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Photo credit: Nicole Wimmer
Summer is prime wedding season anywhere, but especially here in Utah.
When colleges let out for the summer, we see a sudden flood of couples tying the knot here. It’s not just because of our state’s stunning vistas, cool Rocky Mountain weather, and majestic Mighty Five national parks that make Utah a top-tier summer wedding destination. Utah also has a well-deserved reputation for warm hospitality, and our wedding industry experts are among the best you can find anywhere. Combine all those factors, and you see why Utah has become a favorite destination for summer weddings.
But how can you make sure that your Utah summer wedding is as magical as you’ve imagined? We reached out to some of Utah’s top wedding experts to get their suggestions. Here’s what they had to say.
Photo credits: Megan Robinson
Wedding Planner: Michelle Cousins
Michelle Cousins has been recognized as Utah’s Best of State Event Planner 19 times! With fellow planner Mara Mazdzer, she co-founded Duet Weddings & Events, Utah’s 2025 Best of State winner for Bridal and Wedding Services. Michelle has orchestrated over 2,000 events, many of which have been featured in Vogue, BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings, and other top publications. Here are Michelle’s tips for planning a summer wedding in Utah.
- Prioritize Guest Comfort
Ensure guests stay cool and comfortable and hydrated by providing shaded areas, handheld fans, cold beverages, or even personalized sunscreen and sunglasses. Thoughtful touches like chilled towels or a hydration station can also make a significant impact.
- Choose the Right Timing
Plan your ceremony later in the afternoon or early evening to avoid intense midday heat. This also gives your photographer the benefit of capturing beautiful, golden-hour lighting in your photos.
- Select Seasonal and Hardy Florals
Opt for flowers that can withstand heat and stay fresh throughout your event. Blooms like roses, dahlias, protea, orchids, and greenery like eucalyptus are gorgeous, hearty choices that can stand up to higher temperatures.
- Have a Weather Backup Plan
Summer weather can sometimes be unpredictable. Always have a solid backup plan (such as an indoor or tented location) ready to go, just in case of a sudden heat wave or summer storm.
- Embrace Refreshing, Seasonal Menu Options
Offer guests refreshing, seasonal food and beverages. Consider lighter fare like chilled appetizers, fresh salads, fruit-infused cocktails, and ice cream or sorbet stations—perfect for hot summer days and evenings.
Photo credits: Elisha Braithwaite
DJ/Music: Rob Bennion
Besides being an extraordinary DJ, sax player, and bandleader, Rob Bennion is also the owner of
Echo Talent, Utah’s premier booking and management company. Having DJed and performed at over 1,500 weddings over the past 20 years, here are Rob’s top tips for planning a Utah summer wedding.
- Prepare for the best — and worst — weather.
Utah summers are stunningly beautiful, often in the most surprising ways. But let’s not ignore the four-letter word r-a-i-n (or even sleet or hail!) that can appear in any month of the year. Always have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather — and be comfortable with that plan. Whether your ceremony is indoors or outdoors, your day will be just as special.
- Don’t underestimate the summer sun.
At higher elevations, the sun’s intensity increases, which means guests will need shade even if the ceremony isn’t in direct sunlight. And don’t forget about your vendors! Music gear like laptops can overheat in just 10 minutes of high-altitude sun. Make sure to secure shade umbrellas or a tent to keep guests comfortable and important equipment protected.
- Be mindful of the altitude.
If your guests are traveling from coastal cities or lower elevations, they may feel the effects of Utah’s altitude. Salt Lake City sits at 4,200 feet and Park City at nearly 7,000 feet, and ski resort weddings can be held as high as 11,000 feet! Encourage guests to drink plenty of water, and consider providing an oxygen bar or mini oxygen cans for those adjusting to the altitude. Keep in mind that alcohol and caffeine can worsen altitude sickness — it’s helpful to educate your guests ahead of time so that everyone enjoys your big day.
- Book local Utah vendors early.
