If you’re dreaming of a wild and adventurous wedding with no venue restrictions, a BLM wedding in Utah might be perfect for you! Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by epic desert landscapes, red rock formations, and endless open skies.
Utah is made of many BLM offices, based on location, and each one has it’s own sets of rules. How to get married on BLM land varies depending on the location, so this guide will help you navigate the process, including permits, regulations, and the best spots for an unforgettable elopement.
Why Choose a BLM Wedding in Utah?
Utah’s public lands offer stunning backdrops for adventurous couples. Unlike national parks, BLM land provides more flexibility with fewer restrictions on guest size, decor, and ceremony locations. Whether you want a private canyon, a vast desert plateau, or a stunning overlook, BLM land gives you the freedom to design your elopement exactly how you envision it.
Understanding BLM Land Regulations
One of the biggest differences between BLM weddings and national park weddings is the flexibility in what is allowed for ceremonies. National parks, such as Arches or Zion, have strict regulations on decorations, ceremony structures, and group sizes to protect the environment. Typically, arches, chairs, amplified music, and large setups are not permitted in national parks. In contrast, ceremonies on BLM land allows for more creativity—while Leave No Trace principles must still be followed, BLM land often permits small arches, rugs, and lightweight decorations, making it a great choice for couples looking for more freedom in their elopement setup.
One of the most important things to know about getting married on BLM land is that every BLM field office has different rules. Some locations require permits, while others may not. Below are a few key offices and their general guidelines:
BLM Utah Map
There are a few field offices in Utah that manage the surrounding BLM lands. Based on where you want to have your ceremony, the closest BLM office will be your point of contact to reach out to. You can view the map here and explore the BLM land of Utah. Below are the most popular offices for permits. There may be other offices that you need to contact based on your location.
St. George BLM Field Office (Zion Locations)
- Covers areas surrounding Zion National Park, including Smith Mesa and Kolob Terrace.
- Permits required for gatherings and commercial photography.
- Fire restrictions are common due to dry conditions.
- Some locations require 4×4 vehicles for access.
- Covers Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow, and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.
- Contact the St. George Office here.
Cedar City BLM Field Office (Zion Locations)
- Covers areas surrounding Zion National Park, including Smith Mesa and Kolob Terrace.
- Permits are required for weddings and commercial photography.
- Group size restrictions vary depending on the location.
- Leave No Trace principles are strictly enforced.
- Contact Cedar City office here.
Kanab BLM Field Office
- Covers areas surrounding Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and Arizona/Utah border areas
- Permits required for gatherings and commercial photography.
- Fire restrictions are common due to dry conditions.
- Some locations require 4×4 vehicles for access.
- Contact the Kanab Office here.
Moab BLM Field Office
- Covers areas like Dead Horse Point, Corona Arch, and sections of Canyonlands.
- Permits are required for weddings and commercial photography.
- Group size restrictions vary depending on the location.
- Leave No Trace principles are strictly enforced.
- Contact the Moab Office here.
Grand Staircase-Escalante BLM Office
- Covers vast slot canyons, mesas, and desert landscapes.
- Permits may be needed for events over a certain number of people.
- Some remote areas require high-clearance vehicles for access.
- Minimal restrictions, but environmental protection is a priority.
- Contact the Grand Staircase Escalante office here.
How to Obtain a BLM Wedding Permit
- Identify Your Location – Choose the BLM-managed area where you’d like to hold your ceremony.
- Contact the Local BLM Office – Visit the BLM Utah website to find contact details for specific regions.
- Submit a Permit Application – Many offices require applications at least 30-60 days in advance.
- Pay Any Required Fees – Costs vary by location and group size. Some field offices require no fee, some require your photographer to pay a fee.
- Follow Environmental Guidelines – Ensure you comply with Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact.
Best Locations for a BLM Wedding in Utah
- Castle Valley (Moab)– Iconic red rock spires with stunning sunset views.
- Grand Staircase (Escalante)– A surreal desert landscape perfect for an intimate elopement.
- Little Sahara Sand Dunes (Kanab)– A vast dune field offering a unique desert backdrop.
- Vermillion Cliffs (Kanab)– Dramatic desert cliffs with sweeping valley views.
Tips for a Successful BLM Wedding
- Plan for Weather – Utah’s desert climate can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sun, wind, or sudden rain.
- Bring Portable Decor – Since permanent structures aren’t allowed, opt for lightweight, packable decorations.
- Hire a Local Photographer – A photographer familiar with Utah’s BLM land will know the best spots and lighting.
- Check Accessibility – Some areas require off-road vehicles or hiking to reach the best locations.
Book Your Local Photographer
Hi there! I’m Sammie, a Utah born and raised photographer who has a love and passion for the desert landscapes of Utah and Arizona. I help couples plan their dream day in the desert and focus on all the grand and intimate moments of their day. If there’s one thing you do when planning your elopement is to book a local photographer who knows the area and can help navigate the whole process! You can reach out here to chat more.
