Antelope Island Elopement | Whitney + Braden

Whitney and Braden’s Elopement day was unlike any other elopement I’ve been apart of. It was filled with so much romance, so many beautiful locations and the most beautiful experiences.

The day started out with Whitney and Braden getting together, which was the perfect slow, romantic getting ready session, we then headed to the jeep to drive out to Antelope Island. Once we were there we walked around, took some photos and played around with light, we then found where we wanted to main vow location to be and we walked about a mile to the spot. Once we were there Braden and Whitney shared their vows that they had prepared and spend some time together talking and reminiscing on their life and how they got there, it really was so tender. Then we started walking back and took some detail shots of their stationary and rings and sent them on their way.

I am so grateful I was able to capture their love story. It was a beautiful and intimate elopement and I know they will cherish the memories of it forever.

Here are some tips for having a couples having a micro wedding or an elopement:

• The Ultimate Elopement planning guide

• Everything you need to know to plan an Intimate Elopement

If you are interested in going to Antelope Island for a shoot or for an elopement here are a few things to keep in mind when planning.

1. Choose a date and time.

The best time to elope at Antelope Island is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. However, the island is beautiful year-round, so you can really choose any date that works best for you and your partner. June-August are the worst months for gnats so avoid those months of bring lots of bug spray and bug nets.

If you're planning a sunrise or sunset elopement, be sure to check the sunrise and sunset of the place since it will be a little different than what the internet says since there aren’t mountains blocking the sunset.

2. Obtain a permit.

Elopements require a special use permit from the Utah State Parks system. You can apply for a permit online or by calling the park office. The permit fee is $60, and it covers up to 10 people. If you have more than 10 guests, you'll need to pay an additional fee of $6 per person.

Another option would be to hold the actual legal ceremony somewhere that you don’t need a permit and then you would only need to pay the entrance fee for the island rather than getting a ceremony permit.

3. Choose a location.

There are many beautiful places to elope on Antelope Island. Some popular spots include:

• The beach

• Fielding Garr Ranch

• Buffalo Point Overlook

• White Rock Bay

• Fremont Island Overlook

• Antelope Island State Park beach

• And more spots that your photographer (me) will know of!

When choosing a location, be sure to consider the following factors:

• The time of day you're planning to elope. If you're having a sunrise or sunset ceremony, you'll need to choose a spot that has a good view of the horizon.

• The size of your group. If you have a large group, you'll need to choose a location that can accommodate everyone.

• The accessibility of the location. If you have guests with mobility issues, you'll need to choose a spot that is easy to get to.

4. Hire vendors.

If you're planning a more elaborate elopement, you may want to hire vendors such as a photographer, videographer, florist, and officiant.

When choosing vendors, be sure to ask about their experience with eloping at Antelope Island. Some vendors may have special packages or discounts for elopements.

5. Pack for the elements.

Antelope Island can be windy and dusty, so be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. You may also want to bring a change of clothes in case you get dirty.

If you're having an outdoor elopement, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance. If there's a chance of rain, you'll need to have a backup plan.

6. Relax and enjoy your day!

Your elopement day is a special day to celebrate your love with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Be sure to relax and enjoy every moment!

Here are a few additional tips for planning an elopement at Antelope Island:

• Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible. If the weather doesn't cooperate, be prepared to change your location or time.

• Keep it simple. Elopements are a great way to avoid the stress and expense of a traditional wedding. Don't feel like you have to do everything. Just focus on the things that are most important to you and your partner.

• Make it personal. Your elopement is a unique and special event. Make sure it reflects your personality and your relationship. Choose a location that has meaning to you, and incorporate your favorite details into the ceremony.