If you and your partner want an elopement filled with adventure and natural beauty, here’s where to elope in Utah for an unforgettable day!

Where to Elope in Utah

There’s a reason why Utah is a popular destination for elopements! With it’s incredible landscapes filled with gorgeous mountains, clear blue skies and lakes, and red rock arches – you really can’t beat Utah as the setting for your saying your vows!

There are over 40 state parks and five national parks, so the options really are endless for an elopement! And if you and your partner love to adventure, it’s the perfect place to hike, camp, kayak, and more together! You may want to plan a Utah elopement to experience something new together, or maybe Utah is a significant place for you. Either way, choosing Utah as your elopement destination offers you a wide variety of unique and equally stunning locations!

Utah Elopement Locations

Like I mentioned above, the options here to elope are too many to name! But these are a few of my most favorite. Each one of these locations is filled with natural beauty and unique landscapes with plenty of ideal spots to say your vows.

Moab

Moab has to be one of my most favorite places in the world! The views here take my breath away every time, and it couldn’t be a more perfect choice for an elopement. The dramatic rock formations make a truly stunning backdrop, and are a big hit for anyone into rock climbing or off-roading. It’s home to Dead Horse Point State Park and is in close distance to Canyonlands National Park. It can often get very busy here, so a winter elopement is a great option to avoid the crowds!

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located in Moab but it definitely needed it’s own highlight! This place is a must-see and completely unique so it would be a perfect adventure for you and your partner! It’s covered in crazy rock formations and over 2,000 red rock arches and there’s no shortage of gorgeous photo opportunities here.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the top five most visited national parks and is just an iconic location! The views here are unrivalled, and if you’re looking for an adventure with your partner, this is the place to do it! If you’re looking to avoid some of the crowds and have a more intimate elopement, I’d recommend choosing a sunrise or sunset elopement. You may still run into other people, but there are also plenty of trails to choose from that will allow you to have some privacy! This is definitely a location I’d highly recommend for an unforgettable wedding day!

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is another popular destination for elopements, with all of it’s stunning rock formations and one-of-a-kind hoodoos that create a really magical setting. The vibrant colors in the landscape make for the most beautiful backdrop for such an important occasion. And the 18-mile main road takes you winding through the vistas, forests, and viewpoints – it’s gorgeous!

Bonneville Salt Flats

Utah is home to locations that are so unlike anywhere else in the country and Bonneville Salt Flats is definitely one of them! The sunsets here are something that can’t be missed and would make a perfect backdrop for you to say your vows. It’s especially beautiful when it rains, as you get a mirrored effect as the flats fill with a thin layer of water. Opt for a winter or spring elopement if this is something you’d like!

Wasatch Mountains

The Wasatch Mountains are filled with lakes and gorgeous hikes! If you travel here in the spring, you’ll see gorgeous flowers blooming or come in the fall for those gorgeous autumn hues. There are amazing hikes and locations that you can go to to have the private ceremony you want!

When to Elope in Utah

You really can’t go wrong with planning an elopement in most of the year in Utah, but it all depends on the vibe you are looking for and if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds. Here’s what each season looks like here in Utah!

Utah Summer Elopement (June-August)

Although summertime may feel the most convenient and seem like the best time to visit, it actually gets very hot in Southern Utah! But if you’re considering a location with a lake, then this may be a good time of year to elope here. Northern Utah does get warm also, so that’s something to keep in mind. If you still want a summer elopement but want to avoid the heat, try for June or September!

Utah Fall Elopement (September-November)

Utah’s mountains really shine with stunning fall colors this time of year! The temperatures drop to a comfortable level, making it the perfect time to visit. In Southern Utah, the weather cools down even more, and with fewer visitors at the national parks, you’ll have a more peaceful experience.

Utah Winter Elopement (December-March)

Utah winters are magical, with plenty of snow and breathtaking scenery! If you’re into winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, a winter elopement in Utah is the perfect choice. While Southern Utah’s desert areas do get some snow, it’s nothing compared to the mountains. Opting to elope in iconic spots like Zion National Park or Arches National Park in winter is a fantastic idea—there are fewer crowds, and you’ll have the freedom to drive to areas where shuttles are usually required.

Utah Spring Elopement (April-May)

Spring is a popular season for visiting national parks, including here in Utah, as it offers warm yet comfortable temperatures and the beauty of blooming flowers. During this time, the weather can range from mild temperatures in the 70s to warmer days reaching the 90s. This is a time of year I highly recommend!

How to Elope in Utah

Every state has its own marriage laws, and Utah is no different. The process isn’t too complicated, but there are a few legal steps you’ll need to take if you want your ceremony to be officially recognized.

That said, if dealing with all the legal stuff doesn’t sound like your thing, no worries! Your Utah ceremony doesn’t have to be legal—you can make it symbolic and take care of the paperwork before or after in your home state. What really matters is the moment you say your vows and commit to each other. Sure, signing a marriage license makes it official on paper, but your wedding day is about celebrating your love, and that’s what truly counts.

You need to have an officiant

To legally marry in Utah, you’ll need an officiant who is legally ordained.

Marriage license applications must be done in person

Unfortunately, you can’t apply for your license online, so you’ll need to stop by the county clerk’s office to get it.

No waiting period

Once you have your license, you can get married the same day!

You’ll need two witnesses

You can bring close friends or family, but if you’re eloping, I can sign as a witness, and we can easily find someone else to help—it’s been done before!

What you need to apply to Elope in Utah

• Marriage License Fees – Costs vary by county but typically range from $40 to $60.
• Social Security Information – Bring your Social Security cards or have your numbers ready for both of you.
• Parent Details – You’ll need the names and birthplaces of both parents, including your mother’s maiden name.
• Valid Photo ID – A passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, or state ID will work as proof of age.
• Divorce Documents – If you’ve been divorced, bring a copy of your most recent divorce decree.

Or Opt for a Symbolic Ceremony Instead!

If you’re from out of state, you can have a symbolic ceremony so you don’t have to worry about the legal side of eloping in Utah! How does it work? You simply get legally married wherever you live and handle the paperwork there. Then, for your elopement, you can make the ceremony entirely your own—no need for an officiant or witnesses! Couples who choose this option usually don’t mind not being legally married on the elopement day, because for them, the real “marriage” happens when they exchange vows—it’s all about the celebration of their love!

Utah Elopement Photographer

Hi I’m Lauren, and if you’re ready to elope in Utah, then I’m the one to help you out! Your elopement should be about you and your partner and be exactly what you’ve been dreaming about!

I’m here to give you a warm and inviting experience and capture photos as timeless as your love! So if you’re looking for a Utah elopement photographer, contact me and we can talk more about Utah elopement packages and start planning your dream day!