How to plan your Salt flats elopement
bonneville salt flats elopement photographer
The Bonneville Salt Flats offer a truly otherworldly landscape that’s unlike any other place on earth.
Bonneville salt flats is truly a bucket list location to have your elopement.
Ready to make it official?
Your Elopement Photographer, Guru and Guide
Welcome! I’m Becca, and I specialize in capturing timeless, elegant, and true-to-tone documentary-style photography. With nearly 8 years of experience, my passion lies in photographing elopements in the stunning landscapes of Utah, including the Salt Flats. Growing up exploring Utah and breathtaking locations inspired my deep love for photography.
My mission is to create lasting memories and heirlooms rich in detail and meaning. I focus on capturing candid moments and incorporating editorial elements to tell your unique love story. Whether you’re eloping in the mountains, cliffs, or the iconic white textured Salt Flats, I’m here to make your special day unforgettable.
Let’s create something beautiful together. Your adventure, your love, and your day are my top priorities. I’m excited to help you celebrate your love in the most meaningful way possible.
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meet becca
best locations to elope at the bonneville salt flats
why choose salt flats for your elopement?
Otherworldly Scenery: The Salt Flats white landscape and sometimes mirror-like reflections create a surreal, unforgettable backdrop for your special day. Unique Experience:
Eloping here feels intimate and peaceful, with minimal distractions and epic, otherworldly photos that make you the focal point. And it's just 90 minutes from Salt Lake City, and 12 minutes from Wendover, NV.
When eloping at the Bonneville Salt Flats, you have two main areas to choose from:
#1 the Rest Stop Side
#2 the Speedway Side
• Rest Stop Side: Located right off I-80, this area is super convenient but can get busy on summer weekends. The ground here has more texture, which can add some cool, natural details to your photos.
• Speedway Side: About 15 minutes past the Rest Stop, the Speedway Side offers more peace and privacy. If it’s dry, you can drive right onto the flats and find your own secluded spot. The ground is smoother here, giving a sleek, minimalist look to your ceremony.
how to elope in The bonneville Salt Flats: everything you need to know
Best Time
to elope at
the salt flats
Summer
Early Fall
Late Fall
Mid to Late winter
Spring
*Pro Tip
Usually less storms and textured white salts, but expect hot desert temps (90-100°F) during the day. Sunsets bring cooler temps (80s) and there is a usually some wind that wicks off your sweat) - usually no humidity, but bring water.
Warm days, cool evenings, and fewer crowds make it ideal. Spring is also mild, though the flats can be wet and covered in water.
Beautiful but can bring early snow or wet conditions. Flexibility is key here! Cold Temps
Offers a rare chance for the flooded look, but water levels change quickly, sometimes none, one inch deep over 6 inches deep. Timing is everything!
Off and on Rainstorms. Some years has flooding and some springs is smooth white salt with light texture. Expect some wind.
Aim for sunset ceremonies for cooler temps and gorgeous light. Weekdays are best, as weekends can get busy.
July + August
Mid Sept. / Early Oct.
Mid to late oct.
Mid to late february.
march - may
A Special Use Permit may be required if you’re holding your wedding on the Speedway side of the Bonneville Salt Flats. (No permit needed for the Rest Stop Side - it is private property) Use the links below for guidelines to ensure that your permit is in place ahead of your special day.
Why You Need a Permit: This ensures you can hold your ceremony in a specific area of the Speedway side without any conflicts, especially during busy events or weekends.
How to Get a Permit: Call the SLC Utah BML and/or email this person over the permits for the Bonneville Salt Flats Email: tjutte@blm.gov
bonneville salt flats
permits & regulations
To elope at the salt flats (speedway side only), you will need a special use permit:
A Special Use Permit - Application fee: $130 for 20 more people.
The initial cost for a permit is $130, but if you have more than 18 + people (plus you and your partner) the fee will be $7/per person. If you have more 20 people, your event is serving food or beverages, there may be additional requirements and take longer then 3 months to process your application.
The Bonneville Salt Flats racing schedule includes events like Speed Week, the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, and the World Finals.
