Utah is one of the most stunning places to elope with your love. From towering red rock canyons to vast desert landscapes and alpine terrain, the scenery here is truly unmatched.
As an elopement photographer, Utah is one of my favorite places to join couples for their special day. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunrise ceremony in Bryce Canyon or a secluded vow exchange on BLM land, Utah has something for every kind of couple.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your Utah elopement, including locations, permits, legalities, costs, and what to expect in each season.
Why Elope in Utah
Utah offers a little bit of everything. Here’s why so many couples choose to elope here:
- Diverse landscapes – Every backdrop is gorgeous, whether it’s red rock canyons, desert salt flats, hoodoos, or alpine forests
- Abundant public land – National parks, state parks, and millions of acres of BLM land give you endless options
- Easy legal process – The marriage license application is straightforward, and there aren’t any residency requirements
- Pet-friendly options – There are several Utah elopement locations that your pets can join you
- Something for every couple – You can plan a laid-back ceremony, a camping or hiking elopement, or something else
- Affordable elopements – With so much free public land available, Utah is one of the most budget-friendly states to elope in
How to Elope in Utah
- Book your photographer – Alongside stunning photos of your elopement, they can also help with location scouting, permits, timelines, and vendor recommendations to help you plan the perfect day.
- Choose your date and location – Utah has dozens of incredible elopement spots. Think about your ideal scenery and the kind of experience you want, whether it’s adventurous, relaxed, or somewhere in between. Then, narrow down your options from there.
- Book your travel and accommodations – Most of Utah’s top elopement locations are within a few hours of Salt Lake City International Airport. Moab, Springdale, and Bryce Canyon City are all great bases, depending on where you have your elopement.
- Apply for your marriage license – Visit any county clerk’s office in Utah to apply. Your license is valid immediately and good for 32 days. Bring a valid photo ID and $40–$50 for the fee.
- Secure your permit – Most ceremonies on federal land, including national parks and BLM land, require a permit. Apply in advance, especially for popular parks during peak season.
- Plan your day – The best part of eloping is making the day all about you and your love. Choose activities that will make the day special, like personalized vows, a first dance, and a favorite activity.
Utah Elopement Locations
As one of the most beautiful places to elope, Utah has no shortage of stunning places to exchange your vows. Here are some of my favorite Utah elopement locations, from iconic national parks to hidden BLM land spots.
Zion National Park
Location: Springdale, UT
Best for: Dramatic scenery with a mix of easy and adventurous terrain
Special Use Permit: Yes — apply through the National Park Service
Zion National Park is one of the most popular Utah elopement locations. Towering red rock walls, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River create a dramatic backdrop no matter where you exchange your vows. Popular ceremony spots include Canyon Junction, the Pa’rus Trail, and Angels Landing for couples up for a climb.
Bonneville Salt Flats
Location: Wendover, UT
Best for: Unique scenery in Utah without crowds
Special Use Permit: No permit required
The Bonneville Salt Flats are unlike any other elopement location in Utah. The vast white landscape is unique from most locations with red rock formations. The Salt Flats is a stunning wide-open, crowd-free spot that makes for a unique experience and breathtaking photos.
Canyonlands National Park
Location: Moab, UT
Best for: A private ceremony off the beaten path
Special Use Permit: Yes — apply through the National Park Service
Canyonlands is one of Utah’s least visited national parks, which makes it ideal for couples who want a secluded experience. The park is divided into four districts, with Island in the Sky being the most accessible. The views over the Colorado and Green Rivers are gorgeous and make the perfect wedding backdrop.
Dead Horse State Park
Location: Moab, UT
Best for: A dog-friendly, sunrise, or sunset elopement with panoramic canyon views
Special Use Permit: Yes — contact Utah State Parks to apply
Dead Horse Point sits 2,000 feet above the Colorado River and offers some of the most sweeping views in all of Utah. It’s the perfect location for a dog-friendly elopement. It’s also one of the most beautiful places for a sunrise or sunset elopement. If you want to visit multiple locations, Canyonlands is also nearby.
Capitol Reef National Park
Location: Torrey, UT
Best for: An adventurous elopement with dramatic views
Special Use Permit: Yes — apply through the National Park Service
Capitol Reef is one of Utah’s most underrated elopement destinations. The park is far less visited than Zion or Arches, which means more space and fewer crowds on your wedding day. Cathedral Valley is one of the best spots in the park, with massive sandstone formations rising from the desert floor. A 4×4 is recommended to get there, which is perfect for an adventurous elopement.
