Top 7 Reasons to Elope in Utah

LAST UPDATED February 14, 2023

If you’re reading this, I’m going to guess that you’re recently engaged and considering an elopement. Let me be one of the first to say CONGRATULATIONS, not just on your engagement (although that’s pretty dang awesome!) but on your willingness to think outside the confines of tradition for your wedding. 

It’s not always easy to go against what’s expected by society. So even though we haven’t met yet, I know you are a badass, one-of-a-kind couple who wants to do this thing your own way. And that is downright amazing! 

But with all this freedom, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Don’t worry, that’s where I come in! I love working with couples just like you to help narrow down the perfect location and activities for their special day. And today I want to share one of my all time favorite places for elopements. 

Utah is a spectacular place for all kinds of outdoor activities against an absolutely breathtaking backdrop. Here are the top reasons why Utah should be at the top of your elopement list! 

1. Elopement Keeps the Focus on You as a Couple

Let’s start with a basic definition of an elopement. Put simply, an elopement is a day uniquely crafted for you to celebrate your love for each other. You have the freedom to choose the exact activities you want to include and put your personal traditions and values at the forefront, instead of feeling bound to society’s expectations.

One of the best things about eloping? It’s all about you! Unlike a traditional wedding, there are no expectations and no template you need to follow for your day. Want to have an epic adventure in the mountains? Ride in a helicopter? Have a small picnic and eat donuts by a river? All of these things and more are possible with an elopement. 

2. Utah scenery is INCREDIBLE

Utah is home to 5 large National Parks and countless other smaller parks that each have a unique vibe. But they all have one thing in common: The scenery here is absolutely stunning! From the giant rock formations at Arches to the white expanses of the Salt Flats, there are so many options for your elopement. 

When you’re looking back at at your photos 5, 10, or 20 years from now, do you want them to look just like everyone else’s in some stuffy banquet hall? Or do you want to see yourselves exploring one of the most beautiful places in the world, sharing your love of adventure together? If you chose the latter (great choice, btw), Utah is the place for you.

In fact, there are so many awesome places to elope in Utah that we wrote an entire blog post on our favorite places! 

3. There Are SO Many Things to Do in Utah

If outdoor activities are your thing, then Utah is your playground. Just the National Parks alone offer miles and miles of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for mountain biking, climbing and boating. If motorized transport is more your speed, there are plenty of off-road trails for riding 4x4s and ATVs. For a birds eye view of all of that amazing scenery, a popular option is to take a helicopter ride! 

Utah is a year-round outdoor mecca, so in the winter, you’ll find amazing downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice climbing. 

My Amores have danced at sunrise under the Arches and skated together down a desert road. What adventures will you dream up? 

4. There is No Waiting Period for a Marriage License And The Application Can Be Completed Online

Unlike some other states, Utah has no waiting period for obtaining a marriage license. You can apply for your license and get married that same day!

You can also complete the entire marriage license application and all required signatures online. This is especially convenient if you are traveling, so you don’t have to build in any extra time for a trip to the county clerk’s office. 

The process for applying for and obtaining a marriage license in Utah is relatively easy. You can apply online or in person at any county clerk’s office. You’ll need to present the following docs and info:

1. Photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID card will work)
2. Social Security Card
3. A photo of each of you (if applying online)
4. Personal Info, including your name, address, dates and places of birth, and the names and birthplaces of both your parents (including maiden names)
5. Application fee. Most counties charge a small fee, which varies by county.

You have 32 days to get married and return the paperwork back to the county office. To make it official, you will need signatures from  an officiant authorized by the state of Utah to solemnize weddings (often this is a minister, rabbi, priest, county clerk, Native American spiritual adviser, or judge) and 2 witnesses over the age of 18. If you are having guests they can serve as your witnesses, but if not don’t worry! Since it doesn’t have to be someone you know, we can enlist anyone to help, even fellow hikers in the area! 

5. Save Money

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: traditional weddings are CRAZY expensive. In a 2019 survey by theknot.com, the average cost for a wedding was a staggering $28,000. Add in a few  extra guests and a honeymoon, and that cost skyrockets even more. 

It’s no wonder that many couples find budget concerns to be the most stressful part of their wedding planning. But trust me, Amores. There is another way! An elopement, even with travel, costs on average less than half of a traditional wedding. And it has the added bonus of allowing you to celebrate exactly how, and with who, you want. Sounds like a win-win to me! ? 

For more on how much you can expect to save by eloping, check out How Much Does it Cost to Elope.

6. I’ll Help You Find the Right Utah Elopement Package

All of my Utah elopement packages include UNLIMITED consultations to help make sure that we find the perfect location for you. When you work with me, you’re getting more than a photographer. You’ll get expert planning advice, including guidance on the best location and activities to make your elopement dreams a reality. I promise you a fun and stress-free experience and a dedication to making your wedding day your best adventure yet!

All of my elopement packages include:

• Starting at 4 Hours of coverage for your elopement package
• Personalized questionnaire to understand exactly how to craft your day.
• Unlimited free consultations to help you craft your perfect day.
• Complimentary Officiating where applicable
• Fully edited hi-res photos available for you to download for free
• TRAVEL FEES ALL INCLUDED. NO EXTRA OR HIDDEN FEES.

Ready to learn more? Reach out! 

7. Tell Your Story Your Own Way

You’re here for a reason. A part of you knows that a cookie-cutter, traditional wedding doesn’t feel right for you. You’re looking for something more. You want a totally authentic experience for your wedding. One that will set the tone for your lives together and that you’ll look back on years from now and smile. 

Eloping in Utah will help you do just that. Not only will you have an adventure that you’ll remember forever, but you’ll know that you did this thing your way. And that’s guaranteed to bring you joy for years to come!

Meet Your Utah Elopement Photographer

Hi there! I’m Adam, and my favorite thing in the world is helping couples just like you plan their perfect elopement. Whether you’re dreaming of a 10 mile hike followed by a 4×4 adventure, or an intimate sunset ceremony by a secluded lake, I’m here for it. I can help you find the best Utah elopement package and share all my tips to find the perfect location for your elopement.

If you’re ready to start planning or just have some questions to decide if a Utah elopement is right for you, I’d love to hear from you.