4 Reasons Why You Should Elope in Fall
When I’m meeting with my clients who want to elope in Utah, I ask them questions to help them decide what they want for their special day. Where do you want to elope? Are you going to invite anyone? How many people will be there? What vibe do you imagine? Do you want first looks, private vows, etc.? But one of my favorite questions has to be: what time of year?
Be it simple, this question runs the show. ‘When’ my couples elope determines weather conditions, ambiance, scenery, and ‘when’ showcases unique treasures that can only be found during specific season in Utah. My personal favorite season, in the state of the Wasatch Front and out-of-this-world rock arches and sculptures, hands down has to be the fall. Its’ short burst of color before the snow hits the ground and the brisk morning air brings with it many convincing reasons why you should plan your wedding during this time of year.
Weather
First thing worthy of mentioning: the weather. To get specifics out of the way, from summer to fall the daily temperature decreases from low 70’s to high 50’s. In the evening the temperatures fall from high 40’s to high 30’s. Toasty summer days turn into cool breezes, and bathing suits and pool towels are swapped for sweaters, plaid blankets, jackets, boots and cozying up by the fire.
Although the temperature is cooler, it’s the perfect in-between of cool enough for sweater-weather, but comfy enough to dress down if you need to. This is useful for brides who have a short sleeve wedding dress during the fall. Here’s a simple tip: bring a light jacket to wear between photos for you to warm up if a little chilly.
I’ve had people ask me, “will the roads be open?” or “can I do as much when I elope in the fall?” If this is you, I assure you the answer is totally! In my experience, when my couples want to hike or drive to an overlook, roads and trail heads remain open until ice forms or snow falls which happens a couple weeks in to winter. This time of year is perfect for those couples who love the activities that come with summer, but also prefer the views and versatile weather of autumn.
Views
Utah landscape can persuade any couple to elope in the fall. Have you ever driven down a canyon divide during autumn? Your indie folk music plays in the background. Everything feels a little slower and calmer. You look out the window and notice these vibrant soft oranges and reds fill the mountain sides. As you roll your window down, a light wind rushes in as you breathe in the crisp scents of pine and pumpkin. If you have experienced this, you know that Utah offers a unique taste of fall for her guests.
There’s something about fall that enhances Utah’s already beautiful famous bucket list items / local spots and turns them into a scene from a fairytale. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Moab, Park City, Sundance, Lake Powel, Cottonwood Canyon, Deer Valley and so many more.
If you haven’t been to Utah and you’ve considered any one of these locations for your elopement, Kim Captures can help you plan your elopement in hopes to create a romantic, adventurous and memorable experience for you to enjoy Utah’s fall landscape.
Nostalgia
Close your eyes and imagine with me fall as a child. If you’re anything like I am, hundreds of warm memories flood your mind. There’s something about fall that brings out nostalgia in people.
When the days start getting shorter people involuntarily slow down and enjoy the little things that once made their hearts happy: like the changing colors, falling leaves, family gatherings, drinking smooth hot chocolate by the fire, fuzzy flannel blankets, long movie nights, spooky season, pumpkin patches, festivals, corn mazes and apple cider doughnuts.
When you elope in the fall, you get to combine all the comforting feelings of your childhood with all of the hopeful feelings of beginning a new season of life together.
Look out for our next blog post on fall festivals, activities and locations you can plan for.
Shortest season in Utah
A fall elopement is never a bad idea. Utah gives its residents and guests gorgeous red rocks and giant mountain ranges that provide the ideal place for all of your favorite fall activities. Roads and hikes are open, the weather is cozy and the nostalgia in the air will leave a piece of the state with you.
But a quick note before you get going. Fall is the shortest season in Utah so enjoy it before you have to wait till next year. In September temperatures begin dropping and the colorful leaves we fall in love with appear and fall within two-three week’s time. Near the end of November snow falls, temperature gets chilly, and people get ready for holidays, winter sports and family reunions.
If you’ve been going back and forth about when you want to elope in Utah, consider this as me telling you, “go for it!”