Utah’s breathtaking scenery makes it a popular wedding destination, and our local pros are among the best in the business. While you might be tempted to bring in vendors from your hometown or bigger markets like L.A. or New York, they may struggle with altitude too! Top local vendors often book up 1–2 years in advance, so reach out as soon as you have a date — even before locking in your venue — to check pricing and availability.
- Hire an experienced local planner.
A Utah-based planner will be invaluable in assembling your wedding team. They’ll know how to navigate weather, altitude, and logistics, and they can recommend the best photographers, videographers, caterers, rental companies, entertainers, and décor specialists to help bring your dream wedding to life.
Photo credits: Pepper Nix
Photographer: Pepper Nix
Pepper Nix is an acclaimed Utah-based wedding photographer known for her unforgettable, emotion-rich imagery. Having photographed over 950 weddings, she is a staple in the Utah high-end wedding industry. A “wedding photojournalist” who emphasizes authenticity, spontaneity, and timeless quality, Pepper is unmatched at telling an event’s story through capturing candid moments and heartfelt interactions.
- Skip the wedding party.
The biggest trend I see coming in 2025 is NO BRIDAL PARTY. I know, bridal parties have been a tradition for a long time, but couples are starting to realize that they have better ways to spend their budget. Think of how much stress you can eliminate on your big day if you don’t have to organize a maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearers, flower girls, and the dog! Just have your girl squad do what they do; no one needs to walk, and no one needs matching dresses they will wear once.
- Choose a dress that fits the season.
Speaking of dresses, if you’re getting married in Utah in the summer, you do NOT want a big, hot ballgown. Aim for comfort. Coordinate with your photographer and reserve some time on your timeline for just you in your dress. Also, tell your photographer what your favorite part of your dress is. The delicate lace sleeves? The neckline? The million buttons up the back? Make sure you get the photos that show you at your finest. Then spend most of your day in comfort.
- Do your first look with fresh makeup.
This is a must.
- Go to your cocktail party.
Missing your own cocktail hour to take photos is a decision you’ll regret. Work out your timeline with your photographer and planner so that you’ll be able to get all the photos you need and still hang out with the guests you invited.
- Remember, it gets chilly.
Here in Utah, the high desert climate means that it gets chilly at night, especially in the mountains. Don’t get caught unprepared when the temperature drops. Have heaters or blankets on hand, and maybe serve a warm dessert like flaming donuts. Let your out-of-town guests know what to expect.
Photo credit: Ashley Wortley
Videographer: Ashley Wortley
Ashley Wortley and her husband co-founded Jared Wortley Films in 2015. Ashley oversees client-side coordination, creative development, and post production for luxury and adventure-oriented weddings all across Utah and the Mountain West. With her strong project leadership and a polished aesthetic eye, Ashley helps produce cinematic, emotionally resonant storytelling. Here are her tips for couples who want to capture the meaning and magic of their Utah summer wedding.
- Write personal vows or letters.
These emotional anchors bring depth and storytelling to your film, helping it resonate on a personal and lasting level.
- Request short-form social edits.
In addition to your full film, ask your video team for Instagram or TikTok-ready edits that are perfect for sharing and reliving your day in quick, impactful moments.
- Incorporate super 8 and drone footage.
These elements bring contrast, nostalgia, and cinematic variety, adding texture and movement to your final edit.
- Trust your filmmaker with music selection.
The right music sets the tone. Your team will choose a soundtrack that enhances the emotion and elevates the story’s rhythm.
- Include guest interviews.
A few heartfelt words from your favorite people add charm, perspective, and unexpected emotion, making your film feel even more personal and complete.
When these elements come together, your wedding film becomes more than a memory, it becomes a layered, lasting work of art.
Photo credit: Mikki Platt
Cake: Jessica Olsen
Owner and founder of Lustr in Salt Lake City, Jessica has been designing and creating cakes for most of her life. She is known for incorporating floral designs, flavor, and fanatical attention to detail.
