ELOPING IN UTAH – UTAH ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER & PLANNER

START YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY

thirdeyesamuel utah elopement photographer videographer planner wedding awards from the knot, wedding wire, and wandering weddings

thirdeyesamuel adventure Utah elopement photographer videographer and planner team shoots bride and groom at national park with bride in white dress on a slackline across 100 meter cove with groom in all black suit in foreground

Howdy, 🤠👋 we’re Samuel & Karly, your award-winning Utah elopement photographer videographer & planner team.

A lot more than just Utah elopement photographers.

We’re your complete experience creators.

Not only will we create EPIC photos and video for you, but we’ll help you plan the whole thing too.

Most importantly, we make it all FUN.

Think of us as Utah elopement wedding ninjas, or Jedi. “Wedi” even.

SAY HIGH

Utah elopement wedding baby Yoda icon — “We’ll be your Woda“

They provided us with great direction and their calm nature made us feel comfortable in front of the camera.”
THIRD EYE COUPLE 🕉 SARA & CHRIS

“THE ADVENTURERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY”

MAGICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT DOES ELOPE MEAN?
WHAT IS A UTAH ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT?
REASONS TO ELOPE
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE UTAH ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
HOW TO ELOPE
ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT TESTIMONIAL
BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN UTAH
BEST TIME TO VISIT UTAH
UTAH ELOPEMENT TIPS
ULTIMATE ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT CHECKLIST
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ELOPE IN UTAH?
UTAH ELOPEMENT PACKAGES & PRICING
UTAH ADVENTURE SESSION PACKAGES & PRICING
ADDITIONAL UTAH ELOPEMENT PLANNING RESOURCES
ALLTRAILS – UTAH HIKING & LANDSCAPE INFO
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN UTAH
UTAH ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT WEDDING VENDORS
UTAH MARRIAGE LICENSE
ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDES

ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDES

ADVENTURE ELOPEMENTS ARE THE FASTEST GROWING WEDDING TREND IN THE WORLD

SO…WHAT DOES ELOPE MEAN ANYWAY?

Here’s what elopement has previously been defined as;

Elope (e·lope) – run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent. run away to marry. run off/away together. slip away. sneak off. run off/away with a lover.

So things have changed…

The definition of elopement has evolved in the wedding photography space as;

a “just us,” or intentional intimate wedding experience with only the closest of family and friends (and us of course.)

ThirdEyeSamuel Utah adventure elopement couple plays on red rock boulders in national park in wedding attire. bride is sitting on rock high in air with long white wedding dress hanging down extending hand to groom in all black suite standing above here

WHAT IS A UTAH ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT?

Simply put, a Utah adventure elopement is an outdoor intimate wedding experience immersed in the State & National Parks epic beauty, which focuses entirely on YOU and YOUR PARTNER.

WHY SHOULD I ELOPE?

HERE’S THE TOP 7 REASONS TO ELOPE:

You want a “just us” experience that focuses on intimacy and intentionality
You don’t want to plan a party for hundreds of people
You want to avoid family drama
You want way less planning and stress
You value authentic moments over material things
You want truly EPIC photos and video
You want an adventure!

This intentional experience focuses completely on you and your partner.

There are epic alternatives to planning a massive party for hundreds of people.

Each year, more and more couples are choosing to enjoy an adventure elopement or small intimate wedding experience.

Get married how YOU want to.

THIS IS THE WAY.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A UTAH ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE?

adventure elopement couple hands upside down from slackline at national park in their wedding attire smiling at each other

We’ll hang out and create epic images at a National Park.

The Utah elopement experience can be as rugged or luxurious as you’d like.

All levels of adventurers are welcome, even if you’ve never traveled, hiked or camped a day in your life.

There is a Utah elopement adventure for everyone.

This is a 100% inclusive experience.

Utah elopements have many forms.

They’re most commonly enjoyed at State and National Parks, or nearby areas.

Some of the most popular and epic are places like Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Glen Canyon and the expanses of BLM Land.

