A Wild Oak Wedding in Utah

Wild Oak Wedding Photographer in Utah

If you’re searching for a Wild Oak wedding photographer in Utah, chances are you’ve already fallen in love with this venue. Wild Oak has a gorgeous garden atmosphere and incredible mountain views. The Wild Oak is located in Lindon, Utah, and is one of the most romantic wedding venues in Utah County! Some parts feel so much like Tuscany, especially if you time your day well around the sun.

The Wild Oak has stunning landscaping, cypress trees, rose gardens, and warm golden light that pours across the lawn. It creates the perfect setting for couples who want wedding photos that feels romantic.

As a Utah wedding photographer, Wild Oak is one of my favorite venues to photograph because the entire property was practically designed for beautiful images.

Golden hour portraits hit different at Wild Oak. The sunlight through the Cypress trees and the vine-covered trellis feel SO ethereal.

Why Couples Love Getting Married at Wild Oak

Wild Oak has quickly become one of the most popular wedding venues in Utah County. And it’s easy to understand why.

The venue feels very European. It doesn’t feel stuffy, yet it feels classy. It’s welcoming and romantic. It feels very Tuscany to me.

Some of the highlights couples love include:

• The ceremony lawn framed by trees

• Romantic rose gardens throughout the property

• A vine-covered trellis for dinner receptions

• Mountain views surrounding the venue

• Gorgeous golden hour lighting across the lawn

The layout allows couples to move naturally throughout the space.

Guests can enjoy cocktail hour in the gardens, dinner under the trellis or indoors, and you get stunning sunset views across the lawn.

A Romantic Wild Oak Wedding Day

This wedding perfectly captured the effortless elegance of Wild Oak.

The bride wore a sleek modern gown with a long flowing veil that caught the evening light beautifully. Her bridesmaids wore warm earthy tones that complemented the garden setting perfectly.

The groom and his groomsmen kept things classic with black suits, creating a timeless look that balanced beautifully against the greenery and sunset light.

Throughout the day there were so many moments that made the wedding feel meaningful and personal. Laughter with friends, quiet moments between the couple, and that dreamy golden hour glow that makes Wild Oak feel cinematic.

Wild Oak Wedding Photos | Utah Garden Venue Inspiration

Every season brings something slightly different to the property. The wedding shown in this post was an October wedding.

Looking for a Wild Oak Wedding Photographer in Utah?

If you’re planning a wedding at Wild Oak Venue, I would absolutely love to photograph it.

My approach blends documentary storytelling with editorial portraits, capturing both the emotional moments of the day and the cinematic atmosphere of the venue.

Wild Oak is one of those places that truly shines through photography, and I LOVE creating images that vibe with each couple. (we’re all vibes over here, baby.)


If you’re planning a wedding at Wild Oak, reach out! I would be honored to work with you.

20 Most Iconic Spots to Elope

20 of the Best Places to Elope in the united states

The United States is ridiculously spoiled when it comes to elopement locations. Think wild coasts, ancient forests, alpine lakes, desert arches, and snow-capped volcanoes. These places aren’t just backdrops. They create an experience and give your wedding day a vibe that feels alive, adventurous, and uniquely yours.

Here are my top 20 favorite places to elope in the U.S., with details on what they look like, the surroundings you can explore, and why I keep coming back to them again and again.

1. Ruby Beach | Olympic National Park, Washington

Rugged sea stacks rising from the Pacific, driftwood piled high like sculptures, and tidepools reflecting golden light at sunset. Ruby Beach is moody, wild, and cinematic, exactly why it’s one of my all time favorites. Weather can be unpredictable at Ruby Beach, but whether you get a sunset or rain, it is the most magical place in the world. (And for Twilight fans, it’s just outside the city of Forks…)

2. Hoh Rainforest | Olympic National Forest, Washington

If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into another world, this is it. Moss blankets every branch, ferns tower around you, and the air feels still, damp, and enchanted. I love how the light filters in soft beams through the trees, giving your photos an ethereal, fairytale glow. It’s intimate, secluded, and hands-down one of the most magical forests in America.

