Are you wondering how and where to elope in Utah? You’ve found the right blog post. Many people (photographers included) compare Utah’s landscape to what you’d expect to find on Mars, and that’s because it’s really incredibly beautiful and unlike anything else in the USA
For adventurous couples, you can’t go wrong with a non-traditional ceremony in any of Utah’s stunning locations. Each landscape is incredibly unique, and no matter the aesthetic of your wedding day, you’ll be able to find the perfect place to elope here.
As a Denver photographer who has adventured beyond Colorado’s Rocky Mountains to photograph couples in beautiful Utah, I’m here to share some of my best trips and tricks. Keep reading to learn how and where to elope in Utah (including a few spots that are a little less busy).
How to Elope in Utah
To elope in Utah, you’ll have to apply for a marriage license, which you can do at any of the county clerk offices in the state. You’ll want to check locally to see if there are any additional requirements.
Luckily, you can do this online as well. To do this, you just have to apply online with the requirements (email address for each of you, a smartphone scan of your IDs and faces, photo ID, and a card to pay). Pricing can fluctuate.
Of course, be sure to get your license prior to your wedding day. Your license will be good for around 30 days. It’s best to try not to get it too early and to time it just right, so be sure to know when your elopement date will be.
Then, to use your license, you’ll just want to send your license to your officiant, have your ceremony, and then you can receive your marriage certificates afterward. You will need witnesses to sign the license, unlike in nearby Colorado.
Best Places to Elope in Utah
Now that you know how to elope in Utah, let’s talk a bit about where you can elope in the state!
Dead Horse Point State Park, near Moab
First up is none other than Dead Horse Point State Park. Located not far from Moab and right before the entrance to Canyonlands, this park is severely overlooked as one of the best places to elope in Utah. Oh, and did I mention it looks just like Canyonlands since it’s so close to the Islands in the Sky entrance? (Like, seriously – it’s the same canyon.)
All weddings at Dead Horse Point State Park do have to have a Special Use Permit in advance. Usually, spring and fall dates will fill up quickly, but winter is a great off-season option (keep in mind that it can be cold, though!).
From my experience, it’s fairly easy to go through the permit process at this park. The permit is only $60, and that includes the application fee. You will also have to pay $20 per vehicle on the day that you get married to enter the park.
Arches National Park, Moab
Though super popular, I just had to include one of the most popular parks in Utah on this list: Arches National Park. While it’s less visited than Zion, it is still a well-visited southwest park. However, the views are spectacular, which is why it’s one of Utah’s best spots to elope.
Say your vows between the red rocks of Arches, and you’ll remember it forever. Special use permits are needed, and your wedding can be scheduled for up to a year in advance. This park does get super busy no matter the time of year. Popular spots to elope include The Windows, La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, Panorama Point, Double Arch, Park Avenues, and the Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater.
Bonneville Salt Flats, northwestern Utah
When you think of Utah, you probably picture either one of the national parks or the Bonneville Salt Flats. These flats reflect everything around them, creating truly spectacular surroundings for you to say your vows and elope in Utah.
To get married here, a special use permit is needed. Despite being so popularly visited, it’s usually pretty easy to break away from the crowds and find a nice spot with just your friends and family or whoever you brought along for your elopement.
Antelope Island State Park, near Salt Lake City
For a rocky environment that’s not super busy, you can also consider eloping at Antelope Island State Park. Located in northern Utah near Salt Lake City, this picturesque landscape is truly unique and is beautiful year-round.
You will have to apply for a special use permit and choose between one of their locations, like the Historic Fielding Garr Ranch, beach area, Ladyfinger Point, or BuffaloPoint. There’s also a base fee of $60 to get the permit.
Zion National Park, Springdale
I know, I know, I said there would be some “lesser known” options on this list, but I just had to include Utah’s top landscape, Zion National Park. Situated near Springdale in the southwest corner of the state, Zion is truly an otherworldly landscape.
Just like all other national parks, permits are required, no matter the size of your wedding party. Keep in mind that Zion is always busy. It really doesn’t matter the time of year.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, near Kanab
For another great state park option, consider Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It can be a great alternative to Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park. The red sand here is truly one-of-a-kind and is a very unique place to exchange vows and elope.
There are so many beautiful spots throughout the park where you can hide away and get away from the crowds. Luckily, this place is a lot less visited compared to nearby Bryce Canyon and Zion.
Amangiri, Canyon Point
I wanted to include at least one higher-end spot to elope in Utah. Amangiri is a luxurious and private spot to say “I Do,” surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Utah. This is one of those places that almost feels like it doesn’t belong because of how elegant the resort is in the middle of nowhere.
If you want to have a longer elopement celebration, too, they also allow you to have multi-day events if needed. One of the most unique spots to elope is at the Amphitheater at Camp Sarika.
Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins
Last but certainly not least is Snow Canyon State Park. This is one of the most underrated Utah elopement spots. Situated in southwest Utah, this park almost feels like a mini Zion. Oh, and did I mention there are lava tubes? If you and your to-be-wed are feeling really adventurous, you can actually go down into the lava tubes.
Elopements here can’t have more than 50 people. You can’t have more than 25 if you’re at one of the more popular lookouts, like Petrified Dunes, Lower Galoot, Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook, or the Sand Dunes.
You’ll also want to reserve your date early here as just one wedding permit is issued per date, regardless of what time or where in the park the wedding will be hosted. You also can only have the elopement during park hours, which are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Are You Ready for a Utah Elopement?
I hope that this post has helped you learn how to elope in Utah! Really, no matter where you choose to have your Utah elopement, you’re in for a treat because of how beautiful this state is. There’s a reason that so many people flock here for vacations, and it’s a lot more than because it’s home to the Mighty 5.
If you’re still looking for a great photographer to capture your elopement, I’d love for you to get in touch so I can learn more about your love story. Click here to contact me!
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