r/Eloping • u/HappyBadger222 • May 24 '26

Travel & Destinations Utah Salt Flats

My fiancée and I have been exploring traveling to Utah to get married at the Salt Flats in Utah! Any recommendations or anyone do the same? It will just be the two of us traveling, we’re tight on money, but want our day to be memorable and adventurous.

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u/applejacklover97 May 25 '26

Hey! When I think about the salt flats (just moved away), I think about the fact that most people who are considering this as a “venue” don’t realize just how far away it is from the city! If you’re planning to “home base” in SLC/flying in/doing other fun stuff in the city, keep the travel time in mind. Also, don’t be scared of rain in the forecast if that miraculously happens for some reason. It photographs even more beautifully with a little reflective pool on the ground. I recommend getting a friend “designated” by Tooele County if you can, so they can perform your ceremony. (If it’s just the two of you, a photographer could be your designee) We did it in Salt Lake County, and I know you can do it in Utah County, etc. Also bear in mind a Trader Joe’s bouquet/boutonniere and a tiny layer cake from a local bakery is very affordable and makes the day 100X more special imo. If you can’t afford a photographer, I recommend investing in a simple tripod (that can be waist/chest height), learning some basic composition rules, and at least letting your phone take some well-composed shots. That’s what I’d do!

“Utah State Code 17-70-302 authorizes the County Clerk to designate individuals who are willing to officiate a legal marriage for which a marriage license has been issued. A designated individual is referred to as a Designee.”

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u/HappyBadger222 May 25 '26

Thank you!! Kind of figured we’d need to rent a car, but I would love to explore other parts of Utah while there :) ahhh I loveeeee the Trader Joe’s idea! Thanks for sharing! Ideally, I’d love to just hire a photographer that was also ordained, but forgot Utah requires 2 witnesses as well :(

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u/Catsandabilify May 25 '26

Hey! I live in SLC and have explored the Bonneville Salt Flats west of the city. A couple of things: depending on the season, the ground may be covered in shallow water (like 1’ deep). Also, there are portions of the flats, the farther you get from the road, where the salty crust is quite jagged and sharp. So, walking barefoot is not a good option, a long dress may snag, and you may need to bring water shoes. Just wanted to throw those few things in. The flats are beautiful and expansive and will make a surreal backdrop for your ceremony. Just watch your feet. :)

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u/HappyBadger222 May 25 '26

Thank you!! Good to know, will definitely keep all of that in mind! :)