The Bonneville Salt Flats offer one of the most striking and minimal landscapes in the American West. Located just outside of Wendover, Utah, this vast expanse of white earth and open sky creates a clean, editorial backdrop unlike anywhere else. As a Bonneville Salt Flats wedding photographer, I specialize in documenting intimate weddings and elopements in this iconic location with a calm, refined approach that allows the landscape and the connection between you to take center stage.
Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Photographer for Intimate, Elevated Celebrations
The best time to elope at the Bonneville Salt Flats is typically late spring through early fall, when conditions are safest and most accessible. May, June, September, and early October are ideal months, offering comfortable temperatures and clearer skies while avoiding the extreme heat of mid-summer.
For the best light and most intimate experience, planning your elopement around sunrise or sunset is highly recommended. Early mornings provide cooler temperatures, minimal wind, and fewer visitors, while sunset offers soft, glowing light that reflects beautifully across the salt surface creating the iconic shapes in your photos.
The Best time to elope at the Bonneville Salt Flats
The Salt Flats are known for their endless horizon, soft reflective light, and sense of quiet openness. Couples are drawn here for celebrations that feel intentional, modern, and deeply personal. The lack of visual clutter allows your story to unfold naturally, resulting in imagery that feels timeless rather than trend-driven.
Whether you’re exchanging vows barefoot on the salt or hosting a small ceremony with a handful of guests, the Bonneville Salt Flats provide a rare sense of space and stillness—perfect for couples who value simplicity and meaning over spectacle.
My Approach as a Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Photographer
Whether you’re exchanging vows barefoot on the salt or hosting a small ceremony with a handful of guests, the Bonneville Salt Flats provide a rare sense of space and stillness—perfect for couples who value simplicity and meaning over spectacle.
Why Get Married at the Bonneville Salt Flats
My Approach as a Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Photographer
Tooele, Utah
Tooele is a great option for couples who want a quieter stay while still being within reasonable driving distance.
Why stay in Tooele:
About 45–60 minutes from the Salt Flats
Smaller-town feel with fewer crowds
Access to restaurants and local amenities
This option works well for couples who prefer a slower pace and don’t mind an early drive on elopement day.
Driving to the Salt Flats is a straight shot, one way road. if you pass the exit, there is a bit of a drive to be able to turn around.
Salt Lake City
For couples planning a multi-day experience or hosting a small celebration after their elopement, Salt Lake City offers the most variety.
Why couples choose Salt Lake City:
Wide range of hotels and luxury stays
Great dining and entertainment options
Ideal if guests are traveling in
While it’s farther from the Salt Flats, many couples enjoy combining their elopement with a city stay before or after the ceremony.
West Wendover, Nevada
West Wendover is the closest town to the Salt Flats and the most convenient option for eloping couples.
Why couples choose Wendover:
Only 20–30 minutes from the Salt Flats
Reliable hotels with easy parking and amenities
Ideal for sunrise elopements or late sunset ceremonies
Popular options include well-known hotel resorts and standard accommodations that make getting ready simple and stress-free.
Best Places to Stay Near the Bonneville Salt Flats
Before anything else, you must obtain a marriage license from the State of Utah. This isn’t tied to the Salt Flats specifically, but it’s legally required in order for your elopement to be valid.
Visit any Utah County Clerk’s Office (Salt Lake, Davis, Utah County, etc.)
Both partners must apply in person
Bring valid ID (driver’s license or passport)
No waiting period — you can get your license and use it immediately
Marriage licenses in Utah typically don’t expire quickly, but confirm the specific timeframe before your day (Usually you have 29-30 days)
A common question is whether you need a special permit to elope on the Salt Flats.
If your ceremony is small and private, no formal permit is usually needed.
However, if you plan on having:
A large group
A ceremonial structure
Significant equipment (arches, petal toss, chairs)
Extensive props
Off-road vehicles or
Professional lighting setups
You should contact the BLM Ely District Office to confirm whether any permits are needed.
📍 Contact the BLM for clarity:
Ely District – Utah Office
Phone: (775) 861-6400
(They can confirm requirements based on date, group size, and equipment.)
How to Legally Elope at the Salt Flats
How to Get Your Utah Marriage License:
Permits — When They’re Required
Inquire Here