Arches National Park
Location: Moab, UT
Best for: Iconic desert scenery
Special Use Permit: Yes — apply through the National Park Service
Arches National Park is in eastern Utah and is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches. Delicate Arch is the most iconic ceremony spot, but the park has countless other stunning locations. This is a great location for couples who want a magical backdrop and a unique experience.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Bryce, UT
Best for: A unique sunrise elopement or an adventurous experience
Special Use Permit: Yes — apply through the National Park Service
Bryce Canyon is unlike anywhere else in the world. The park is famous for its hoodoos — tall, thin spires of rock that glow orange and red in the sunlight. If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike down into the canyon and exchange your vows completely surrounded by hoodoos. You can also have a more relaxed experience and enjoy a magical sunrise elopement.
BLM Land
Location: Throughout Utah
Best for: An intimate experience away from the crowds
Special Use Permit: Varies by location
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) spaces cover millions of acres across Utah and are publicly owned. This land is some of the most stunning terrain in the state. Because these spots aren’t widely publicized, they offer a level of privacy and intimacy that’s hard to find in a national park. I love helping couples find the perfect BLM land for a special elopement.
Best Time to Elope in Utah
Utah is a year-round elopement destination, but the best time to visit depends on your location and your ideal experience. Spring and fall tend to offer the most comfortable temperatures, summer is warm and vibrant, and winter is snowy and less crowded.
| Month | What to Expect |
| January – February | Cold temps and snow at higher elevations, but quieter crowds. Great for a moody winter elopement at lower elevations like the Salt Flats. |
| March – April | Warming temps, wildflowers starting to bloom, and fewer crowds than summer. |
| May – June | One of the best times to visit because of comfortable weather, longer days, and landscapes starting to show off. |
| July – August | Peak season with vibrant colors, but also the most crowds and hottest temps, especially in Moab. |
| September – October | Many couples’ favorite months because of cooler temps, fall colors, and fewer crowds. |
| November – December | Quieter and cooler with possible snow at higher elevations. Great for a winter elopement with a peaceful atmosphere. |
Utah Elopement Laws
Here’s what you need for eloping in Utah:
- Marriage license – You can apply for a marriage license at any county clerk’s office in Utah. There’s no waiting period — your license is valid immediately and good for 32 days. The fee is $40–$50, and you’ll need a valid photo ID.
- Witnesses – Utah requires two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign your marriage license. This can be your photographer, a vendor, or any guests who join you.
- Officiant – You must have a licensed officiant to legally marry in Utah. As a licensed officiant, I often marry couples I offer photography for.
- Permits – Most ceremonies on federal land require a Special Use Permit. This includes national parks, BLM land, and national forests. Permit requirements, costs, and lead times vary by location. I help all couples I work with navigate this process.
Utah Elopement Cost
Utah elopement costs typically range from $4,000 to $18,000, depending on your location, guest count, and vendors. You can splurge or plan an affordable elopement by using BLM land, which is free to access.
Here’s what affects the total cost of eloping:
- Photography – Usually the biggest investment, and the one most couples prioritize
- Officiant – Costs vary; some photographers (like me) are also licensed officiants
- Marriage license – $40–$50 at any county clerk’s office
- Permits – Free to $150+, depending on location and group size
- Travel and accommodations – Varies based on where you fly in and how long you stay
- Additional vendors – Hair and makeup, florals, catering, and other extras
Utah Elopement Packages
I offer mini, full-day, and two-day elopement packages so you can choose the experience that fits your vision — from an intimate ceremony to a full adventure day.
Every Utah elopement package includes:
- My travel expenses
- A phone consultation
- Location scouting
- Timeline planning
- Vendor recommendations
- Wedding planning resources
- Sneak peek photos
- A custom online gallery with all edited high-resolution images
- Printing rights
Utah Elopement: FAQs
Can you elope in Utah?
Yes — Utah is one of the best states to elope. It has no residency requirements, a simple marriage license process, and some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. From national parks to hidden BLM land, there’s a perfect spot for every couple.
Can you get married the same day in Utah?
Yes. Utah doesn’t have a waiting period for marriage licenses. Your license is valid immediately after it’s issued, so you can apply and get married the same day. Just make sure you have a valid photo ID, two witnesses over 18, and a licensed officiant.
Do you need a permit to elope in Utah?
It depends on where you plan to have your ceremony. Most ceremonies on federal land, including national parks and BLM land, require a Special Use Permit. State parks have their own permit requirements. Some locations, like the Bonneville Salt Flats, don’t require a permit at all.
Where to elope in Utah?
Utah has incredible options for every type of couple. The most popular Utah elopement locations include Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, Dead Horse Point, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and Goblin Valley. Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks are often a bit less crowded than other popular locations. For something more private, BLM land offers stunning scenery without the crowds.
