Looking for a destination wedding, but don’t have the budget for travel? Or maybe not all of your important guests would be able to travel to a destination wedding.
The good news? You can have your dream destination wedding right here in Utah; it doesn’t take much to feel like you went to a whole new place to say I do, while staying in the place you call home.
Take it from Yibi Alfaro from Lighthouse Media, a Utah-based photo and video team that specializes in destination weddings, there are so many ways to turn your local wedding into one that feels like a magical new place. You don’t have to leave Utah to have the destination experience you dream of!
Lighthouse Media has three tips for making your Utah wedding feel like a destination wedding:
- Choose a scenic location in Utah
- Curate a multi-day itinerary, and
- Incorporate local culture and unique design details!
Choose Utah’s Beautiful Backdrops
When you live in a place like Utah, it’s not hard to find somewhere with a backdrop that will make your heart sing, and your photos look incredible.
Yibi says, “The setting transports you. It gives everyone that sense of, ‘We’re somewhere special,’ which is exactly what a destination wedding is all about.”
Whether it’s the red rocks across Southern Utah, the snowy peaks of our famous mountains, or the pine forests and flower fields, when you and your guests are surrounded by nature that feels extraordinary (and downright gorgeous), it’s easy to create a wedding weekend that feels out-of-this-world. And you don’t even have to drive that far to do it.
And here’s a fun tip: have you ever considered having your wedding at a National Park? Good thing Utah has five to choose from.
But it doesn’t stop with Utah’s natural beauty; plenty of Utah wedding venues are either nestled right in the heart of a mountain range or rock the amazing views of our valleys. A great Utah venue will have all the same perks of a destination wedding location, with the convenience of being local.
“By staying local but picking a jaw-dropping venue, you save on travel logistics while still getting that destination wow-factor. You can visit the venue in person more easily, work with vendors you trust, and often don’t have to worry about complicated international planning. Plus, Utah’s natural beauty means you don’t need to over-decorate; nature is the decor.”
Have a Wedding Weekend, Not Just a Wedding Day
One of the biggest reasons couples and their guests love a destination wedding is because it turns your wedding into a multiple-day event. Having a local I do doesn’t mean you can’t do the same thing.
“We’ve photographed couples who rented out venues in Zion, eloped on a cliffside in Capitol Reef, or booked intimate lodges in Moab. Every time, guests were in awe. Guests hiked, stargazed, and took time to soak in the beauty, and it created an energy that was peaceful and adventurous. The wedding day didn’t just feel like an event, it felt like part of a bigger experience.”
Even if you don’t go the National Park route but still want a whole weekend full of events, there’s nothing that says you can’t. Here’s where the welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and more come into play.
Who says you can’t book a trip to the aquarium with your guests? Take a hike through Big Cottonwood Canyon? You could even make a ski trip out of it with your bridal party all decked out in matching snow gear; or book a spa day with the girls and send the boys to a day at the golf course. The options are endless.
Your wedding can feel like a destination trip full of activities with all your favorite people, no matter where you are. After all, when else are you going to be gathered with all of your loved ones at once like this?
Incorporate Unique Local Details
Like any destination wedding, a Utah wedding can embrace the charm and atmosphere of wherever it is you say I do. A Park City wedding can become an aprés-themed wedding day, complete with a day on the slopes and a hot cocoa bar to finish the night. A Moab wedding will be full of rich red, orange, and pink florals, with an itinerary full of red rock Jeep adventures.
“Bring in small, authentic touches like local flowers, cultural traditions, or details in the decor that show the unique spirit of the place. Also, the natural moments with the environment, like sunsets, canyon breezes, or iconic landmarks, tell the story of the place.”
As a photographer who specializes in capturing those once-in-a-lifetime destination moments, Yibi has seen how couples get everyone in on the fun.
“Encourage guests to dress in destination-inspired styles; think linen suits for a beach vibe or floral prints for a tropical feel.”
Just because you’re still in your home state doesn’t mean you can’t lean into a destination-inspired theme and dress code!
Home-Grown Destinations
Yibi loves the atmosphere a destination wedding creates for all newlyweds, especially the ones who embrace Utah’s gorgeous backdrops.
“The couple feels relaxed and inspired, the guests are genuinely amazed, and the photos are next-level. We love seeing couples embrace the beauty of Utah; it’s meaningful, it’s stunning, and it always leads to an unforgettable experience that feels like an adventure, even if it’s just a few hours from home.”
And if you’re still looking for a reason to update your passports and book a flight, that’s what your honeymoon is for.
“Focus on creating the vibe at home with themed details and venues, and plan a honeymoon trip to get the travel experience later.”
Take it from Lighthouse Media, you don’t have to go far to have the destination wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Just start with Utah!
Read about Lighthouse Media’s top three destination wedding locations!
