9 Epic Places and Tips for your Utah Elopement 🏜️

9 Epic Places and Tips for your Utah Elopement 🏜️

Your guide to having the best Utah elopement!

One of the best (and hardest) things about eloping in Utah is all the amazing options this state offers when it comes to getting married in a stunning landscape. On one hand, you can’t really go wrong wherever you decide to elope here. On the other hand, making a decision on where to elope in Utah is hard! But don’t worry, we got you. This guide to having the most epic Utah elopement will help you pick the perfect elopement location for your day – and give you a bunch of ideas for your mini moon adventure!

↓ Keep reading for the full story + pics ↓

Our guide to eloping in Utah

Best places for eloping in utah

Best time to elope in Utah

Because it is mostly desert, the best times to visit Utah are in the spring and the fall. These times of year have the most moderate weather. Our favorite months are March, April, October and November because the crowds are usually lower and the weather is sunny but not hot yet! The summer months of June – September can get extremely dry and hot, with risks of flash flooding from summer thunderstorms. Summer temperatures frequently break 100 degrees throughout the state! 

Although some hikes, like The Narrows in Zion, are refreshing in the summer, they can also get very crowded. The winter, though a bit chilly, can be a beautiful time to elope in Utah. The beauty of snow blanketing the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon or the mesas of Zion is unreal. And you’ll experience the least amount of crowds in the winter than any time of the year. 

Couple dancing in Utah on their elopement

Where to elope in Utah

Utah is home to the “Big 5” as they call it. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. As if that wasn’t enough, Utah also features 7 National Monuments, 6 National Forests, 4 National Historic Trails, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Golden Spike National Historic Site, plus vast swaths of BLM (Bureau of Land Managament) land! Seriously, Utah is STACKED. Check out this Complete List of Utah National Sites to learn more. 

Here’s our list of the 9 most epic places to elope in Utah:

  1. Canyonlands National Park
  2. Arches National Park
  3. Moab BLM
  4. Dead Horse Point State Park
  5. Zion National Park
  6. Capital Reef National Park
  7. Utah Public Lands
  8. Utah Slot Canyons
  9. Utah Wedding Venues
Canyonlands National Park Utah Elopement

Eloping in Canyonlands National Park

The Moab desert can be a week (or life) long road trip in and of itself! With must-see hotspots like Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Dead Horse State Park, and Moab BLM land, you will have a blast exploring these so close, yet so different places. Our first stop is Canyonlands National Park, full of countless rain and river carved canyons and buttes, Canyonlands is a desert wonderland. Here, you get to experience a preserved wild west landscape that appears to be out of an old western film. Check out a real elopement in Arches and Canyonlands National Park

Arches National Park Utah Elopement

Eloping in Arches National Park

We’ve still never encountered anything quite like the wild terrain of Utah, and Arches National Park might be one of the most unique places of them all. This park is covered in balanced rocks, pinnacles, and of course, over 2,000 towering red rock arches! The majestic landscape is formed by wind, rain, and river erosion. There is no shortage of Kodak moments here!

Eloping in Utah in Arches National Park

Eloping on Moab BLM

Undeniably out most favorite places for eloping in Utah is Moab BLM, or Bureau of Land Management, land is publicly owned and preserved. Similar to National Parks, the mission of the BLM is “to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.” Moab’s BLM land is in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, and is a mecca for rock climbers, mountain bikers, and river rafters. Grand sandstone walls, muddy jeeping roads, puppy romps, laughs upon laughs, and desert sunset light, fill your elopement day out here. Grand sandstone walls, muddy jeeping roads, puppy romps, laughs upon laughs, desert sunset light, and a whole lotta love. It’s a different kind of adventure, one that feels free and open, like you’re on a different planet with no rules or restrictions. Just out there, all alone with the vast desert to yourselves, exploring the canyons and vistas that seem to go on forever!

