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If you’re dreaming of a desert elopement in 2025, Utah should be at the top of your list. From the soaring sandstone arches of Moab to the dramatic cliffs of Zion and the surreal beauty of Bryce Canyon, Utah offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery for couples looking to skip the traditional wedding and do things their own way.
As destination elopement experts, we’ve seen how transformative these landscapes can be for your big day. That’s why we created this honest, down-to-earth guide packed with everything you’ll actually need to know, from how to secure your Special Use Permit, to transparent pricing on what a Utah elopement really costs.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does a Utah Elopement Cost?
- Why You Should Host a Utah Elopement
- Most Sought-After Utah Elopement Destinations
- How to Get a Marriage License for your Utah Elopement
- Romantic Dinner Ideas after your Utah Elopement
- Browse Local Utah Wedding Creatives and Experiences
- Terms to Know
How Much Does a Utah Elopement Cost?
The cost of eloping in Utah starts at $3,000 for an all-inclusive elopement experience, including your Special Use Permit, 2 hours of photography and an officiant. We’ve added a complete cost breakdown for a tailored Utah Elopement package, that features photography, officiant services, ceremony florals, and more!
- Utah Marriage License: $70 ($50 base fee plus a $20 fee to submit the application)
- Zion National Park Special Use Permit: $100
- Wedding Photography: $1,400 for 2 hours of coverage
- All-Inclusive Wedding Planning: $1,500
- Bridal Hair and Makeup: $500
- Floral Arrangement (Bouquet & Boutonnière): $450 (including taxes)
- Licensed Officiant: $500 plus additional travel fees
The cost for a Luxe Elopement for two in Utah is $4,020.
At Wedy, we craft personalized wedding experiences at Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Salt Lake City, Moab, and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a secluded desert ceremony or a luxury resort-style micro wedding with your closest friends and family, our Epic Utah Elopement Packages ensure a seamless, stress-free, and all-inclusive experience.
Why You Should Host a Utah Elopement
1. Utah National Parks are Easily Accessible
From Salt Lake City to St. George, Utah is dotted with major airports making it easy to access the top elopement destinations.
Utah’s diverse climate means you can elope year-round. Picture a golden sunrise ceremony in the spring, a vibrant canyon backdrop in the fall, or a snow-dusted red rock vista in the winter, there’s no wrong season to say “I do” here!
2. The Best Wedding Vendors in Utah
Utah is home to an incredible community of creatives who know elopements inside and out. From photographers who chase golden hour at even the most remote trailheads to floral designers who source native, seasonal blooms, Wedy will build your ideal wedding vendor team rooted right here in the Utah desert!
At Wedy, we partner with top local creatives so you can book everything in one place, from your officiant to your hair and makeup artist, to a dedicated Wedy Planner, who will tailor your experience to best fit your style! Our trusted vendor network is all about thoughtful touches and seamless service, so your day feels just right.
3. Insanely Scenic Ceremony Spots
Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded red rock vista, with the golden hour light casting a warm glow over the landscape. Whether you hike to a high lookout, celebrate at a scenic trailhead, or book a venue with panoramic views, Utah offers a variety of unmatched ceremony locations. Prefer something alpine? Head to the Wasatch Mountains for a mountain-meets-desert vibe.
Want a little extra thrill? Hike to a hidden overlook, plan a stargazing ceremony under Utah’s dark skies, or ride into your ceremony spot by horseback, Jeep, or helicopter.
4. Dreamy Stays for Your Utah Wedding Weekend
Whether you’re staying near Zion, Moab, or Park City, Utah’s Airbnb scene delivers – think modern desert homes, cozy cabins, and chic tiny houses with floor-to-ceiling canyon views. Fire pits, hot tubs, and private patios make the perfect setting for an intimate dinner or late-night s’mores.
Want to level up your stay? Book a private catering experience through Wedy, and let us help you plan a candlelit dinner under the stars – Utah style.
Most Sought-After Utah Elopement Destinations
Zion National Park
Elevation: 4,000 feet
Capacity: 15 Guests
Zion National Park boasts some of the most captivating elopement locations in the world, with towering sandstone cliffs and lush canyons, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking adventure.
One of the most sought-after spots is the Court of the Patriarchs, where dramatic rock formations frame your ceremony, just a short hike from the main trail.
Permit Info: A special use permit is required to elope in Zion National Park. The cost is $100, and reservations open up to six months in advance.
Visit the National Park Service for more details, or connect with a Wedy Planner – we’ll secure your permit and design a seamless, stress-free Sedona elopement tailored to your needs.
Arches National Park
Credit to: Ashlyn French Photography
Elevation: 4,000 feet
Capacity: 30 Guests
Arches National Park is renowned for its striking natural sandstone arches and dramatic landscapes, offering a unique and awe-inspiring setting for an elopement.
Permit Info: Permit Info: An entrance fee to the park applies ($30 per vehicle). For elopements with more than 10 guests, a special use permit is required, available through the park’s official website.
Chat with a Wedy Planner, and we’ll take care of all the permit details while creating a custom Utah wedding package tailored just for you!
Bonneville Salt Flats
Elevation: 4,200 feet
Capacity: 10 Guests
A vast, otherworldly landscape with endless, sparkling views, the Bonneville Salt Flats offer a striking and unique setting for your elopement. With its reflective salt crust stretching to the horizon, this remote location provides a serene backdrop for your ceremony.
