The Bonneville Salt Flats is such a unique place. The salt flats are about 12 miles long and 5 miles wide and are comprised mostly of sodium chloride. The salt flats are a remnant of Lake Bonneville, which covered over one-third of Utah from 10,000 to 32,000 years ago. It is an incredible place to get married. And it’s even prettier when they’re flooded and the ground reflects the sky.

Pricing and policies are ever changing, so the information in this blog may be out-of-date. But as of March 2023 when I’m writing this…

When to Get Married at the Bonneville Salt Flats:

The salt flats are generally open to the public for recreational purposes.

But be sure to choose a date where there aren’t major events scheduled at the Salt Flats. I recommend looking at a schedule of events held at the Salt Flats, such as speed week, which be found here: https://www.blm.gov/visit/bonneville-salt-flats And also doing an additional google search/calling BLM.

The Utah Salt Flats have a flooded “wet” season and a “dry” season. Both are beautiful! When flooded, the thin layer of water creates a reflection of the sky. When dry, you get to see glittery white salt lines. I’d recommend aiming for March-May for the “wet” season & June – October for the “dry” season.

You can check out this LIVE webcam to see what they look like currently:  http://home.chpc.utah.edu/~u0553130/Camera_Display/bflat.html

Temperatures are usually close to the Salt Lake weather, but there is more wind and no snow.

The Salt Flats are particularly beautiful around sunrise & sunset. And since there is no shade cover lighting can be somewhat unflattering in the middle of the day.

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Location: 

Type in “Bonneville Salt Flats Westbound Rest Stop” into your GPS. From Salt Lake City, you will head West on the I-80 for 90 minutes.

Five minutes before Wendover, you will see a rest stop. This is the place to fill up your gas tank, use the restroom, and get snacks and water since there are no additional stops along the way!

Another option is going to the “Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway.” You’ll exit the I-80 at the gas station and follow the paved road to the speedway.

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Cost:

Access to the Salt Flats is free!

The land is managed by the federal government & they require a wedding permit if you are getting married there. If you are just wanting to take photos there, then no permit is required as of October 2021.

Here’s contact info of people who can help you apply! 

• Caleb Robitaille at(801) 977-4394 or crobitaille@blm.gov
• Peter Monson at (801) 977-4356 or bmonson@blm.gov
• Todd Marks at 801-320-8387 or tmarks@blm.gov
• SaltFlatsSpecialRecreationManagement Area (SRMA) 801-977-4300 – blm_ut_sl_mail@blm.gov

Always check with the land manager for the latest rules.

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Ceremony Site:

You are able to set up arches, chairs, and/or flowers for your ceremony decor. And I recommend it because they look so stunning against the backdrop.

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Reception Site:

I’ve seen people bring out tables and chairs and host their reception here. Which is very magical since the stars at night are incredible here. Keep in mind that you’ll have to bring a generator to power anything.

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Getting Ready Location:

There is no place to get ready here. The rest stop is a gas station & the flats are wide open and not private. It is advisable to get ready elsewhere. The closest places to stay are in Wendover or Salt Lake City.

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Parking:

No driving vehicles on salt flats when wet or flooded. 

It’s best to explore by foot generally. I’ve gotten stuck and since this is a remote place, a tow was a very expensive and unenjoyable process.

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Pet Policy:

Dog are welcome on or off-leash!

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Just More Details:

Be prepared to get salt everywhere! During the wet season, rain boots are recommended. During dry season, any footwear would work.

Salt may get onto your clothes, but can easily be washed out. 

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Upsides:

1. It’s free
2. It’s beautiful

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Downsides:

1. You can’t guarantee privacy
2. There’s always weather-related risk for an outdoor space.

Bonneville Salt Flats Wedding Where to Reserve:

Here’s contact info of people who can help you apply for your wedding permit! 

• Caleb Robitaille – (801) 977-4394 – crobitaille@blm.gov
• Peter Monson at (801) 977-4356 or bmonson@blm.gov
• Todd Marks – 801-320-8387 – Email: tmarks@blm.gov
• SaltFlatsSpecialRecreationManagement Area (SRMA) 801-977-4300 – blm_ut_sl_mail@blm.gov

Are you still searching for the perfect wedding venue in Utah? Sweet, you’re in luck. I’ve pulled together information and costs for multiple amazing Utah Venues here: Utah Wedding Venues