The Ultimate ‘How to Elope in Utah’ Guide (For Adventure-Loving Humans Who Want Epic Photos)

Jamie Tobin Photography

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Date Posted

January 29, 2025

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.

Location, Location, Location! Let’s break Utah down by regions, because this state is basically showing off with its diversity:

Southern Utah (The Red Rock Paradise)

  • Moab Region: Think Arches, Canyonlands, and those La Sal Mountains that casually photobomb every shot
  • Zion Region: Dramatic cliffs, emerald pools, and slot canyons that’ll make your jaw drop
  • Bryce Canyon: Orange hoodoos that look like nature’s attempt at modern art Best Time: March-May or September-November (unless you enjoy being a human puddle)

Northern Utah (The Mountain Wonderland)

  • Park City Area: Mountain luxury meets aspen groves
  • Wasatch Range: Alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and peaks for days
  • Salt Flats: For when you want photos that look like you eloped on another planet Best Time: June-September for warm vibes, December-March for winter wonderland

Central Utah (The Hidden Gems)

  • Capitol Reef: The underrated national park that’ll steal your heart
  • Goblin Valley: For couples who want their photos to look otherworldly Best Time: Spring or Fall (trust me on this one)

The Legal Stuff (Because You Actually Want This to Be Official) Utah Marriage License 101:

  • Cost: Around $50-70 depending on county
  • Both parties must appear in person
  • Valid for 30 days
  • No waiting period (hello, spontaneous elopers!)
  • Can be used anywhere in Utah
  • Pro tip: Salt Lake County makes it super easy for out-of-state couples

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!

Getting Here (Because Teleporting Isn’t a Thing Yet)

Flying In:

  • Salt Lake International Airport (SLC): Major hub, recently renovated, chef’s kiss
  • Smaller airports: St. George, Moab, Page (AZ) Pro tip: Consider flying into Las Vegas or Denver for southern/eastern Utah adventures

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).

Road Trip Routes (For the Subaru Squad):

  • The Mighty 5 Loop: Hit all five national parks in one epic journey
  • Canyon Country: Connect Moab to Zion through scenic byways
  • Mountain Loop: Park City to Sundance to Salt Lake’s cottonwood canyons

How to Elope in Utah while doing Luxury Activities (Because Adventure Can Be Fancy)

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.

How to elope in Utah with Elevated Dining Experiences

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.

Luxury Under the Stars Forget everything you thought you knew about camping.

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.

Logistics Tips for Luxury Elements:

  • Book private experiences 3-6 months in advance, especially during peak season
  • Consider weekday experiences for better availability and pricing
  • Many luxury service providers require deposits and have specific cancellation policies
  • Weather backup plans are essential for outdoor experiences
  • Some activities have seasonal availability only
  • Coordinate timing with your photography schedule (because you definitely want photos of all this)

How to Make it Happen:

  1. Choose your base location (Moab, Park City, St. George, etc.)
  2. Identify must-have luxury experiences
  3. Build your timeline around sunrise/sunset for best lighting and temperatures
  4. Consider travel time between activities
  5. Have indoor backup options for weather
  6. Coordinate all vendors’ arrival times and locations

Pro Planning Tips:

  • Many luxury lodges have dedicated concierge services for activity planning
  • Consider a local planner for complex multi-day experiences
  • Some activities require minimum group sizes – perfect excuse to include a few guests
  • Book accommodations first, then build activities around your location
  • Consider seasonal road closures and access points

Food Scene (It’s Not All Fry Sauce, I Promise)

Salt Lake City:

  • HSL (fancy farm-to-table)
  • Log Haven (mountain luxury vibes)
  • Takashi (best sushi in the mountain west)

Moab:

  • Desert Bistro (fine dining in red rock country)
  • Josie Wyatt’s (steakhouse with a view)

Park City:

  • Handle (local favorite for good reason)
  • Fletcher’s (cozy luxury)

Let’s talk about Utah’s… unique… liquor laws: A Guide for the Thirsty and Confused

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).

Pro tip: If you’re planning any kind of celebration, stock up early at the state liquor stores. Think of it like preparing for a mild apocalypse, but with better drinks.

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.

Plot twist: Utah’s got some seriously impressive craft breweries making magic happen.

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.

But here’s where Utah gets really interesting – we’re absolutely obsessed with soda.

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.

The best part? These soda shops make fantastic morning-after wedding stops.

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!

How to Elope in Utah with the Best Places to Stay

  • Under Canvas locations (luxury glamping)
  • Amangiri (if you’re feeling FANCY fancy)
  • Mountain lodges in Park City
  • Desert boutique hotels in Moab
  • Airbnbs with hot tubs and views

Important Tips to remember:

  • Get permits for national park ceremonies
  • Consider sunrise ceremonies (best light, fewer people)
  • Pack layers (desert temp swings are NO JOKE)
  • Bring ALL the water (seriously, all of it)
  • Leave No Trace (pack out what you pack in)
  • Respect indigenous lands
  • Have backup locations (weather be crazy)

How to Elope in Utah: Permits needed

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.

Ready to start planning your epic Utah elopement?

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.

Read Next: How to Elope in Utah, How to Elope in Zion

https://jamietobinphotography.com/zion-national-park-elopement/

How to Elope in Utah, Elope in Utah, Utah Elopement Guide

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