How to Plan a Utah Elopement: How Many Guests You Can Have, and Whether an Elopement or Wedding Is Right for You

Elopements have evolved so much over the years. What was once thought of as something secretive or rushed has become one of the most intentional and meaningful ways to get married. And in a place as diverse and visually stunning as Utah, it’s no surprise that so many couples are choosing to elope here.

As an elopement photographer, I work with couples who are often asking the same core questions:

• How do we actually plan an elopement in Utah?

• How many guests are allowed at an elopement?

• How do we know if an elopement or a traditional wedding is right for us?

This post walks through all three — not from a rulebook perspective, but from a real-life, experience-based one. Because the best elopements aren’t about following trends. They’re about choosing what feels aligned with you.

How to Plan a Utah Elopement

Planning an elopement in Utah starts with one simple mindset shift:
An elopement is still a wedding — it’s just intentionally smaller and more focused on experience.

Once you embrace that, planning becomes far more approachable.

In this guide, we will explore the essential elements to create a memorable Utah elopement experience.

Step 1: Decide What You Want the Day to Feel Like

Before choosing a location or date, think about the experience you want.

Ask yourselves:

• Do we want something adventurous or relaxed?

• Do we want privacy or to include a few loved ones?

• Do we picture red rock desert, mountains, lakes, or something minimal?

Utah offers all of this, but clarity upfront makes decisions easier later.

Step 2: Choose a Location That Matches Your Vision

Utah is incredibly diverse, which means location choice matters a lot.

Some couples want dramatic red rock scenery and open space. Others want alpine lakes or mountain overlooks. Some want something easy to access; others are excited by a short hike or remote feel.

When planning an elopement, the “best” location isn’t the most famous one — it’s the one that fits your comfort level, season, and priorities.

As an elopement photographer, I help couples evaluate locations based on:

• Time of year and weather

• Accessibility and hiking requirements

• Privacy and crowd levels

• Permit rules

• Light and photography conditions

Step 3: Understand Permits and Legal Requirements

Many public lands in Utah require permits for ceremonies, even for elopements. These permits help protect the land and regulate group sizes and locations.

You’ll also need:

• A Utah marriage license

• An officiant (unless self-solemnizing, which Utah allows)

• Witnesses if required by your ceremony type

This part can feel overwhelming, but it’s manageable with the right guidance.

Step 4: Build a Timeline That Allows You to Slow Down

One of the biggest benefits of eloping is the ability to create a relaxed, intentional timeline.

Instead of rushing from event to event, you can:

• Start your day slowly

• Build in time for private moments

• Plan around the best light of the day

• Allow space for adventure or quiet reflection

Elopement timelines work best when they prioritize experience over structure.

How Many Guests Can You Have at an Elopement?

This is one of the most common questions couples ask — and the answer is: it depends.

There is no universal guest limit for elopements. Instead, guest count is influenced by three main factors: location rules, your vision, and the experience you want to create.

Typical Elopement Guest Counts

Most elopements fall into one of these categories:

• Just the two of you

• The couple plus an officiant and photographer

• 5–10 guests (immediate family)

• 10–20 guests (small, intentional group)

Once guest counts start climbing beyond 20–25 people, you’re often moving into micro wedding territory — which is still beautiful, just different logistically.

Location and Permit Restrictions Matter

Many national parks, state parks, and protected areas limit the number of people allowed at a ceremony. These limits exist to preserve the landscape and reduce impact.

Some locations allow only the couple and vendors. Others allow a small group. This is why choosing your location and guest list together — rather than separately — is so important.

The Emotional Side of Guest Count

Beyond rules and logistics, guest count is also emotional.

Some couples want the intimacy of being completely alone. Others want their parents or closest friends present. Neither choice is more “right” than the other.

A helpful question to ask is:
Do we want to share this moment, or experience it quietly and tell the story later?

Your answer will guide everything else.

Elopement vs Wedding: Which Is Right for You?

This is where many couples feel stuck — especially if they’re navigating expectations from family or balancing their own desires with tradition.

Here’s the truth:
There is no “better” option. There is only what fits your values.

Elopements Are Right for Couples Who:

• Value experience over production

• Want flexibility and freedom

• Prefer intimacy and privacy

• Feel overwhelmed by traditional wedding expectations

• Want to focus deeply on their relationship

• Are drawn to nature or travel-based celebrations

Elopements allow you to strip away noise and focus on meaning.

Traditional Weddings Are Right for Couples Who:

• Want to gather a larger community

• Enjoy structured events and traditions

• Feel excited by planning and hosting

• Want a shared experience with extended family and friends

There is beauty in this too — it’s simply a different kind of celebration.

Micro Weddings: A Beautiful Middle Ground

Many couples land somewhere in between.

Micro weddings offer:

• A smaller guest count

• A more relaxed pace

• Intentional design

• The ability to prioritize experience while still including loved ones

Utah is especially well-suited for this style of celebration.

Why Working With an Elopement Photographer Matters

Elopements require a different kind of photography support.

As an elopement photographer, my role isn’t just to document the day. I help couples:

• Choose locations that fit their season and guest count

• Navigate permits and logistics

• Build realistic timelines

• Feel comfortable and present in front of the camera

• Create a wedding day that feels calm and meaningful

Elopements are deeply personal. They deserve someone who understands the emotional and logistical nuances — not just the scenery.

Choosing What Feels Right for You

Whether you elope with just the two of you, invite a small group of loved ones, or decide a traditional wedding feels more aligned, the most important thing is that the choice is yours.

Utah offers the space, beauty, and flexibility to support all of these paths.

And if you’re feeling drawn toward something smaller, more intentional, and rooted in experience — an elopement might be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re exploring eloping in Utah and want guidance from someone who understands both the logistics and the emotion behind it, I’d love to help you create a day that feels true to you.