How to Get Married at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah
Table of Contents
3 Steps to Elope in the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah
Info on Salt Flats | Where to Stay, Directions and Helpful Tips
Behind the Scenes Video
Photography Packages
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Are you looking for a serene location for an unforgettable elopement experience? As an experienced elopement photographer at the salt flats, I'm thrilled to share my knowledge and expertise to help make your dreams a reality.
You two chose to share your vows and commit your lives to one another- that’s big! Give yourselves the freedom to do whatever you want and go where you want on your wedding day. Let your day be solely about you two so you will have everlasting memories of a day completely custom to you.
But where do you start when it comes to planning your salt flats elopement or your elopement in general? Don't worry! I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare:
The Bonneville Salt Flats has different seasons and after flooding it casts a mirror like effect which looks incredible.
The salt flats are about an hour and a half to two hours from Salt Lake City.
Part of the serenity with the salt flats is the vast landscape with mountains in the background- that being said, you will need to bring all decor, furniture, etc from SLC.
For those new to Elopements…
Elopements have evolved so much from the days of running to the courthouse on a whim. Adventurous elopements are planned months in advance and are a couples wedding day that is completely custom to them. From going to an epic location to doing all of your favorite things, elopements are your way to have your perfect wedding day all about you two.
Spend your wedding day stress-free from all the planning and drama that goes into a traditional wedding and actually enjoy your big day. Extend the trip into a honeymoon, go on fun excursions, visit multiple outdoor locations and still pay a third of the price of a traditional wedding.
Are you feeling better about getting married now? Good! Eloping is the way to go then.
3 Steps to Elope in the Salt Flats
Hire your Photographer
Once you have a timeframe in mind, start researching photographers as they will be the vendor that books out the farthest. When looking for a photographer, choose someone that you think you can vibe with the most and shares what your vision is for your day and can help make it a reality. They are likely the only other person with you for your whole elopement day and experience so choose someone that you get along with and has the style of photography you like.
Pick a Date
As previously mentioned, you will want to avoid peak seasons to avoid crowds and allow your elopement to be more secluded. I recommend going right before or after peak seasons for the best weather. Some types of scenery and landscapes really shine at certain times of year—so consider the season you’ve chosen to elope, and what types of scenery are best at that time of year.
Relax!
Probably one of the best reasons to elope is that you bring that intimate part of a wedding day back into the ceremony. Without anyone or a lot of people around there is a wall that is diminished by eloping rather than having 100+ guests at your ceremony. I will help guide you throughout the ceremony so you two can feel everything and be in the moment as much as possible. This way it will feel like nothing else in the world matters beyond what is happening right in front of your eyes.
Info on Salt Flats
Where to Stay, Directions & Helpful Tips
You will fly into Salt Lake City (SLC) airport and book your hotel/Airbnb in the city as well. From there you will look up the Bonneville Salt Flats in Google Maps and head East; it is about a 2 hour drive from SLC.
Pro Tip: A lot of rental car companies will tell you not to drive on the flats or they will charge you an additional fee. I personally have not had any trouble with this and you can see a lot of other people driving on the flats. If you drive on the flats you can get a car wash before returning the vehicle to remove the salt build up on the tires. If you decide not to then there is a rest stop (bathrooms & vending machine - no gas) that you can park at and walk to the flats. You definitely don’t want to miss this exit because if you do then you have to drive all the way down to turn around.
There is a gas station, closer to the Nevada border, that has restrooms and a spot for last minute snacks or drinks. When you pass this station you will find a road that allows you access to the flats.
If you do not plan on driving on the flats then there is a rest stop (bathrooms and vending machine accessible) that you can park at. Do not miss it or you will have to drive all the way down and turn around as there is no way to make a u-turn.
Salt Flat Elopement Photography Package
This package is for the adventurous couple that wants to elope in one of the most serene locations in the world. Escape to this natural wonder and share your vows with the love of your life.
All Day Coverage of your Custom Elopement Day
I am with you all day and however long suits you best to tell the story of your day! Every elopement is just as unique as the couple so your day will be completely customized to you two and how you wish to spend it. I also offer complimentary officiant services.
Itinerary and Planning Assistance
I will assist you with planning your day including: finding vendors, places to shoot at, where to stay, what to do, personally designed timeline + unique activity ideas.
All your photos + complimentary album design
You will receive your full gallery of edited, retouched and high resolution images within 2 weeks of your elopement date. Your online gallery allows unlimited downloads (straight to phone or computer) and is shareable if you want to send to friends and family. I will also help you design your photo album of all your favorite images of the day.
My travel fees are included in this package.
$5,000
Check out this Salt Flats Elopement Gallery here
Fill out my contact form below and you’ll receive my complete 100 page guide!
Hint: it is over 100 pages of info that you can flip through!
About Nick Patton
On the boat ride back to shore I remember looking around the dusk filled canyon trying to soak in as much of the landscape as I could. With the chill in the air and the water lightly showering my face I was stuck in state of amazement. I wanted to keep what I was feeling inside of me like a note in a bottle; opening it when I wanted to remember the sense of accomplishment and fulfilling exhaustion from that day. I caught myself replaying the experience from the day in my head over and over again while fighting to still live in the moment. This was how I felt after my first elopement. This is when I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
I am here to help guide you throughout the entire elopement process from start to finish. There is so much you can do and it is my job to fuel you both with ideas so you may cherry pick what you want to do on your big day!
My services include:
Finding your exact ceremony location & other locations to shoot at.
Officiate your wedding while still capturing everything. Click here to see how I do it.
Locating local vendors for you (florists, hair & make-up artists, rentals, etc.)
Building your elopement day timeline & figuring out travel logistics.
