Utah is an incredible destination for elopements and micro weddings, and while spring might sound like the perfect time to get married, it comes with some unique challenges. In higher elevations, winter tends to stick around well into April and May, leaving the mountains muddy and snowy. But that doesn’t mean spring isn’t a beautiful time to elope! With the right location and a little flexibility, you can still have a beautiful and stress free experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a Utah elopement in the spring!

Where to Elope in Utah in Spring

PARK CITY

If you love the idea of a cozy winter elopement but want less skiing crowds and more bluebird days, Park City in early spring still has a wintery feel. The ski season usually extends into April, and the mountain landscapes still have snow. Higher elevations are muddy as the snow melts, but the resorts, luxury lodges, and alpine backdrops are all still so beautiful! You can exchange vows on a scenic overlook, take photos in the main street downtown area, and celebrate with a fireside dinner at a cozy lodge.

SALT LAKE CITY

If you want an intimate and stress-free elopement without worrying about unpredictable spring weather, a city hall elopement in Salt Lake City is a perfect option. The Salt Lake City & County Building offers a gorgeous historic setting for a simple civil ceremony. Afterward, you can take portraits at the Utah State Capitol for a classic feel, or head to another location such as the Salt Flats or Mountain areas! The city also has plenty of restaurants and hotels for a celebratory dinner or intimate reception.

BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS

One of the most unique places to elope in Utah is the Bonneville Salt Flats. In the spring, the Salt Flats are often flooded, creating an incredible mirrored effect where the sky reflects perfectly on the surface. The weather here is generally mild in spring, but be aware that the water level changes throughout the season depending on rain and snow storms. Whether dry or wet, the Salt Flats are minimal, beautiful, and so unique.

MOAB

Spring is one of the best times to elope in Moab! Unlike the mountains, the red rock deserts of Southern Utah warm up much earlier, making March through May the perfect time for an adventure elopement. Spring is a very busy season here, so a sunrise or weekday elopement is best for avoiding crowds. If you want something more secluded, consider Capitol Reef National Park, which offers the same desert scenery, but with fewer crowds since it is the least visited park in the state.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Bryce Canyon NP is significantly less crowed than Zion especially during spring! This park is famous for its hoodoos and high-elevation views. This are does often still have some snow in early spring, but the contrast of red rock and white snow is beautiful! While higher elevation means colder temperatures, Bryce Canyon’s scenery and more secluded areas are worth the extra layers.

Spring Elopement Activities in Utah

One of the best things about eloping in Utah is the ability to incorporate fun and meaningful experiences into your day. Here are some ideas:

Hiking & Exploring – Many trails are still snowy or muddy in early spring, but lower-elevation hikes in Moab, Zion, or the Salt Flats are perfect this time of year.

Mountain Biking – Spring is a perfect time for mountain biking in Southern Utah before the summer heat kicks in.

Blossom & Flower Portraits – Cherry blossoms, apple orchards, lilac bushes, tulip festivals, and poppies bloom at different points in the spring!

Bonfire Celebration – End your night with a fireside dinner or cozy bonfire under the stars.

Wine & Distillery Tastings – Celebrate with a private tasting at one of Utah’s wineries or distilleries.

And of course, you can incorporate traditional wedding moments like:

A first dance under the stars
A champagne toast at sunset
A private chef dinner in a scenic Airbnb

Spring Elopement Tips

First things first - book a photographer who will help you plan your elopement! I love photographing your full day elopement, but also guiding you to other vendors, scouting locations, creating your timeline, sending recommendations for lodging, rentals, and dining, as well as securing permits and accompanying you on your adventures! My couples are so relieved when they book someone local who can guide them through the whole process, and give them beautiful photos of it all.

Spring in Utah is unpredictable—some locations are still covered in snow, others are muddy, and some are in full bloom. Working with a photographer who understands these challenges (hi, that’s me!) will help you pick the best location and make sure your day runs smoothly.

BE PREPARED FOR UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER

Spring weather in Utah can swing from warm sunshine to snow and rain in a matter of hours. Bring layers, wear waterproof shoes if you’re eloping somewhere muddy, and have a backup plan in case of unexpected conditions.

CHOOSE YOUR TIMING CAREFULLY

Mountains: Sunset happens between 7-8pm, but early spring can still feel like winter. Mountains and canyons are often snowy and muddy through spring, but I’ll take you to my favorite spots that aren’t!
Salt Flats: The flats are flooded after snow or rain storms, and as temperatures rise and snow melts.
Moab/Zion: Spring is busy, so aim for sunrise or a weekday to avoid crowds.

MAKE IT LEGAL

Don’t forget to secure your Utah marriage license! You can find all the details here.

Sample Spring Elopement Timeline

Here’s two example timelines for a full-day spring elopement:

Downtown SLC City Hall + Bonneville Salt Flats

11:00 AM – First look and portraits at the Utah State Capitol in the cherry blossoms
12:30 PM – City Hall elopement ceremony
1:30 PM – Lunch or celebratory drinks at a downtown restaurant
3:00 PM – Drive to Bonneville Salt Flats (1.5 hours)
5:00 PM – Private vows and portraits at the Salt Flats (mirrored effect if flooded!)
6:30 PM – Champagne toast and cake cutting
7:00 PM – Stargazing & final portraits before heading back

Blossoms + Mountains (sunrise/sunset split)

8:00 AM – Getting ready and detail photos at Airbnb or hotel
9:30 AM – First look and portraits in a blossoming orchard
10:30 AM – Private vows or letter reading
Midday break
4:00 PM – Meet 10-15 guests for a mountain ceremony
5:00 PM – Portraits with guests
5:30 PM – Guests leave, more mountain portraits
7:00 PM – Meet guests for celebratory dinner at Airbnb, campsite, or private restaurant room
8:00 PM - Champagne toast, cake cutting, first dance

Spring in Utah might not be the easiest season to plan around, but with the right location and a little flexibility, it can be so beautiful. Whether you want a romantic city elopement, a mirrored salt flats ceremony, or an adventurous desert micro wedding, I’d love to help you plan and document every moment.

See Elopement Packages