WHERE TO ELOPE IN SALT LAKE CITY: TIBBLE FORK RESERVOIR
Utah is such a beautiful location to have a wedding! Between the mountains, deserts, and big cities, there’s so much variety in various landscapes. And Tibble Fork Reservoir is easily one of the most understated places to get married. Locals love this spot, and it’s no wonder. So much beauty wrapped up in this location!
HOW TO ELOPE AT TIBBLE FORK RESERVOIR
GETTING THERE
Tibble Fork Reservoir is less than hour drive South of Salt Lake City. It’s hidden in the Wasatch Mountains and you will start your ascent at American Fork Canyon – it’s about 6.8 miles from the start of the canyon. As you head up the canyon you will come to a fork in the road. Turn left following the sign that points to Tibble Fork Reservoir.
There used to be a fee booth at the start of the American Fork Canyon that required a purchase of a 3-day pass for $6 OR a National Park Pass. As of October 1, 2020, the booth has been taken down and they haven’t enforced passes. This could change with construction updates. Make sure to do your research before you go.
PERMITS AND FEES
Most places in Utah allow you to take photos for free. But if you’re performing any kind of ceremony, you’ll need to obtain a Special Use Permit from Utah State Parks for your wedding. Applications can be submitted 1–18 months in advance. The application fee is $10, and the permit fee starts at $50. You can contact the park manager for more information on the cost of your permit.
WHEN TO ELOPE
We suggest July or August! Although summer does draw more crowds, the weather is beautiful up in these high mountains. All the snow will be melted, and you’ll likely find some wildflowers. If you’re worried about the crowds, sunrise is absolutely stunning here, and you can usually avoid most people this way.
If you’d like a true winter wonderland, we’d suggest January and February. The reservoir does freeze over, but it’s been known to crack. So please use caution when around the water areas.
If it’s the Fall colors you’re after, typically late September and early October is going to be your best bet. However, this location is primarily full of evergreens, which do not change colors. So if you’re looking for oranges and reds, the drive into the canyon has a lot more trees with changing colors. Make sure you plan to stop along the way or on your way out if you want those beautiful fall colors in your photos.
HELPFUL TIPS
- There’s almost NO cell reception in this area. Be sure to download maps offline, or carpool with any guests so that you can follow each other and don’t get lost.
- This location can get crowded around sunset in the warmer months with people using the reservoir for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc. Make sure you consider this when planning your events.
- If you keep driving up the road you will come across a second parking lot with additional trails and open fields to take photos. It’s less known, and still allows you to get those epic mountain view backdrops without all of the visitors at the lake.
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER UTAH ELOPEMENT SPOTS
Ready to book your Elopement at Tibble Fork Reservoir? Reach out to me here.
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