Jose and Kamee wanted a wedding experience like none other. First dance on a salty plain? Yes please! All they needed was a Utah elopement photographer to make it happen. After describing their ideal wedding vision, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah immediately came to mind. The natural salt pan looks like an ethereal movie scene set on another planet.
(Psst…curious about the bride’s gorgeous gown? Check out Raw and Golden Rentals!)
Just west of Great Salt Lake, ancient Lake Bonneville dried up and left a flat salty desert in its place. Now, this impossibly flat white plain attracts explorers from all around to experience the breathtaking views. In some places, the salt plain is so barren not even a speck of greenery or habitation exists. It provides a gorgeous blank canvas for exceptionally unique couple’s portraits or even a small elopement ceremony.
While the salt flats are best reserved for photos and not so much for other wedding festivities, Utah features endless beauty and plenty of lodging, entertainment, and wedding options.
So, if you’re considering a Bonneville Salt Flats elopement (or just couple’s portraits), here’s what you need to know:
Utah Elopement | Bonneville Salt Flats Elopement FAQs
When is the best time to book an elopement or a couple’s session at Bonneville Salt Flats?
The Bonneville Salt Flats undergo extreme temperature changes. The flats get exceptionally hot and dry in the summer months, often well over 100 degrees. Yet they’re usually uncomfortably cold in the winter, dipping below zero degrees Fahrenheit. (It’s difficult to take beautiful photos when you’re sweating your makeup off or turning blue from cold!)
So, the best time to go is during the milder spring and fall months. However, the spring tends to get more rain, so the flats may be a bit moist.
Can we walk on the salt flats?
Yes, as long as we adhere to the park’s guidance and signage, we can take photos out on the flats. There’s also a rinsing station to wash the salt from your feet or shoes. However, I don’t recommend straying off the path. Some areas have a very thin salt layer covering mud or marshy areas that are dangerous to walk on. Plus, the salt flats are fragile and protected, and I always encourage couples to help preserve the natural beauty and habitat that’s there.
What lodging is available near Bonneville Salt Flats?
The Bonneville Salt Flats is close the Utah/Nevada state line, and there are a few rentals available for small wedding parties. Salt Lake City is the nearest metro area to the salt flats, a scenic hour and a half from the flats.
Here are a two off-the-beaten-path rental options near the flats with gorgeous views:
Rambler on the Green—3 bedroom/2 bath (sleeps 6) on the Toana Vista Golf Course in West Wendover, NV.
Above the Flats Modern Paradise Getaway—5 bedroom/9 bed/4.5 baths (sleeps 12) with a hot tub. Beautiful modern home off the flats meant for a destination wedding!
How do you get to the Bonneville Salt Flats?
I recommend flying into Salt Lake City International Airport and staying the night there for dinner, drinks, and exploring downtown. Then, to get to the flats, you’ll take I-80 West directly to Bonneville Salt Flats. The destination is 96 miles from the airport, but you get to drive next to the flats and take in some incredible views. You could possibly fly into Wendover Airport if need be, but I recommend that scenic drive.
Let’s Book a Trip! | Utah Elopements
Need a Utah elopement photographer? Let’s go! Start your marriage off with an adventure you’ll never forget. Book an elopement or destination wedding for an incredible wedding experience. I’m happy to help you with elopement details and logistics! Let me know what you have in mind, and we can customize an elopement wedding package just for you.
Get in touch with Jessee here. Learn more about elopement packages here.
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