Table of Contents:
- Where is the Bonneville Salt Flats?
- How do you get to the Bonneville Salt Flats?
- Why Should You Elope at Bonneville Salt Flats?
- FAQ’s About Eloping at the Bonneville Salt Flats
- When are the Salt Flats flooded?
- Are dogs allowed at the Salt Flats?
- Can you drive on the Salt Flats?
- Will the Salt Flats ruin our clothes?
- Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding & Elopement Permits
- The Best Time of Year to Get Married at the Bonneville Salt Flats
- Your Bonneville Salt Flats Elopement Photographer
- Bonneville Salt Flats Elopement Packages
- Final Tips for Eloping at the Bonneville Salt Flats
- Salt Flat Elopement Inspiration
Located roughly 2 hours west of Salt Lake City, the Bonneville Salt Flats add a unique backdrop to your couples session or elopement. These two beautiful humans woke up hella early, driving to the Salt Flats to arrive just before the sun started to peak over the horizon. Virtually empty with only a handful of people around, the Salt Flats at sunrise gave privacy and calmness to the photos. Let’s talk more about Madison + Brandon and everything you need to know about eloping at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
Where is the Bonneville Salt Flats?
The Bonneville Salt Flats are located roughly 2 hours west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Just take Interstate 80 and keep going, all of a sudden it will just appear!! The land will turn from regular old mountains, hills and farmland to a vast desert with a white as day salt crust on top. I could attempt to explain the history and evolution, dating back to the Ice Age, however, the science is lost on me as I’m just a mere photographer but please feel free to read all about it here!
How do you get to the Bonneville Salt Flats?
There are two locations to access the Bonneville Salt Flats and it’s very important to take note of the logistics behind getting there.
The first is the Wendover Salt Flats Rest Area- Westbound of Interstate 80. This rest area is a truck stop as well. There are bathrooms here, although it’s good to note when we were there in April 2024, the bathrooms were locked and your only options were porta potties. Yes, my fear of porta potties was on full alert as I had to use them as a last resort.
The second spot to access the Salt Flats is the Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway. This is where they will actually hold drag races at certain times of the year!
It’s important to note: If you go to the Westbound Rest Area first, you can easily access the Raceway right after. They are about 15 minutes apart. However, if you go to the Raceway first, it’ll be roughly a 1-1.5 hour trip to get back to the Westbound Rest Area. I believe you can stop at the Eastbound rest area and run across the interstate but I would not recommend this. So please plan accordingly!
Why Should You Elope at Bonneville Salt Flats?
If you’re local to Salt Lake City and just looking for a simple, serene area to get married in or you want something a little different with gorgeous mountain backdrops – then this is the place for you. It gives you that unique feel while only being a little rest area. You can walk out onto the Salt Flats and go as far as your heart desires. I would HIGHLY recommend sunrise or sunset here, these views are magical and so serene. It’s truly something out of your wildest dreams.
FAQ’s About Eloping at the Bonneville Salt Flats
When are the Salt Flats flooded?
The Salt Flats are typically flooded in the months of November to May! Now whether you’ll have half an inch or 8 inches of water is determined by the rain, melted snow and how fast the sun can dry it up! You can check the live cams to see what they look like today!
Are dogs allowed at the Salt Flats?
Yes! Absolutely! Just make sure to bring lots of wipes and water to wash off the pup’s paws so the salt doesn’t aggravate their paws.
Can you drive on the Salt Flats?
This is a bit of a toss up! In the past, you have been able to drive straight off the road and onto the Salt Flats. However, as of April 2024, there were barricades all around to prevent people from driving onto the Salt Flats. They are trying to prevent corrosion and cracking in certain areas. Always check with the BLM website to confirm what you’re allowed to do!
Will the Salt Flats ruin our clothes?
There is a HIGH possibility! I would suggest wearing shoes you want to toss after to avoid the cleanup! Also for your clothes I would recommend washing them/rinsing them off as soon as you can. They used to have a foot wash station at the rest area but the last time I was there nothing was connected or working. Bring extra towels, change of clothes, shoes and a brush (because it’s super windy) before you head back on your 2 hour journey back to Salt Lake City! You don’t want to travel soaking wet. Also bring wet wipes for your car! The salt will be EVERYWHERE!
Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding & Elopement Permits
If you want to show up and just take pictures with just the two of you, then no you do not need a permit! However, if you want to have any sort of set up or group, then yes! You will need a special use permit from the Bureau of Land Management! You can always check their up to date permits and uses on their website!
The Best Time of Year to Get Married at the Bonneville Salt Flats
The Salt Flats can be very unpredictable so you truly never know when they will have water on them. However, most Summer days are a good bet because the sun is hot and the days are longer, allowing any rainwater to dissipate. If you choose to get married any other time in the Salt Flats you run a high risk of the grounds being flooded – if this is your vibe then let’s do it!
Your Bonneville Salt Flats Elopement Photographer
Need someone to capture your absolutely magical Salt Flats elopement? I’m your gal! I love the Salt Flats. Something about waking up at the ass crack of dawn and watching the sun start to peak over the horizon. In the same breath, soaking in the sun as it turns to blue hour after sunset creates the same enchanting experience. I’m Whitney and I’d be more than happy to capture your Salt Flats Elopement!
Bonneville Salt Flats Elopement Packages
All of my packages include travel fees and are customized to your day! But we can start with the 2 hour elopement package!
It includes:
- Up to 2 hours of photography
- Online gallery with high resolution images
- Over 150 images
- Printing rights
- All travel included
Need something different? There’s many more options where those came from! Head to my website to inquire and let’s chat and create the perfect package for you!
Final Tips for Eloping at the Bonneville Salt Flats
While this place is unique, gorgeous, charming and enchanting – it can be unpredictable! When it comes to eloping in the Salt Flats, you need to have the best “go with the flow” attitude. Make sure you’re cool with having your wedding there rain or shine because there are no close alternatives! If you have that happy go lucky attitude then we will have the best time and make some beautiful memories!
Bonneville Salt Flat Wedding Inspiration
