Okay, I know the idea of eloping in Utah might not have crossed your mind before. But I’m here to tell you – you definitely need to consider it. Imagine stepping off the plane, driving less than an hour, and finding a landscape that looks like it’s from another planet. That’s Utah. Its open skies are filled to the brim with stars ready to shine down on your union, and the caverns, cliffs, and rock formations look like extra-terrestrial terrain – not to mention the crystalline canvas of the salt flats, with vistas that span as far as the eye can see. 

I’ve gotten the chance to spend a lot of time in this gorgeous state, traversing the land to find the best photo spots in Utah, so I'm more than excited to share all the reasons that an adventure elopement in Utah would be out of this world… And why I’m the best man to be your Utah elopement photographer!

 

Image by Aaron Roth on Unsplash: You can see why Mt. Zion is one of the most beautiful spots in Utah.

 

In my elopement location guides, I usually start with the weather – what months are the best, the most temperate, the least hectic for tourists. Well, the thing about Utah is that it experiences ALL the seasons, and they’re very distinct. The summer is hot, arid, and dry. The winters are pristine, with snow capping the mountains in pure white. The spring is full of fresh blooms and green grasses, while the fall is bursting with golden foliage. Basically, there isn’t a bad time to get married in Utah. There’s only a best time for you.

I know what you’re thinking… “Okay, great, but how do I plan an adventure elopement in Utah?” Well, in my adventure elopement guide to Utah, I’m going to cover all the important things. The setting. The flowers. The gown. The plans. There’s so much to think about! 

Since Utah is a little bit out of this world, we’re going to start with something a little different.

 

Sunrise Or Sunset: The Day And Night Skies Are The Most Picturesque Place In Utah

There’s no need to Photoshop in a world where Utah exists, because the sky is neverending. As an elopement photographer, Utah provides me with the ideal blank canvas to paint the perfect picture. 

Sunrise in Moab

It’s hard to describe Moab in words. What started as a dry seabed became a land littered with rock formations growing straight from the Earth. It’s also an amazing place to have a sunrise shoot. There’s a stunning contrasting balance between the bright blues of the sky, the deep reds of the rock, and the shimmering yellow of the sun. Combine that with the textures created by the landscape and Moab paints an enchanting image for any elopement adventure. 

Utah Arches National Park in Moab has over 2000 natural rock formations smattered across the land. They offer us a perfect chance to play with sunrise’s version of the golden hour.

 

Image by Andrey Grinkevich on Unsplash: The sunrise bursting through rock formations reminds us why Moab is one of the most Instagrammable places in Utah.

 

Sunrise in The Salt Flats

In contrast to the rocky terrain of Moab is the sheer nothingness of the Utah Salt Flats. When the Pleistocene-Era Lake Bonneville evaporated, the salt on the bed of the lake was all that remained. The Bonneville Salt Flats is also one of the most beautiful spaces I’ve ever seen, and an epic place for any elopement photography session. 

When the golden light of the morning reflects off the layers of salt crystals, the shine that emanates is almost impossible to describe in words. Luckily, as your adventure elopement photographer, I’ll be there to capture it – and as we know, a picture is worth 1000 words.

In case you’re more of a sunset person, I’ve pulled together a couple of suggestions for you, too. Keep reading!

 

Image by Jahmanz Williams on Unsplash: The empty expanse of The Salt Flats act as a standing testament to the beauty of Utah.

 

Sunset in Mt. Zion

The colors that form as the sun goes down and the moon rises in Mt. Zion appear are like the prettiest colors of sunrise all mixing together with some unseen paintbrush – nothing but neon oranges, deep purples, and hues of pink slathered between. 

Though the best views might come with a bit of a climb, I’m down for a hike if you are, because the end result is worth it. Caverns filled with trees and rivers below your feet feel like you’ve discovered a world untouched by humans. When the Utah sunset is your backdrop, there’s nothing we can’t create.

 

Image by Omer Salom on Unsplash: The view from Angel’s Landing at sunset doesn’t disappoint in Mt. Zion National Park.

 

Sunset in the City: Salt Lake

It might be hard to think a city even exists in the midst of all this awe-inspiring nature, but don’t count out Salt Lake City! Skyscrapers spring from the cement the same way Utah mountain ranges spring from the land. 

Salt Lake City offers a perfect dichotomy between nature and culture. Music in the streets. Live theater. Murals hidden around the downtown area, the perfect place to explore. Salt Lake City is a great place to go on a walking photo adventure until we find the spot that stands out.

 

Image by Marcus Bellamy on Unsplash: If you love the neon colors of a sunset, but want a less nature-based shoot, Salt Lake is the way to go.

 

From The Destination To The Details

I know I’ve given you a lot to consider, which is why I’m dedicating this section to making the rest of the decisions for your elopement a little bit easier! I’ve put together a list of local artisans in Utah that can guide you through the process best.

Event Planner

Forevermore Events 

The team at Forevermore Events have been making wedding dreams come true in Utah for years. They've turned themselves into a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to create an ideal elopement. 

Whether you’re trying to organize an outdoor wedding for 300 or an indoor wedding for 30, the team has you covered. Their stellar reputation has built them a huge list of clients who sing their praises, and vendors who answer their every call.

Bridal Shop

Alta Moda Bridal 

Alta Moda Bridal in Salt Lake City has a little bit of everything, guaranteeing you’ll find something you fall in love with. They provide you with the designer names you’re used to, but they also feature up-and-coming designers, giving you the chance to get married in a never-seen-before gown.

This boutique offers personal one-on-one bridal appointments to ensure you and your party receive the time and attention you deserve.

Flowers & Decor

ByBloomers 

With work featured in blogs and magazines across the state, it’s no wonder that ByBloomers comes so recommended. They have a unique ability to adapt to any style you throw their way, whether it’s a rustic elopement in Mt. Zion or a luxury wedding in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. 

From bouquets to flower arrangements, centerpieces to accents, this hands-on team is exactly whose hands you need to be in for your Utah elopement.

I’m so excited to be a part of the next steps on your journey! Make sure to reach out to me so we can get started on the next chapter of your elopement adventure.

 

Featured image by Varun Yadav on Unsplash