Utah Camping Wedding Weekend in Spanish Fork Canyon
what it’s really like to get married in the mountains with your dogs, friends, and a whole lot of trailers
Shalice & Matthew celebrating after their ‘I Dos’.
The Kinda Wedding Where You Wake Up in a Tent With Coffee and Your Dog
When Shalice and Matthew told me they wanted a full-on wedding weekend in the Utah mountains—with trailers, ATVs, dogs, and the whole crew—I knew it was going to be good. They're the kind of couple who camps for fun, so turning their wedding into a campout just made sense. No stress, no fluff, just a weekend of hanging out, setting up together, and making memories around the fire.
If you’ve ever dreamed of skipping the traditional venue and getting married under the stars, this kind of weekend might be for you…
Bridesmaid duties include decorating, hype squad, and of course setting up the most rad wedding camp base for the weekend festivities.
Pro Tip- Show up early. Let people help. Take your time setting up so you're not scrambling on the day-of. Delegate tasks to specific people so you know for sure everything is taken care and thought of.
About Camping in Utah’s Mountains
Utah’s mountain camping is next-level. We’re talking fresh air, big views, and enough space to spread out without bothering the neighbors. Whether you’re up in the Uintas or tucked into a canyon closer to central Utah, there are so many spots where a group can camp, celebrate, and just be together.
Mountain range through Spanish Fork Canyon, Utah
One of the best things about camping here is how accessible it is. You can find group sites, free dispersed camping, or private land with space for everything—trailers, dogs, hammocks, you name it. Shalice and Matthew’s crew came fully prepared, and the weekend had this effortless, bring-what-you-need energy. If you're used to camping, this will feel like second nature. Just don’t forget: weather shifts fast in the mountains, so plan for sun, wind, and chilly nights even in summer.
“Shalice and Matthew chose Spanish Fork Canyon, Utah for their wedding weekend—one of their go-to camping spots and a total hidden gem for group campouts. Tucked into the mountains with space for trailers, dogs, and ATVs, it was the perfect basecamp for their laid-back celebration.”
Where to Hold Your Camping Wedding in Utah
The good news? Utah has no shortage of spots where you can pull this off. Whether you're into forest vibes, red rock, or somewhere in between, you can find campgrounds or dispersed camping areas that double as ceremony spots and basecamps for the weekend.
Shalice and Matthew picked a spot in Spanish Fork Canyon—a place they already knew and loved. It was tucked into the mountains, dog-friendly, and had enough space for trailers, ATVs, and a big communal setup. They held their ceremony a short walk from camp, which made the whole day feel super natural and easy. If you already have a favorite camping area, start there. Familiar terrain makes setup smoother and helps guests feel more comfortable.
You can also look into reservable group sites on recreation.gov, or consider private land if you want a little more control- here are a few other areas to check out:
Uinta Mountains – High alpine vibes, cooler temps, and tons of space
Wasatch Back (near Heber, Kamas, etc.) – Closer to Salt Lake but still feels remote
Fishlake National Forest – Pines, lakes, and fewer crowds
Southern Utah – Think red rock backdrops with pine-covered plateaus
Just keep in mind: national and state parks usually require permits. If you’re going the dispersed route, follow Leave No Trace and double check accessibility (especially if you’re inviting folks with trailers or low-clearance vehicles).
Shalice and Matt’s camping wedding weekend included a variety of locations within a 5 mile radius of Spanish Fork Canyon, Utah. First, you arrived at “Base Camp” i.e. the getting ready and camping area. Further up the road you arrived at the reception space which was home to nice outdoor facilities and plenty of space for a beautiful reception service. This area is where guests who weren’t spending the night met everyone at and from there we all hopped onto the cutest hay bale ride and traveled up the hill to the gorgeous, mountain-dropped ceremony space.The roads were dirt and super bumpy and with multiple areas being used it was so smart of Shalice and Matt to provide transportation to the most difficult spot to reach- the ceremony locale. It also prevented any traffic problems and totally eliminated parking as a worry.
What to Bring and How to Prepare for a Camping Wedding Weekend
You're not just packing florals and a dress—you’re packing your
whole weekend life...
This kind of wedding calls for a different kind of checklist. You're not just packing florals and a dress—you’re packing your whole weekend life into the mountains. The good news is: if you’ve camped before, this will feel familiar. You just add a little more intention (and maybe a white outfit or two).
Here are a few essentials that made Shalice and Matthew’s Utah camping wedding weekend run smoothly
A prep day: They arrived Friday with close friends and family to set up camp, prep the ceremony area, and get everything ready ahead of time.
Dog-friendly setups: Their dogs were part of the weekend, so they prepped water bowls, shade, and places for them to rest away from the action.
A designated “fire keeper” and food helper: This was key. Assigning tasks like managing the fire pit, organizing meals, or setting up the reception area made everything feel effortless.
