Should we elope on the slopes?
Eloping on the slopes is an unforgettable experience. If you love the mountains and the excitement of skiing or snowboarding, why not combine your passion with your wedding day? Exchanging your vows at a ski resort provides stunning views that you won’t find at any traditional venue. It also offers unique photo opportunities and the chance to celebrate your “first ski run” as newlyweds. It’s the perfect way to start your next adventure as a couple.
This guide will discuss how to legally get married, where to pick up a marriage license, as well as when and where to elope.
Is it difficult to elope in Utah?
Utah is a very easy state to elope in because it does not require an appointment at the county clerk office to receive a marriage license nor does it require a waiting period.
Depending on the county clerk office, the marriage license is valid for 30-32 days from the day you pick it up. You will need an ordained officiant and two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign the license. A family member or friend can easily be ordained online via the Universal Life Church within minutes.
How to get a marriage license
You can pick up a marriage license at any county clerk office, regardless of what county you will get married in. Both partners must be present to receive the marriage license and must have valid ID and social security number.
However, some county clerk offices require an appointment. For example, Park City’s county clerk office, Summit County, requires an appointment. Meanwhile, the Wasatch County clerk office, located in Heber, currently does not require an appointment.
You must pay a fee for a marriage license and costs vary depending on which county clerk office you attend. In Summit County, the license costs $50 and is valid for 30 days. In Wasatch County, the license costs $40 and is also valid for 30 days.
When should we elope on the slopes?
Utah’s ski season ranges from November to May. However, depending on snowfall, some of the more remote slopes that do not have help from artificial snow may not open until January. The slope conditions are best from January to March. Afterwards, spring skiing means for warmer weather and getting married in less layers!
Which ski resort should we elope at?
Park City is a great location to elope because it has two ski resorts located just 5 minutes from the historic downtown Park City. It’s only a 30 minute drive to Park City from SLC international airport and there are over 15 nearby hotels.
Alternatively, ski resorts such as Brighton, Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird may require snow traction tires to travel up the canyon, but the views are all equally breathtaking.
Are we allowed to elope on the slopes?
As of spring of 2025, you are allowed to elope on the slopes. Although some ski resorts are located on public land managed by the US Forest Service, contact the ski resort directly regarding special use permit requirements for getting married. These permits may take 30 days to process. These special use permits are necessary to reduce impact on the environment and other visitors, as well as insure that there are no conflicting events.
Please be mindful of other skiers and snowboarders, and always stop in a safe location away from traffic. By being respective and unobtrusive, we can ensure that ski and snowboard enthusiasts can continue to get married in their favorite place on earth.
Latest update: August 2025. Policies may have since changed.
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