How to Get Married in Utah and Plan Your Wedding

Utah is one of a handful of states that play host to many domestic destination weddings, with couples traveling from other regions to exchange vows on snowy mountaintops or celebrate a wedding set against stunning red rocks. But no matter where you're from, how to get married in Utah remains the same: You'll need a state marriage license (luckily for destination couples, there's no waiting period) and a stellar team of vendors. Park City-based planner Mara Mazdzer is the founder of Fuse Weddings, co-founder of Duet Weddings & Events and a 17-year industry veteran who you may have seen on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. "We most often work with inbound destination clients who travel to Utah's mountains to tie the knot," she says. We tapped her to help outline exactly how to get married in Utah, from deciding when and where to say "I do" to budgeting for booze.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in Utah
• Notable Wedding Locations in Utah
• How to Plan a Wedding in Utah Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in Utah

"Utah is among the easier states to obtain a marriage license as licenses are issued by the state and are not city- or county-specific," Mazdzer says. "Couples can get their marriage license at any county clerk's office within thirty days of their wedding date. Some locations even offer an 'online only' option that does not require the couple to appear in person."

If you're one for souvenirs, go in person. "One thing to note that differs between appearing in person and opting for an online-only option is that the in-person option includes a 'commemorative' copy of your license printed on a heavier-weight paper, whereas the online-only option doesn't always include a commemorative license, and if it does, you're responsible to print it at home," Mazdzer says.

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A wedding license in Utah typically comes with a fee (the fee varies by county clerk's office), but there's no waiting period after receiving the license, so under Utah marriage laws, you can wed on the same day if desired. For more information, including what do you need to get married in Utah, visit the state government website.

Notable Wedding Locations in Utah

The geography of Utah is such that two weddings in the very same state can look worlds apart. "Southern Utah features unique red rock mountain backdrops, whereas Northern Utah features more traditional tree-covered mountaintops," Mazdzer says. In various regions, there are Utah wedding venues that highlight the snow or dry red earth, plus urban city centers in between. Here are location-based wedding ideas in Utah to inspire you.

Park City & Deer Valley

These two side-by-side resort destinations make up an ultra-popular wedding region, and not just for their stunning natural beauty. "Weddings in Northern Utah—especially Park City and Deer Valley—offer more vendors and venues," Mazdzer says, referring to a centralized hub of resources. "Plus, Utah's mountains are an excellent choice for couples desiring a mountain wedding in an easily accessible location. Unlike nearby Vail and Jackson Hole, which are both often considered by our clients, Utah's International Airport is just half an hour from the Park City/Deer Valley area. With ample lodging options and a deep talent pool of versed professionals who serve destination clientele, [this area] offers an ideal location for a stunning and unique celebration." It sets a chic scene for "Out West" events and magical winter weddings.

Southern Utah

For a more temperate climate and drier canyon views and vibes, look to Southern Utah, especially the area in and around St. George. The region is still mountainous, but the mountains themselves are rockier, rather than tree- and snow-covered. The scenery creates a beautiful backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions, but note that there's a possibility of travel fees for certain necessary rentals. "Weddings in Southern Utah—such as St. George and Canyon Point—are more limited in regard to venue and vendor availability in close proximity," Mazdzer notes.

Moab

Red is the color of love—and Moab, a stunning city in Eastern Utah—is full of it thanks to the reddish sandstone layers of the rock there (check out The Red Earth Venue, which beautifully showcases it!). Couples looking for an earthy, bohemian vibe will fall in love with the area. While there is a small concentration of vendors in the region, make sure to take into account vendor travel fees here, as well.

Salt Lake City

Of course, not everyone getting married in Utah is looking to highlight nature with an outdoor wedding. For those urban dwellers, Salt Lake City abounds with venues, vendors and resources for incredible weddings, plus many hotel spaces and banquet halls large enough to host LDS open-house receptions (more on that below).

How to Plan a Wedding in Utah Step-by-Step

If you're planning a wedding in Utah, there are a few important things to note: Seasons are somewhat unpredictable, budgets are on the high side (but there are concessions) and booking early is key. Here, we've outlined some helpful steps for getting married in Utah.

1. Set a Budget

No matter where you are getting married, setting a budget should be the first step in wedding planning. You can start here: The Knot's Budget Advisor is a tool that helps to-be-weds calculate wedding costs in their particular location based on data from real couples. In Utah, wedding budgets generally align with the national average, except for a notable exception: You'll likely be paying a premium in areas like Park City and Deer Valley. Mazdzer's clients spend approximately $1,000 to $1,5000 per guest total for mountain resort weddings. "Certainly, there are outliers on both ends of the budget spectrum," she adds. "And weddings are possible for much less than my recommended average figures!"

2. Secure Your Vendors

"We always recommend securing vendors at least a year out to have the flexibility of many options available," Mazdzer says. This means you need to start planning at least 13-15 months before the wedding in order to compare vendors, rates, styles and more. Check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find planners, florists, photographers and other vendors who specialize in Utah weddings. (With all of this said, note that Utah is also a great place for elopements, with no waiting period required after securing the marriage license.)

3. Take Snowy Season Into Account—It Might Actually Be Busier

So, when is wedding season in Utah? That depends on what type of wedding you're envisioning. "Our peak season in Utah is roughly mid-May through mid-October, with September being the most popular wedding month followed closely by August," Mazdzer says. "In the winter 'off-season,' weddings can cost less, however, lodging at the resorts is significantly higher as they're very busy with ski season guests."

4. Have a Backup Plan

Though the best time to get married in Utah is, by most accounts, summer, "weather in Utah can be very tricky," Mazdzer says. "I have had hail in June, and I've had rain in September. A reasonable and acceptable plan B for any planned outdoor event is a must, no matter the time of year."

5. Know Your Liquor Laws and Budget Accordingly

Food and beverage is often the largest category cost for weddings, but in Utah, it works a little differently. "Utah's liquor laws differ from many states and change how various venues are legally required to handle their alcohol service," Mazdzer explains. "Unlike some other states, Utah cannot bill for an alcohol package, and beverages at resorts must be billed per drink rather than per hour like some resorts in other states." In some cases, this can mean couples save quite a bit of money. "Non-resort properties can offer significant cost savings for bar service as independent bar service providers cannot legally profit from the sale of the alcohol, so clients are able to pay retail for the total cost of the alcohol rather than a per-beverage cost."

6. Make a Dress Code Mood Board

Mood boards are trending for wedding guest attire—Pinterest pages or collaged vision boards can be linked onto your wedding website—and the concept works particularly well for Utah weddings. Lean into a theme for the big day or ancillary events (think après ski or chic Western wear) and give guests ideas for how to dress. By the same token, you can use a vision board to showcase attire that's appropriately modest for LDS receptions.

7. Note That LDS Weddings Work a Little Differently

Though by law everyone needs a marriage license in Utah, every religion has its own traditions. And, since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is so prominent in Utah, it's worth a mention here. "The majority of LDS or Mormon weddings are what are called 'open house-style receptions,'" Mazdzer explains. "They often come with very large guest lists, in the 300 to 500 range, and no wedding ceremony for the entire guest list but rather a smaller religious ceremony reserved for close friends and family. The receptions are often casual and take place even on weeknights with a common timeline of 6 to 9 p.m. A full dinner isn't always planned; instead, dessert-only or light bite menus are offered." Find planners who specialize in LDS wedding celebrations in The Knot Vendor Marketplace.