Eloping in Dead Horse Point State Park

You can’t talk about eloping in Utah without bringing up Dead Horse Point State Park. Perched on a peninsula 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, hikers are treated to endless cliff views over dramatic sandstone canyons, contrasted with the snowy peaks of the La Sal Mountains in the background. Because of this unique peninsula formation with almost 360 degrees of cliffside views, Dead Horse Point State Park is easily one of the best places to elope in Utah. Every trail features epic photo spots to capture some iconic Utah elopement portraits. You really can’t go wrong having your Utah elopement here, you just might want to skip reading about how the park got its name 😉

Your Utah elopement photographer is the most important decision

We’ve planned and photographed 300+ elopements all over the world and are based in Utah for half of the year – we are Utah elopement photography and planning experts.

You’re likely traveling from halfway across the country to elope in Utah. Working with a photographer you can trust to do justice in capturing you in this wildly beautiful landscape is so important! We know all the nooks and crannies of this entire area, so you’ll be able to lean on us for our expertise to plan the best possible day.

 

Utah elopement slot canyons
Eloping in Utah in Zion National Park
Zion National Park Elopement

Eloping in Zion National Park

Zion is located in the southwest corner of the state. The closest major airport to Zion National Park is actually Las Vegas, Nevada. We like to call Zion the “Yosemite of the desert” or “Red Yosemite.” Standing in the Zion valley, you’re surrounded by towering red sandstone cliffs. These cliffs are home to some of the world’s most unique hikes, which make for some epic Utah elopement photos! 

In addition to scenic cliff overlooks, there are also mysterious slot canyons, rolling sand dunes, enchanting desert pools, and even some waterfalls. With all of these incredible landscapes to explore, Zion is easily one of Utah’s best places to elope. Check out this Zion Elopement for inspritaion!

Utah elopement on public land

Eloping in Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is pretty unreal too, located in the heart of red rock country. This secret gem of Utah is filled with canyons, cliffs, bridges and domes in what is called the “Waterpocket Fold”,  a geologic wrinkle on the earth that extends nearly 100 miles! There is no shortage of prime elopement photo ops in this landscape. As we mentioned earlier, Capitol Reef is pretty close to Bryce Canyon, so you can easily explore both of these beautiful areas if you’re eloping in Utah.

Eloping in Utah

Eloping on Utah Public Land

Outside of Moab BLM, there are many other BLM and Public Lands in Utah, spaning over 22.9 million acres throughout the state! The BLM oversees public land, much like National Parks or National Forests, but typically designates them for other uses like livestock grazing or alternate types of recreation. If you prefer to avoid crowds and to travel on a budget, exploring these parts of Utah for your elopement might make the most sense for you. There are beautiful hidden gems all over the Utah desert that aren’t part of the National Park system. They’re often a lot quieter but equally as mind blowing for you Utah elopement. 

The Utah BLM has something for every kind of adventurer. If you love mountain biking, plan to spend some time riding slickrock in Moab. If you dig crazy off-roading, check out the Little Sahara! Want to explore some epic slot canyons? Try canyoneering in Bell Canyon, Crack Canyon, Coyote Gulch, or Spook Gulch. You could honestly spend months taking advantage of all the fun activities Utah has to offer, without even entering a National Park.

Check out a real elopement on Utah BLM

Slot Canyon elopement in Utah

Eloping in Utah Slot Canyons

Slot Canyons are one of the most unique natural features you can find in this world, and Utah is absolutely STACKED with them. Visiting one of Utah’s many slot canyons during your elopement adventure is definitely something to consider. Slot canyons are an amazing location for Utah elopements because it gives you a perfect location to visit during the middle of the day, when the temps are hot and the light is harsh out in the open desert. Plus, the walking through a narrow canyon where you can literally touch either side with outspread arms is pretty cool. And it goes without saying that these slot canyons make for some incredible Utah elopement photos.

Moab wedding venue

Utah Wedding Venues

Sometimes couples want to elope just the two of them AND they want an intimate wedding with their closest friends and fam. Our feelings on the matter… why not do both? Spend the first part of your day watching the sun rise, reading private vows to each other, and dancing your way through the desert cliffs and canyons. Then head back to a jaw dropping Utah wedding venue to meet your family for an evening ceremony, a tasty dinner, and a night of celebrating with the people who love you most in the world. There are a handful or really beautiful and unique wedding venues around Zion National Park and in Moab, making those areas a great place for an adventure wedding! And check out our favorite wedding venue for Utah elopements, The Red Earth Venue.

