How to Elope at the Salt Flats: A No-Fluff Guide to a Wedding Day That’s 100% You

Utah Elopement Planning

If you want to elope at the Salt Flats, here’s the truth: eloping at the Salt Flats in Utah is like stepping onto another planet to say I do. Whether you’re dreaming of a minimalist ceremony with just your partner and the horizon, or going full-send with a dance floor, string lights, and champagne fountains, the Salt Flats give you the blank canvas to do whatever the hell you want.

Here’s your no-fluff, all-in guide to planning the most unforgettable Bonneville Salt Flats elopement.

Where Are the Salt Flats (and How the Hell Do You Get There)?

The Bonneville Salt Flats are located just outside Wendover, Utah—about 1.5 hours west of Salt Lake City. You’ll plug in “Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway” and drive straight onto the hard-packed salt. No hiking. No shuttles. Just you, your partner, your photographer (hi, it’s me), and the world’s most jaw-dropping white desert.

This is public land managed by the BLM, which means no fences, no admission, and no venue rules. It’s open, raw, and ready for whatever kind of celebration you’re dreaming of.

Why Elope at the Salt Flats?

Because a Bonneville Salt Flats elopement is for rebels. For romantics. For people who want to get married without the noise, the drama, or the need to please everyone else.

This spot is pure freedom. You can wear black. You can bring a mobile bar. You can say your vows barefoot at sunrise or rent a vintage car and roll in like a movie scene. You can go minimal or full production. Either way, it’s yours.

A Salt Flats elopement is perfect if:

You want a location that’s simple, striking, and symbolic.
You’re not about the wedding-industrial complex.
You’re drawn to Utah’s natural beauty and want a truly unique elopement location.

Do You Need a Permit to Elope at the Salt Flats?

Short answer: Yes, if you’re legally getting married here.

The Bonneville Salt Flats are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and they require a special use permit for weddings and elopements. This includes any kind of ceremony, even if it’s just the two of you and your photographer.

You’ll want to contact the Salt Lake Field Office at least 30 days in advance. The permit is usually straightforward and affordable, but don’t wait—this is government paperwork, not Amazon Prime.

For photo-only sessions (no vows or officiant), you typically don’t need a permit, but again—check with the BLM. Rules can shift, and it’s better to be safe than salty (see what I did there?).

couple elope at the salt flats under some chandeliers.

Best Time of Year to Elope at the Salt Flats

Here’s the truth: The Bonneville Salt Flats can be brutal if you don’t pick the right time. But when you do? Pure magic.

Best months to elope:

Spring (April–June) – Warm, dry, and dreamy.
Fall (September–October) – Cooler temps, golden light, and fewer people.
Winter (December–February) – Cold, but you might get the mirror effect if the flats are flooded. It’s unreal.

Avoid:

Summer afternoons – You’ll roast. Like, actually roast.
August – Land Speed Racing takes over and it’s a circus.

Pro tip:
Weekday sunrises are where it’s at. You’ll beat the crowds, the heat, and get soft, glowy light that makes everything look even more cinematic.

What to Bring for a Salt Flats Elopement

This isn’t your cozy garden venue. This is raw nature, and she doesn’t come with amenities. If you’re eloping at the Bonneville Salt Flats, pack like you’re going off-grid:

Water. A lot.
Sunscreen + sunglasses (that white salt reflects like crazy)
Snacks (yes, even for short elopements—you’ll be glad you did)
Portable shade if you’re setting up anything mid-day
Backup clothes + wet wipes (salt = messy magic)
Blanket, picnic setup, or styled elements if you want a celebratory vibe
Trash bags because Leave No Trace is sexy

And don’t worry—I’ll guide you on what’s essential vs. overkill based on your elopement vision.

What Can You Actually Do for Your Elopement at the Bonneville Salt Flats?

Literally anything.

A Salt Flats elopement gives you permission to let go of the rules and rewrite your wedding day. You can:

Say your vows at sunrise, barefoot and wrapped in a blanket.
Pop champagne and eat cake on a boho rug with disco balls.
Rent a vintage car, bring in a modern ceremony arch, or set up an epic table for two.
Bring your people (yes, you can invite guests!) or keep it just the two of you.
Play music, dance it out, toast the sunset.

There’s no right way to do this. That’s the whole point.

The One Thing That Makes or Breaks a Salt Flats Wedding

Planning. Just because the Salt Flats are free and wild doesn’t mean you can wing it.

Timing, weather, lighting, outfit choices, backup plans—all of it matters here. But when you work with someone who knows the Salt Flats inside and out (again, hi), you don’t have to stress about any of it. I’ve got the tips, the gear, and the boots to wade through salt water if it floods.

You just show up, be in love, and trust that the magic will follow.

Your Salt Flats Elopement Should Be Unapologetically YOU

This isn’t a cookie-cutter wedding day. This is your chance to create something personal, wild, and unforgettable. Whether it’s just you two whispering vows at sunrise or an all-out celebration with a mobile DJ and starlit dance floor—you get to choose your adventure.

If you’re ready to elope at the Salt Flats and want someone to help you plan, prep, and photograph every bold, salty moment—I’m your person.

Reach out today, and let’s create something unforgettable.

For the lovers who never fit the mold.

This one’s for the black sheep. The ones who’d rather head for the mountains in Yosemite or Utah than plan a seating chart. Forget the noise and the expectations. This day is all about celebrating your love.

I'm Ready. Let's do this!