Let’s Plan Your Elopement Utah
Utah is one of my favorite places to photograph elopements, and I’d love to help you plan yours. From finding the perfect location and navigating permits to timeline planning and capturing every moment, I can join you every step of the way.
kinsley + caden
“Brooke was the perfect choice for our wedding day! We had a micro wedding at Sapphire Point in August. I had never been to Sapphire Point and Brooke was so helpful suggesting vendors, picture locations, parking, marriage license info etc. She was so kind and helpful before and during the whole process and was a large part of why the day went so smooth. She does so much more than just show up and take pictures, Brooke will truly go out of her way to make your wedding day perfect! The photos are gorgeous and I keep getting so many compliments! I truly cannot recommend her enough!”
"Brooke was a large part of why our day went so smooth and will truly go out of her way to make your wedding day perfect!"
We chose Brooke to capture our Colorado elopement and she did exactly that and more. She made it easy to plan our day out with locations and timelines so that we could focus on ourselves. We decided last minute to change our afternoon/evening elopement to a 6am sunrise one so beat the heat of the day. Brooke accommodated us without hesitation and even created a new timeline for us so that we knew where to be for the perfect sunrise. She was kind and understood what we wanted in terms of our elopement and we are so grateful to have her capture the day. Our photos turned out beautiful and truly helped us relive the day. I would recommend Brooke to anyone wanting their special day photographed.
"Brooke accommodated us without hesitation and even created a new timeline for us so that we knew where to be for the perfect sunrise."
erica + stacy
kirstie + colin
Brooke not only photographed our mountain elopement beautifully, but she put so much thought into the details and knew all of the answers the questions I didn’t even know to ask. She really puts a lot of thought into each photo and brings her expertise while still remaining very open to what we wanted and ideas we had. She even helped pick the perfect spot for us and advised us on the logistical details like securing a reservation at the mountain lake where we wanted our ceremony. She is SO easy to work with and very friendly and chill. My husband and I are super awkward in front of a camera but she made it so natural and easy - and the shots came out better than we could have imagined.
"She really puts a lot of thought into each photo and brings her expertise while still remaining very open to what we wanted and ideas we had."
amanda + jace
Brooke is many things; talented, calm, flexible, experienced/ knowledgeable, patient, incredibly responsive, organized, resourceful in a pinch, supportive, creative, professional yet a blast to work with, and goes above & beyond w her clients. Our wedding was a spectacular dream and we couldn't be more grateful that she made that single day last forever. Whether she's photographing nature or an intimate event, her pictures tell a story of peace, love, whatever your vision may be. We couldn't recommend her more and we look forward to booking with her for all of our vow renewals, seasonal and family pictures for as long as she'll have us.
"Whether she's photographing nature or an intimate event, her pictures tell a story of peace, love, whatever your vision may be."
linden + brent
Working with Brooke was a dream come true! Before we even met, my husband Brent and I were impressed by her portfolio. After meeting, we were even more convinced that her photography skills and knowledge, and her fun and easygoing personality were exactly what we were looking for in an elopement photographer. Brooke was able to take our vision and facilitate everything so that it worked out beautifully, especially when it came to finding the perfect location (the incredible mountains surrounding Ouray). Throughout the entire planning process, she was honest and flexible, and made it clear that her goal was for us to be 100% happy. In the end, her creativity and our happiness totally shine through in every single photo.
"Throughout the entire planning process, she was honest and flexible."
lauren + branden
I can't begin to express my gratitude for the intimacy and beauty behind Brooke's photographs. In capturing our wedding day, she went above and beyond to document our story, our families, and the depths of our love in ways that I'll forever be grateful for. Brooke has an eye for not only capturing the adventure and magic of your love, but deeply connects with your personal story, understands your relationship, and then gives that back in the most incredible way. She is truly an artist and tells your story in an authentic and creative way for you to look back on for years to come. We are forever grateful to Brooke for spending the time to get to know us, our story, and capturing the memories that we'll relive for years to come.
"Brooke deeply connects with your personal story, understands your relationship, and then gives that back in the most incredible way."
heather + jedd
“If you're contemplating which photographer to go with, THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO CHOOSE BROOKE!!!! She is so so so talented and was able to capture our elopement exactly how I pictured and wanted! We eloped in Ridgway, CO this past September and she was so helpful figuring out picture locations, recommendations of timeline for the day, and just made the whole day feel so smooth. She schedules multiple check ins, phone calls, etc., leading up to the big day to ensure everything is as you want it. Brooke has such a calming, down to earth presence and is one of those awesome people you feel like you've known forever after just the first time of meeting."
"Brooke has such a calming, down to earth presence and is one of those awesome people you feel like you've known forever."
christy + austin
Brooke is the absolute best. She truly went above and beyond for my fiancé and I to be able to get our engagement photos taken with the fall colors. Brooke is so sweet, fun, personable and incredibly talented. We could not be more in love with our engagement photos! Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever.
"Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever."