Utah elopement packages FAQ's

How much does it cost to elope in Utah?

It costs under $200 to elope in Utah. Utah marriage certificates are around $30 and National Park Permits are around $150.

How do I legally elope in Utah?

You apply for a marriage license at any county clerk’s office and it is valid anywhere in the state. There is no waiting period, you will both need your social security cards, photo IDs, a licensed officiant, and two witnesses to sign the marriage license. A license fee is charged in most counties and is usually around $30. It’s best to check for all details at the the Utah Courts website.

Where can you elope in Utah?

The best places to elope in Utah are at one of the five national parks or on Utah public lands.

Do you need witnesses to elope in Utah?

You need a licensed officiant and two witnesses to sign the marriage license to elope in Utah.

Can you elope in Zion National Park?

Yes, you can elope in Zion National Park by obtaining a Special Use Permit. Wedding party size is limited depending on location and the permit application fee is $100.

Utah wedding in Canyonlands National Park
Zion National Park Elopement in Utah

See more Utah elopements

Here are inside peaks at some of the days we’ve created and photographed with our couples for their Utah elopements. This is a great way to get a feel for our Utah elopement photography, where to elope in Utah, and what full day adventure elopements look like!

Want us to photograph your Utah elopement?

Hope you found our tips on eloping in Utah helpful! As you can see, we LOVE talking about elopements and the wild desert landscapes Utah has to offer. If you’re considering eloping in Utah, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free planing call with us!

-Brandon, Gabi, Hannah, and Zoe

The Foxes are Brandon and Gabi Fox, an adventurous husband and wife elopement photography team living and traveling in their DIY renovated 1972 Airstream. They are loosely based in the Pacific Northwest, but travel for work and play throughout the western states and beyond. Their elopement photography is award winning and is described as candid photography that captures couples as they are, where they are, blending images of love and natural beauty in the great outdoors. 

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CUSTOM PHOTO ALBUM AGREEMENT

THE FOXES PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

These Terms and Conditions are a legally binding agreement is between you (“Client”) The Foxes Photography, LLC (“Photographer”) (collectively the “Parties”, or in the singular “Party”), for the purpose of Client purchasing a custom photography album from Photographer. This Agreement shall become effective upon the date you complete the checkout process.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. Fees & Retainer

Client shall commit to a custom album package by signing and returning this Agreement along with the initial payment for album service. Photographer will not begin its custom album services until the Agreement is signed and the album design fee is received. No final album will be printed until the full payment is made. In the event Client fails to remit payment as specified, Photographer shall have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement with no further obligation and retain any monies already paid as liquidated damages. Full payment must be completed by Client within 60 days of this Agreement’s date.

The fees in this Agreement are based on Photographer’s current album pricing at the time of booking. The price list is adjusted periodically, and any changes to custom albums will be charged at the prices in effect at the time.

  1. Album Design Procedure

The following outline indicates the general procedure of a custom album design. Client understands and agrees to this procedure.

  1. Photographer will use photos and album specifications to create their first custom album design.
  2. Photographer will send Client first draft of album design.
  3. Client will approve or send in revisions to album design.
  4. Photographer will make edits to album design. Only two rounds of edits are allowed.
  5. Client will approve final album design.
  6. Photographer will send in album for printing.
  7. Album is printed and shipped.
  8. Client receives final printed album.
  1. Album Spreads

Albums will include 35 spreads and no less. The definition of a “page” is one side of a spread in an album (for example, a 70-page album contains 35 spreads). If Client requests more than 35 spreads, additional spreads are $50.00 each. 

  1. Revision Rounds

The first draft will include photos selected by the photographer and will be sent to Client for approval. Client may request modifications to be made. Photographer shall complete modifications and send the second draft of album design to Client. Client may then accept the design or request one more round of modifications. Photographer will complete this second modification request and send the final draft of album to Client. After these two rounds of revisions to the album design, no further revisions are allowed. Any additional revisions are invoiced at a rate of $75.00 per round. All additional revision rounds must be paid before the revision is made by the Photographer. Photographer requires up to 10 days to complete a revision request. Client has 50 days to send Photographer any and all revision requests. Any revisions requested by Client more than 50 days after this Agreement’s date will not be accepted by Photographer.

