Three Ways to Legally Elope — A Guide from Roaming Desert Film Co.
There’s something timeless about eloping — the intimacy, the adventure, the freedom to define your day exactly how you want it. Here at Roaming Desert Film Co., we don’t just document love — we help couples plan thoughtfully, including making sure your elopement is legally valid.
Eloping doesn’t mean skipping the paperwork; it means knowing how to handle it in a way that supports your vision. Below are the three most common legal routes couples choose when they elope — each with its own benefits and logistics.
✨ Option 1: Legally Marry at your Hometown Courthouse, Then Elope Somewhere Scenic for your REAL Elopement Day!
If you are the couple that values simplicity, not worry about National park permitting, and having more time for excursion/vacation activities in your destination of choice for your elopement, rather than dealing with the legalities while on vacation, then this is the option for you.
How it works
You handle the legal marriage portion at your local courthouse before the big adventure — even if that adventure is thousands of miles away. I know many couples who have done this and made it a date night in there hometown. Then still contacted us to plan their EPIC elopement and utilized more of their travel time for excursions and adventures! They don’t consider their courthouse paperwork date to be their elopement date. They still celebrate their elopement on their big adventure date in Utah, or wherever they choose to celebrate their BIG DAY!
Why couples love it
Simple. No need to navigate marriage laws in another state.
Affordable. Courthouse fees are usually low.
Stress-reducing. Get the legal part done early, then relax and focus on your experience together in a meaningful place.
Example
You live in Overland Park, KS and have a quick courthouse wedding in your city. A few weeks later, you fly out to Moab, Zion, or SLC and celebrate your elopement with a ceremony that feels like you — but legally? You’re already married.
This gives you flexibility in your elopement location without worrying about legal requirements there. And we’re there to film the heartfelt moments that feel like your wedding day surround in mountains, red rock, or stunning cliffsides.
✨ Option 2: Get Your Legal Documentation in the State You’re Eloping In
If you want your elopement to be the legal wedding date — even when it’s out of state — this option covers that.
How it works
Before your elopement, you apply for a marriage license in the state where you’ll be eloping. Then, on the wedding day (out in the location you choose), you sign, officiate, and file the paperwork according to that state’s rules.
Why couples choose this
Your elopement is your legal wedding day.
No separate courthouse visit back home.
The mountaintop, or wherever you choose to elope, will be your real chapel day for marriage!
Things to Know
States differ on waiting periods, ID requirements, and whether you must return the signed license within a certain timeframe.
Some couples pick up the license a day or two before the wedding; others plan it into a courthouse visit right when they arrive.
We’re always happy to help you figure out the logistics based on where you’re eloping so you can focus on the experience — and we’ll capture it beautifully.
✨ Option 3: Eloping Inside a National Park (with Permits & Requirements)
Want the red rocks, towering canyons, or endless desert horizon as your backdrop? National parks are breathtaking — but they come with specific rules if you want your ceremony there.
National Parks → Special Use Permits
Eloping inside a national park almost always requires a Special Use Permit and often a fee. Why? Because parks manage limited space and want to protect the environment and visitor experience.
Designated Areas Only
You can’t just say your vows anywhere you please — parks designate certain areas where weddings and elopements are allowed.
Utah National Parks (Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce) — What You Need
In Utah specifically, the requirements include:
A Special Use Permit granted by the park.
A certified officiant to legally perform and sign your marriage.
Two witnesses to sign the marriage license (this is standard for legal weddings).
These requirements ensure your ceremony is legally binding and respectful of the park’s rules.
Planning Tips
Apply for permits early — especially in peak seasons.
Confirm officiant credentials ahead of time.
Make sure your witnesses are part of your plan (often guests, photographers, or vendors can help).
And of course, we’re here to help you document every breathtaking moment — from sweeping landscape shots to intimate exchanges under open skies.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but here’s a quick way to think about it:
Option 1 — Best if you want a low-stress legal start at home and a separate, scenic celebration.
Option 2 — Perfect if you want your elopement and your legal wedding to be the same event.
Option 3 — Ideal for couples who dream of saying “I do” inside a national park — with all the magic that comes with it — and are willing to handle permit details and additional fees.
Final Thoughts from Roaming Desert Film Co.
Eloping is a personal journey — and the legal part shouldn’t take away from the joy of it. Whether you’re under towering pines, perched above canyon rims, or beside windswept sandstone, we want your legal marriage and your memories to be secure, meaningful, and beautifully captured.
If you need help navigating permits, officiants, or planning timelines based on your chosen option, we’re always here to guide you. Let’s make your elopement one you’ll relive through film for a lifetime.
Want Roaming Desert Film Co. to be a part of your elopement day through photo and video and help you plan your EPIC adventure?
Hi there! We’re Tana and Cory Metcalf @ Roaming Desert Film Co. - a husband and wife photo/video team, located in Utah! We love exploring all that the world has to offer and taking our doggos and cameras along for the journey, as well!
