How to Elope in Utah?
Just like in any other state in order to elope in Utah, you will have to apply in person for a marriage license. You can obtain it at county clerk's office. The good news is that there is no wait period so you are able to have the ceremony right after getting approved! I recommend getting the license at least day before your ceremony.The marriage license will only be valid for 32 days, so if you are traveling to Utah for your elopement, keep that in mind when planning your adventure. Other than that all you’ll need is a licensed officiant and two witnesses for your ceremony. Depending on you chosen location and group size you'll need special use permit to elope in a National Park or on public land. I am here to assist you getting those, or scout location that doesn't require any permits.
Best Locations to Elope in Utah
Now that you have your marriage license it's time to pick your dream location. Utah is an incredible state in terms of diversity of a landscape. It's no wonder five National Parks are located right here. Whether you dream of desert elopement, mountain scapes with lakes or wildflowers, sand dunes or salt flats, Utah has it all.
The most popular locations are the National Parks: The Arches, the Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef National Park. In order to elope in one of those you must obtain special use permit at least a month in advance, also to elope in national park you have to choose one from the designated ceremony locations. If you want less crowds and more possibilities where to have your ceremony I recommend public lands, national forest or state parks. Some of my favorite are the Wasatch Mountains near Salt lake City, desert near Kanab and Lake Powell, Bonneville Salt Flats or incredible canyons, moon like landscape and slot canyons near Capitol Reef National Park. Snow Canyon state park is another great location and you can read more about how to elope there here.
Utah is an ultimate adventure land for those who want more than just pretty backdrop. There are countless off -road locations with the most unique landscapes, numerous canyons to rappel to, slot canyons to hike through or off the beaten path locations you'll need a jeep to get to- anything for that amazing adventurous wedding you have been dreaming of . You should contact me for location recommendations but in a meantime to learn more about good engagement photo locations near Salt Lake City you can click here.
When to Elope in Utah?
The great thing about Utah is that is a year long wedding destination. Summers are always hot a dry but provide long days, almost always sunny weather and wildflowers, spring and fall are very pleasant with occasional rain and a few rainbows, winters deliver good amount of snow in the mountains up North, but still provide moderate temperatures and very little to no snow in Southern Utah (Zion or Bryce Canyon). As with any National Park June through August are the busiest months so you'd have to think ahead in terms of reservations, shuttles, camping or other accommodation reservation, but if you decide to elope on any BLM land that's always less crowded alternative. Ready to elope in beautiful Utah?
