My favorite thing about elopements? The hidden gems we find for our couples. Today is all about how to elope at Bonneville Salt Flats. Uh what? I SAID THE BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS! IN FREAKING UTAH! Home to the Mormon Wives (always a Taylor Stan, she does crazy shit but she’s authentic and I respect the hell out of that). If you haven’t heard of the Bonneville Salt Flats, get ready to have your mind BLOWN! This salt flat formed when Lake Bonneville dried up, near the Utah-Nevada border. She’s gorgeous, she’s fun, she’s one a freaking kind. 

Can you get married at the Bonneville Salt Flats?

Abso-fucking-lutely! And guess what, you are legally married after eloping! I’ve heard some chatter about couples being confused about how to legally elope, so if you still have questions after this, LMK. Each state has a similar set of rules; however, be sure to check their website for specific details. 

To get married in Utah, you need to apply for a marriage license and have the marriage solemnized. You can apply for a marriage license at any county clerk’s office. Visit the Utah City and County page on the state’s website.

You will need the following to apply for a marriage license:

• An in-person application with both applicants present at the time of application.
• Full names, addresses, dates, and places of birth of both applicants.
• Social security numbers of both applicants.
• Names and birthplaces of the parents of both applicants.
• Valid picture ID such as a passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, or state ID card.

A license fee is charged in most counties, which includes two certified copies of the license. However, some counties do not charge a fee for the license, but do charge for the certified copies.

Also, we capture a LOT of national park elopements. Bonneville Salt Flats is NOT a national park. The flats are a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed area. While they are open to the public and accessible for recreational activities, they are not managed as a state park. IE, you do NOT need a special permit. Woot woot! Less admin is a win in our book.

Bonneville Salt Flats | Visit Utah

How much does it cost to get into the Bonneville Salt Flats?

$0. Yep. Entrance is free and open to the public most of the year. The only caveat is that for events and/or filming projects, special security restrictions may be required to maintain public safety. Fair enough.

A downside to it not being a national park is that there is less maintenance. Typically, you can find restrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, and possibly drinking water fountains at a national park. Which the entrance fee supports. When you elope at the Bonneville Salt Flats, you’ll need to bring more than just a water bottle; I recommend an actual gallon jug to keep in your car. You’ll also want to hit up the Sinclair Gas Station for the bathroom. While you’re there, get some snacks. You’ll never regret a snack. THERE ARE NO FACILITIES in Bonneville Flats. Cool? Cool. 

When to plan your Bonneville Salt Flats Elopement

Going to give you the lame (but true!) answer of anytime. Here’s the deets.

Spring/Summer: The pro of planning an elopement at Bonneville Salt Flats is that when it’s dry, you can do A LOT with activities. Rent a badass vintage car from Utah Vintage Cars and explore the flats! Then go full speed back into SLC to partaaaay it up at the bar! OR day 2 out in Moab! 

Fall/Winter: During the wet season, the Bonneville Salt Flats will be flooded enough for reflection photos, which would be MAGICAL!! Bring a cozy jacket, get your feet wet, and have a one of a kind elopement. 

Whenever you visit, bring the layers!! When we went in summer, it was supposed to be hot-as-balls, but instead we got 70s, sunny, and breezy. Freakin’ perfect. You just never know!!!

Moab Elopement with Dirt Bikes – EPIC wedding day!

Also, you gotta make sure you are there for sunset and blue hour (photographer nerd alert)! Have a sweet little breakfast in Salt Lake City before you head out for your day. Oasis Cafe has mocha lattes infused with Ghirardelli chocolate, so that’s where you’ll catch me.

Where to Eat

Speaking of eating! My second favorite part of elopements. The first is obviously you and your honey starting forever with a kickass adventure.

There are two places to get a quick bite on either side of the flats. Salt Flats Cafe is right on the Nevada border. The Outpost is the option right when you leve the Flats and head toward SLC. Neither of these would be my recommendation, but if you need to cure a case of the hanger, they’ll do the job!

If you’re looking for a variety of dining options, definitely go to Salt Lake City. The downside to SLC is that if you’re looking to celebrate with some drinkies they have restrictions. Beer on tap across Utah is limited to 5% ABV, AND it’s more expensive.

The hack, if you are staying in SLC, is to pop by Lee’s Discount Liquor first. Yes, it’s 15 minutes outside of the flats in the wrong direction, BUT, put on some good tunes. You have nowhere else to be anyway???

If you’re feeling adventurous (we know you are), check out Hide & Seek, a speakeasy and gastronomy. If you’re ready to feel on top of the world, Van Ryder’s rooftop bar has the best views of the mountain skyline. Enjoy their craft cocktails, artisanal bites, or dessert by the fire pit. Now, it wouldn’t be a Honeybee elopement without dropping our personal recommendation – BIG Willies Sports Bar. Enjoy your fucking wedding night with grilled cheese and pool tables. Mmmmk?

Can you stay overnight at Bonneville Salt Flats?

Unfortunately, you can’t stay overnight at Bonneville Salt Flats. If you are committed to a camping experience, you can stay nearby at Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway. 

Your best options for where to stay on your Bonneville Salt Flats elopement are between Nevada, which is 15 minutes to the west of the flats, or Salt Lake City, which is about an hour and a half to the east.

For Nevada, there is a collection of hotels and casinos. Three of them are operated by the same group: Montego Bay Hotel Casino Resort, Rainbow Hotel Casino, and Peppermill Casino Wendover. You can learn more at WendoverFun.com.

If you choose Salt Lake, you’ll find far more options. They have a couple of Hyatts- use reward points! Or stay somewhere else with all the amenities in the Downtown district. This will get you close to good food and beverages. 

We have been known to advocate for a good Airbnb! Choose a Charming Downtown Bungalow or a Mountainview Casita! You get a better feel for the culture this way.

Another point for staying in Salt Lake is that the SLC airport is RIGHT THERE. Makes it accessible if you’re flying in and out from your Bonneville Salt Flats elopement.

Things to do in SLC

If you’re staying in Salt Lake City for a few days, you should definitely check out The Great Salt Lake. It’s the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River and the largest salt water lake in the western hemisphere. It’s actually what Salt Lake City was named after! If you elope in Bonneville Salt Flats in October, you can catch the Annual Bison Roundup- where around 700 bison thunder across Antelope Island’s golden landscapes. In the summer, feel free to float around the lake and enjoy the buoyancy of the salt water. There’s also the opportunity to bike and explore the natural wildlife. Just be respectful, obvi. 

Although Salt Lake borders a desert, numerous rivers and streams run through the surrounding mountains, providing ample opportunities for fishing and wildlife expeditions. Check out Bear Lake State Park, Deer Creak State Park, East Canyon State Park and more!

Things to Do in Salt Lake City | Attractions, Parks & Art

If you’re also into Bonneville Salt Flats but want to extend the adventure, check out How to Elope in Arches National Park. Arches is about 4 hours south of Utah, but if you’re going all the way to Utah, you might as well check it all out!

Let’s Plan your Bonneville Salt Flats Elopement!

If you’re looking for your wedding photographer, let’s connect! We will review your elopement package and discuss your dream adventure. If you can dream it, we can do it. Solemnly swear.