3. Redwoods National & State Parks, California

These trees are ancient. Standing beneath redwoods that stretch hundreds of feet into the sky makes you feel small in the best way. The forest floor is lush with ferns and soft light, and there’s this cathedral-like silence that feels sacred for vows. I love capturing both editorial portraits here and the quiet, candid in-between moments when couples are wrapped up in each other. There are tons of nearby spots that are EPIC. Redwoods isn’t just a small spot, there is the official park, and then there are areas all over the place that will take your breath away.

4. Cannon Beach & Surrounding Forests, Oregon

Haystack Rock is iconic, but it’s more than just the rock! It’s the vast shoreline, the salty breeze, and the golden sunsets that set the whole beach glowing. What makes Cannon Beach special for elopements is the variety: one minute you’re barefoot in the sand, the next you’re wandering through mossy, fairytale-like forests or hiking up to coastal cliffs. It’s moody and cinematic but also playful and adventurous. You can create intimacy, romance, and hardcore ADVENTURE on the Oregon Coast for your elopement.

5. Cottonwood Canyons, Utah

I may be biased, since I live an hour from them, but I ALWAYS love photographing elopements in these canyons. Both canyons have multiple spots and high alpine drama without requiring hours of hiking. (But there are also lots of hikes!) In summer, you can see wildflowers and green pines, whereas fall literally looks like a painting filled with reds, yellows, and greens. I have nicknames for all the various spots in both canyons, including “enchanted forest” and “sound of music hills”.

6. Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah

Think Grand Canyon vibes but with fewer crowds. The views of the Grand Canyon from the red cliffs will take your breath away. I love bringing couples here for golden hour! And you don’t have to hike or go far to get stunning overlook views.

7. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite is pure drama. And you can get a variety of vibes throughout the year AND throughout the park. There are areas that feel “boho” and there are areas that feel “classic”. There are more boho areas like Cathedral Beach and El Capitan, or more classic spots like Glacier Point and Taft Point. There are waterfalls everywhere you look, and areas with wildflowers. Every corner looks like a movie set. It feels like a place where love stories belong. And it has that feel of “adventure”.

8. Mount Baker / Artist Point, Washington

Perched high in the North Cascades, Artist Point gives you sweeping views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. In summer, wildflower meadows explode with color; in fall, the air turns crisp and golden; in winter, snow blankets everything in a glowing alpine hush. It’s one of those locations that feels cinematic year-round.

9. Franklin Falls, Washington

A short trail through mossy forest leads you to a dramatic waterfall that pours over a basalt cliff into a misty pool. It’s accessible, but still feels like an adventure. I love how the spray from the falls creates a dreamy haze around couples, it’s playful, intimate, and seriously photogenic. And honestly, it’s a dupe for Iceland if you photograph it right ;)

10. Gold Bluffs Beach & Fern Canyon, California

Fern Canyon looks prehistoric, with walls of green towering on either side of a narrow trail. Just minutes away, Gold Bluffs Beach gives you windswept shoreline and glowing sunsets. I love how this combo lets couples get two totally different vibes in one day: lush rainforest and open beach. Like… can we get any better? Just be warned, Fern Canyon gets BUSY BUSY, as it’s a famous spot where Jurassic Park movies filmed a few scenes.

11. Latourell Falls, Oregon

Another Iceland dupe is Latourell Falls in Oregon. Latourell Falls drops dramatically against dark cliffs, and is surrounded by mossy trees and ferns. It feels moody, powerful, and intimate. It’s one of my favorite waterfall locations because it’s both accessible and cinematic without a grueling hike. And because I love Iceland so much, I’m always on the hunt for dupes in the U.S. and this is one of those “dupe” spots.

12. Zion National Park, Utah

Red rock cliffs, winding slot canyons, and desert light that makes everything glow. Zion is bold, adventurous, and iconic. From easy overlooks to hidden trails, you can get desert filled backdrops with ease or with hiking adventures. I love how couples can make Zion feel either adventurous (hiking into canyons) or relaxed (exchanging vows at a sweeping overlook). Yet the views are always STUNNING.

13. Lake Crescent | Olympic National Park, Washington

A deep blue alpine lake surrounded by forested peaks. The water is glassy in the morning and glowing at sunset. Couples often kayak, wade, or simply sit along the shore with their toes in the water. I love Lake Crescent because it feels calm, romantic, and tucked away — like your own secret escape.

14. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Wildflower meadows in summer, snowy alpine ridges, and that towering volcanic peak as your backdrop. Rainier feels both wild and romantic, with endless trails leading to overlooks and hidden corners. It’s dramatic, but also has quiet meadows for intimate moments. I love the way the mountain seems to watch over everything. There are areas with water, areas with short hikes, areas with intense hikes. Basically, you can fit all the vibes into your elopement.

15. San Juan Islands, Washington

Think ferry rides, rocky coves, and island sunsets over the water. The San Juans are a dreamy blend of coastal charm and natural beauty. I love how couples can mix adventure (kayaking, cliffside vows) with relaxed island vibes (picnics, cabins, seaside strolls).

16. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Oregon

Rugged cliffs, sea arches, and crashing waves. This stretch of coast is wild and untamed, with dramatic overlooks that feel like the edge of the world. I love it for couples who want bold, adventurous photos and don’t mind a little wind in their hair.

17. Brookings | Oregon Coast, Oregon

Down near the California border, Brookings has hidden coves, windswept bluffs, and beaches that feel untouched. It’s quieter than Cannon Beach, but every bit as dramatic. I love Brookings for couples wanting a raw, wild coastal vibe without the crowds.

18. Arches National Park, Utah

Red rock arches, desert light, and otherworldly formations that make you feel like you’re on another planet. Sunrise here is pure magic!! You get soft pink skies that glow against the rocks. I love Arches for its boldness and uniqueness. Like the earth literally has arches made of rock that look like this? Is this another alien land? (Utah is great for that.)

19. Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

Minimalist and surreal. The flats stretch endlessly, reflecting the sky and creating an almost dreamlike canvas. Photos here are clean, modern, and editorial. I love this spot because it’s so simple yet so powerful. It strips everything down to just you, your love, and the horizon. Yet you also feel like you’re on some other planet.

20. Cape Flattery, Washington

The northwestern tip of the U.S., where cliffs meet turquoise coves and sea stacks rise from the waves. It’s rugged, moody, and absolutely stunning. I love Cape Flattery because it feels like a hidden treasure — remote, wild, and unforgettable.

Choosing the Right Place to Elope

Eloping in the U.S. means you have endless options! From misty rainforests to red deserts, alpine peaks to ocean cliffs. What matters most is finding a place that feels like you. These are my top 20 because they combine epic scenery with emotional, cinematic energy. And I’ve NEVER been disappointed with these spots.

Wherever you choose, your elopement will be more than just a day. It’ll be an adventure, a story, and a memory you’ll carry forever.

Utah Elopement Photographer | Sand Dunes Elopement

Eloping at the sahara Sand Dunes: Cake, Cuddles, and Sunset Magic with H + C

Okay, listen. If you’ve ever dreamed about running away to the desert, eating cake with your soulmate (and your dog), and dancing barefoot on the dunes until the sun dips below the horizon? This one’s for you.

H + C’s elopement at the Utah Sand Dunes was literal magic. Warm wind, golden light, the softest sand under our feet… and honestly? It felt like a damn movie.

These two wanted something chill, beautiful, and totally them. And they nailed it.

First of All… Yes, the Dog Got Cake Too

They brought their pup (because of course they did) and he was the goodest boy all day long. We made sure he was a part of the fun. He got kisses, cuddles, and yes… he got his own little slice of cake.

(He absolutely devoured it and then passed out like a king in the shade.)

They even had someone come along just to help out with the pup while we did portraits, which I 10/10 recommend if you’re bringing your fur baby. That way, you get the best of both worlds: adorable family photos AND the freedom to be fully present for your own dang love story. Dogs are like adding a toddler to your elopement, so it’s essential to have help, you can read this post about hiring someone just to take care of your fur baby.

This Elopement Had Everything:

  • A gorgeous private spot on the dunes

  • A desert picnic setup

  • Cake cutting with the pup (we already discussed this, but still iconic)

  • Golden hour portraits that will make you SOB

  • Dancing in the sand like no one was watching

  • A front-row view of the most romantic sunset Utah could offer

Like… come ON. Does it get better??

If you're wondering if this location lives up to the hype, yes. She’s ethereal. She’s dramatic. She’s everything. There are definitely things to know beforehand, but if you book me as your elopement photographer, I give you alllll the info.

