As my next-door-neighbor state, I’ve spent a ton of time in Utah, exploring its super varied landscapes and enjoying everything they have to offer in terms of natural beauty. I’ve also been photographing elopements here for over 5 years, so I’ve done tons of research and hand-on scouting for the best locations in the state for people to elope.
When it comes to the Utah experience you’re likely picturing in your mind’s eye, you’ll have good luck in Moab. Even outside of Arches, there are crazy cool sandstone formations and great 4X4 roads, which makes it easy to get out of the tourist heavy areas and go find your own secluded experience.
Utah has so much more in store for you though, even if Moab isn’t your dream. Including seriously slept on national parks, super unique geographic features, and terrain for every season. I’ve elaborated on my list of favorites below!
(Or, if you want to filter by a certain kind of scenery, I’ve made an interactive map for elopement locations across the globe! Click here to go straight to it and filter through more than 550+ locations.)
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches is iconic for a reason! It’s also less than a four hour drive from Salt Lake City and only about three from Telluride, making it convenient from a few different spots! You’ve seen the photos, but there’s no preparing you for the real thing. Elope here for mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, and hiking like you’ve never seen before. The park is busy March through October and you’ll need a reservation, but this is also a really great off-season pick. This park also has some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 as a certified International Dark Sky Park, so if you’re into stargazing, you’ll love it here.
Best for: Canyons, Slot Canyon, Arches and Desert
Best months to get married here: March to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Balloon, Camping, Stargazing
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is the most visited of Utah’s national parks and the third most visited in the nation! Famous for world-class geologic wonders like The Narrows canyons and the sheer Angels Landing hike, this park sees 4.6 million visitors every year. If you’re not opposed to the cold, bundle up and make this an off-season pick to get all of the beauty with a fraction of the people
Best for: Canyons, Slot Canyon, Mountains, Waterfall, Wildflowers, Forest and Desert
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Stargazing
Moab, Utah
Endless red and orange canyons, steep cliffs, with a blue snow capped mountains in the background. There is so much room here to run wild, hike, off-road and not see another soul for hours. Not to mention the nearby state and national parks! This area is perfect for anyone who loves camping, hiking, climbing, off-roading, rappelling, and canyoneering. This is the mecca for adventure sports!
Best for: Canyons, Mountains and Desert
Best months to get married here: March to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Hot Air Balloon, Kayak, Paddleboard, Rock Climbing, Camping, 4×4/Jeep, Stargazing
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
This park is slept on, and it should not be! The least visited of all five of Utah’s national parks, this is a great spot to find a spot that feels secluded amidst the otherworldly landscape. Canyonlands is just a few hours out from Salt Lake City and offers the perks of an International Dark Sky Park (just like Arches, but with less crowds!). This park also has four total districts full of rivers, unique red rock formations, and plateaus overlooking dozens of canyons!
Best for: Canyons, Arches and Desert
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Utah
Saddled on the border between Utah and Wyoming, Flaming Gorge is an incredible hidden gem. I’m talking huge, sheer red rock cliffs over a winding canyon river that is primed for water activities. There are camping sites all over this area, including by the water, and the nearby Ashley National Forest. Why flaming? Because in the morning, the canyon captures the sun and lights up like it’s on fire. Sunrise is not to be skipped here!
Best for: Canyons, River, Forest and Desert
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Boating, Kayak, Paddleboarding
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is known for its towering red rock spires, called hoodoos. There are hikes in the park for all skill levels, including the very popular Queens Garden/Navajo Combination Loop. Natural rocky amphitheaters and switchback trails make this an easy spot to find dramatic views and jaw-dropping scenery. This park is higher in altitude than Zion or Arches at an average of 8,000 feet in elevation, so you can also find snow capped red rocks here!
Best for: Canyons, Forest and Desert
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Salt Lake City, Utah
If you’re coming to Utah, you’ll likely fly into SLC via their international airport, but this city is so much more than a stopover! More than one million people live in the metro area around Salt Lake City, and there is so much to do here. Pop downtown for breweries, dining, theatres, and the Farmer’s Market. When you’re ready to get back into nature, the Great Salt Lake State Park is waiting for you with the “largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere,” where you can experience weightless floating or take advantage of white sand beaches. Also not to be skipped is Antelope Island State Park, which sits right on the lake! Nearby Park City is famous for its ski areas (and Sundance Film Festival!). If that’s not enough, the Wasatch Range and Uinta Mountains are also on hand for all your alpine needs.