As you can see the options for your big day are absolutely magical.

Karly and I are here to help you every step of the way.

LET’S HANG OUT

VISUALIZE YOUR DREAM UTAH ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

Consider the details of the most epic day of your life…

Where are you two? Whats around you? What kind of epic scenery do you see?
- The vastness of the canyons, red desert rock mountains, or thousand foot cliffs?
Is the sun setting? Is it rising? Is there a golden or amethyst horizon?
What is your partner wearing? An all black suit, a black wedding dress, a fairytale white wedding dress with a long train flowing in the wind on a canyon’s edge?
Do you envision a sky plateau ceremony at sunset? Followed by a nighttime bonfire reception?
Imagine exploring this new world for DAYS before and after your amazing celebration.

YOU DESERVE THIS.

WE ARE READY

WE’LL MAKE PLANNING YOUR ENTIRE UTAH ELOPEMENT EASY

From the moment you contact us we’re going to help you plan the best Utah elopement experience possible.

Planning aspects like travel, food, lodging, weather, back-up plans, park permits, photography permits, marriage license, guests, timeline, ceremony, reception, vendors, wedding and adventure attire, equipment, how to leave no trace, and so on.

Helping plan also means ensuring you’re choosing the right photographer.

Choosing a photographer for your most intimate and sacred day should be done with the utmost care. Not only will you be with them (us) for up to 12 hours on the wedding day, but you’ll be in close contact through the whole process, from planning to post, and even for years after.

Especially when we create the adventurers bond.

FIND OUT IF WE’RE A MATCH

HOW TO PLAN AN ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT IN UTAH

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
- This one’s easy. 😉 And we’re videographers too! Even easier. =)

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT LOCATION AND DATE
- We’ve combined these two elements because they are very interdependent. The time of year will dictate what the best choice for your location will be and vice versa. We’ll provide you with the best possible option based on your personal interests;
  - National Parks rich with mountains, canyons, forests, glaciers, lakes, or deserts.

SAVE YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT DATE
- Once we’ve discovered the most epic location and date for your adventure we’ll complete the retainer step of the booking process to save your date and make it official!

BEGIN PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
- Now we’ll work through curating the finer details of the adventure elopement experience.

We’ll make all of this EASY.

We’ve also created a more in-depth how-to guide on the 17 Steps to Plan Your Dream Adventure Elopement Wedding.

LET’S PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE!

adventurous utah elopement review testimonial five stars icon

ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT TESTIMONIAL

adventurous couple eloping in Utah National Park playing with slackline. bride is having her climbing rigging secured by groom in all black suit. she is wearing an all white long wedding dress which is lifted up to climbing harness so she's smiling at camera covering mouth with hand

“Best Adventure Elopement Photographer and Videographer on the Planet”

“Samuel and Karly of ThirdEyeSamuel exceeded our expectations in every way and gave us a truly unique experience, while capturing the events so eloquently. They are true masters of their craft; not just in their ability to take beautiful and artisitic photos, but their professional communication skills, creativity, vibrant energy, humor, and product turnaround time. We cannot express enough how happy we are to have chosen ThirdEyeSamuel to share this occasion with.

If you’re looking to hire one of the best Adventure Elopement Photographers and Videographers look no further!”

THIRD EYE COUPLE 🕉 JACOB & CHELSEA

WE’RE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SCREEN EXCITED TO MEET YOU

WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN UTAH?

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

GLEN CANYON & LAKE POWELL

ZION NATIONAL PARK

CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL PARK

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

MANTI-LA SAL NATIONAL FOREST

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK

BLM LAND

Without a doubt Utah is home to some of the most epic elopement locations out of anywhere in the country. We highly recommend devoting 3 days to a week to explore your destination.

*ALL WEDDINGS AND ELOPEMENTS REQUIRE A SPECIAL PARK USE PERMIT.

BEST TIME TO VISIT UTAH [SPRING & FALL]

WEEKDAY WEEKDAY WEEKDAY. If you can, definitely elope during the week! This will dodge the crowds and give you the most private experience.