Here are the 2025 Race Dates:
2025 SCTA El Mirage Race Dates: May 17th - 18th June 22nd July 13th Sept 14th Oct 19th Nov 8th - 9th 2025 SCTA/BNI Bonneville Race Dates: August 2nd - 8th - Speed Week Sept 27th – Sept 30th - World Finals.
planning your salt flats elopement
- What I personally always check is the Average history temperature is. I usually check AccuWeather CLICK HERE
- Bring plenty of water, and chapstick, hairspray.
- Take Lots of photos and enjoy your time at the salt flats.
preparation tips
Where to stay for your Salt Flats elopement?
Above the Flats
A beautiful AirBnB 5 minutes from the Salt Flats - and my clients get a discount! Ask me about it.
The Grand America Hotel
1 hour and 35 min from the Salt Flats
Montengo Bay Hotel Casino Resort
15 minutes from the Salt Flats
Salt Lake AirBnBs
1 hr and 45 minutes from the Salt Flats
I recommend a few top places to stay near the salt flats
Example timeline
sample timeline one:
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Bridal Hair
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Bridal Makeup
2:00 PM | Details & Getting Ready Photos
3:20 PM | Bride Ready for Photos
3:45 PM | Leave Airbnb
4:00 PM | Arrive at Salt Flats / Decor Setup
4:30 PM | Setup Complete
4:45 PM | Ceremony
5:05 PM | Champagne Toast
5:10 PM | Cake Cutting
5:20 PM | First Dance
5:30 PM – 7:15 PM | Couples Photos
7:05 PM | Sunset
7:10 PM – 7:20 PM | Blue Hour Photos
7:25 PM – 7:35 PM | Congratulations, You’re Married!
salt flats elopement
sample timeline two
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Bridal Makeup
11:35 AM – 1:15 PM | Bridal Hair
12:00 PM | Bride Getting Ready Photos & Detail Shots in SLC
1:20 PM – 1:40 PM | Groom’s Getting Ready Photos
1:45 PM | Both Begin Getting Ready to Leave
1:55 PM | Leave SLC for Salt Flats
3:50 PM | Arrive at Westbound Rest Stop Area
3:55 PM – 4:40 PM | Arch Setting up
4:30 PM | First Look with Intimate Vows
4:45 PM | Ceremony
5:05 PM | Friends & Family Photos
5:25 PM | Dances
5:40 PM – 5:55 PM | Cake, Champagne, Speeches
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM | Couples Photos
7:05 PM | Sunset
7:10 PM – 7:20 PM | Blue Hour Photos
7:25 PM – 7:35 PM | Sparkler Send-Off
Getting ready at the Airbnb above the Salt Flats or the Casino in Wendover
Getting ready in Salt Lake City and heading to the Salt Flats
Note: If getting ready in Salt Lake City - Drive time is 1 hour and 45 minutes
Make your elopement experience even better with activities:
Hiking
Explore mountain trails near Salt Lake City
Horseback Riding
Enjoy a scenic ride with mountain and valley views.
Sightseeing
Take in the stunning vistas from various viewpoints around the park.
Helicopters Tour
Things to Do at Salt lake city/ near Salt Flats
a recent
elopement
in the salt flats
I can always recommend the best vendors in the area, including but not limited to:
- Florist
- Makeup
- Hair
- Videographer
- Officiant
- Cake
- Arch
- Chairs/benches
vendor recommendations
Why work with me?
salt flat elopement galleries
ryan & jacki
aaron & orianna
sean & Kayla
let's make your Salt Flats elopement Unforgettable
stefanie
Overjoyed with the entire photography
experience and we are blown away by
the artistry Becca gave us!
Becca is a true artist, an amazing business owner, and such a beautiful soul. Coming from a different state for a photo shoot was exciting, and completely stress free thanks to Becca's helpful planning tools. Her communication exceeded my expectations! The Salt Gown dresses made it SO easy to just arrive and not have to pack and haul photo shoot outfits. They are the most beautiful dresses, too!!! Not only do we have these phenomenal images to cherish, but the memories that are tied to this photography experience are moments we will cherish forever!
