How to Elope at the Bonneville Salt Flats
If you and your partner are looking for a stunning, minimal location to get married then the Bonneville Salt Flats is the perfect place! Roughly an hour and a half from Salt Lake City, the Salt Flats are a huge wide open expanse of white salt crust, perfect for a beautiful modern elopement. Here is everything you need to know about planning an elopement at the Salt Flats.
When to elope at the Salt Flats
WEEKDAYS
The Salt Flats draw visitors year round and have become an incredibly popular location for photography. Because of this I highly recommend that my couples consider a weekday for their elopement! We’ll likely have more of the area to ourselves, and it will feel more private and special.
SUNRISE
Most people that are spending time at the Salt Flats are going near sunset, so for a more quiet and private experience I love going at sunrise! I personally adore the soft purple-pink skies at sunrise (all the photos in this post were at sunrise!), and it feels so exciting heading out in the dark and arriving to the pastel colored skies at the flats.
SEASONS
The flats can look significantly different based on the time of year. For the dried salt crust look (seen in these photos), I recommend going in summer and early fall. The flats also are known for flooding and creating a beautiful mirrored effect, and for the flooded look I recommend shooting in winter and early spring.
How to elope at the Salt Flats
PERMITS
Since the Salt Flats are on BLM Land, you’ll likely need a special use permit, especially if we’ll be setting up any chairs, arches, or installations for your elopement. These applications need to be submitted at least 30 days prior to your date. (pro tip: as a Utah Elopement Photographer, I always take care of this step for you or guide you through it! One less thing to worry about)
MARRIAGE LICENSE
To get married in Utah you need a marriage license, officiant, and two witnesses. See all the complete instructions here.
VENDORS & RENTALS
There are no amenities on site at the Salt Flats, meaning you need to bring everything you need with you - that includes water, food, generators, and even bathrooms if you’re having a larger wedding! I have a list of vendors and rental companies that will work with you on the logistics (generators and bathrooms) and on the fun decisions (flowers and ceremony setups). Keep in mind that most vendors are based in Salt Lake City, so you’ll either be paying travel fees or you’ll need to coordinate pickups with them before you leave Salt Lake.
ACTIVITIES & ADVENTURES
The Bonneville Salt Flats are famous because they are an international spot for land speed racing! This is such a cool spot to bring motorcycles and vintage cars (depending on the time of year! Driving on the flats when wet is discouraged). The flats also make a fun spot for bonfires and stargazing (no overnight camping allowed though!)
I always suggest a full day or multi day elopement when getting married at the Salt Flats - this way we can also include time in the mountains, Salt Lake City, or another Northern Utah spot.
Where to Stay for Your Salt Flats Elopement
WENDOVER
Wendover is a small town located on the Utah/Nevada border, and is the closest town to the Salt Flats. While there isn’t much in Wendover, there are many casinos and hotels where you can stay! Wendover is not a luxury destination, but is the best option if you’re wanting to stay close to the flats.
My favorite option is a stunning modern airbnb near the flats - https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/51308342?source_impression_id=p3_1734975198_P3lJvT6-dfyt3GtH. It can sleep up to 12 guests, and is a the most beautiful option especially if you’re bringing a few friends or family members along.
SALT LAKE CITY
Salt Lake City is the nearest city (and airport) to the Salt Flats, roughly an hour and a half drive away. There are countless options for airbnbs/VRBOS and hotels in Salt Lake. Here are a few favorites for a more luxury experience:
Sample Timelines for a Salt Flats Elopement
Full Day Elopement (8 hours - sunrise/sunset split)
Couple gets ready in Salt Lake City, we meet up and leave together to drive to the Salt Flats!
Couple changes into their suit/dress separately at the Flats
First Look
Ceremony/Vows
Portraits at the Flats
Snack Break (coffee or breakfast picnic on the flats)
Drive back to Salt Lake City
Break for a few hours (take a nap, get lunch, hang out together, etc)
Meet up in the early evening for more portraits in another stunning location (mountains? downtown? anywhere you’d like)
Private First Dance in the mountains
Private “reception” style dinner with champagne toasts & cake cutting
Multi Day Elopement
Day 1 (a day all to yourselves)
We meet up and head to the mountains
Hike to a secluded peak or alpine lake
Couple changes into suit/dress for a first look and portraits on the mountain
Private vow/letter reading
Champagne pop & picnic in the mountains
Day 2 (a day for friends & family)
Couple gets ready in Salt Lake City, we meet up and leave together with friends + family to drive to the Salt Flats!
Ceremony/Vows
Portraits at the Flats
Drive back to Salt Lake
Private reception style dinner with guests, complete with champagne toasts, cake cutting, first dance, etc.
These are just two ideas for timelines, but really the options are limitless! As your Utah Elopement Photographer my goal is to give you photos that feel like you’re reliving your favorite day over and over again, but I also help plan your favorite day from the ground up. I’ll help you have the most intentional elopement possible, because your wedding should feel like you.
Choosing a location is just one of the first steps, I’ll also help with
Timeline Planning
Vendor Recommendations - tailored towards elopements and you two as a couple. No more google searching!
Custom Location Guides - all of my favorite scouted areas that aren’t listed here!
Permit + Licensing help
Adventure Planning - all the best options for skiing, hiking, horseback riding, or whatever else you’re dreaming of doing together!