Top 5 best Places to Elope in Utah

Arches National Park

When it comes to planning an intimate and unforgettable elopement ceremony, Moab (some hidden gems only a good photographer will find) and Arches National Park in Utah offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and a sense of adventure. Nestled amidst red rock formations, towering sandstone arches, and breathtaking vistas, this destination provides a dreamlike backdrop for couples seeking a truly unique and awe-inspiring celebration of love.

You can read my comprehensive Moab elopement guide here. Moab and Arches National Park boast diverse seasons, each with its own unique charm.

When to Elope in Arches?

Spring and fall are particularly popular, offering mild temperatures and vibrant colors that enhance the picturesque landscapes. Summer are usually very hot, but early mornings and evenings provide cooler conditions for elopement ceremonies. Winter brings a quieter atmosphere, showcasing the park's serene beauty with a dusting of snow. Consider your preferences and the type of atmosphere you envision for your special day when selecting the ideal season.

Best Elopement Locations

There are numerous iconic locations within Arches National Park, are perfect for an elopement ceremony. Delicate Arch, the park's most famous landmark, creates a breathtaking setting as it frames couples against a backdrop of fiery red rock. Landscape Arch, with its graceful curves, offers a romantic and secluded spot. Additionally, Balanced Rock and Double Arch are equally mesmerizing options. Consider the size of your gathering, accessibility, and personal preferences to find the perfect spot to exchange vows and create everlasting memories.

Necessary permits

As always you will need a permit to get married in the Arches (at the time of writing this blog it costs 185$ and you can select one of the listed ceremony locations but the time for the ceremony is very limited.

In order to elope on a BLM land around Moab (my absolute favorite) you will also need a permit and so will your photographer. Good news if you decide to elope with me I already have the photography permit for all 2024 so that's one stress less.

Dead Horse Point State Park

If dealing with crowds and limited time frames at the Arches is not your thing...maybe embarking on a journey of love and adventure in an awe-inspiring location such as Dead Horse Point State Park is... Couples often seek unique and awe-inspiring locations to exchange vows and create lasting memories.. Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah stands as a hidden gem, offering a surreal blend of dramatic landscapes, panoramic vistas, and a touch of history.

• In this blog, I will explore the magic of eloping at Dead Horse Point State Park, uncovering its captivating locations and guiding couples through a remarkable celebration of their love. Nestled high above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park presents a geological wonderland adorned with towering cliffs, deep canyons, and breathtaking overlooks. With its rich history and enchanting allure, this park provides a unique setting for couples seeking an intimate and picturesque elopement experience.
• One of the park's most renowned locations, the Dead Horse Point Overlook, offers an unrivaled panoramic view that stretches across the dramatic red rock canyons and the snaking Colorado River below. Couples can exchange vows against this awe-inspiring backdrop, capturing the essence of their love amidst the grandeur of nature's masterpiece. Great news- I have a photography permit for the 2024 and applying for your ceremony permit got so much easier.

Zion National Park

Zion holds a special place in my heart. Maybe because I have spent a lot of time photographing couples there. Nestled in the heart of Utah, Zion National Park beckons with its awe-inspiring landscapes, towering sandstone cliffs, and vibrant colors. As couples seek extraordinary locations for their elopement, Zion National Park stands out as a mesmerizing choice. It's also one of the easiest National Parks to elope at and to obtain any necessary wedding permits. Embrace the magic of Zion National Park as you embark on a journey of love, surrounded by the timeless beauty of this natural masterpiece. To read more about how to elope in Zion, go to my blog.

Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats, located in northwestern Utah, present an otherworldly landscape that sets the stage for a truly unique and unforgettable elopement experience. As far as the eye can see, the vast expanse of pure white salt creates an ethereal and surreal backdrop, making it a captivating choice for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind celebration of love. When planning an elopement at the Bonneville Salt Flats, there are a few logistics to consider.

• Accessibility is relatively straightforward, with the salt flats located 100 miles from Slat Lake City and are accessible from Interstate 80. Just remember to avoid driving onto the slat flats after it rained.
• Permits. Make sure to obtain necessary permits before your wedding. You can bring chairs and other props such as arch before prior approval.
• The weather at the Bonneville Salt Flats can vary depending on the time of year. During the summer months, temperatures can soar, often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), making it essential to plan your elopement during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. In contrast, winter brings cold temperatures, often dropping below freezing, which can create a stunning contrast against the glistening salt flats. Spring and fall offer milder weather conditions, providing a pleasant atmosphere for your elopement ceremony.

You can read more about eloping at the Salt Flats here.

Canyonlands National Park and Public Lands

Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, not far from Moab stands as a testament to the raw and untamed beauty of the American Southwest. With its vast canyons, towering mesas, and mesmerizing desert landscapes, this national park offers a remarkable backdrop for couples seeking an elopement experience that transcends the ordinary. Just like with the Arches logistics get a little more complicated. You will need a special use permit to elope in the Canyonlands. At the time of writing this blog it costs 185$ and you only get 15 min for the ceremony but the good news is after the ceremony you can have photos takes pretty much anywhere in the park. Just like with the Arches if strict time constraint is not your thing I highly recommend having the ceremony on a BLM land and going to the park for some of the iconic photos. Eloping in Canyonlands National Park offers couples an extraordinary opportunity to intertwine their love story with the majestic beauty of the desert. With careful planning, an understanding of the logistics and various locations within the park, and consideration for the ever-changing weather conditions, couples can embark on an epic adventure of love and nature.

Whether exchanging vows at the Mesa Arch, amidst the solitude of the Needles district, or in the rugged landscapes of The Maze, Canyonlands National Park will undoubtedly create an elopement experience that will be cherished for a lifetime.

I understand the allure of eloping in a National Park, but as an experienced photographer and explorer I can assure you public lands around Moab offer similarly gorgeous landscapes with impressive views, less visitors, easier logistics, taste of adventure (often you will need high clearance vehicle). I have scouted so many incredible locations from Arches to jaw dropping cliffs, I can't wait to bring you there. I also have photography permit for all 2023 to shoot on BLM lands near Moab.

So, are you ready for your own epic Utah elopement?