Utah Elopement Packages – What You Need To Know

If you are about to tie the knot, you might be wondering which options are available to you when it comes to planning a wedding. Yes, you may opt for a traditional wedding, but there are always challenges associated with it. Well, the next best thing is eloping. If you plan on eloping in Utah, here’s what you need to know about the best Utah elopement packages to consider.

Is Eloping A Good Idea?

Are you thinking about eloping? Have you seen the various Utah elopement packages available to you? Are you wondering whether elopement is a good idea in the first place? Well, here are some of the reasons why you should consider eloping rather than having a traditional wedding.

Have A Intimate And Personal Wedding 

With an elopement, you can invite fewer people than at a traditional wedding. Even better, you can do it with your partner without anyone else present. Therefore, it’s more personal and intimate than having a large traditional wedding. You should be able to spend more quality time on your big day. Even better, you can exchange your vows and share feelings without fear or embarrassment in your epic outdoor wedding venue. 

Have A Honeymoon Combo 

Another great reason to elope is to have a combination of your big day and honeymoon. Various exquisite venues offer Utah elopement packages that include honeymoon offers. Therefore, you can choose one of these stunning venues for an intimate wedding and after that enjoy a romantic honeymoon without involving the whole crowd.

Avoid Religious And Cultural Issues 

Especially those with deep-set cultural or religious values, families can be quite complicated when it comes to weddings. Suppose you are both from different religious or cultural beliefs. In that case, you might feel stressed about trying to please everyone on your big day. You might end up compromising everything while trying to make everyone happy. Well, an elopement is a great idea if you want to avoid such religious and cultural issues on your big day.

Choose A Great Location 

With a traditional wedding, you are quite limited to having a destination wedding since you have to invite many people and handle transport logistics. Well, if you have always dreamed of having a destination wedding at one of the magnificent places in Utah, you should consider eloping. You can only bring a handful of people and enjoy a great event without stressing how to get people there. Check out these amazing wedding venues in Utah, for more inspiration.

To Save Money 

Traditional weddings are quite expensive. If you plan for one, you need to pay for the venue, the food, transport for your guests, and many other expenses. If you are limited on how much you can spend, you can always choose to elope and spend the money on something else. Even better, you can use the spare cash to have a magnificent honeymoon.

Avoid The Stress Of Wedding Planning 

Every bride can attest that planning a wedding is entirely stressful. You will be too overwhelmed by every decision, and it’s relatively easy to become a bridezilla. Well, you can quickly elope and avoid the stress of planning a wedding. You should be able to have a quiet and intimate affair without feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your big day.

How To Prepare For An Elopement In Utah 

Here are a few tips to help you plan for your elopement in Utah successfully. 

The Best Season 

Spring is the best time to have an elopement in Utah. You can enjoy the blooming flowers and the clear skies after a cold winter. Even better, you can plan a Summer wedding but choose a venue with a great ambiance. A few brides choose to get married in the winter season so they can spend their honeymoon tucked indoors enjoying their married life. 

Marriage Laws And Permits 

To elope in Utah, you need a marriage license. You should apply for one from the local county clerk’s office. Also, the elopement ceremony should be solemnized by an ordained individual. When getting your marriage license for an elopement in Utah, you need to meet the following requirements. 

• Make an in-person application with your partner at the local county clerk’s office. 

• Provide full names, addresses, and dates of birth for both you and your partner. You should also provide the date of the ceremony.

• Provide both of your social security numbers.

• Provide both of your birthplaces, names of both of your parents, and mothers’ maiden names. 

• Provide valid picture ID for both of you, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, state ID card, or passport.

• $30 to $60 for the license application fee. 

To elope in Utah, you must meet the following requirements. 

• You must be at least 18 years old.

• You don’t need to be a resident of Utah to apply for a marriage license there or elope.

• Same-sex marriages are allowed in Utah.

• There is no waiting period to elope or get married in Utah.

• Once you receive the marriage license, you must get married within 30 days.

• You must have two witnesses over 18 years of age at your elopement or marriage ceremony in Utah. 

Choosing A Photographer

Next, you need to bring a photographer to your magical elopement in Utah. That way, you can capture the best memories of the big day and share them with the rest of your family members and friends who couldn’t attend. When choosing a photographer for your elopement, make sure they are ready to travel for your big day without any hassles. 

On the other hand, the venue might have its photographer, but you can always vet them to make sure they are an excellent match for your photography needs on your big day.

The Best Venues For Your Utah Elopement

Here are some of the best venues with enticing Utah elopement packages for a memorable ceremony.

Dead Horse Point State Park

The Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab is perfect if you want to enjoy an intimate elopement ceremony at the following places; La Sal Wedding Site, Cliff Side Wedding Site, Dead Horse Point Overlook Wedding Site, Point Bench Overlook Wedding Site, Shade Shelter Site Wedding Site, and Dead Horse Point Visitor Center Wedding Site.

Abbi Hearne – WWW.THEHEARNES.COM

 

To get married in the state park, you need to apply for a particular use permit. Make sure you apply for the license at least 30 days before the wedding. You will spend $10 for the application fee and $50 for the permit fee. The best time to have your wedding at Dead Horse Point is fall and spring. If you want a private affair, you can choose a weekday and have your ceremony at sunrise. 