Utah’s Sand Dunes are hands-down one of the dreamiest elopement spots in the state. Wide open space, no weird background clutter, and that soft golden light that wraps around you like a dang hug. Every time I shoot there, it feels brand new. And if you’re craving photos that feel cinematic, bold, romantic, and free — this is the spot.

The Vibe: Laid Back Luxury

What I love most about H + C’s day is how relaxed it felt. Nothing forced. Nothing performative. Just two people deeply in love, living their best lives, surrounded by beauty, good food, and their fluffy sidekick.

Wanna Elope at the Sand Dunes Too?

You’re in luck, because I’ve got a Sand Dunes Elopement Package designed to give you this exact experience.

Here’s what it includes:

  • 4 hours of coverage (perfect for golden hour + a slow evening flow)

  • A custom picnic setup with dreamy details

  • A mini cake to cut, eat, and smash in each other’s faces if you're into that

  • Time for stunning portraits, couple's candids, and a few muddy or sandy surprises

  • Optional dog-friendly planning support (because your pup deserves to be part of the story)

Whether you’re craving something emotional and intimate or playful and wild (or both, I gotchu), the Sand Dunes are your blank canvas. And I’ll help you turn that dream into something unforgettable.

Ready to make some magic?
Click here to book your Sand Dunes elopement »

Utah Elopement Photographer - Rainy LGBTQ Elopement Adventure

Utah Elopement Photographer - LGBTQ Elopement at the Salt Flats

If you're looking for a traditional wedding story, turn back now. This is not that.

H + R’s elopement at the Bonneville Salt Flats was raw, magical, and completely them. They started with a quiet ceremony with just their parents, and ended with an unexpected mud fight that left them covered, laughing, and more in love than ever. It was the kind of day that makes you believe in love all over again. The kind of day that feels like the reason elopements exist in the first place. I definitely cried during their vows and I had JUST met them.

No guests, no noise, no pressure. Just pure emotion.

They read their vows in front of the people who raised them, and I’m not kidding, we were all crying. Like, ugly crying. Their love is so honest and grounded. You could feel the depth of it in every word they said.

And once they kissed and the ceremony wrapped, we were like, “alright, let’s get weird.”

Off to the Salt Flats: Adventure Mode Activated

We packed up and drove out to the wild wide open of the Bonneville Salt Flats. If you’ve never been — it’s unreal. The sky goes on forever. The ground literally reflects the light. It’s got big “main character in a music video” energy and H + R fully delivered.

We brought snacks, drinks, and blankets and made a cute lil’ picnic out of it. They kicked off their shoes, danced like nobody was watching (because literally no one was), and ran around like kids who just fell in love.

Then the best thing happened.

The Accidental Mud Fight (That Turned Out Weirdly Romantic)

The Salt Flats were WET. Like...squishy, sink-into-it wet. One of them took a step, slipped a little, and the next thing I know they’re rolling around in the mud, wiping it on each other’s faces, laughing their asses off like it was the most normal thing in the world.

And honestly? It was kinda sexy. The giggles, the muddy kisses, the way they were so fully themselves in that moment? Freakin’ poetic.

The photos from that part of the day? Cinematic AF. Like if A24 directed a queer love story in the middle of nowhere. (Someone else told me this, my head isn’t that big.)

Why This Elopement Was So Freakin’ Special

H + R didn’t care about trends. They cared about each other. They didn’t try to stage a fake version of love, they lived the real thing with stillness AND wildness.

They didn’t ask permission to be themselves. And that’s what made it magic.

Wanna Elope at the Salt Flats Too?

Here’s your cheat sheet, babe:

  • 📍 Where: Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

  • ☁️ Best Time: Spring, summer, or fall

  • 🧽 It gets messy: Bring towels. And backup shoes. And the willingness to get dirty 😉

  • 🍓 Picnic FTW: Adds such a romantic pause to the day

  • 📷 Pro tip: If you want both ethereal and moody photos? This is THE spot.

If you’re dreaming about a day that feels more you than a ballroom and a guest list ever could, I’m here for it. I’ll help you plan something that’s raw, beautiful, and a little wild.

