Best Places to Elope in Utah

Are you looking to elope in the land of adventure? Look no further than Utah. Utah is full of magic and wonder, from towering mountains to the majestic salt flats. Many of my clients have eloped in Utah, and it is one of my favorite places to photograph! Each elopement is special in it’s own way and with endless options from hiking and camping to skiing and more. Utah will fill your elopement with endless adventure. Listed below are the best places to elope in this beautiful state.

10 of the Best Places to Elope in Utah

1. Moab

Moab is truly the land of adventure. The big activities that draw tourists in are the hiking, biking, ATVing and climbing opportunites that the area has to offer. Couples looking to have an adventure elopement often would love to have some aspect of “adventure” in the day, so this feels like a great fit for many. One of the great things about the area of Moab is the access to closeby national parks. (Arches National Park + Canyonlands National Park). To read more about eloping in these places, click here.

2. Bonneville Salt Flats

The salt flats provide a blank slate for an elopement. This is a minimalistic background, with an incredibly serene backdrop. The best time of year to elope on the salt flats is March to early May to see the beautiful Salt grids. They are the driest from June until August. During the Winter (around November until beginning of May the salt Flats are underwater) by about an inch, so this isn’t the best time to go unless you don’t mind getting wet. Though, the water does provide for an amazing reflection of the Silver Island Mountain range.

3. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a very popular spot for those eloping couples that want breathtaking views, but don’t have to work too hard for them. There are hikes all over Zion if you love hiking + want the experience of hiking, but there’s also views right off the side of the road as well as minimal hikes that only take about 20 minutes for very unique scenery! Zion National Park is surrounded by a quaint touristy town that is home to lots of gem + crystal shops, restaurants + breweries that are fun to explore at night! They also offer adventure tours such as helicopter rides if you’re feeling spontaneous and extra adventurous.

4. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is home some of the most unique scenery in the world. The red teardrop rocks are so beautiful and provide an very vibrant backdrop for all elopement photos, in contrast with a traditional white wedding dress. There are a few things to consider when eloping in a national park, so if you have questions about eloping in Bryce Canyon, check out this blog post.

5. Tibble Fork Reservoir

Tibble Fork Reservoir is a Utah local’s favorite spot. It’s famous for its view at sunset, when the sun peers through the one opening in the mountains + sets right over the reservoir. The Reservoir is hidden in the mountains, but easily found in a drive through the canyon! All the locals know about it. It can become quite populated during the Summer, so ask your photographer about the best time to go. If you’re having others join your elopement, you may want to meet at the bottom of the canyon + drive up as a group, so you don’t get separated or lost from one another!

6. Antelope Island

Antelope Island encapsulates dessert scenery without being truly in the dessert. With it only being a 2 hour drive from Salt Lake City, it is still close to most civilization + activities that would keep your elopement interesting, while feeling at one with nature. On your elopement, you will find Buffalo surrounding you (along with antelope) depending on the time of year you visit. For your elopement, you have the choice of long dry hay- looking grass fields, pinkish Wasatch mountains or the reflection of the Great Salt Lake. Frary Peak is the highest point on Antelope Island if you want to elope from the highest point.

Dead Horse Point State Park

The great thing about eloping in Dead Horse Point State Park is that you need little to no decor elements, as your decor elements ARE your backdrop. Two great things about this state park are that your elopement photographer can bring a drone + you can include your pups! This is one of the only state parks that allows dogs! Here is a packet from the state park about eloping there! There are already 5 spots that are designated ceremony spots + beautiful places to say your vows!

Lake Powell

If you’ve like this list so far + enjoy unique rock structures, but also like adventure + a little more water than the dessert locations have to offer, lake powell is your elopement spot. There are SO many activities surrounding lake powell such as boating, jet skiing, hiking, climbing, etc. (not to mention exploring horseshoe bend and antelope canyon). The Colorado river divides the rocky canyon, providing a beautiful backdrop for your elopement. (This is one of my personal favorites).

Big + Little Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood canyon + Little Cottonwood Canyon are some of the most underrated spots in Utah for elopements. So many will pick one of the above options due to popularity, but the hikes and views within these two canyons shouldn’t be ignored. The hikes, waterfalls + views throughout the trails within the canyons are to die for. Personally, I would choose Big Cottonwood Canyon over Little Cottonwood Canyon for an elopement, due to the amount of trails in the Big canyon, but the little canyon is just as fierce.

Slot Canyons

Many want to elope at places similar to Antelope Canyon. Though, eloping there can be very tough (and expensive). There are many other slot canyons in Utah that look almost exactly like this but aren’t talked about as much, due to the amount of tourists it would bring (while also making it expensive for both of us to visit). If you are interested in a unique slot canyon elopement, feel free to reach out! I will tell you all my favorite spots! (:

If you loved this post + found it helpful while planning your elopement, here are some additional elopement resources:

Click Here to view my favorite adventurous elopement spots of all time.

Click here to view my favorite elopement spots nationwide

Click here to look at places I’d love to travel with you!

Eloping in Bryce Canyon National Park

How to Elope in Zion National Park