Snow Canyon State Park

First, you need to apply for a permit to have your elopement ceremony at this venue. Check the dates to ensure it’s not blacked out due to high traffic before applying for the permit. If you are bringing a photographer, there is a special permit required. Spring is the best time to get married in Snow Canyon State Park. 

April Bladh Smith – www.bladhphotography.com

 

Weekdays offer more privacy if you want a private event. You can also enjoy various activities such as horseback riding, hiking, or backpacking at the state park with your partner. The best places for an elopement ceremony at Snow Canyon State Park include the Sand Dunes, Lower Galoot, Petrified Dunes, and Snow Canyon Overlook.

Bonneville Salt Flats

It’s a fantastic venue for your elopement in Utah. You can enjoy the vast areas of glittery salt that will capture the perfect moment you exchange your vows with your loved one. The Bonneville Salt Flats are located in North West Utah, about 5 minutes away from Wendover, Nevada. 

Nicole Aston – www.nicoleaston.com

 

Since the federal government manages the land, you need a special use permit to have your elopement ceremony here. The best time to have your ceremony is between April-May when it is warm and flooded. Make sure you bring shoes that you can wipe off the salt without any challenges.

Arches National Park Moab

Yet another spectacular venue to enjoy your elopement in Utah. Arches National Park offers the following Utah elopement packages and destinations for couples. These include The Windows Section, Sand Dune Arch, Delicate Arch, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, Landscape Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Park Avenue, Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater, and Panorama Point. You should apply for a permit to get married at the Arches National Park and the best time to get married is in spring.

Nicole Aston – www.nicoleaston.com

 

Church Of Dirt Park City

Here, you can exchange your views amid the fantastic scenery of meadows and beautiful boulders. It’s an accessible venue with a lot of privacy for your big day. You don’t need to reserve the venue with any vendors. Choose any bright day in spring and have your wedding here. Just make sure you don’t interrupt anyone else’s wedding.

Nicole Aston – WWW.NICOLEASTON.COM

 

Big Cottonwood Canyon 

Are you planning an elopement in the mountains? Well, the Big Cottonwood Canyon is an excellent place for your elopement ceremony in Utah. You will join many other brides who have had a pleasant experience exchanging their vows on the rocky mountainside. The views are spectacular, and the location is intimate enough for an unforgettable event. You should be able to enjoy hiking and other activities in the mountains with your loved one as you celebrate your marriage. 

Nicole Aston – www.nicoleaston.com

 

Zion National Park 

Suppose you are planning to have your elopement ceremony out in nature. In that case, you can do it at Zion National Park in Utah. It’s the perfect venue for adventure lovers who are hoping to explore the inspiring canyons on their big day as well as exchange their vows. This is an ideal choice if you are looking for a stress-free, beautiful and intimate Zion wedding ceremony. 

Nicole Aston – www.nicoleaston.com

 

There are a few top spots to enjoy the best Utah elopement packages in Zion National Park. These include the following: 

• Off the highway along the switchbacks
• Temple of Sinawava
• Anasazi Plateau
• Zion Overlook
• Canyon Overlook from Kolob Rd
• East of the Mount Carmel Tunnel
• Slot Canyon 
• The East Side of Zion 

Make sure you acquire the necessary permits required to have an elopement ceremony in the National Park. You can also visit their official website to find out their busiest periods and choose a day with fewer tourists if you are planning a private day. 

How To Pick The Right Location For Elopement In Utah

Now that you know some of the top venues for an elopement, you need to know how to choose the best one. Here are a few factors to consider.

Sentimental Value

You need to choose a location with sentimental value. Look for something that inspires, moves, and makes you feel comfortable. Whether it’s on a hiking trail in one of the national parks, you should be able to find somewhere that you can connect to emotionally. 

Captivating Scenery

You need everyone who couldn’t come to your wedding to share in the joy of your elopement. They can only do that if you take the most magnificent photos of your elopement. Well, when choosing a venue, you should opt for one with captivating scenery and spectacular views.

Accessible

Make sure the elopement location is accessible. If you are having an elopement ceremony in a national park, make sure you check their schedule to avoid disappointments. Also, check the weather and other requirements to ensure you have everything necessary for the big day.

Season

If you don’t want to have a hazardous elopement ceremony, you should consider the season when choosing the best elopement venue. In Utah, the best weddings are done in Spring or Summer, so you shouldn’t have trouble getting a good venue for your elopement ceremony if you plan early.

Safety

Finally, you need to consider the safety of your venue. Yes, you might be a little adventurous, but you need to be cautious too. If you want to get married on a mountain top, you should have the necessary equipment to get up and down safely.

Utah Elopement Packages

Regardless of the destination you choose, make sure there are great elopement packages, especially those with a honeymoon option for the best ceremony.

Take these tips into account when planning your elopement in Utah, and have the most memorable day! If you are thinking about eloping in another state, you might want to check out our elopement guides for California and Florida.

 

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If you love these amazing outdoor locations but would like to get to know other places around the world, then check out this blog post:

The 101 Most Epic & Best Places to Elope in 2022