Why Elope in the Wasatch
Where to Get Married in Utah | Salt Lake Elopement Photographer
Table of Contents
Your Guide to Eloping in Utah’s Iconic Mountain Range
Why Should I Elope in the Wasatch Mountains?
The Wasatch Mountains are a wild range that runs from the Utah-Idaho border through central Utah. Sculpted by glaciers long ago, these mountains were created to be raw and powerful with jagged peaks and deep bowls. These mountains may never rise over 12,000 feet, but still offer major elevation gain and sweeping views from their peaks.
The Wasatch offers every adventure you could dream of. Keep reading to find out how the Wasatch may be perfect for your elopement!
Where Can I Get Married in Utah’s Mountains?
The Wasatch Mountains have an incredible range of mountain peaks, canyons, lakes, waterfalls, and forests to get married at. You can choose to elope in any of these landscapes that speak the most to you.
Some of my favorites include:
- Grandeur Peak
- Lake Blanche
- Cecret Lake
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Bell’s Canyon
- Alta Ski Resort
- Silver Lake
And so much more! These mountains offer so many types of adventure. I’ve been adventuring deep into the Wasatch to find hidden gems where you can say your private vows or bring family and friends along. Contact me today to talk about your dream location!
Wasatch Weather by Season
Spring:
Come Spring there is still plenty of pow to be shredded! Snow storms are still possible, but expect more bluebird days. Spring is a great time to get out on your skis or board while enjoying warmer temperatures and the sunshine. It is also great for mountaineering, climbing at lower elevations, and snow camping.
Summer:
In the Summer the mountains become green and teaming with wildlife, snow starts to melt, rivers and waterfalls rage on, alpine lakes thaw, and the wild flowers come out. There really is no better time to explore alpine lakes, see roaring waterfalls, summit mountain peaks, or climb granite and limestone walls! Temperatures are often cool in the mornings and evenings and can reach … degrees during the day. Reaching higher elevations means beating the heat and exploring more of the mountains.
Fall:
In Fall the leaves start to change to unveil an incredible world of color in the mountains. Temperatures cool down allowing for more adventuring during the day like summiting mountains and big wall climbs. Don’t be surprised if there is some snow later in the season!
Winter:
The Winter season is prime for skiing and snowboarding. If you want to have an adventurous wedding at a resort or in the backcountry this may be the season for you! Expect cold temperatures and frequent snow storms, but hey that just means more powder days in the Greatest Snow on Earth.
How to Get a Utah Marriage License
Getting your Utah marriage is a fairly easy process. The license is good for 30 days and you can get your license the same day as your elopement!
To Make Your Marriage Legal:
- Both you and your partner must be present, have legal ID, and know your socials at the time of application
- You need to know your full names, your dates and places of birth, your addresses, parents names, and parents places of birth for the application
- You must pay fees that range from $30-50 that may be cash only
- Your elopement needs an officiant to be legal
- Two witnesses must sign your license
What is There to do in the Wasatch?
The real question is, what isn’t there to do? You could:
- Hike to see a waterfall, an alpine leak, or summit a peak.
- Climb some granite or limestone.
- Go for a backpacking or camping adventure.
- Swim, raft, or tube in an alpine lake or down a river (that is outside of the watershed).
- Ski or snowboard on some the greatest snow on earth!
- Take a helicopter ride over the Wasatch.
- Say hello to the local wildlife from afar.
- Hunt for wildflowers in forest, meadows, and by lakes.
- Watch the alpenglow on the mountains!
Can My Pup Come Along?
YES! There are many dog friendly areas, hikes, and adventure to be had with your pup. The Wasatch does have protected watershed areas, such as Big and Little Cottonwood, that do not allow dogs. However, places like Mill Creek or the Timpanogos Wilderness are great places to enjoy the mountains with your pup!
What an All Day Wasatch Elopement Could Look Like!
Here is an example timeline for an all day elopement in the Summer!
3am: Arrive at the trail head and hike Grandeur Peak
5am: Change into wedding attire + have a first look as the sun rises + say private vows + explore!
7am: Hike back down + have breakfast with family and friends
11am: Drive to an overlook with family and friends
12pm: Explore! + take photos
1pm: Have lunch + relax + nap
Break
5pm: Head to sunset ceremony location at Cecret Lake
7pm: Ceremony + family portraits + picnic dinner
Go home after an incredible day that you will never forget!
Here is an example timeline for an all day elopement in the Winter!
6:30am: Getting ready photos at the air bnb
7:30am: First look at a Alta ski resort + exploring
9am: Breakfast + coffee and tea
11am: Hit the slopes and adventure!
4pm: Break for shower and changing into wedding attire
5pm: Dinner
6pm: Hike to overlook + private ceremony
9pm: Warm up by the fire with some hot chocolate and whiskey
Reminisce over the amazing experience + get ready to start your life of adventure together!
As always, be sure to Leave No Trace on your adventure so that our wild places can flourish for years to come.
Hey there, I’m Halie! Your elopement photographer and guide!
Are you interested in eloping in the Wasatch?
Learn how I help you create your greatest adventure yet by being there for you every step of the way.
You deserve a unique wedding day that you will always remember. Your love story deserves to be told!
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