By Haley Sizemore Photography
When it comes to jaw-dropping elopement locations, Utah is the wild, red-rock heart of the West—and it might just be the perfect place for your love story. Whether you’re craving high alpine meadows, towering sandstone cliffs, or desert canyons that glow at sunset, Utah has a little (okay, a LOT) of everything.
As an elopement photographer who helps couples plan intentional, intimate celebrations in unforgettable places—here are 5 of my favorite places to elope in Utah in 2025.
1. Alta, Utah
Best for: Wildflower meadows, mountain lovers, peaceful summer ceremonies
Nestled in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta turns into an alpine dream every summer. Wildflowers bloom between July and August, painting the mountains in soft pinks, purples, and yellows. If you’re dreaming of a fairytale mountaintop moment without massive crowds, Alta is a hidden gem.
📌 Closest airport: Salt Lake City (SLC)
🌿 Permit required: Not always—but location-specific, especially on USFS land
2. Zion National Park
Best for: Epic canyon views, red rock backdrops, adventurous souls
Zion is one of Utah’s most iconic parks for a reason. Imagine exchanging vows beneath towering sandstone cliffs or hiking to a stunning overlook for golden hour portraits. You’ll need a permit to elope here, but it’s worth every step.
📌 Best time to elope: Spring and fall
📋 Permit info: NPS Zion Wedding Permit Info
3. Moab & Arches National Park
Best for: Desert elopements, off-grid adventures, golden hour glow
Moab is made for couples who want something raw, bold, and wildly romantic. From the sweeping desert to surreal natural arches, it’s a dream location for a couple who wants their photos to look straight out of a movie.
🧡 My tip: Plan a sunrise ceremony to avoid heat and crowds.
📋 Permits required for most park locations.
4. Bonneville Salt Flats
Best for: Modern elopement vibes, minimalist aesthetic, surreal photos
Looking for something totally unique? The Bonneville Salt Flats feel like another planet. Flat, white, and endlessly open, they’re a perfect blank canvas for your love story—and they photograph like a dream during golden hour or just after rain.
📌 Best season: Spring through early fall
✨ Pro tip: Bring boots or go barefoot—things can get muddy after rain!
5. Snow Canyon State Park
Best for: Southwest vibes, red rock lovers, intimate desert ceremonies
Just outside of St. George, Snow Canyon is less crowded than Zion but just as stunning. Think sand dunes, lava flows, and orange cliffs. It’s a perfect middle-ground for couples who want beauty without the big crowds.
📋 Permits are simpler than national parks—perfect for elopements!
How I Help My Utah Elopement Couples
As your photographer, I do more than just take pretty pictures. I help with:
- Location scouting & permit research
- Timeline planning around lighting and location access
- Vendor recommendations (officiants, florals, makeup artists)
- Local travel tips so you know where to stay and what to pack
- Capturing every real, raw, in-between moment that makes your day yours
Ready to Plan Your Utah Elopement?
Let’s make magic in the mountains, deserts, or meadows—your way.
📩 Inquire Here
📍Serving Alta, Moab, Zion, Snow Canyon & all across Utah
