How to Elope in Utah – Hey there, fellow adventure enthusiasts! Grab your favorite local soda (trust me, Utah’s got a whole THING with soda), and let’s dive into planning your epic Utah elopement. Whether you’re driving your well-loved Subaru cross-country or flying in from abroad, this guide’s got everything you need to know about saying “I do” in Utah’s ridiculous landscapes.
The really only thing you ‘have’ to do when it comes to eloping in Utah is signing your marriage license. Oh and turning the paper work in!
I have personally used St. George and it a tiny little airport so make sure you are prepared to check your luggage because even carry on size is too big for a lot of the planes that fly in there.
Otherwise it was super easy to get in and out with the rental car from St George, and then the drive over to Zion was a breeze. Even took a bush road for a few giggles. We should have stopped sooner to grab wine at the liquor store, because forgot that grocery stores don’t carry wine (state law).
Let’s break down how to add some serious luxury to your adventure elopement, because who says you can’t have your champagne and drink it on a mountaintop too?
Sky-High Celebrations Want to make a dramatic entrance? Let’s talk helicopter options. Companies like Pinnacle Helicopters in Moab offer sunrise flights over the red rock landscapes, perfect for accessing those impossible-to-reach ceremony locations. Pro tip: Book a doors-off flight for epic photos (trust me, your dress flowing in the wind at 3,000 feet is worth it). Or plan a post-ceremony tour over Canyonlands’ maze of canyons while sipping champagne. Prices typically start around $399 per person for tours, with custom ceremony locations starting at $2,500.
For a different kind of airborne magic, hot air balloon rides over Park City or Moab give you that floating-on-air feeling without the helicopter noise. Imagine exchanging vows as the sun rises over the La Sal Mountains, followed by a champagne breakfast. Most companies like Canyonlands Ballooning offer private flights starting at $1,500.
Your elopement deserves better than trail mix (though I always pack some anyway). Private chefs in Utah are creating incredible experiences, whether it’s a sunrise breakfast in the desert or a starlit dinner. Companies like Elevation Culinary Adventures in Moab will literally set up a gourmet kitchen in the middle of nowhere. Picture a five-course dinner paired with sunset views of Arches National Park. Private chef experiences typically start at $250 per person.
For wine lovers – yes, Utah has some seriously impressive options! Consider a private tasting at Old Town Cellars in Park City, where sommeliers can create a custom pairing experience. They’ll even help you select the perfect bottles for your celebration. Private tastings start around $150 per person.
Utah’s luxury glamping scene is next level. Under Canvas near Moab and Zion offers safari-style tents with king beds, en-suite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves. Or check out Camp Sarika by Amangiri for the ultimate desert luxury experience (warning: prepare for your jaw to drop at both the views and the prices – tents start at $3,000/night).
Mindful Moments Start your wedding day with a private yoga session overlooking the red rocks. Local instructors will bring everything you need for a sunrise flow. Follow it up with a couple’s massage in your luxury accommodations or book a spa day at one of Park City’s mountain resorts. Red Mountain Resort near St. George offers amazing spa packages with a red rock backdrop.
Stargazing in Style Utah’s dark sky game is strong, and professional astronomers can elevate your star experience. Companies like Moab Astronomy Tours offer private sessions with high-powered telescopes and photography options. They’ll even time it with celestial events for extra magic. Private tours start around $350.
Let’s have a real talk about Utah’s beverage scene, because it’s… unique, to put it politely. If you’re planning your elopement here, you might want to sit down for this one. First things first – Utah’s liquor laws feel like they were written by someone who’s never been to a party, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back with some insider tips.
Here’s the deal with alcohol: Utah runs its liquor stores like a government operation (because it is one). They’re closed on Sundays, holidays, and they close earlier than your grandmother’s bedtime. Want champagne for your sunrise elopement toast? Better grab it at least a day before, unless you want to be toasting with gas station energy drinks (no judgment).
Now, about that beer in grocery stores and gas stations – yes, it’s real beer, but it’s keeping things modest at 5% ABV. However, don’t let this fool you into thinking Utah’s afraid of craft beer.
Check out Epic Brewing, Kiitos, and Uinta Brewing in Salt Lake City. They’re proving that creativity thrives under pressure, and their full-strength beers are available at their breweries or state liquor stores.
Like, embarrassingly obsessed. Welcome to the world of “dirty soda” shops, where your plain old Diet Coke gets dressed up fancier than a wedding gown.
These drive-through soda shops are everywhere, serving up concoctions that would make a bartender’s head spin. We’re talking coconut cream, fresh lime, flavored syrups, and energy shots mixed into your favorite sodas.
Local favorites like Swig and Sodalicious have cult followings, and once you try a “Beach Babe” (Sprite + coconut cream + strawberry puree) or a “Big Al” (Dr Pepper + coconut cream + fresh lime), you’ll understand why.
They’re perfect for creating custom “mocktails” for your celebration. Plus, they’re an absolutely essential part of the Utah cultural experience. Where else can you order something called a “Dirty Dr Pepper” without getting weird looks?
So while Utah’s liquor situation might require a bit more planning than you’re used to, consider it an opportunity to embrace the local culture in all its caffeinated, cream-mixed, sugar-rushed glory. And hey, at least you’ll be well-hydrated for all those epic hiking photos!
Make sure to read this blog post all on Utah’s national park permits
Most permits are $100-200 in cost and you get to pick a spot in the park that you want to have your ceremony and then we get to spend time exploring the park and just taking it all in before and after your ceremony.
Otherwise permits are not as scary as they seem! They are there to protect the parks and keep them beautiful so you can keep coming back to love on them. Plus it lets the park rangers know who is in the park with how many people in your group, just incase an emergency came up they know you are there.
Plus you have me as your wingman, I help navigate any permits you might need and point you in the right direction. Anything photography related I purchase myself so I have the right insurance and am covered.
As someone who knows these landscapes like the back of my camera, I’d love to help you create an unforgettable celebration that’s authentically you. Whether you’re dreaming of dancing under desert arches or sharing vows by alpine lakes, let’s make some magic together.
Hit me up, and let’s start planning your adventure! (I promise to share all my secret photo spots and best local coffee recommendations.)
P.S. If you’re wondering “is this location too epic?” The answer is always no. Utah doesn’t do subtle, and neither should your elopement.
https://jamietobinphotography.com/zion-national-park-elopement/
How to Elope in Utah, Elope in Utah, Utah Elopement Guide