How to Legally Elope in Utah
You’ve chosen to elope in Utah! Between the towering red rocks, endless adventures, and trails that lead to the most jaw-dropping views, Utah is the perfect place to slow down, be present, and say “I do”. But now you might be wondering… “How do we legally elope in Utah?” Don’t worry—this is one of those things that sounds more complicated than it actually is, and I’m here to walk you through it all!
How Marriage Licenses Work in Utah
To legally elope in Utah, you both will need to appear in person at any County Clerk’s office in the state, but it doesn’t have to be the county where you’re getting married. A couple of popular elopement locations include Moab (Grand County) or Park City (Summit County). They both have offices, and there is no waiting period. Some counties even offer an online option to apply ahead of time when eloping in Moab, which can make things even easier.
You’ll need:
- To legally elope in Utah, you’ll need a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Payment for the license (fees vary by county, but are usually around $50)
- An officiant to conduct your ceremony (This can be anyone legally authorized, including a friend or family member who becomes ordained online – check out this resource for more information.)
- Two witnesses who are 18 or older (Good news: I can count as one of them!)
The best part? There’s no waiting period. As soon as you have your license in hand, you’re free to get married that same day!
Getting Married in Utah? Here’s How to Make It Legal
There’s a County Clerk’s office right in the heart of Moab, which makes picking up your marriage license super convenient if you’re doing everything locally (just make sure to plan ahead). The offices typically operate on standard business hours, Monday through Friday.
To legally elope in Utah, after your ceremony, it’s the officiant’s responsibility to return the signed license to the same office where you got it. Some eloping couples choose to hand-deliver it themselves in Moab to help speed up processing (and it can be quicker!), but just know the official processing time can still take up to six weeks.
The state of Utah doesn’t have a waiting period for marriage licenses, so once it’s in your hands, you’re good to go! You could say “I do” the very same day.
Prefer an Online Option?
If having the paperwork in hand on your wedding day isn’t a must, Utah County offers a fully online marriage license process. It’s super straightforward and a favorite for couples who want a no-stress experience. Just a heads-up: to legally elope in Utah, marriage licenses are only valid for 32 days, so don’t apply too early or you’ll have to start the process over.
How to Elope Legally in Utah, Just You Two?
If you’re eloping in Moab with just the two of you, no problem at all! As your photographer, I am a built-in witness. For your second witness? We can usually find someone kind and willing right on the trail, in the parking lot, or nearby. The desert has a way of bringing good people into your special day.
