How to Elope at the Salt Flats in Utah

Salt Flats Elopement couple during blue hour, pink sky reflected in flooded flats

If you’re wondering how to elope at the Salt Flats in Utah, this is the guide for you! If you’ve ever been to the salt flats, you’ll know why it’s such a popular elopement spot! It’s beautifully vast and one of the easiest spots to get to! There’s no hiking required. There is a ton of free parking (you can even drive on the Flats) and you are guaranteed to find a secluded spot somewhere out there to have your special day!

The Bonneville Salt Flats are located about 2 hours from Salt Lake City in Tooele County, Utah. Driving out to the Salt Flats feels like you’re driving on a dried up, salty ocean! The white cracks in the ground and the beautiful mountains in the background make for a beautiful blank canvas for you to create the perfect day to get married! So read along if you’re wondering how to elope at the Salt Flats in Utah.

Guy twirling his lady in a short white elopement dress on the flooded salt flats in Utah. The pink sky is reflecting in the water on the ground beneath them

Step 1 – Choose What Time of Year You Want to Elope

The Salt Flats are open year round and can either be hot, cold, dry or wet! Late Summer to Fall is dryer, giving it that white, flaky, dried up ocean look (that is the way my mind sees it, haha!). December-February is wetter! When the Salt Flats are flooded it creates a mirrored effect and it literally looks like you’re walking on heaven! So depending on what look you want, you’ll have to decide what is the best time for you to go! Keep in mind that there are no covered spots or shade at the salt flats. So depending on what look you’re going for, make sure to keep that in mind.

Elopement couple holding each other close, noses touching, at the Salt Flats in Utah

Elopement couple standing holding each other at the dried up salt flats in Utah with the Mountains behind them

Groom picking up his bride like a baby on the white salt flats in Utah

2- Apply for Your Permit

A special use permit is required if you’re planning on getting legally married. However, if you’re planning on just taking photos and legally getting married at home or elsewhere, no permit is required.

Here are some contact information of people who can help you apply:

Caleb Robitaille – (801) 977-4394 – crobitaille@blm.gov
Peter Monson at (801) 977-4356 or bmonson@blm.gov
Todd Marks – 801-320-8387 – Email: tmarks@blm.gov

Click HERE to apply for your marriage license.

3- Book Your Vendors!

Elopement couple standing next to each other holding hands, looking in opposite directions on the flooded salt flats in Utah. The candy floss skies are reflecting in the water below them

Eloping at the Salt Flats in Utah is SO beautiful, especially if you bring the white canvas to life with the talents of some great vendors! There are so many amazing Salt Flat Wedding vendors out there! You can totally go all out for your Bonneville Salt Flats elopement or wedding! Rent vintage furniture, have beautiful flowers, bring your vow books and/or invitations for some fun detail photos! Here are some highly recommended vendors:

Salt Flats Furniture Rental: HERE & HERE
Salt Flats Flowers & Salt Flats Florist: HERE & HERE & HERE
Salt Flats Decor & More florals: HERE
Salt Flats Lighting with an incredible tent made from string lights: HERE
Hair & Make Up Artists: HERE & HERE
Cakes: HERE
Officiant: HERE & HERE
We can’t forget- an INCREDIBLE photographer ;)- HERE

4 – Find a Place to Stay

Elopement couple holding each other while the groom kisses his brides forehead on the white salt flats in Utah

Elopement couple dip kissing on the flooded salt flats in Utah. The candy floss skies are reflecting in the water below them

Elopement couple slow dancing and kissing on the flooded salt flats in Utah

There are many awesome places to stay near the Salt Flats! Especially if you search on VRBO or AirBnB. Here is a list of some of the best places I’d recommend:

5 – Book Your Flight

Groom picking up his bride as they stand on a flooded salt flat in Utah

There are a lot of direct flights to Salt Lake City, which is the closest major airport. Southwest flies directly to Salt Lake City from many major airports and allows two free checked bags. This is great if you’re packing your wedding dress, suits, garments and possibly some hiking gear etc! Utah is on Mountain Time, which is 2 hours behind Eastern and 1 hour ahead of Pacific Time. Be sure to arrive at least two days in advance to get used to the time difference.

6 – Add Some Fun Activities!!!

Groom holding his bride in his arms like a baby on the dried up white salt flats in Utah

Don’t make the fun stop here! Add some awesome activities onto your elopement trip! Utah is absolutely amazing and there is SO much to see and do! I highly recommend adding some cool activities to remember this special time! There are so many amazing national parks near the Salt Flats! Go visit Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park or Monument Valley. You can even go to Las Vegas and have a super fun time there!

I hope you found this guide on how to elope at the Salt Flats in Utah super helpful! If you’re still looking for a wedding or elopement photographer to help you plan your special day anywhere in the world – I would absolutely LOVE to chat! Please reach out HERE!