Where to Elope in Utah

If you're looking to elope in a place that is surrounded by natural beauty, Utah is an ideal location. Since moving here for school at Brigham Young University, I’ve been so inspired by the diverse landscape the state offers! The state is home to a wide range of stunning landscapes, from towering red rock formations to snow-capped mountains, making it an excellent choice for adventurous couples who want to get married in a picturesque setting.

• Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a fantastic place to elope if you love desert landscapes. This national park boasts over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it a unique and unforgettable location to exchange vows. Whether you choose to get married at Delicate Arch or one of the many other beautiful spots in the park, your wedding photos are sure to be breathtaking.

• Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is another great option for those looking for a dramatic natural setting. The park is famous for its hoodoos, tall spires of rock that were formed over millions of years by the forces of erosion. The park's amphitheater is a popular spot for elopements, with its sweeping views of the canyon and the hoodoos.

• Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of Utah's most popular parks, and it's not hard to see why. The park's soaring red rock cliffs, winding canyons, and lush greenery make it a beautiful place to say your vows. There are many spots within the park that are ideal for elopements, such as the Weeping Rock trailhead or the Canyon Overlook Trail.

• Snowbird Ski Resort

If you're planning to elope in the winter, Snowbird Ski Resort is an excellent option. This ski resort is located in the Wasatch Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The resort's chapel is a popular spot for weddings, but there are also many outdoor locations to choose from, such as the summit of Hidden Peak or one of the many scenic overlooks.

• Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance Mountain Resort is another great place to elope in Utah. This resort is located in the Provo Canyon and offers a variety of stunning locations for your ceremony, including a rustic wooden bridge, a babbling stream, and a wildflower meadow. The resort also has several restaurants and lodges where you can celebrate with your loved ones after the ceremony.

Utah is a wonderful state for elopements, with its stunning natural beauty and variety of landscapes. Whether you're looking for a desert landscape or a snow-capped mountain, there is something for everyone in this state. From national parks to ski resorts, there are countless locations to choose from for your special day. Hope this helps!

Virginia Engagement Session Locations

Engagement photos are a special moment in time to capture the love and excitement of a couple before they get married and Virginia is a state that offers many beautiful and unique places to take engagement photos. Growing up in Virginia, I have loved going back and finding new places to take photos. Here are some of the best places to consider when planning your engagement photography session:

1. Colonial Williamsburg: This historical city is a perfect backdrop for engagement photos with its charming colonial-style buildings and stunning gardens. The streets and buildings offer a picturesque backdrop for capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

2. Great Falls Park: Great Falls Park is a beautiful location for outdoor engagement photos. With its scenic views of the Potomac River and the surrounding countryside, this park provides a romantic and natural setting for capturing memories.

3. Skyline Drive: Skyline Drive is a scenic road that runs through the Shenandoah National Park. With its stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and rolling hills, it is the perfect place for a scenic engagement photo shoot.

4. Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens: The Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is the former home of George Washington and offers a stunning location for engagement photos. With its beautiful gardens, rolling hills, and views of the Potomac River, it is a romantic and historical setting for capturing memories.

5. Richmond's Canal Walk: Richmond's Canal Walk is a popular location for engagement photos. This scenic walkway offers beautiful views of the James River, and the city skyline, making it an ideal location for capturing memories of your special day.

6. Leesburg's Oatlands Plantation: Leesburg's Oatlands Plantation is a historic estate that offers a picturesque location for engagement photos. With its stunning gardens and rolling hills, this location is perfect for capturing memories in a romantic and historic setting.

7. Norfolk Botanical Garden: The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a beautiful location for outdoor engagement photos. With its stunning gardens and scenic views, this location provides a romantic and natural setting for capturing memories of your special day.

8. Maymont Park: Maymont park is an easy choice when considering where to take engagement photos. The park has many different styles of scenery and accessible bathrooms which makes it very easy to look like you had your photos taken at two different locations! I personally love the gardens and architecture in the Italian and Japanese gardens.

Virginia is a state that offers many beautiful and unique locations for engagement photos. Whether you're looking for a historical, natural, or scenic setting, Virginia has something to offer every couple. Choose the location that best captures the essence of your love and commitment, and you'll be sure to have memories that will last a lifetime.

What To Wear For Your Engagement Photos

It’s a time to celebrate your love and document this exciting chapter in your life!! Engagement sessions are my favorite sessions to photograph because it is often the first time you and your significant other have had photos taken together and it’s so incredible being able to document the beginning of forever! With that, it is normally to feel a little anxious about being in front of a camera, so it's important to feel confident during the session. Here are some helpful tips I give my couples before sessions.

1. Coordinate, but don't match: One of the biggest mistakes that you can make during an engagement session is dressing in outfits that are too matchy-matchy. Unless you are very intentional about it, like the all-denim trend going around, it will feel like a flashback to the early 2000- and not in the good way. Instead, opt for coordinated outfits that complement each other but still have their own unique style.

2. Dress for the location: The location of the engagement session can also influence what you should wear. Imagine the location is a painting and we are painting you into the painting- you don’t want to look out of place. If the session is by the beautiful Utah mountains, for example, wearing whites, greys, greens, and blues would compliment the colors already existing in the scenery. Fabrics that are more natural, like linen, and that flow more would be appropriate to highlight the beautiful breezy nature of the mountains. To contrast, if you are taking photos in an urban landscape, like downtown Provo, more edgy and contrast will make you look like you fit in. Leather jackets, fire dresses, and boots will compliment the straight lines and contrast in the city.

3. Consider the season: The season in which the engagement session takes place will also play a role in what you should wear. If it’s summer, lightweight and breathable materials such as cotton and linen are ideal. Also keep in mind if you are extra sweaty; you want to be comfortable during the session and nothing is worse than knowing you have a pit stain. As a sweaty gal, antiperspirants are your best friend ;) If it’s winter, consider layers and warm fabrics. Hand warmers are also incredible.

4. Choose comfortable shoes: Even if you have the most stunning outfit, make sure they are already broken in- you don’t want to get blisters. Choose shoes that you can walk and move around in comfortably, especially if the location requires a lot of walking or standing.

5. Accessorize wisely: Accessorizing can add a pop of color and personality to your outfit, but don’t overdo it. Keep it simple with a few key pieces such as a necklace, earrings, or a scarf.

6. Be yourself: Most importantly, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. This is your engagement session and it should reflect your personal style and the love that you share. I live by the 5-5 rule. If it is something that you have loved for the past 5 years and could see yourself loving for the next 5 years, that’s it!

In conclusion, the key to a successful engagement session is to dress in outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. There is no reason to buy something new! Wear what makes you- YOU! By following these tips and putting your personal spin on your outfits, you'll have beautiful and timeless photos to look back on for years to come.