Thinking of eloping in Utah, but can’t find a location that meets your mid-century modern aesthetic? The Bonneville Salt Flats are the perfect place for you. The natural salt pans leave the ground shining with salt and other minerals that illuminate white under the sun. The Salt Flats are approximately twelve miles long and five miles wide. This vast open space is home to the most beautiful wedding backdrop.
DECOR
Props
The Salt Flat photoshoots are notorious for incorporating different props such as florals, large picture frames, picnic props, color-themed fabrics, and disco balls for most wedding shoot inspiration. These sleek and simple prop elements complement the simple beauty of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Many couples choose to incorporate Keep your decor to a minimum to reduce stress so you can focus on enjoying your time as well as being adequately prepared.
Furniture can be used to incorporate fabrics, florals, as well as wedding color themes, and provide a minimalist feel in addition to a unique shooting experience. You can also furniture to incorporate other wedding roles such as groomsmen, bridesmaids, friends, family, etc…
Frames add an individualized and effortless look to your wedding shoot concept. It is an easy way to integrate color themes in the frame itself, floral accents, fabrics, other hanging props such as lights, or choosing a unique shape of the frame.
Disco Balls are used to create an edgier and retro feel to your photos. They match well with the minimalistic and sleek aesthetic look of the Salt Flats. It provides a pop while also not taking away from the focus of the bride and groom throughout the photos.
Photoshoot Inspiration
Most Salt Flat elopement shoots incorporate bright colors since the overall look of the Salt Flats is a polished and consistent white appearance. When choosing your color incorporations, speaking with a local vendor will help you prepare for the climate, as well as help you decide what type of aesthetic is both complimentary to you, the landscape, and the artistic style of the vendor. In addition to the colorful accents, experimenting with night shots provides a darker landscape option for your photos as well as a beautiful natural accent of the stars. It is also very popular to incorporate the glossy look for water shots, for a euphoric and magical aesthetic. Distance shots are also popular to incorporate the stillness and simplicity of the landscape, which will still focus on the bride and the groom.
ADVICE FOR THE SALT FLATS
Preparing for the weather
Utah has pretty distinct four seasons, and the temperature typically varies from 23°F to 93°F and is rarely below 10°F or above 100°F. While Utah usually has snowy winters, snow is not an issue at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The best suggested time to visit there is summer and fall, but if you’re planning your salt flats wedding photography in summer, be careful as it can get extremely hot and dry in the months of July and August.
The Salt Flats are open all year round, so you can plan to visit there anytime you want! If you’re looking for special events to attend, it also holds several events yearly. For example, speed week is a tradition at Bonneville Salt Flats that takes place in August or September. If you are passionate about running, there is a Salt lake 100 miles endurance run as well.
Travel Tips for the Salt Flats
- When arriving at and exploring the Bonneville salt flats, drive at your own risk. Be cautious of the environment around you. Many drivers have gotten stuck in the mud at the edge of the flats. Never enter a labeled prohibited area.
- There is limited cell reception due to the location. Be aware and plan accordingly.
- Make sure to use the restroom before coming, there are no facilities throughout the flats. However, there are facilities located at entrance points.
- When departing, leave the salt flats as they were found. To ensure this place remains pristine, pick up all trash and minimize vehicle impact.
The Elopement
The time has finally come, your elopement wedding day is here. To ensure that this day is absolutely perfect, here are some tips to follow.
- Enjoy the process, this is the start of forever. The day is going to be over in a blink of an eye so make sure you are soaking it all up.
- Make sure you dress according to the weather. If all else fails, bring a backup jacket just in case.
- All states have different laws. When coming from out of state, make sure you check all marriage laws to ensure an efficient transition. You can obtain a Utah Marriage license from a country clerk within the state. A permit is also required for a salt flats wedding. Make sure you avoid a chaotic elopement day by preparing beforehand
- Have fun, don’t sweat the small stuff, and remember how special this day is! This non-traditional wedding venue is going to sweep you off of your feet.
PLACES TO STAY NEAR THE SALT FLATS
After figuring out where to elope, there are a couple of options of places to stay nearby. Stretched out with nothing to see for miles, the Bonneville salt flats are beautiful but there’s not exactly a hotel nearby. Unless you’re fond of a pre-wedding campout, there are a few notable locations to enjoy while preparing for your salt flats wedding.
Salt Lake City
Otherwise known as a small lake city, Salt Lake is a popular destination, with there being many fun things to do in Utah. While checking out your elopement venue, there are various hotels to choose from, plenty of fine food, and places to explore. Downtown Salt Lake may be a nice place to check out for food joints, bars, and offers easy public transit. If you’re looking for a more urban feel for your stay, Salt Lake City may be a great choice for you. Below are a few hotels that may interest you! If not, there are a multitude to choose from.
The Little America Hotel Salt Lake City
Wendover
Near the border separating Utah from Nevada, Wendover is a small town closest to the Bonneville salt flats. With the salt flats being an affordable wedding venue in Utah, Wendover is a peaceful, cheap location to stay in as well. Known as a gambling hub, it sports a few casinos and is one of the places where you are allowed to gamble in Utah. If you’re hoping for a quieter stay, cheaper hotel rooms, and a closer location near the Bonneville salt flats, then Wendover may be an appealing suggestion.
Best Western Plus Wendover Inn
Quality Inn Stateline in Wyndham
Activities
The Rainbow Casino is the perfect spot to spend time with loved ones and friends as your reception. It is located 15 minutes from the Salt Flats, which means easy access to escape the stress of your elopement. Not only is the casino intimately built for smaller group sizes, it has a wide variety of gambling and entertainment for all ages.
If you find yourself close to Salt Lake City and love the snow, Brighton Ski Resort is the place for you. With a wide variety of ski slopes for beginners and experts, you can bring anyone you wish. Brighton Ski Resort has day passes, as well as night skiing options. Getting to the resort is only 30 minutes away from most hotels in downtown Salt Lake.
Restaurants
No need to drive far from your perfect elopement destination to dine on savory food. Being part of the MontegoBay hotel you can be assured of high quality. Paradise Grill offers a wide range of food from Mexican to Asian, breakfast to dinner, and steak to seafood.
Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Rich’s Burgers ‘n Grub offers some of the best gourmet burgers in the state. Burgers are as exciting as a macaroni burger, Italian as their Caprese burger, or as normal as you want it to be.
Everyone claims to have great sushi, but Itto Sushi is on a whole other level. Only two blocks from City Creek mall, you can enjoy some of the best sushi that the entire state of Utah has to offer. Among their best rolls, you can find their Romeo and Juliette roll, and their Idaho roll.
ROUTES TO THE BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS
The best way to get to Bonneville Salt Flats is by driving. You need to take Exit 4 off of Interstate 80. From there, there are signs to the Speedway, Follow the signs and you’ll take a right on Leppy Pass Road. It’ll guide you to the Bonneville Salt Flats. It’s located about an hour and a half west of Salt Lake City, and you’ll notice as you arrive that there’s beautiful white scenery on both sides of the road.
No matter what you’re looking for, the Bonneville Salt Flats is the perfect, unique elopement spot. From the glistening salt to the otherworldly backdrops, this location gives the biggest bang for your buck.
(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/512354895118789084/)