- Shade is your friend with summer cakes. Ideally, plan to display your cake indoors or, at minimum, out of direct sunlight. Summer temps can quickly melt a cake, but you can take steps to prolong the stability of the cake on display. Prioritizing your cake photos and cutting early in the evening is helpful to ensure your cake looks its best when in the spotlight!
- Opt for faux tiers or firm finishes that are extra sturdy to combat warmer temps. Faux tiers will allow for secure structure, while finishes like fondant or ganache set firmer than buttercreams and can help insulate your cake longer.
- Enjoy color! Summertime is full of color, and incorporating color on your cake in any way is a great way to make it feel custom to you. I strongly advocate including a patterned or bold cake tablecloth that compliments your cake. It’s just as much part of the design.
- Speaking of color, fresh summer blooms are a great way to frame a cake. I prefer not to use fresh flowers on cakes but love using them to frame the table or nestle into a cake meadow. I’m sure your florist has many ideas! Using flowers around your cake also reduces the risk of them wilting and ensures no toxic flowers go in/on something to be eaten.
- Find a baker that wants to incorporate fresh and local produce/herbs! Options are abundant, and supporting local farmers markets and Utah growers is a full-circle moment. It often leads to more flavorful cake and can encourage unique flavor combinations, making it even more memorable to you and your guests who eat it.
Photo Credit: Breanna White
Hair and Make-up: Reese Stockman
Reese Stockman of Beauty By Reese reminds us that summer weddings require a little extra planning when it comes to beauty. Any bride wants to feel like the best version of herself—glowing, stress-free, and totally bridal. But with heat, humidity, and long hours, your hair and makeup need to be prepped to handle it all. Here are Reese’s tips to help you feel confident and look fresh and flawless all day long.
- Tinted Moisturizer with SPF:
Your Summer Secret Weapon. A lightweight tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 or higher is a must. It evens out your skin tone, keeps your face feeling breathable in the heat, and protects against sun damage. Using one for your everyday makeup look helps a ton for making sure your skin stays protected so wedding day skin is flawless.
- Start Facials Early — Like, Now!
If you’re planning to get professional facials (and you should), begin at least 3–4 months before your wedding. This gives your skin time to adjust and allows for any purging or sensitivity to settle well before the big day. Healthy, glowing skin is the perfect canvas for makeup.
- No Last-Minute Changes the Week of the Wedding.
Tempted to try a new serum, face mask, or brow shape the week of your wedding? Don’t. Stick to your regular routine. The week leading up to your wedding should be about maintaining, not experimenting. Keep it calm and consistent to avoid any unexpected reactions.
- Hydration is Key (Inside and Out).
Drink plenty of water in the weeks leading up to your wedding. It makes a noticeable difference in skin clarity, elasticity, and overall glow. Don’t forget to moisturize daily and use hydrating masks to lock in moisture too.
- Book a Trial (and Bonus: Get HMU done for welcome party/ dinner rehearsal).
A trial run with your hair and makeup artist is essential. It allows you to test your wedding day look and make adjustments ahead of time — no surprises! Pro tip: Have your artist style you for your welcome party/ dinner rehearsal. It’s the closest “dress rehearsal” you’ll get, and a great opportunity to work out any last-minute details before the big walk down the aisle.
- Protect your details from the heat.
As a decor vendor, this one is always on my mind! Heat can wilt flowers, pop balloons, melt cakes, and smudge makeup. Work with vendors who know how to keep your décor, desserts, and looks flawless under summer conditions. (Hello, cake chillers and setting spray!)
- Time it right.
Consider a morning ceremony with a delicious brunch, or a late afternoon or evening ceremony when temps dip a bit. Golden hour photos? Yes, please. Plus, guests won’t be melting in the midday sun.
- Add cool treats + interactive stations.
Think popsicle carts, gelato bars, or make-your-own spritzer stations. Not only does this delight guests; it keeps them refreshed and engaged. Also, be sure to set up hydration stations with water, lemonade, or signature spritzers. Bonus points for chilled towels or paper fans for guests!
- Choose weather-friendly attire.