Access is best via a high-clearance vehicle, and the experience is well worth the journey.
Permit Info: A special use permit is required for ceremonies here. The cost is $150, and access is weather-dependent. We recommend applying as soon as permits become available to secure your date, as this location is highly sought after.
Booking an all-inclusive package with Wedy ensures we’ll handle the entire permit process for you, making everything stress-free and seamless!
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Elevation: 10,000 feet
Capacity: Up to 50 guests
With dramatic cliffs and expansive views, Cedar Breaks offers a stunning backdrop of vibrant rock formations, making it an unforgettable setting for your ceremony.
Permit Info: A day-use fee of $6 per vehicle applies. While Cedar Breaks does not require a special use permit for smaller ceremonies, groups over 15 will need to obtain one.
Connect with a Wedy Planner, and we’ll take care of all the details – securing permits, coordinating logistics, and ensuring your wedding day is effortless and stress-free!\
Bryce Canyon National Park
Elevation: 7,000 feet
Capacity: 50 guests
For couples looking to tie the knot surrounded by stunning red rock hoodoos, lush greenery, and otherworldly landscapes of vibrant rock formations and sweeping views, Bryce Canyon is the ideal elopement destination for a truly breathtaking ceremony.
Permit Info: A day-use fee of $35 per vehicle applies. For ceremonies with more than 15 guests, a special use permit is required.
Connect with a Wedy Planner to get started – we’ll handle every detail, making sure your wedding is seamless from start to finish!
How to Get a Marriage License for your Utah Elopement
Marriage License Fee: $50 (varies by county)
Application: Both parties must appear in person at a Utah County Clerk’s office to apply.
Witnesses: Utah law requires two witnesses, each over the age of 18, to sign the marriage license.
Marriage licenses can be obtained at any county clerk’s office across Utah. For a smooth experience, we recommend booking an all-inclusive package with Wedy or booking a local officiant to guide you through the process.
Romantic Dinner Ideas after your Utah Elopement
After exchanging vows, it’s time to indulge in a dining experience to sunset your big day! Utah is home to a variety of incredible restaurants, from upscale spots with panoramic views to intimate local favorites featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you’d like a more intimate, farm-to-table experience, Wedy will connect you with a dedicated private chef who can put together a menu curated to your cuisine preferences at the reception venue of your choice!
Here are our top recommendations for your intimate Utah reception!
Salt Lake City Restaurants
Zion National Park Restaurants
Moab/Arches National Park Restaurants
Not sure which dining experience fits your vision? Book a call with a Wedy Planner, and we’ll help you plan the perfect post-elopement celebration!
Browse Local Utah Wedding Creatives and Experiences
With the Wedy App, you can browse and book the best of Utah’s elopement experiences, wedding photographers, floral designers, venues, and more, all in one place. Download the Wedy app to get started.
Terms to Know
If you’re planning a wedding for the first time, we’ve compiled a helpful list of definitions below. This glossary will guide you through common wedding terms and make the planning process easier.
Desert Elopement
A wedding ceremony held in a desert environment, typically in secluded, scenic locations.
Special Use Permit
A legal permit required for weddings and elopements in certain locations, such as national parks, to ensure proper use of public spaces.
Wedy Planner
A wedding planning expert at Wedy local to Utah who assists with organizing all aspects of an elopement or wedding, including securing permits, selecting vendors, and coordinating logistics. We’ll be your go-to for all things wedding-related, from secure exclusive pricing, to fast-tracking all of your questions.
Golden Hour
The warm, soft natural light shortly after sunrise or before sunset, ideal for romantic wedding photography.
Vendor Network
A curated group of trusted wedding vendors recommended by Wedy for a seamless, high-quality wedding experience.
Permit Process
Steps to apply for a wedding or elopement permit, including forms, fees, and reservations for specific locations.
Wedding Photography
Professional photography services capturing key wedding moments, often offered in packages with specific time coverage.
Bridal Hair and Makeup
Beauty services tailored to the bride’s style, ensuring she looks and feels her best on the wedding day.
Floral Arrangement
The design and creation of bouquets, boutonnieres, and ceremonial florals, usually included in wedding packages.
Marriage License
A legal document required for marriage, obtained from a county clerk’s office. Typically involves a fee and in-person application.
Permit Info
Details about required permits, including costs, procedures, and timelines, for eloping or marrying at specific locations.
Post-Elopement Celebration
A reception or intimate dinner to celebrate the couple’s union after the elopement, with close friends or family.
Farm-to-Table
Dining experience featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ideal for intimate receptions or post-elopement dinners.
Private Chef
A professional chef providing personalized dining experiences for couples, often for special post-elopement meals.
Wedding Venue
A location chosen for a wedding or elopement ceremony, including national parks, boutique hotels, and private resorts.
Sunset Ceremony
A wedding or elopement ceremony held at sunset, capturing the romantic lighting and beauty of the golden hour.
All-Inclusive Wedding Planning
A comprehensive planning service (Wedy) that covers everything from permits to vendor coordination, designed to create a stress-free and seamless wedding experience for couples.
Elopement Destinations
Locations ideal for intimate weddings or elopements, often secluded and offering privacy and natural beauty.
Marriage License Filing
The legal process of submitting a marriage license application at a county clerk’s office, usually requiring witnesses.
