So you’ve decided to ditch the stress and back-breaking cost of a traditional wedding? Good call. Now you need to figure out whether your photographer will capture your intimate getaway from the majestic heights of a mountaintop vista or the lush greenery of an enchanted forest. Mountains and forests are two of the most popular elopement destinations for good reason, but it’s not always easy to weigh the pros and cons in the great debate of mountain elopement vs. forest elopement. Thankfully, with 5 national parks, 6 national forests, and 43 state parks in scenic Utah, you’ve got plenty of options for a photogenic ceremony that will set social media on fire! Read on to see the important considerations and some of the most popular and romantic destinations.
Mountain Elopement
If you want to scale one last towering challenge together before tying the knot, then a mountaintop ceremony may be just the symbol you’re looking for. Anybody who’s ever climbed a mountain can tell you that the summit inevitably fills your chest with awe, just like your partner does. And hey, the pictures really speak for themselves. But before you lace up your hiking boots, consider these three advantages and disadvantages of a mountain ceremony first.
Advantages
- Experience national treasures and beauty beyond words – With a divine mix of crests and valleys, cozy narrows and defiant peaks, vibrant plant life and layer-cake rock formations, Zion National Park has become one of the most popular elopement destinations in Utah. Protected as early as 1909 by the National Monuments Act, Zion has long been recognized as one of the crowning jewels in the National Parks system. If you decide to exchange vows on the majestic edge of Angels Landing, you’ll innately know why this park has such a reputation. And if national parks are an attraction for you, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef, and Arches national parks are all within a half-day’s drive. Of that group, Zion and Arches definitely give the greatest “mountain” experiences though. By no means are spectacular and breath-taking views limited to national parks, but the fact that President Theodore Roosevelt saw fit to protect such lands a hundred years before anybody talked about climate change should tell you how special these places are.
- It’ll keep you focused on what’s important – Marrying the person you love most in life should not be a stressful thing, but ask anybody who’s gone through a wedding and they’ll tell you that they barely ate all day, they had to spend more time talking to guests than their beau, and they nearly had a nervous breakdown every time some part of the day went slightly off schedule. Take a deep breath, thank yourself for deciding to elope, and recognize that climbing a mountain with the love of your life, even if a photographer is tagging along, is something you do at your own pace and for your own enjoyment. Not to mention, countless studies have shown the physical and psychological benefits of aerobic exercise and being in nature, so the hormonal reaction in your body will have you feeling good when you reach the summit with that special person. A mountain elopement reinforces that it’s all about you two and the time you get to share in this awe-inspiring world. If you’re looking for a mountain experience that’s a little more off the beaten path than heavy hitters like Zion, then check out Dead Horse Point State Park!
- There’s more to do – When it comes to “all-inclusive elopement packages,” there are a number of professionals we recommend who cover everything from photography to music to officiants to hair and makeup. That said, “all-inclusive” in the world of elopement packages might not meet your definition of the phrase if you’re used to the resort life. That’s why a mountain setting is perfect if you’re looking to plan your own perk-filled package with adventure activities, pampering massages, or fine dining. The beautiful mountains of Utah have been drawing crowds since the days of the pioneers and as a result of that there’s quite a bit of infrastructure built up. If you want to spice up your day with some world-class skiing and a taste of luxury, then posh Park City, nestled into the snowy Wasatch Mountains may be a destination to bookmark.
Disadvantages
- Prepare to get sweaty – Sure, everybody looks like they’ve stepped out of a fairytale in the pictures, but some degree of hiking is going to be required if you want a mountaintop ceremony. You’re going to have to strap on a backpack and stuff your dress in there (you didn’t think you’d be trekking up the trail with it on, did you?), along with water, snacks, and a first aid kit at the very least. You’ll have to freshen up once you’ve reached the summit and…ahem, get changed into your gown in what may be a not-so-private setting. Your hair will probably be a mess and it’s not so easy to beautify oneself without proper lighting and mirrors in the great outdoors. You always run the risk of paying a toll of scrapes, bruises, or twisted ankles as well. Oh, and one more time for emphasis: you will get sweaty.
- Your schedule may feel forced – There is little on this earth that’s as inspiring as sunset seen from 14,000 feet above sea level, but what we often forget when admiring the amazing pictures is that you’ve got to get your newly wed butts back down to the ground unless you plan on consummating your union in a tent (which would just be another thing you’d have to lug up on your back). Depending on how long of a climb your particular mountain demands, this may make a sunset ceremony less realistic, or at the very least dependent on some quality headlamps or a full moon for a safe hike back. The alternative, a sunrise ceremony, means you need to be moving up the mountain earlier than you probably rise for work. Some couples skip the hassle altogether and elect for a midday ceremony, which is a perfectly valid approach, but it does feel like it’s not taking full advantage of the setting, doesn’t it?
