About Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a vibrant metropolitan city situated in the heart of Utah. It's surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from majestic mountain ranges to desert valleys and canyons. The city lies at 4,226ft above sea level and enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters and warm summers. Salt Lake City is known for its world-renowned ski resorts, outdoor recreation opportunities, theatres, museums and other points of interest.
Due to its unique geography and abundance of amenities, Salt Lake City is an ideal destination for hosting camping weddings. Couples can take advantage of the city's mild weather conditions and spectacular views by exchanging vows while outdoors in nature and then retreating to luxurious cabins or lodges nearby for their post-wedding celebration. The area also boasts plenty of activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding that both couples and guests can enjoy before or after their wedding day festivities.
Camping Wedding Options in Salt Lake City
- Photography
Professional photography is a great way to capture the memories of a camping wedding. Photos can help guests remember the special day as well as make for beautiful keepsakes for years to come. These experts often provide a range of services, such as engagement shoots, wedding portraits, and candid shots of guests throughout the day.
- Invitations
Couples planning for a camping wedding should consider sending out custom-made paper invitations with details about the upcoming event. These invitations should match the vibe and theme of the event and include essential information such as location, date and time, attire and transportation options.
- Catering
When planning a camping wedding, it is important to think about catering options that will fit the outdoor setting while still providing delicious (and often locally sourced) food and drink options for guests. From BBQ-style buffets to fine dining experiences, couples have plenty of options when it comes to catering their camping wedding.
Camping Wedding Vendors in Salt Lake City
- Austen Diamond Photography
Austen Diamond is a photographer that services the Utah area and is known for his personalized photography services. He celebrates life, values family and friends, and listens to each couple's unique story before creating a highly personalized photography experience that represents them well. Austen has earned awards for his work as a wedding photographer, but his true passion lies in capturing the moments that are important to his clients. Austen loves nothing more than spending time outdoors, conversing with the couples he meets, and turning those experiences into beautiful memories for them, which makes him an ideal choice for clients who want to hold a camping wedding.
- The Mandate Press
If camping is your wedding theme of choice, you should have the perfect invitations to match/ Whether you want something fun and whimsical or rustic and earthy, The Mandate Press can create something truly special for your camping wedding. Their expert team of designers knows how to capture the spirit of camping in a single invite — from personalized designs, embossing and debossing, holographic foil stamping (or regular old foil stamping), all the way down to custom envelope liners that carry the camping vibe across.
- Gourmandise
Gourmandise has come a long way in the 30 years they've been around; from humble beginnings, they are now a popular destination for locals and tourists alike with their bakery and cafe offerings. Gourmandise was originally opened by an immigrant family that wanted to bring European desserts to the city they called home. In 2006, Gourmandise was given fresh life by another immigrant eager to honor their family's bakery heritage and take Gourmandise somewhere greater. Today Gourmandise caters to customers who want everything from daily sweet treats to epic camping weddings.
Pros and Cons of Camping Weddings in Salt Lake City
With its stunning mountain ranges, abundant outdoor activities, and year-round sunshine, Salt Lake City provides a natural backdrop on which to plan an unforgettable camping wedding.
Advantages
- Natural beauty: The majestic mountain ranges and lush forests that surround Salt Lake City provide a scenic backdrop for your special day. You'll even have plenty of opportunities for photos that capture the beauty of nature.
- Proximity to nature's activities: Guests can enjoy activities like biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, skiing and snowboarding during the wedding weekend.
- Unique experience: A camping wedding provides a unique opportunity for couples who are looking for something different than a traditional wedding ceremony or reception.
Disadvantages
- Limited space: Depending on the size of your guest list and the style of camping you choose (i.e., tents or cabins), there may be limited space available at your chosen venue.
- Weather challenges: Unexpected weather changes like snowstorms or thunderstorms can create unique challenges for an outdoor camping wedding.
- Lack of backup plan if needed: If something goes wrong during your wedding ceremony or reception, having a backup plan may not always be possible outdoors, especially if you choose a remote location.
Tips on How to Organize Camping Weddings in Salt Lake City
With the right preparation, you can have the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern elegance. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Research potential campgrounds: There are several campgrounds located in and around Salt Lake City, so make sure to do your research and find one that meets all your needs.
- Choose the right tents: Make sure your guests will be comfortable by providing quality tents that provide adequate ventilation, protection from the sun, and enough space for your group.
- Finalize your guest list: Because space can be limited when camping outdoors, it’s important to prioritize who gets invited first and stick to it.
- Embrace nature’s elements: Take advantage of Utah’s natural beauty by incorporating elements such as wildflowers, wood accents, or a scenic backdrop into your decor.
- Prepare a plan B: Have a contingency plan ready just in case Mother Nature throws unexpected curveballs like rain or snow during your big day.
Famous Locations in Salt Lake City
- The Cathedral of the Madeleine
The Cathedral of the Madeleine sits proudly atop Salt Lake City's Capitol Hill, rising up to offer beauty and reverence to locals and visitors alike. Built in the early 1900s, it is a testament to the city’s devotion to Roman Catholic tradition and its place within Utah culture. Home to the Diocese of Salt Lake City, the Cathedral of the Madeleine is more than just a house of worship — it stands as a symbol of faith in Utah, uniting its people under a shared presence of spirituality. Dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, this iconic building serves not only as a sanctuary but also as a beloved landmark that has come to represent all things holy in its city.
- The Beehive House
The Beehive House was a grand sight, designed by William Harrison Folsom as one of the official residences for Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Situated in Salt Lake City, Utah, this beautiful home is said to be named after the symbolic beehive sculpture which sits atop it. This structure is an embodiment of hard work and dedication put forth by Mormonism followers living in early Utah. While its external facades look impressive against the backdrop of the nearby Wasatch Mountains, the interior decor is not lost either; classic and tasteful touches shine on every corner including polished wood floors, ornate murals, and hand-stamped wallpaper among others.
- The Clark Planetarium
The Clark Planetarium is a shining star in the heart of Salt Lake City; its exhibits and digital theater offer an array of knowledge across science and space, appealing to all ages. Located within The Gateway shopping complex, right at the intersection of 400 West and 100 South, it provides an educational resource for both locals and tourists alike. Opened in April 2003 with support from the Clark Foundation in cooperation with Salt Lake County, the Clark Planetarium is a true testament to the city’s commitment to learning and enrichment.