How to Elope in Utah: A Step by Step Guide
Salt Flats Elopement in Utah
Eloping in Utah can be a magical and intimate experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to elope in Utah:
Choose Your Ideal Location: Utah offers a diverse array of stunning locations for elopements. Whether you prefer the red rock landscapes of Moab, the majestic canyons of Zion National Park, or the enchanting beauty of Bryce Canyon, select a location that resonates with your vision and preferences. (Keep reading for more locations in Utah to elope)
Obtain Necessary Permits: If your chosen elopement location requires permits for ceremonies, photography, or parking, make sure to obtain them in advance. Contact the appropriate authorities or park services for information on permits and regulations. Not all permit information can be found online with a google search. However, if you are planning to elope at a State Park or National Park, you can usually find all the permit information on the park’s website, along with any necessary information for planning your elopement at a specific park.
Hire a Local Officiant: To make your elopement official, you'll need to have a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony. Consider hiring a local officiant who is familiar with elopements in the area and can help personalize the ceremony to suit your preferences. PRO TIP: If you hire Datura Photo, I am an ordained officiant and can officiate your elopement!
Book Accommodations: If you plan to stay overnight or have multiple-day celebrations, secure accommodations in advance. Utah offers various lodging options, from luxurious resorts to cozy cabins, depending on your preferences and budget. Depending on where you choose to elope, I am happy to assist you with this.
Plan Your Vows and Ceremony: Decide on the format and content of your vows and ceremony. Whether you choose to write personal vows or follow a traditional script, make it meaningful and reflective of your love story.
Consider Witnesses: Utah requires two witnesses for a marriage ceremony to be legally binding. You can either invite close friends or family members to act as witnesses or inquire if your officiant can provide witnesses for you. If I am your photographer and/or videographer, I can officiate your wedding and act as a witness.
Check the Weather: Utah's weather can be unpredictable, especially in certain seasons. Check the weather forecast for your elopement date and prepare accordingly with appropriate attire and accessories. Bear in mind, Utah’s forecast is not the most reliable and should be used as a guide, although I suggest to be prepared for any type of weather.
Pack Essentials: Bring essentials for your elopement, such as your marriage license, identification documents, rings, and any personalized items you want to incorporate into the ceremony.
Hire your photographer and/or videographer: I am an elopement photographer and videographer and can answer any questions you may have. Eloping allows for such epic wedding photos, and it would be my honor to show off your love as the work of art it already is.
Educate yourself on “Leave No Trace”. It is imperative that you respect the places you go for epic views. “Leave No Trace” is a way you can do your part to minimize impact, allowing us humans the opportunity to visit such beautiful places. You can educate yourself and enroll in FREE courses to learn how to “Leave No Trace”, and keep our earth’s ecosystems running, keep animals safe, and protect the land. You can visit https://lnt.org for more info and enroll in free courses at https://learn.lnt.org/courses/101. It is important that everyone in your wedding party along with your wedding vendors are aware of “Leave No Trace” and do their part when you visit gorgeous places in Utah.
Enjoy the Moment: Above all, remember that your elopement is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other. Embrace the beauty of the moment, savor the intimate experience, and cherish the memories you create on your elopement day in Utah.
Please note that laws and regulations may vary, so it's essential to do your research and check the specific requirements for eloping in Utah. Additionally, consider hiring a local wedding planner to assist you with logistics and ensure a seamless elopement experience.
I would love to learn more about you and the love of your life! It would be my honor to chat more with you and see if we’re aligned. Contact me HERE or schedule a call with me HERE so we can talk all about your day, your vision, and create an epic timeline and location for your story to unfold.
-Jules