Best for: Mountains, City and Lake
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
Don’t let the name deter you. Dead Horse Point is sandwiched smack-dab in the middle of both Arches and Canyonlands and has the perks of both. With views of Moab and the Colorado River, the same Dark Sky Park accreditation as its national park neighbors, and 2,000 ft. red rock cliffs for you to look out over. This is a great one to tag onto a day in either national park or a good pick for a two-day elopement!
Best for: Canyon & Desert
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Camping, Stargazing
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Existing in fairly close proximity to three (!) other national parks in the southeast corner of the state, Capitol Reef is not only worth the stop, but also seriously easy to fold into a trip. Cathedral Valley is full of bright red desert rock ready and waiting to give you your own altar out in the middle of the desert. You can also add on some fruit picking in the park for a unique elopement activity!
Best for: Canyon & Desert
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Camping, Stargazing
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
There is nothing like it anywhere else in the United States– a seemingly endless space of white salt cracked earth when dry, and a shallow pool of glass reflecting everything around it when wet. This area is easily accessible (you can even drive directly on the salt flats depending on the time of year!) making it an incredible place to elope with loved ones, or just explore, captivated, for hours yourselves.
Best for: Desert, Salt Flats
Best months to get married here: March to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing
Park City, Utah
Looking around Park City, it’s easy to see why something as cinematic as the Sundance Film Festival would choose a location like this to return to every year. Go bobsledding down a professional Olympic track from 2002, ski at one of the area runs, or jump on the alpine coaster to add a thrill to your elopement day. If you have a disability, Park City is a top-notch choice, as they have an assortment of adaptive outdoor recreation activities provided by the National Ability Center. Not an adrenaline person? Relax at the resorts and stroll down historic Main Street to make the most of the luxurious après-ski vibes.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, City
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Amangiri Resort, Utah
For a truly luxurious getaway in the desert, Amangiri is an incredible choice. This spot is all serene aesthetic, with smooth walls, natural textures, and shimmering reflecting pools, and provides an oasis in the middle of the Colorado Plateau. Escape on the ultimate wellness retreat while keeping yourself in proximity to adventure, should you feel like venturing out. Every room has a private outlook onto the desert outside, making you feel like you’re the only person around in miles despite the five-star accommodations. Eloping here is a sure-fire way to make sure your day feels truly special.
Best for: Desert
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4 Rock Climbing, Stargazing
Wasatch Mountains, Utah
Settled just on the eastern side of Salt Lake City, the Wasatch Mountain Range is an 80-mile stretch across Utah that’s sure not to disappoint. The state park of the same name provides easy access to campgrounds, warm weather activities like golfing and horseback riding, and cold weather activities like skiing or snowshoeing! The famous Park City is nestled in this mountain range, and there’s also a plethora of hiking trails around across the range. No matter where you are, you’re sure to find scenery that’s your style and a hidden nook all to yourself.
Best for: Mountains and Forest
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Camping, Stargazing
Antelope Island State Park, Utah
The largest island on the Great Salt Lake (yes, there are several) is Antelope Island State Park. Horseback riding, biking, wildlife viewing, and a scenic causeway all set this island apart. If you’re looking for a place packed with nature while still being accessible from the city, Antelope Island is a great option!
Best for: Lake & Desert
Best months to get married here: April to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah
The colors here are unreal. Picture brightly colored sand mountains underneath bright blue skies and dotted with green bushes. All with you and your spouse-to-be in the center. Its color has a reason—erosion of Navajo Sandstone—and becomes more vivid at sunset when the tint of the sky accentuates the natural hue. Not only does this look beautiful in photos, it’s also a ton of fun during an elopement, giving you great options for off-roading and sand-sledding or surfing
Best for: Sand Dunes, Desert, Mountains
Best months to get married here: April to November
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4
Not finding what you’re looking for or want to make sure the spot you have your eye on will be available during your preferred time of year? Introducing my interactive map, where you can search through locations all over the world and filter by scenery, activities, and seasons!
If you’re craving off-the-beaten-path options and insider knowledge about the best timing and timeline for a Utah elopement, I can help. I provide tailored recommendations to my couples for locations that I know will hit everything on their wishlist and craft a timeline for their day with the perfect blend of action and enjoyment. You’ll also get a planning guide, unlimited calls with me, personalized packing list and vendor recs, and so much more!
Click here to get in touch with me and let’s get planning your Utah elopement!
