How to Elope in Park City, Utah: A Local's Complete Guide
- Stefan & Leticia Olson
- May 12, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: May 29
How to Elope in Park City, Utah (2026 Local Guide)
Park City Utah Wedding & Elopement Photographers
A complete guide on how to Elope in Park City, Utah
Written by Leti and Stefan, Park City elopement photographers and planners
Park City is a small year round resort town located in the Northern part of Utah, nestled between the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges.
Park City is part of the Wasatch back and home of two famous ski resorts Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort.
In town, you can find a quaint little downtown located on Main Street. The historic downtown area is lined with buildings built during the 19th-century silver mining boom.
As outdoor enthusiasts and photographers, we feel very lucky to be based out of beautiful Park City. With its centralized location and easy access to the many regions Utah has to offer, we feel like we have an endless amount of places to visit and see. As photographers we find Utah's unique pristine and natural landscapes inspiring.
Thinking about eloping in Park City, Utah? Good call.
We're Leti and Stefan, and we live and shoot here year-round.
We're the husband-and-wife team behind Backcountry Portraits, and we are actually locals to Park City. We've shot hundreds of elopements here.
After this many days in these mountains, we know the weather patterns, the light at every location, and the little things that make a day actually work.
When you elope with us, you get more than photos. We help you pick the right spot for the season, build a timeline around the best light, and put together a custom location guide for the day.
We also build a plan B for every elopement, because mountain weather has opinions of its own and we'd rather be ready than scrambling.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your day: when to come, where to go, how to get legally married, and what it actually takes to plan it.
The short version
If you just want the highlights:
Best seasons: Late June through September for mountain hikes and wildflowers. Mid-September to early October for fall color. Winter for snow.
Best spots: Bonanza Flats, Bloods Lake, and Deer Valley are our go-to locations right now.
Marriage license: Apply at the Summit County Clerk's Office in Coalville (by appointment). Or online, Utah is one of the only States that lets you apply for your marriage license online without having to visit the county clerk's office. No waiting period, so you can marry the same day.
You'll need: A licensed officiant and two witnesses. We can be your witnesses if you're eloping with us.
The rest of this guide breaks all of that down.
Why Park City works for an elopement
Park City is a small resort town in northern Utah, tucked between the Wasatch and Uinta mountains. It's about 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, which makes it one of the easiest mountain towns in the West to get to.
Park City is part of the Wasatch back and home of two famous ski resorts Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort.
You get real alpine scenery, a walkable historic Main Street from the old silver mining days, and a ton of lodging and food options without having to drive hours into the backcountry. That mix is rare, and it's why we think Park City is one of the best places to elope in Utah.
When to elope in Park City
The right time depends on the kind of day you want. Each season here looks completely different, so start by picturing your ideal backdrop.
Winter (November to March)
Winters are cold and snowy, and the whole town turns into a winter wonderland. If you love snow, this is your season. You can ski or snowboard, take a short snowshoe to a quiet spot for your vows, or even add something like dog sledding to the day.
Winter elopements take a little more planning, but they're absolutely doable, and honestly some of our favorite shoots happen in the snow.
Check out this Ski Winter Elopement during ski season
Spring (April to May)
Spring is short here, but it's a sweet window. The wildflowers start coming up, wildlife is active after winter, and the hiking trails begin to open. Nights still get chilly, so plan layers. Trail access can be hit or miss depending on snowmelt, so this is a season where local knowledge helps.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is when the mountains are at their greenest, with wildflowers everywhere and full trail access. This opens up everything from a quiet lake hike to a high-alpine ceremony spot.
One tip: July afternoons can get hot at lower elevtions. We usually recommend a sunrise or sunset ceremony, or heading higher into the mountains where it stays cooler.
Fall (September to October)
Fall might be the most photogenic season here. The maples turn red and orange and the aspens go gold, usually from mid-September through the first week of October. The weather is mild, though an early snow flurry is always possible — those usually melt within a day and just add to the scenery.
Where to elope in Park City
There are more good spots than we can list, but here are the ones we recommend most right now.
Bonanza Flats
A 1,534-acre stretch of protected, undeveloped land at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, between Guardsman Pass and Park City. There are dramatic open landscapes everywhere you look. Fall foliage here is incredible, and summer brings lush green and wildflowers.