Guest attire mood boards are all the rage, and for good reason! Do your guests a favor and encourage light, breathable fabrics (think chiffon, linen, cotton blends). Guests would love to hear words like “garden chic” or “beach formal” for your summer wedding. Plus, brides, grooms, and wedding parties will thank you for nixing heavy layers!
- Lean into the summer vibe!
Summer weddings are made for fun—think lawn games, barefoot dancing, glow sticks after dark, or fireworks and don’t forget the bright colors. Let the season inspire laid-back, joyful moments your guests will never forget.
- Have a backup plan.
Utah—and Park City in particular—is famous for our scenic views and mountain vistas, but we’re also famous for our temperamental weather. Your summer wedding may be all perfect sunshine and blue skies, but don’t be surprised if you get some rain, wind, or even hail. For an outdoor wedding, choose a venue with a convenient option for handling inclement weather.
- Expect a little wind.
Even if your special day turns out to be gusty, there’s no need to let wind ruin your celebration if you’re ready for it. Keep in mind that lighter items, such as cocktail tables or linens, can tip over or blow away if not secured. Take simple precautions like adding a heavier floral arrangement and/or solid bar stools.
- Prioritize guest comfort.
Consider the time of day in your scheduling. Avoid the heat of the early afternoon, if possible, and take advantage of the comfortable morning and late afternoon/evening temperatures. Sunset weddings are gorgeous, but keep in mind the direction of the sun and don’t blind your guests. Also, be prepared to keep your guests warm after sunset; the temperature drops quickly in the mountains after the sun goes down around 8:30.
- Shade is a must.
I don’t just mean shade for your guest—although that’s important too! You also need to make sure that there’s proper shade for bars, food stations, etc. Patio umbrellas are always a nice touch! Make sure you provide plenty of hydration in those areas where you and your guests can cool off.
- Work closely with your planner and caterer.
I’ve worked on both sides, as a caterer and as an event planner. I know how important it is to create a clear vision for your event and communicate that vision to all your vendors. A well-designed wedding pulls together all the elements into a smooth-running plan, from first look to final cleanup and everything in between. For a summer wedding, work with your planner and caterer to design a menu that offers light and refreshing items, and consider a cold treat or two for dessert!
- Food Station Signage
Your food stations are so much more than just a place to eat – they’re part of your guest experience and your overall design story. Custom acrylic station signage brings a polished, cohesive look to every detail of the culinary experience while making sure guests feel welcomed, informed, and totally impressed!
Tip: For summer weddings with lighter color schemes, consider color-coordinated lettering across your station signage in shades like white, blush, sage, or gold that work beautifully together to complement your aesthetic.
- Welcome Signs with Seasonal Flair
We love creating personalized welcome signs that set the tone for any summer wedding, whether indoors or outdoors. We can match your signage to your wedding colors, fonts, and overall vibe—romantic, minimalist, boho, or luxe.
Tip: Layered signage with reflective gold or silver mirror elements creates an elevated, sunny, romantic feel that we can’t get enough of!
- Signature Drink & Bar Menus
Custom cocktails are a fun addition to summer weddings, and we can help you showcase them with polished, stylish bar menus. A signature drink menu is not only practical but also a conversation starter and a way to highlight your personality as a couple. We can even add custom illustrations, fun quotes, or pet photos!
Tip: Clear or frosted acrylic provides a sleek look that complements any bar setup.
- Ceremony & Directional Signage
Outdoor venues may require extra guidance for guests, especially under the summer sun. Consider coordinating signage for ceremony locations, refreshment stations, and photo booth areas to ensure guests find their way easily.
- Personalized Place Cards or Favors
For more relaxed and festive summer weddings, we love adding custom touches that guests can take home. Our favorites include mini acrylic name cards that double as favors, such as luggage tags, keychains, or coasters, all tailored to your wedding theme.
- Lean on your florist to select heat-tolerant blooms.
