How to Elope in Utah, from a Utah Elopement Photographer, featuring photos from Emma & Jairus’ beautiful Zion National Park Elopement.

When Emma & Jairus decided to elope, they knew they wanted to plan something in Zion National Park in Utah, and they knew they wanted it to be just the two of them (and their beautiful dog!). They got ready together in a sweet hotel in Springdale, just outside of Zion, before heading into the park. We were able to enjoy some of my favorite spots, including a secret slot canyon, and of course Zion’s most famous Canyon Overlook Trail. 

I’ve shared so much about Zion over the years, but I realized not much about the other amazing Utah Elopement Locations, so I thought I’d take this chance to share about How to Elope in Utah.

HOW TO ELOPE IN UTAH | UTAH ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

How to Elope in Utah

There’s no doubt that Utah has some seriously spectacular scenery for an adventurous elopement. Of course, there are the amazing red rocks and desert landscapes it is famous for, but there’s so much more! From salt flats to mountain ranges, and canyons to forests and fields filled with wildflowers. That said, I’d say the first question to answer for How to Elope in Utah would be deciding on a location…  

Utah Elopement Locations

Zion National Park

Zion is by far the most famous Utah Elopement Location, and for good reason! The amazing red rock formations and slot canyons are dreamy, and the view over the Canyon Overlook Trail, while almost always busy, is spectacular. If you’d prefer to avoid crowds, then I’d always recommend a sunrise session here. That said, I know a few secret spots which we almost always have all to ourselves.  

Monument Valley

Monument Valley is another iconic Utah elopement location with unmissable towering sandstone formations. This is another busy location though – people come from around the world to see Monument Valley, so it would definitely take some planning and patience to elope here. Monument Valley is located on a Navajo Reserve so you may also need a special permit from the Navajo People to get married here.

Arches National Park

Continuing with some of Utah’s most famous Elopement Locations – Arches National Park! This is another spot where I’d absolutely recommend planning a sunset session, as the Park can fill up at which point they don’t allow anyone else to enter. If you’d like to know more about How to Elope in Arches National Park or see what an elopement there can look like, check out Shannon & Mike’s Arches NP elopement!

Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats are really epic and completely the opposite to the other Utah Elopement Locations listed so far, because instead of towering red rock monuments, it’s a wide-open, flat, white space. While the salt flats are amazing, there’s not much in terms of variety like Utah’s National Parks, so perhaps this is best kept as a location for portrait sessions.

Cottonwood Canyon

If you’d love to elope in Utah, but you’d prefer a little more greenery, check out Cottonwood Canyon! It’s beautiful all year round, with temperate summers and snowy winters, and will look a little different to the usual Utah Elopements you see.

Getting Legally Married in Utah

To get legally married in Utah, like almost every state, you’ll need to apply for a wedding license. You’ll also need to have the marriage solemnized by an officiant. The good news is a Utah Wedding Officiant should also be able to help you understand the process of getting your license (mind you it’s super simple! Just head to a county clerk’s office and make the application. It can be used immediately but expires after 30 days). Emma & Jairus, whose wedding is featured in this post, went with Michael Foley | Zion Wedding Officiant, who always puts together such thoughtful, fun-filled ceremonies. I’d definitely recommend him!

Utah Elopement Photographer

Last but not least, you’ll need to choose your Utah Elopement Photographer! Or hey, you could even do this first. There is so much to discover in Utah, and I know choosing and planning can feel overwhelming if you don’t have time to scout everything out yourself. That’s where I come in! I won’t just photograph your Utah Elopement for you, I’ll also help you to choose the best location for you and plan something epic.

Did this help you understand How to Elope in Utah? Or do you have more questions about hiring me as your Utah Elopement Photographer? I’d love to help you plan your Utah elopement and document it beautifully for you. Just get in touch to find out more.

Did you love Emma & Jairus’ Utah Elopement Photography? Let them know in the comments below!