Heads up: the road to Bonanza Flats closes in winter because of heavy snow. If you have your heart set on it in the colder months, you'd reach it by backcountry skiing, snowmobile, or snowcat — which can make for a wild, memorable day if you're up for it.
Bloods Lake
A beautiful mountain lake reached by a moderate, fun hike — about a 2.7-mile out-and-back trail near Park City. The lake and surrounding peaks make a stunning ceremony backdrop, and the short hike keeps it intimate without being a huge commitment.
Deer Valley Resort
One of Park City's two ski resorts, with a few polished options for a ceremony, like the deck at Stein Eriksen Lodge or the open land near the Montage. A good pick if you want mountain views with easy access and resort amenities close by.
Check out this small ceremony or this intimate wedding
A note on the Church of Dirt
You'll see the Church of Dirt mentioned in a lot of older Park City elopement guides.
It was a free, open-air ceremony spot above Deer Valley with 360-degree mountain views, and for years it was one of the most iconic places to elope here.
As of October 2023, it closed due to overuse and damage to the land. If that mountaintop-chapel feeling is what you're after, don't worry there are still beautiful spots that give you the same wide-open views. We'll help you find one.
If you'd rather skip the snow entirely, southern Utah's national parks are a great winter alternative. We cover those in our [Best Places to Elope in Utah] guide.
How to legally elope in Park City
Getting your marriage license is easier than it sounds. Here's how it works.
The closest place to apply is the Summit County Clerk's Office in Coalville, and it's by appointment. Appointments are on the hour, 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday you can call ahead to book one.
A few key things to know:
You can apply up to 30 days before your elopement.
Both partners need to be there in person with valid photo ID.
There's no waiting period — once you have the license in hand, you can get married right away.
The license costs $50 and includes two certified copies.
The license is valid for ceremonies anywhere in Utah within 30 days, so you're not locked to one location.
Click here for information on how to set an appointment.
Want it even simpler? Some Utah counties let you apply online. The trade-off is there's no physical license to sign on the day. Some couples love that simplicity; others like having something to sign together. Either way, a Utah license works statewide.
No matter how you apply, you'll need a licensed officiant and two witnesses to make it official. Eloping with just the two of you? We're happy to be your witnesses.
How we can help you plan your Park City Elopement
We're not the kind of photographers who just show up and take pictures. We help you design the whole day from picking the right location for your season, building a timeline that flows, to handling the details so you can actually be present.
We're locals, so we know these mountains, the light, and the logistics. For most couples we also put together a custom location guide based on exactly where they want to elope.
Our Park City Elopement Packages
We offer a few different Park City elopement packages depending on how much of the day you want documented. Some couples want just the ceremony and a few hours of photos. Others want us there from getting ready through the last light of the evening, with a split sunrise and sunset shoot in between (this is actually our most-booked option).
Every package includes the planning side of what we do custom location guide, timeline built around the best light, and a plan B for the weather.
You can see current pricing and what's included on our [pricing page], or reach out and we'll help you figure out which one fits your day.
Ready to start planning your Park City Elopement?
Hi, we're Leti and Stefan. If you're dreaming about eloping in Park City, reach out. We'd love to hear your ideas, share more about our town, and help you build a day that actually feels like you.
Let's get adventurous.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best time of year to elope in Park City?
It depends on the look you want. Summer (June–August) and early fall (mid-September–early October) are easiest for hiking and have the best weather. Winter is ideal if you want snow.
How much does a marriage license cost in Park City?
$50 at the Summit County Clerk's Office, which includes two certified copies. There's no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you get it.
Do you need witnesses to elope in Park City Utah?
Yes — a licensed officiant and two witnesses. If you're eloping with us, we can serve as your witnesses.
Can you still elope at the Church of Dirt in Park City?
No, it closed in October 2023 due to overuse. There are still plenty of mountaintop spots with similar views, and we can help you pick one.
How far is Park City from the airport?
About 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International, which makes it one of the most accessible mountain towns for a destination elopement.
Looking for a Park City Elopement Photographer?!
Reach out to us! We are locals and would love to guide you through all the process, share more about our beautiful town and document your special day. We are more than just your photographers, we will help you craft a day that reflects you and your partner. We want to create an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Let's get Adventurous!
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