Smiling because they planned ahead:’)
Camping gear for guests: Most people brought their own trailers, tents, and gear, but they also made sure to have extras on hand—coolers, water jugs, and backup blankets.
Lighting + signage: String lights, solar path lights, and some simple handmade signs helped people navigate camp once it got dark.
Again, this couple was brilliant and thought of everything, even the mosquitos.
Most of all, they kept things simple. Decorations were DIY and natural (think wood slices, lanterns, thrifted rugs). Guests pitched in and knew the vibe wasn’t about being fancy—it was about being together. And honestly? That shows up in the photos.
Best Group Activities for a Camping Wedding Weekend
One of the best parts of a Utah camping wedding weekend is how much time you actually get to hang out with your people. You’re not rushing from ceremony to reception—you’re eating breakfast together, running around with the dogs, and maybe even sharing a hammock nap mid-afternoon. It’s the kind of vibe that makes everyone feel included, no matter their role.
Here are a few budget-friendly, low-effort group activities that worked great for Shalice and Matthew (and don’t require leaving camp):
Campfire hangs: Obvious? Maybe. But you can’t beat it. Everyone brought their own drinks, pulled up a chair, and stayed up late swapping stories.
Trail exploring: They had ATVs and bikes on-site, and some people went off to explore nearby dirt roads and short trails. Others just wandered with their dogs.
Wedding-day breakfast: A few close friends made pancakes and coffee the morning of the ceremony. It was such a sweet, grounding way to start the day.
Yard games + chill time: They brought cornhole, hammocks, and a couple of acoustic guitars. Nothing forced—just vibes.
DIY ceremony setup: Everyone helped decorate the ceremony space together on Saturday morning. It created this group energy that carried into the actual vows.
You don’t need a strict itinerary. Just enough structure to keep things moving, and enough freedom to let the weekend flow. The shared experience is what makes it so memorable—especially when people get to contribute in small, meaningful ways.
Camping Wedding Weekend FAQs
How do we feed our guests?
Think simple, shareable, and make-ahead friendly. Shalice and Matthew had family pitch in for meals—things like pancake breakfasts, sandwiches, and a big post-ceremony dinner that was easy to throw on the grill. You can go potluck-style, prep meals in coolers, or bring in a local food truck if you’re near town. Just make sure to communicate clearly so no one shows up expecting a buffet and gets trail mix instead.
Can we book a photography package that covers the whole weekend?
Yes! That’s actually one of my favorite ways to work—especially for camping weddings where everything’s more spread out and experiential. I offer weekend-long wedding packages that include the full story: setup, candid hangs, ceremony coverage, and golden hour portraits after dinner. You can get in touch here to check availability or just chat through ideas.
What Utah locations work best for a wedding weekend like this?
Spanish Fork Canyon was a perfect fit for Shalice and Matthew, but there are options all over the state depending on your vibe. Look for areas with group campsites or dispersed camping that allow trailers and dogs (if you’re bringing them). The Uintas, Wasatch Back, and Fishlake National Forest are all great places to start. If you want to keep it extra private, you might also look into renting private land or a venue with camp-style accommodations.
Is it worth it to photograph the whole weekend?
If you’re already going to the effort of planning a camping wedding weekend, absolutely. So much of the magic happens outside the ceremony—like when you’re setting up camp, laughing over coffee, or watching the dogs chase each other through the trees. These are the kinds of moments that tell the real story. If you're the kind of couple who wants to remember not just how it looked, but how it felt, weekend coverage is 100% worth it.
Do we need permits?
Depends on the spot. National and state parks usually require permits for weddings, even if they’re small. Dispersed camping on public land usually doesn’t, but it’s always good to double check with the local ranger district. Keep it low-impact, follow Leave No Trace, and you’ll probably be fine. (And if you’re unsure, I can help you figure it out!)
Thinking About Taking Your Wedding on the Road?
Whether you're dreaming of a camping wedding in the Utah mountains or planning something totally different (maybe a cozy cabin elopement in Iceland or a barefoot ceremony in Greece?), I’m always down to photograph love in wild, meaningful places.
If it’s outdoors, intentional, and a little off the beaten path, I’m probably already packing my bags. Let’s start planning.
Want to make it even more magical? I have a travel bucket list of dream destinations I’d love to photograph—at a discounted rate (travel fees only)! If you're planning a wedding or elopement in any of these spots, let's make it happen:
Click through to explore my travel vision boards—perfect for couples who dream big, love the details, and want to feel the vibe before we even book flights.
Greece – See my Pinterest inspo ✨
Australia – View the board 🐨
Amalfi Coast – Get inspired 🌊
Switzerland – Peek the vision 🏔️
Bali – Dreamy ideas await 🌺
Hawaii – Tropical magic here 🌴