Let’s get muddy. Let’s make magic.
Inquire here and let’s dream up your own adventure »

Fresh Elopement Ideas that AREN'T on Pinterest (yet)

Fresh AF Elopement Ideas You Haven’t Seen a Million Times on Pinterest

because your love story deserves more than a hiking trail and a triangle arch. (I mean, you can have that too…)

Ok, preface? I’m all for the Pinterest poses. A gorgeous cliffside vow exchange at golden hour? Obsessed. A cozy forest elopement with lanterns and a picnic? Sign me the hell up. But if you’re the kind of couple who wants something a little different, I am right there with you. Let’s make your elopement (and elopement photos) feel like YOU, and not just a copy & paste version of someone else’s adventure. Because you’re already going against the grain, why not lean in all the way?

Here are some offbeat, underdone, and wild ideas to make your elopement feel fresh, intimate, and unforgettable:

1. Eloping in Reverse: Party First, Vows Later

Why not start your day with dancing in the woods or espresso martinis at a rooftop bar, and end it with private vows at blue hour in a secret spot? There’s no law that says vows have to come first. Reverse it. Let the celebration come before the emotion. It hits different.

2. An “After Dark” Elopement

Candles. Headlamps. Neon signs. Moonlight on your veil. Eloping at night is wildly underrated. And no, I’m not talking about a quick sparkler sendoff. I’m talking full-on nighttime magic. Let’s think vows under the stars, first dance in the headlights, a picnic with a lantern glow. Also, you won’t be sweating in the desert sun or squinting in harsh daylight. I’d call that a win.

3. Elopement by Boat, Canoe, or Floatie

Ok, this one might be popular, at least for photos, but what about saying your vows on a rowboat in a secluded alpine lake? Or float down a lazy river with your witnesses in tubes and a cooler of Topo Chicos. You can get married in a fancy dress and flip-flops.

4. A Dress Code That’s Not a Dress Code

Instead of formalwear, make your elopement outfits part of the storytelling:

• Hiking boots + idk, a cape?

• Silk slip + chunky sweater + socks in a wildflower meadow

• Custom jackets that say something other than “Bride” or “Wifey” (you’re more creative than that, right…?)

5. Roll in Like It’s a Movie Scene

Picture this: a convertible pulls up. Music is BLASTING. You step out in sunglasses and a windswept veil like a French film star. (I’m drooling thinking about this.)

Or you hike to a cliff in silence, just the wind and your breath and the sound of your boots. Make an entrance. Feel the drama. You’re the main character. I’m just here to document that ish in vogue fashion.

6. A Full Weekend Story, Not Just One Day

A lot of my couples do this, but it still isn’t the “norm”. Why limit your elopement to a single afternoon? Rent a cabin for the weekend. Swim. Make waffles together. Dance barefoot in the kitchen. Invite your people (or not). The magic happens in the in-between moments, too, and they deserve to be documented. (Check out this blog for one of my favorite multi-day elopements in Yosemite)

7. Do Something Sacred & Weird

Have your friend draw a tarot card before you walk down the “aisle.” Bring your favorite childhood book and read each other a line from it. Bury a time capsule under a tree. Get tattoos after your vows. This is your chance to make up traditions no one else has.

8. Stormy Weather Ceremony

Everyone’s scared of rain or wind or snow. But what if you leaned in? Misty forests. Hair blowing wild. Umbrellas and laughter. There’s nothing like kissing in a downpour or seeing your breath in the cold when you say “I do.” It’s drama in the best way.

9. Elope Somewhere You Always Go

Sure, that national park is beautiful. But what about the beach you walk every Sunday? The diner where you had your first kiss? The parking lot where you cried after your first fight and made up with fries and milkshakes? Ordinary places make for extraordinary stories when love is the center.

10. Zero Timeline Elopement

What if you didn’t plan the exact time for anything? No timeline. Just wake up, feel it out, and do what feels right. Let’s toss the shot list and just follow the light, the laughter, and the love. You deserve that freedom.


TL;DR: You Get to Make the Rules

You don’t have to hike five miles at sunrise or wear matching leather jackets just because everyone else does. You can elope your way: soft and sacred, chaotic and loud, fancy and weird.

And if you’re looking for someone to document the hell out of it: film, photos, tears, laughter, and all. Let’s freaking GOOOOOO.

Let’s make your elopement feel like art.

Let’s make it feel like you.


— Jules

Documentary meets editorial, with a little sprinkle of emotionally feral chaos.

Utah & Washington Elopement Photographer and Videographer