How To Plan An Elopement In Utah

You have decided to elope in Utah! Congrats! You will not regret it. Utah offers many location options from red rock, desert landscapes, mountains, lakes, high end luxury stays, and many talented wedding vendors. Here are a few steps to consider when planning an elopement.

1. Hire a photographer and videographer. Your wedding day is a special occasion, and you’ll want to make sure you have professional photographs and video to remember it by. Take the time to research and hire a photographer and videographer who understands your vision and can capture the essence of your day.
2. Pick a location. Utah is home to a variety of stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and canyons. Choose a location that speaks to you as a couple and reflects your personalities and interests. Do you want to elope in the mountains, desert, National Park, State Park, lakeside, or even the Salt flats?
3. Let’s talk about officiants. Decide who you want to officiate the ceremony. You have many options when it comes to choosing an officiant for your elopement. You can hire someone, have a friend become ordained online, or even use a vendor who is officiated and just read your vows. Many elopement photographers are ordained. Meaning – they won’t conduct a ceremony, but they can make it legal and assist you with marriage licenses. Couples who choose to do this tend to just do a vow exchange instead of having someone read something for a ceremony.
4. Vendors! Decide if you want to hire any other vendors. Do you want a florist or day-of planner to decorate a table scape / arch for you? Do you want to hire a musician to play a song while you want down to your spouse during your ceremony? Do you want a hair and makeup artist to glam you up? Do you want to hire a private chef? When couple hire me for an elopement, I have a recommended vendor list to share!
5. Is there any travel involved? If so, look into Airbnbs, VRBO’s, hotels, unique stays, and any other travel accommodations you may need. Book the travel as soon as you can.
6. Plan your day. Consider what activities you want to do on your wedding day. Utah offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and skiing. You could also plan a romantic picnic or a hot air balloon ride. Whatever you choose, make sure it reflects your unique personalities and interests.
7. Plan a timeline with your photographer and videographer. It’s important to communicate with your photographer and videographer about the timing of your elopement day. This will ensure that they are able to capture all of the important moments and create a cohesive and beautiful story of your wedding day. I highly encourage hiring a photographer and videographer who will help you in both picking a location and with planning your elopement. (Yes, I do this!!!)

Now you may be thinking – other than a small ceremony and some portrait shots, what else can I do on my elopement day? Here are a few ideas!

1. Hike to a scenic location for your ceremony, such as Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Angels Landing in Zion National Park, or Mt. Timpanogos.
2. Take a hot air balloon ride and exchange vows in the air over Park City or Salt Lake City.
3. Go skiing or snowboarding in the winter and have a cozy ceremony in a mountain lodge.
4. Rent a Jeep or ATV and explore the backcountry of Moab or Canyonlands National Park.
5. Book a private helicopter tour and say your vows on a scenic mountaintop.
6. Have a picnic at sunset on the shores of Great Salt Lake.
7. Take a horseback ride through the red rocks of Bryce Canyon National Park and have a small ceremony with your loved ones.
8. Go on a guided rock climbing excursion and exchange vows on a breathtaking cliffside.
9. Rent a vintage car or motorcycle and take a scenic road trip through the Utah mountains.
10. Have a small, intimate dinner at a local restaurant or winery.

Remember, your elopement day is all about celebrating your love and making memories that will last a lifetime. Choose activities that reflect your personalities and interests, and make your day uniquely yours.