If you have seen photos of a mountain-top Winter wedding and wondered if that is something you could pull off, I assure you that planning an elopement in a ski town like Park City may feel like a daunting task, but it can be quite simple.

Whether or not you are a skier, snowboarder or even neither, there are ways for you to exchange your vows and create amazing wedding portraits on the top of a ski mountain.

I have been working with couples, both adventurous and less so, for over ten years, many of whose vision it was to get married in the Winter with beautiful mountain views. Whether you want it to be just the two of you, a handful of guests, or a more ambitious larger group, your vision is entirely possible.

To get you started in your planning, here are a few details to consider and some tips for the ideal end results.

1. Location

There are a number of reasons that eloping in a ski town makes it the most convenient option for a Winter mountain setting.

First, ski towns are set up to cater to people from out of town. With their abundance of lodging, restaurant and spa options, planning the luxurious details of your elopement are easy.

Even more important, accessing a beautiful location, in a tux and wedding gown no less, is made far easier at a ski mountain rather than having to snowshoe for hours to a location off the grid. Whether you plan to ski or snowboard on your wedding day, or if you or some of your guests simply want to ride to the top and back down, many ski mountains offer a sightseeing ticket option to access the mountain from the base.

We can work with you to decide which mountain and pass option is best for you depending on your needs and vision. In the Park City area alone, you can choose from a list of resorts depending on your ability, accessibility, views and style: Park City and Canyons, Snowbasin, Deer Valley, Alta and Brighton.

2. Special Photo Opportunities

We all know about the first dance, but how about the first ski? Should you decide to take the adventurous route down the mountain, most mountains around Park City offer a variety of terrain for all levels of skier. Whether or not you want to cruise down easy or get some adrenaline shots from the tippity top, with an expert skier/photographer by your side it’s all possible.

Chairlifts, gondolas, and on-mountain lodges all provide unique opportunities for creative photography and are not to be missed. The entire mountain is your venue if you so desire.

3. Elopement Requirements in Utah

You will need to apply for a marriage license in person and pay a small fee. I recommend visiting the county clerk’s office a day or two before the elopement. However, once you apply for the license there is no waiting period. The license is valid for 30 days.

The only other two requirements are an officiant and two witnesses. You may go the route of hiring an elopement officiant. Be sure to make sure the officiant is open to whatever adventure you are planning. If you work with Kristen Pierce Photography and Elope in Park City, we can also arrange for an officiant who fits your needs, as well as other vendors such as hair/make-up and florals. You may also elect to have a friend or family member officiate. That person can easily and quickly be ordained through the Universal Life Church.

Finally, you will need two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign your marriage license. Even if you are planning your elopement just the two of you, the photographer or another vendor can serve as your witness, as can any passing onlooker or skier.

Use these links to learn more about eloping in Park City, or to schedule a time to chat about your mountain wedding vision.

https://calendly.com/kristenpiercephotography/15min