Most of these places allow for year round access, however we recommend March through May and September through November. If you’re planning during the summer months, sunrise or sunset ceremonies will help to avoid the heat.

Spring and Fall will also be best if you’re looking to do a fair amount of hiking and camping with your elopement adventure.

Always book as far in advance as possible when holding a ceremony at a National Park, especially during peak seasons in the late spring and early fall.

For the most beautiful photos and video we recommend sunrise and sunset. If overcast skies, anytime is great!

And if you’re still considering other locations for your adventure elopement wedding…

[217 Best Places to Elope in the US and World]

LET’S CHOOSE YOUR WONDERLAND TOGETHER

adventurous Utah elopement couple looks off into distant mountains at national park. groom is wearing all black wedding attire and bride is in white wedding dress. they are out of focus on foreground with red rocky mountains beyond in focus

ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT TIPS

Create a back up plan
Book as far in advance as possible
Renting a jeep can really evolve the whole adventure
Bring water – we recommend a camelbak or similar (3 liter minimum size) or at least a 1L bottle
Be mindful of aligning geographic location and seasonal climate
Weekdays are highly recommended because your chance for an intimate and private experience skyrockets
Sunrise / early morning and evening / sunset will create the most beautiful imagery
Obtain marriage license prior to the adventure
Purchase Special Park Use Permit ($150) through National Park Service.
Expect to hike (1-6+ miles) for photo-walk and ceremony
Hiking boots highly recommended (can bring other shoes for the shoot if desired)
Choose wedding dress appropriate for your adventure plan (can pack to photo/ceremony location too)
Mentally prepare to trash the dress – it’s worth it
Don’t expect to source cake or cupcakes locally
Sun protection – proper protective clothing and/or sunscreen
Hair and make up artist can be hard to find near some parks
Be mindful and respectful of your surroundings while hiking and camping
Don’t bring confetti or similar items that will pollute environment
Leave your spaces cleaner than when you found them #leavenotrace
Consider hiring an official guide for more technical adventures
Enjoy every moment of this sacred experience with your best friend

bride and groom climb red desert rock formations together at Utah national park during their adventure elopement photography videography session by thirdeyesamuel. groom is lifting bride up to him. her dress is hanging down the rock below her creating beautiful contrast in environment

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT LOCATION

adventurous bride and groom eloping in utah national park. bride and groom grab each others butts while looking off into distance. they stand underneath of a massive natural wedding arch made of rock boulders balancing on one another

THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT CHECKLIST

Visualize the scenery with your amazing partner
- Mountain, desert, glacier, forest, lake, beach, cave, cliff, canyon, mid-air…space?!
Craft perfect combination of location and date with planner
Elopement planner (us) — we 📋
Photographer (us) —— really 📷
Videographer (us) ——- make 🎥
Officiant (us) ——————this 🤠
Witnesses (us) —————easy 🤩
Create back-up(s) for your location and date
Acquire permits and/or reservations
Obtain marriage license
Travel & lodging (Airbnb is amazing)
Adventure equipment
Florist – fake or real either way they’re gorgeous, bouquets adventure well too! 💐

Cake (cupcakes?) 🧁 cupcakes adventure well
Decor – maybe you want a giant hexagon wedding arbor
Rings – the sacred symbol of eternal union! 💍
Wedding dress & attire – appropriate to the adventure
“Spells” / Vows – cast them, freestyle them, write them, say them 3 different times if you want
Invitations – or maybe it’s “just us”
- you can also hold a separate time and place to invite your friends and family
Ceremony – on a plateau only accessed by helicopter?
Reception – maybe a cliff-side bonfire or airbnb party
Honeymoon (a week of exploring your epic destination?)
Announcement – “shout from the mountaintops…” literally?

thirdeyesamuel Utah elopement photographer videographer and planner team Samuel & karly embrace each other and celebrate standing in front of their diy camper van in front of a canyon at national park with sun lens flare and golden white calf off to the right

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ELOPE IN UTAH?

