Everything You Need to Know for Your Utah Salt Flats Wedding
A stunning location for a wedding venue is everything, and little compares to the icy-soft expanse of possibilities the reflective surfaces the Utah salt flats offer happy couples. Start your future at this Utah favorite for a memorable setting. Plan your dream salt flats wedding with these tips and event rental professional services as your guide.
Get to Know the Bonneville Salt Flats
Wherever you're coming from, it can be a bit of a trek to the white salt crystals of the flats, but any guest or couple would say it's worth it for the trip alone, let alone a life event such as a wedding. Any Utah resident or visitor should add the salt flats to their "This is the Place" Utah travel must-see list, and an intimate ceremony is the perfect time to check it off.
Time it Right
The trip from Salt Lake City usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Weddings run on tight schedules. Take the trip beforehand and walk through your timeline to anticipate the unexpected.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times on the salt flats, casting beautiful light for unforgettable photos. Consider planning your ceremony in the late afternoon or early evening to catch the golden hour. This enchanting landscape, with its otherworldly beauty and panoramic views, makes it a unique and breathtaking backdrop for your special day.
Respect the Area
The Bonneville Salt Flats, located in northwestern Utah, originated from the ancient Lake Bonneville, which covered much of the Great Basin over 30,000 years ago. With time, the lake evaporated, leaving behind expansive salt flats that showcase stunning white landscapes against the backdrop of mountain ranges. This unique terrain is a marvel of nature and a vital ecosystem supporting specialized species.
Visitors should adhere to the “Leave No Trace” principles to respect the land. Stay on designated trails to minimize disruption to vegetation and wildlife. Avoid driving off-road, as vehicles can damage the fragile crust that holds the salt together. Refrain from collecting salt or any natural materials, as this can alter the ecosystem's delicate balance.
By practicing sustainability, we ensure the conservation of this spectacular area for future generations to explore and appreciate its beauty and significance.
Map it Out
To travel to the Bonneville Salt Flats from downtown Salt Lake City, start by heading west on I-80. Merge onto I-15 S, then take the exit for I-80 W toward Reno. Stay on I-80 for approximately 100 miles, enjoying the scenic views of the Great Salt Lake as you drive.
Continue on I-80 until you reach the rest area near the Bonneville Salt Flats, which will be about 30 minutes past the city of Tooele. You’ll see signs indicating the exit for the salt flats.
After exiting the highway, follow the signs directing you to the Bonneville Salt Flats State Park.
Get a Wedding Permit
Couples planning a salt flats elopement or wedding should be aware of permits required for a wedding ceremony in this unique location and a corresponding waiting period. First, get a Special Use Permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages much of the area. This allows couples to hold a wedding on public lands and may involve a fee, depending on the size of the gathering and any planned activities.
Further regulations may apply in the case of a larger group or specific services like a tent or amplified music. Check with the BLM for any additional requirements.
When to Get Married at the Utah Salt Flats
Visiting and hosting an event on the Bonneville Salt Flats requires the right weather. The best time to get married at this Salt Lake City landmark is during the spring and fall months, but any time presents risks. Stay educated on the intricacies of the white salt crystals in this perfect spot to safeguard your big day.
Choose Your Season
Spring is a perfect time for your new beginning in Salt Lake. Showcase the blooming wildflowers in the surrounding mountains in late March to early June.
Fall is another ideal time for a salt flats wedding with its stunning vibrant foliage. September to October wedding dates bring pleasantly mild temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F and provide a comfortable atmosphere for an outdoor ceremony.
Both seasons feature clearer skies and more manageable weather conditions, reducing the risk of rain and extreme heat, which are more common in the dry season of the summer months.
If you want specific customs or decorations for your Bonneville Salt Flats elopement, review your permits for any restrictions on these items to avoid potential issues. Start the permit application process well in advance to allow adequate time for approval.
Avoid Speed Week
Speed Week is an annual racing event at the Utah salt flats where automotive enthusiasts gather to push the limits of speed. Typically held in August, it attracts participants from around the globe. The event features a variety of vehicles, from vintage cars to cutting-edge streamliners, all aiming to set land speed records on the expansive, flat salt surface. Avoid this time for your ceremony for a peaceful wedding day and intimate wedding.
Beware of Unpredictable Flooding
Flooding in the Bonneville Salt Flats can be unpredictable even during the spring and fall months, with spring's melting snow from surrounding mountains and autumn's sudden downpours. Increased rainfall can lead to excessive runoff. Depending on the area's precipitation patterns, these floods may occur sporadically, sometimes leading to extensive and rapid water accumulation.
Transitioning weather can influence the frequency of flooding. If there is an unseasonably wet fall, the salt flats may experience water influx from both rainfall and increased groundwater levels.
Flooding events can happen in a short time frame, making it difficult to predict. Speak with experts of the region and stay on top of weather reports to find your perfect sweet spot.
Where to Stay for Your Salt Flats Elopement or Wedding
Choosing the right accommodations is essential for an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Here are some ideas for where to start looking.
1. Nearby Towns: Stay in towns like Wendover, Utah, and West Wendover, Nevada, which offer hotels and motels catering to different budgets. These towns provide easy access to the Bonneville Salt Flats.
2. Camping: For the adventurous, consider camping. There are designated areas near the salt flats that allow overnight camping. It's a unique way to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of these perfect locations.
3. Vacation Rentals: Searching for vacation rentals in the area can provide a more intimate and private setting for the wedding party. Websites like Airbnb or Vrbo could have unique options.
4. Resorts: Some nearby resorts offer luxury accommodations and amenities for guests who want a more lavish experience.
5. Local Bed and Breakfasts: Explore charming bed and breakfasts in surrounding areas for a cozy and personal touch to your Bonneville Salt Flats elopement.
Regardless of your choice, ensure reservations are made in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons in Salt Lake.
Mind Your Resources
The salt flats are far away from amenities. Arrive with everything you need and work with experts who can fill in the gaps in your Bonneville Salt Flats wedding.
Salt at the flats gets everywhere, so raise your hems or bring plenty of brushes, wipes, or paper towels to dust off the crust from clothing and hands. Be mindful of any other environmental factors and
Consult with Mountain Event Rentals to set up your space. We take care of the arches, dance floors, lighting, linens, tables, chairs, and tents so you can take care of the romance.
