Planning a Utah State Capitol elopement is one of the easiest ways to have an elegant wedding without the stress of a large venue. The marble staircases, grand columns, natural light, and timeless architecture make the Utah State Capitol one of the most beautiful places to get married in Salt Lake City.

Even though an elopement is simple compared to a traditional wedding, there are still a few important details you’ll want to take care of before your wedding day. This checklist will help you stay organized so you can focus on what matters most—celebrating your marriage.

1. Choose Your Elopement Date

The Capitol is open year round, making it an incredible location in every season. Spring offers blooming trees around the grounds, summer provides warm evenings and golden sunsets, fall brings colorful leaves, and winter creates a romantic atmosphere with snow-covered steps and dramatic architecture. If you want the building to feel less crowded, weekdays and early mornings are usually the best choice.

2. Reserve Your Ceremony Space (If Needed)

If you’re planning to exchange vows inside the Capitol, check whether your ceremony requires a reservation or permit. Rules can change, especially if you’re planning to have guests, chairs, decorations, or a larger gathering. Always verify the current requirements before your wedding day so there are no surprises.

3. Apply for Your Utah Marriage License

Before your elopement, you’ll need a Utah marriage license. Bring valid identification, complete the application, and make sure you understand the timeline for signing and returning your license after the ceremony. Usually your license is valid for only 30 days.

4. Hire Vendors You Trust

Even intimate weddings deserve an amazing team.

Consider booking:

• Wedding photographer (Shannon Ferrell Photography)
• Florist
• Hair and makeup artist
• Officiant (unless you’re having a legal ceremony elsewhere like the courthouse)
• Private dinner reservation
• Transportation if needed

Booking your vendors early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date.

5. Plan Your Timeline

One of the biggest advantages of eloping is having a relaxed schedule.

A simple Capitol elopement timeline might look like:

• Getting ready photos
• First look
• Flat lay detail photos (rings, shoes, vow books, etc.)
• Ceremony
• Family portraits (if any are attending)
• Couple portraits inside the Capitol
• Dinner celebration

Leaving extra time between each part of the day helps everything feel calm instead of rushed.

6. Think About Your Potential additional Portrait Locations

The Capitol itself offers countless photo opportunities, but many couples choose to continue their portraits nearby.

Popular locations include:

• Memory Grove Park
• City Creek
• Downtown Salt Lake City

Adding a second location creates more variety in your gallery while keeping travel time short.

7. Pack Everything the Night Before

Having all of your details together before the wedding day makes your morning much more enjoyable. Consider packing:

• Vow Books
• Rings/ Ring Box
• Additional Jewelry
• Change of shoes
• Water bottle
• Snacks (just in case)
• Makeup for touchups
• Bouquet
• Marriage License
• Pen
• Veil (if you choose to wear one)
• Eyelash glue
• Nail File
• Bobby Pins
• Headache medicine (you never know)
• Tissues

Flat Lay Detail Checklist

One of my favorite parts of the day is photographing all the meaningful details that tell the story of your wedding. Gather everything into one box or bag before the wedding morning.

• Wedding invitation suite
• Save the date RSVP card
• Envelopes with calligraphy
• Wedding rings *
• Ring box
• Vow books *
• Perfume or cologne
• Jewelry
• Veil
• Shoes
• Tie or bow tie
• Cufflinks
• Watch
• Boutonniere
• Bridal bouquet
• Ribbon from your florist
• Family heirlooms
• Wax seals
• Loose flowers from your florist
• Special keepsakes or handwritten letters
• Any meaningful gifts exchanged between you

Having these items ready saves time and helps create the editorial-style detail photographs you see throughout my portfolio.

8. Leave Time to Enjoy the Day

The best part about eloping isn’t the timeline—it’s the freedom. Pause between photos. Walk through the Capitol together. Read your vows more than once. Celebrate with coffee, champagne, or dinner afterward. Some of the most meaningful photographs happen during these quiet moments that weren’t planned.

9. Choose a Photographer Who Helps You Through the Process

Planning an elopement should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Beyond taking photos, your photographer should help you build a timeline, recommend trusted vendors, suggest portrait locations, and make sure your day flows naturally from beginning to end. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony for just the two of you or celebrating with your closest family, the Utah State Capitol offers a timeless setting that never goes out of style. If you’re interested in my hourly packages for the Utah State Capitol inquire with me here.

10. Do what you want

This is your day. Not just your day, but your WEDDING DAY. Make it memorable and everything you want it to be, forget the rest.

The beauty of a Utah State Capitol elopement is that it allows you to create a wedding day that’s centered on your relationship instead of a schedule. With a little planning and this checklist in hand, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment knowing all the important details have already been taken care of.

If you’re dreaming of a romantic, editorial-inspired wedding in Salt Lake City, I’d love to help document your day in a way that feels natural, timeless, and true to your story.

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