Elopements in Utah typically cost anywhere from $7,000-$20,000+ including the photography and videography.

This is considerably less than the average wedding.

The average wedding in the United States costs approximately $34,000.

The main difference is that you’re investing in an experience for fewer people, which in turn leads to a much higher quality experience for each person.

A major factor of this higher quality experience is enjoying a multi-day adventure elopement + honeymoon. Imagine a week long adventure as newlyweds in an absolutely magical location. EPIC.

We highly recommend investing 3-7 days to fully explore and appreciate your epic destination.

You can even hire a photographer (🤠🏴‍☠️) for multiple days, to document even more of your amazing story.

Especially if you’re feeling adventurous enough to skydive, BASE jump, highline, climb or go off-roading.

Get married the way YOU want to. 🏴‍☠️

BEGIN CRAFTING YOUR HIGH QUALITY EXPERIENCE TODAY

UTAH ELOPEMENT PACKAGES & PRICING

adventure bride dances on slackline for her Utah elopement package experience at national park in long white wedding dress upside down in the middle of the air forming a ninja throwing star shape with her body

Utah Elopement Packages

Photo + Video Utah Elopement Packages Can Include:

4+ hours photo + video coverage with Samuel & Karly
Hi-res images showcased, delivered and downloadable in professional online gallery
Highlight video 5-10 minutes with vows and/or music
Highlight video 1 minute for social media with vows and/or music
GoPro personal POV video
Drone aerial photo / video (location + weather permitting)
Large print sized appropriately for your living space
Adventure Elopement planning
Second Photographer / Videographer
Adventure equipment provided
Vendor & Location recommendations
Tea ceremony
Lifelong adventurers friendship

Utah Elopement Pricing

The 4+ Hour Utah Elopement Photo + Video pricing starts at $5117. Photo only starts at $3417.

We do not charge for travel (Van-life perks 🚐).

We offer fully customizable packages.

CRAFT YOUR UNIQUE UTAH ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE

“My fiancé and I always get very nervous before taking photos because it can be kind of awkward at times. Not with this duo! Samuel and Karly are awesome. They made us feel very calm and relaxed…“

THIRD EYE COUPLE 🕉 MEGAN & ERIK

Utah Adventure Sessions: for Engagements, Proposals, Trash the Dress, Anniversaries, Vow Renewals, Couples (and any reason you can dream up because they’re epic)

adventure bride dances on slackline high in the air in her long train white elopement wedding dress in a utah national park

Utah Adventure Session Packages

Photo + Video Utah Adventure Session Packages Can Include:

2 hour photo + video coverage with Samuel & Karly
Hi-res images showcased, delivered and downloadable in professional online gallery
Highlight video 3 minutes with music
Highlight video 1 minute for social media with music
GoPro personal POV video
Drone aerial photo / video (location + weather permitting)
Large print sized appropriately for your living space
Adventure Session planning
Second Photographer / Videographer
Location recommendations
Lifelong adventurers friendship

Utah Adventure Session Pricing

The 2 hour Photo + Video Utah Adventure Session pricing begins at $3417. Photo only begins at $2617.

These sessions are designed for engagements, proposals, trash the dress, anniversaries, vow renewals, couples, and simply because they’re epic and should be enjoyed for any reason you can possibly dream up.

Like our elopement packages, the adventure sessions are also fully customizable.

CREATE YOUR UNIQUE UTAH ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE

We had the most amazing time with Samuel and Karly at our adventurous ‘Trash the Dress’ photo shoot. Wearing my wedding gown in an epic outdoor location while suspended in the sky was an experience of a lifetime! Samuel and Karly at ThirdEyeSamuel are THE best Adventure Elopement Photographers and Videographers, and I cannot recommend them enough. They went above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience and authentically captured every moment on camera.. from multiple angles, too! I will forever cherish this day and the many beautiful images and videos <3”
THIRD EYE COUPLE 🕉 CHELSEA & JACOB