hidden canyons, and that golden glow. Zion feels like a world of its own.
- Bonneville Salt Flats: A minimalist, almost otherworldly backdrop. Perfect for those who love sleek, modern, and a little surreal.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon: High alpine meadows and aspen groves just outside Salt Lake City. Dreamy in the fall.
- Capitol Reef: Underrated and stunning, with colorful rock layers and fewer crowds. The solitude here is next level.
If I had to pick a favorite? Southern Utah will always have my heart. There’s just something about standing on a cliffside, with nothing but open sky and endless red rock in front of you, that makes an elopement feel exactly the way it should: wild, free, and deeply personal.
Step 2: Check the Permits & Legalities
Depending on your chosen location, you might need a special use permit. National parks, state parks, and certain public lands have different rules, so check in advance. (For example, Zion requires a permit for ceremonies, while some BLM land locations don’t.)
As for making it legal, Utah is super easy, with no waiting period! You’ll need:
- A marriage license from any Utah county clerk’s office (yes, you can get it in any county, even if you’re eloping somewhere else in the state).
- An officiant (I’m lucky enough to have my husband, Jace, as one—so I know firsthand how special a private ceremony can be).
- Two witnesses (which can totally be your photographer and a passing hiker!).
Step 3: Plan Your Ceremony & Timeline
One of the best parts of eloping? No strict timelines. Want to wake up slowly, sip coffee, and take in the sunrise together before heading to your spot? Do it. Prefer an all-day adventure, from sunrise vows to a sunset picnic? That works too.
A typical Utah elopement might look something like:
- Morning: Getting ready at a cozy Airbnb, first look, slow moments together.
- Midday: Exploring, hiking to your ceremony spot, soaking in the adventure.
- Sunset: Saying your vows with golden light surrounding you. (There is nothing like a Utah sunset.)
- Evening: A private dinner, stargazing, or even a night session with flash photography for an editorial touch.
Step 4: Choose Your Vendors (Or Keep It Simple!)
Elopements can be as minimalist or as detailed as you want. Some couples keep it to just a photographer and officiant, while others bring in florals, a private chef, or a videographer. If you’re booking vendors, look for those who truly get the elopement vibe—people who are down for a little dirt on their boots and an adventure-driven day. I provide a preferred vendors list with videographers, florists, hair + makeup artists etc… to make it easy to select for your elopement.
Step 5: Pack Smart & Be Prepared for the Elements
Utah’s weather can be wild. 100-degree summers, unpredictable spring storms, snowy winters in the mountains. Plan accordingly:
- For summer desert elopements: Sunrise or sunset is key. Bring water, and wear layers for when the temps drop at night.
- For mountain elopements: Expect cooler temps and possible afternoon rain, even in summer.
- For winter elopements: Think cozy blankets, warm drinks, and breathtaking snowy landscapes.
Step 6: Make It Yours
Forget the “shoulds.” This is your day, your way. Want to read private vows at sunrise? Hike in your wedding attire? Have a celebratory drink on a cliffside? Utah’s vast, untamed beauty gives you the space to craft something that feels right.
At the end of the day, your elopement isn’t about trends or expectations. It’s about choosing an experience that allows you to be fully present with your partner. So take a deep breath, soak it all in, and know that this day is exactly as it’s meant to be.
