Utah Salt Flats Elopement

How to Elope at Utah Salt Flats

UTAH ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

So you’ve decided you wanted to have your dream elopement at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah! The idea of eloping may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! I’ve created an easy guide below to help you! Let’s get started!

Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah

The most famous salt flats in Utah are the Bonneville Salt Flats! Sunrises, sunsets, and starry night skies are breathtaking in this vast landscape, making it the perfect setting for adventurous couples to tie the knot! Here are THREE easy steps to have your elopement at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Step One: Choose your Elopement Date!

The Bonneville Salt Flats can offer a beautiful elopement setting all year round, but take note that Fall is the best times to get married there! During the winter, temperatures can get below freezing. During the summer, temperatures can get over 100 degrees Fahrenheit! During the spring, there are higher chances of rainy weather and you can’t drive on the salt flats without risk of getting your car stuck. That being said, after rain fall makes the salt flats literally look like a mirror that reflects the sky and it’s quite stunning & magical. Also note that the Bonneville Salt Flats can also be very windy. Luckily, when we went to capture these photos in the fall, there was little to no wind!

There are events that occur annually at the Bonneville Salt Flats that could disrupt your elopement plans if you don’t plan carefully around them! The most up-to-date schedule of events occurring at the salt flats is here.

Step Two: Get a Permit!

If you already legally married and have your marriage license, then you do not need a permit if you are going to the Bonneville Salt Flats just to take photos! However, if you plan to actually get married at the Bonneville Salt Flats you will need a special use permit since the land is part of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). You can apply for your special use permit here. Additionally, if you plan to get legally married in Utah at the Bonneville Salt Flats, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the Salt Lake County Clerk here. For additional Wedding Laws in Utah, click here!

Step Three: Travel to Bonneville Salt Flats

If you are flying in for your elopement, the closest airport to the Bonneville Salt Flats is the Salt Lake City International Airport. There are no restaurants or gas stations along the 1.5 hour drive from the airport to the salt flats so make sure to grab food and water before heading out! You can easily type in “Bonneville Salt Flats” into Google Maps for directions! If you’re not looking forward to the drive back to Salt Lake City after your elopement, then the nearest town to the Bonneville Salt Flats you can stay overnight is Wendover. Note that you cannot stay overnight on the salt flats.

Bonus Elopement Tips!

  • You can drive on the salt flats, but at your own risk. Cars have gotten stuck in the mud at the edge of the salt flats. If it is deemed unsafe by BLM, then they will have closures and post signage prohibiting cars from entering the salt flats. If signs are posted when you visit, you can park your car on the lot and walk onto the salt flats.
  • The only restrooms at the Bonneville Salt Flats are portable potties. Make sure to go before heading onto the salt flats!
  • Make sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Respect the area and don’t leave trash behind.
  • The salt will get all over your clothes! Do not worry though, the salt from your clothes can easily be washed out or dry cleaned.
  • To get stunning starry night photos, ensure zero cloud coverage and wait an additional hour after sunset to see the stars!
  • As photographed here, get your wedding dress from Ava Gowns!

If you’re looking for a Destination Wedding Photographer for your elopement in Utah, let’s chat! I’d love to chat about your dream elopement and help you capture your special day! Click here to contact me!

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Florence Elopement

jay & bansuri

"Sheryl is the absolute best! She has great upbeat energy yet makes you feel calm and confident during the photoshoot. She is the perfect combo of hype and grace. We were both so nervous to be in front of the camera, but Sheryl provided great suggestions for poses and movement. Eventually, we became so comfortable that she captured some of the most candid moments that didn’t feel forced. We both were so happy with how natural and candid the pictures turned out. Sheryl captured such beautiful memories that we are going to cherish for a lifetime. Her pictures stand out because it feels so organic and her editing is timeless. We are so grateful for Sheryl and her photography skills!"

annika & Michael

"I could try to describe how wonderful Sheryl is as a photographer both artistically as well as personally, but I don’t think I command enough mastery of the English language to do her and the magic she creates with her camera justice. Sheryl is an artist and a savant at that. She is to the digital photograph what Saragent is to the canvas, in addition to being a genuinely pleasant, incredibly kind, and unbelievably thoughtful person to work with."

JENN & KAI

"I could not recommend Sheryl enough!! Me and my husband were so nervous to have our photos done because of how awkward we can be, but Sheryl made us feel so comfortable and gave us prompts that were so fun! She has the best energy & her excitement and passion for photography is so amazing to work with. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to meet and work with her, and can’t wait to reach out to her for future photos! If you are looking for a sign to book her, this is it!!"