How to plan your Salt flats elopement
salt flats photography
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.
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 9 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.
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 weddings for 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
To elope at the Salt Flats (Speedway side only), a Special Use Permit may be required. No permit is needed for the Rest Stop Side — it is private property.
New in 2026: The BLM now processes all permit applications through a system called RAPTOR. Current turnaround time is approximately 90 days, so plan ahead!
Good news for small weddings: For most gatherings under 74 people, the BLM can issue a “nominal effects determination,” meaning there is no cost associated with the permit. It’s still strongly recommended to submit an application so the BLM can deconflict your plans with other events on the flats — and the paperwork can be helpful if anyone has questions about your presence out there.
bonneville salt flats
permits & regulations
Updated March 2026
To elope at the salt flats (speedway side only), you will need a special use permit:
Apply here: Raptor | Home
The Bonneville Salt Flats racing schedule includes events like Speed Week, the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, and the World Finals.
2026 Bonneville Salt Flats Race Schedule
Updated March 2026
USFRA Test and Tune June 25 – July 1
ECTA Bonneville Mile July 7 – 13
SCTA Speed Week July 27 – August 8
SCTA Special Event August 9 – 15
BMST August 20 – 28
USFRA World of Speed August 30 – September 8
SCTA World Finals September 23 – 29
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
Montego 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:
10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Bridal Hair
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Bridal Makeup
12:00 PM | Details Photos
1:00 PM | Groom Getting Ready Photos
2:00 PM | Bride Getting Ready Photos
3:00 PM | Getting Last Photos
3:35 PM | Leave Hotel/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
09:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Bridal Makeup
10:30 AM – Photographer (Becca) Arrives
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Bridal Hair
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Groom Getting Ready Photos
11:45 AM | Bride Getting Ready Photos & Detail Shots in SLC
12:45 PM | First Look With Mom or Dad
1:30 PM | Both Begin Getting Ready to Leave
1:45 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
5:35 PM – 5:55 PM | Cake, Champagne, Speeches
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM | Couples Photos
8:30 PM | Sunset
8:35 PM – 8:45 PM | Blue Hour Photos
8:45 PM – 9:00 PM | Sparkler Send-Off
9:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Clean Up
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 or 2 hours for the Speedway side
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.
Helicopter Tour
See the stunning vistas from above.
Things to Do at Salt lake city/ near 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
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!