Not all flowers love the summer heat (like I do!) Prioritize hardy, heat-friendly varieties like roses, spray roses, zinnias, and lisianthus. Avoid delicate blooms if the event is outdoors in the heat, especially for outdoor ceremonies — they’ll wilt faster than you can say “I do.”
- Be strategic with ceremony and installation timing and placement.
If you have a floral arch, aisle markers, or large outdoor installations, schedule set-up as close to guest arrival as possible, or ensure they’ll be shaded during the hottest part of the day. This is also something to keep in mind as you plan photographer shots, family photos, and other details. Remember that the environment impacts flower choices, mechanics, and installation timing. The more information you can share with your florist, the better they can plan for heat, wind, and light conditions. Better yet, include them in the planning of these details!
- Put flowers back in water as you move throughout the different events of the day.
Bouquets, boutonnieres, and loose stems need water! If your event has a long gap between photos and other events, have a clean vase of water nearby for bouquets to rest in. It keeps them fresh and picture-perfect for when it counts.
- Embrace seasonal color palettes!
Summer is the season for bright, joyful colors and lush textures. Lean into bold blooms, fresh greenery, or romantic pastels with pops of color. Mother Nature does this best, and the flowers she provides during this season will last longer and look better than any others!
- Consider locally grown product.
These flowers are cut just before being used and are hearty, healthy, and long-lasting. Ask your florist for suggestions to maximize the local product in your area. As an added bonus, you’ll be supporting local small businesses, and the dedication each of these business owners puts into growing each bloom shows!
- Florist: Mandy Hutchinson — The Potted Pansy
- Makeup Artist: Reese Stockman — Beauty By Reese
- Venue: Madison Oliveria — Kimball Terrace
- Stationery: Cate Sievers — Beck Engraving Design Studio
- Decor: Miranda Thompson — Snap Pop Party
- Music: Rob Bennion — Echo Talent Management
- Planner: Michelle Cousins — Duet Weddings and Events
- Photographer: Pepper Nix — Pepper Nix Photo
- Videographer: Ashley Wortley — Jared Wortley Films
- Cake: Jessica Olsen — Lustr Creative
Photo credit: Logan Walker
Décor: Miranda Thompson
Miranda is the co-founder and owner of Snap Pop Party, a Salt Lake City-based boutique décor studio known for its vibrant color designs. From balloon walls and backdrops to full event installations, Miranda knows how to bring the party! Here are her Utah summer wedding tips:
Photo credit: Savannah B Photography
Venue: Madison Oliveria
Madison is Venue Manager at Kimball Terrace, the upscale wedding and event venue on Park City’s historic Main Street. She has extensive experience in event planning and catering, which is why we’ve leaned on her expert advice before. Here are Madison’s top tips on working with a venue for your Utah summer wedding.
Photo credits: Logan Walker
Stationary and Signage: Cate Sievers
Cate and her husband Phil own Beck Engraving Design Studio, a Salt Lake City boutique specializing in UV printed customized wedding and event signage, personalized decor, and gifts. Cate’s shares her perspective on planning a summer wedding in Utah.
Photo credit: Pepper Nix
Florals: Mandy Hutchinson
Mandy is a flower fanatic with a knack for blending organic elements into event designs. As the owner of The Potted Pansy in Pleasant Grove, Utah, she has been featured in Rocky Mountain Bride, Magnolia Rouge, and dozens of other bridal publications. Here are her tips for making the most of your summer wedding florals.
Where Love Stories Begin
There’s nothing quite like a summer wedding in Utah. The lingering light of a wild desert sunset or the gentle alpine glow, it makes the air feel full of possibility. Take a deep breath, savor the season, and let the beauty of Utah do what it does. The beauty of our state is as breathtaking as the love stories we celebrate.
Our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing fellow creatives who shared their insights for this post. Utah’s wedding pros truly are some of the most talented and passionate people anywhere! It’s always an honor to work alongside them to create something unforgettable.
If you have a Utah wedding in your future or are looking for the best in Utah luxury catering, contact us at Culinary Crafts. Let us know how we can help bring your delicious visions to life.
- Protect your details from the heat.