- Weather is unpredictable – At higher elevation, weather is magnified in a serious way. The sun bakes your skin more intensely, the drastic temperature swings require layers of clothes lest you be caught unprepared for a freezing summit when the base was 70 and sunny, the winds blow heavier things than wedding veils away, and violent storms can close in with short notice. Getting caught on a mountain when the weather turns can be a seriously dangerous place to be given the risk of flash flooding and rock slides. This shouldn’t scare you away from the idea, as a simple check of the forecast on the day of your elopement can give you an idea of whether the conditions will be safe, but just know that you may have to have a backup location in mind or be willing to reschedule in the event that Mother Nature RSVPs for your special day.
Forest Elopement
An alternative to the mountain setting that’s nearly as popular is the forest elopement. Chirping birds, running water, and blooming flowers lend all the poetry you need to capture the birth of your new life together as husband and wife. More and more couples are stepping out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the serene fantasy of life in the forest and to share their vows. But before you do that, consider these three advantages and disadvantages of a forest ceremony first.
Advantages
- More privacy – Mountains tend to draw all the crowds, but did you know that there are nearly 2.2 million acres of national forests in Utah? If you don’t want any interlopers photobombing your elopement, then the forest may be a better option. Within the vast bounds of Dixie National Forest, you can find crystal clear lakes, rivers, and streams, magnificent red rocks contrasting lush plant life, and even a cave! What’s more, Bryce Canyon National Park and the jaw-dropping Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument are a short and scenic drive away if you feel the need to escape the forest for the desert.
- A more inclusive adventure – Listen, fitness freaks shouldn’t be the only lovers capable of fulfilling their dreams of nature elopements. A lot of us might not be in tip-top shape for strenuous mountain climbing because we have other concerns taking up our time. For all the curvy brides and grooms out there, forest elopement can be a pleasant walk in the woods alternative to mountain elopement that still fulfills the want for adventure. The Unita-Wasatch-Cache National Forest hosts a number of gorgeous hikes that are rated as Easy by AllTrails.com and pass through dense alpine forests on the way to bucolic lakeside views.
- Pet friendly – While it may be true that many of us choose to elope specifically to keep our distance from crazy family on our special day, our fur-babies are often the exception. If you want to include Fido in your ceremony, however, you may have to cross national parks off your list due to their heavy pet restrictions. State parks and national forests tend to be much more pet-friendly in their regulations. Yes, you can find mountaintop locations that allow dogs, but since those locations are few and far between and will inevitably be crowded with other outdoorsy pet-lovers, managing your own pup may just add some stress to your day when the whole point of elopement was to reduce your worries! If you want your pet to be part of your ceremony and photoshoot, then a forest elopement is the way to go.
Disadvantages
- Bugs…damn bugs – We here in Utah are fortunate that we don’t run into as many bloodsuckers as you might find in a more humid environment, but the woods are still home to all manner of pesky insects. Maybe you don’t mind bees buzzing around your hair product, ants crawling all over your pack when you set it down, or mosquitos taking up all the waterside real estate they can cover, but I’d say that the vast majority of us have become accustomed to climate control. Speaking for myself, my significant other goes to DEFCON 5 anytime a lady bug breaches the front door. A lot of these pests subside at higher elevations, but down in the forest, you’d better bring your DEET. You can photoshop bug bites out of your elopement photos, right?
- More remote – While a mountain elopement might give you the opportunity to take a ski lift down to cozy lodging and a spa day, in Utah, the forests tend to be a little less built up since they’re all protected by conservation agencies. That means that you may not have the finest lodging available to you on your special night unless you want to drive several hours to civilization. Camping is certainly an option though.
- Packages? What packages? – All of the elopement professionals we recommend are willing to travel, so no matter how deep you venture into the forest you’ll be able to find someone to take care of the essentials like an officiant and photography, but you’re simply not going to find an “all-inclusive” forest elopement package in Utah because there aren’t many activities to include. That’s fine if you’re just looking to seal your love with that special someone in an enchanted setting, but if you want to plan any kind of extra fun and romantic activities like horseback riding, for example, you’ll be doing more legwork to find businesses that can accommodate you.
The Verdict
There you have it; 3 key advantages and 3 key disadvantages of each hot elopement trend. In the debate of mountain elopement vs. forest elopement, there is no right answer (and hey, maybe you’re actually better suited to a salt flats elopement!) but there are important factors to consider to determine what’s best for you. Think about how important all-inclusive packages are to you, how important privacy is, your pets, your scheduling needs, your fitness, and your ability to roll with the punches if weather asserts itself. Most importantly, think of what each destination will personally mean to you and your partner and whether it represents the unique life you’re sharing together.