  1. Final Approval

Photographer will not place an album order with the album Manufacturer until Client approves the design draft, and the balance is paid on any upgrades or additional spreads. Client agrees to check the final album design very carefully before giving final approval. Once final approval is given, Photographer is not responsible for typos, image defects, duplicate images, or other errors that may have been missed. 

  1. Parent/Duplicate Albums

Parent/duplicate albums cannot be altered from the original designs. All parent/duplicate albums shall be ordered at the time of final approval of the original album design and will be invoiced and must be paid prior to Photographer sending in album for printing. No parent/duplicate albums are available after the original album ordering phase is complete.

  1. Album Delivery

Client understands and agrees that Photographer’s album manufacturer (“Manufacturer”) generally takes 6-8 weeks to print and manufacture the album. While every possible precaution is taken and Manufacturer has been selected by Photographer for its superb quality, Photographer assumes no liability for the loss or damage of album while in possession of Manufacturer. 

  1. Ordering Date

Client shall agree to final album design within 60 days of this Agreement’s date. Any delay by Client in approving final album design will result in termination of this Agreement and no further obligation by Photographer.

  1. Retouching and Edits

Photographer will use the final edited images delivered to Client to make the album design. Photographer will not re-edit or retouch any images.

  1. Returns

Client understands and agrees that once final approval of album design has been given to Photographer, no returns or refunds are allowed whatsoever. In the event Client receives the printed album and sees any manufacturer defects or dislikes the album quality, Photographer will work with Manufacturer to the best of their ability to remedy the situation. Client is responsible for any additional fees associated with returning or reprinting the album.

  1. Album Archiving

Photographer shall keep a copy of final approved album design for 90 days but does not permanently archive the final album design. Client understands that after 90 days the album design will not be available to order additional copies and a new agreement must be signed to start the process over.

  1. Photographer Copyright

The final album design by The Foxes Photography, LLC is their property, will remain their property, and are protected by United States Copyright Laws (USC Title 17). Client hereby waives any claims for ownership, income, editorial control, and use of the images and album design. Violations of this federal law will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties.

  1. Reproduction

Client and Client’s agents agree to acquire the album design and product directly from Photographer through their professional album company. Client and Client’s agents agree not to scan, copy or reproduce the album design in any manner without written permission, including using the custom album design to create other albums. Photographer may seek damages for any illegal reproduction. Client and Client’s agents further agree not to supply the album to any third-parties.

  1. Communication

Photographer’s office hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm PST Monday through Friday. Photographer’s primary source of communication is through their email [email protected]. Photographer will respond to Client’s emails within those office hours.

  1. Indemnification

Client shall indemnify, release, discharge and hold harmless Photographer, its heirs, legal representatives, assigns, employees, contractors, or any persons or corporations acting under permission or authority of the Photographer from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses and costs, including reasonable legal expenses and attorneys’ fees, to which Photographer may become subject as a result of any claim, demand, action or other legal proceeding by any third-party to the extent such losses arise directly or indirectly out of activities performed by Photographer pursuant to this Agreement, except to the extent such losses result from the gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional acts of Photographer.

  1. Maximum Damages

The sole remedy for any actions or claims by Client shall be limited to a refund, the maximum amount not to exceed the total monies paid by Client under this Agreement.

  1. Limitation of Liability

If, during the production and/or before the album(s) are delivered to Client, the media has been lost, stolen, or is unusable because of defect, damage, equipment/platform malfunction, processing, or other technical error caused by Photographer or by forces outside the control of Photographer, Client agrees to relieve and hold Photographer harmless and will not impose any additional liability.

In no event shall Photographer be liable under this Agreement to Client or any other third-party for consequential, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, punitive, or enhanced damages, arising out of, relating to, or in connection with any breach of this Agreement, regardless of (a) whether such damages were foreseeable, (b) whether or not Client was advised of such damages, and (c) the legal or equitable theory (contract, tort, or otherwise) upon which the claim is based.

  1. Force Majeure 

No Party shall be liable or responsible to the other Party, nor be deemed to have defaulted under or breached this Agreement, for any failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement (except for any obligations to make payments to the other Party hereunder), when and to the extent such failure or delay is caused by or results from acts beyond the impacted party’s (“Impacted Party”) control that are unforeseen and unpredictable at the time of contracting, including, but not limited to, the following force majeure 

events (“Force Majeure Events”): (a) acts of God; (b) a natural disaster (fires, explosions, earthquakes, hurricane, flooding, storms, explosions, infestations), epidemic, or pandemic; (c) war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), terrorist threats or acts, riot or other civil unrest; (d) government order or law; (e) actions, embargoes or blockades in effect on or after the date of this Agreement; (f) action by any governmental authority; (g) national or regional emergency; (h) strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns or other industrial disturbances; and (i) shortage of adequate power or transportation facilities. The Impacted Party shall give Notice (as defined in Section 27) within 10 days of the Force Majeure Event to the other Party, stating the period of time the occurrence is expected to continue. The Impacted Party shall use diligent efforts to end the failure or delay and ensure the effects of such Force Majeure Event are minimized. The Impacted Party shall resume the performance of its obligations as soon as reasonably practicable after the removal of the cause. In the event that the Impacted Party’s failure or delay remains uncured for a period of 15 days following Notice given by it, the other Party may thereafter terminate this Agreement upon Notice. The Retainer and all other payments made by Client up to the date of Notice of a Force Majeure Event are non-refundable.

  1. Cancellation of Album Services by Photographer

In the event Photographer determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot or will not perform its obligations under this Agreement due to circumstances including, but not limited to, injury, illness, death of family member, pregnancy, military orders, religious obligations, other personal emergencies, or total breakdown of communication with Client, it will:

  1. Immediately give notice to Client;
  2. Issue a refund or credit based on a reasonably accurate percentage of custom album services rendered; and
  3. Excuse Client of any further performance and/or payment obligations under this Agreement.
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Should any sale and/or use tax be imposed on any part of this Agreement, such tax shall be collected from Client and remitted by Photographer. All sales tax will be included on invoices.

  1. Entire Agreement

This is a binding Agreement that incorporates the entire understanding of the Parties, supersedes any other written or oral agreements between the Parties, and any modifications must be in writing, signed by all Parties, and physically attached to the original agreement.


22. Venue and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington including all matters of construction, validity, performance, and enforcement and without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws. The Parties agree that any dispute or lawsuit arising out of, or concerning, this Agreement that is not first resolved by arbitration shall be resolved exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction located in Whatcom County, Washington. The Parties assume responsibility for their own collection costs and legal fees incurred should enforcement of this Agreement become necessary.

  1. Arbitration

Any and all disputes or disagreements rising between the Parties out of this Agreement upon which an amicable understanding cannot be reached, shall be decided by arbitration in accordance with the procedural rules of the American Arbitration Association. The Parties agree to be bound by the decision of the arbitrator(s). The arbitration proceeding shall take place in Whatcom County, Washington, unless another location is mutually agreed to by the Parties. The cost and expenses of the arbitrators shall be shared equally by the Parties. Each Party shall be responsible for its own costs and expenses in presenting the dispute for arbitration.

  1. Severability & No Waiver

In the event that any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable. Any failure by one or both Parties to enforce a provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any other portion or provision of this Agreement.

  1. Transfer

This Agreement cannot be transferred or assigned to any third-party by either the Photographer or Client without written consent of all Parties. 

  1. Headings

Headings and titles are provided in this Agreement for convenience only and will not be construed as part of this Agreement.

  1. Notice

Parties shall provide effective notice (“Notice”) to each other via email at the date and time which the Notice is sent: Photographer’s Email: [email protected]

  1. Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures 

The Parties agree that a facsimile copy (electronic copy) of this Agreement, which contains the Parties’ signatures, may be used as the original.

Signatures

By checking the box on this order form and upon completion of purchase, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.