The Pink Lake in Utah: An Elopement Location That Feels Like Another Realm
- supernaturalphoto
- Jan 13
- 6 min read
Eloping at the Pink Lake in Utah in Stansbury Island
If you've ever dreamed of eloping somewhere that feels a little unreal, the Pink Lake on Stansbury Island might be your place. Tucked away in Utah’s west desert about 1 1/2 hours from the Bonneville Salt Flats, this hidden gem looks more like something you'd expect to see in another realm, rather than just outside of Salt Lake City. The water glows an ethereal pink, the landscape feels quiet and untouched, and when the light hits just right, it feels like the world slows down for a moment.
This is one of those locations that surprises people, it's not a traditional wedding spot. There are no arches, no manicured paths, & no crowds. It is dreamy, strange, & beautiful in its own way. For couples who want something different and deeply personal, eloping at the Pink Lake in Utah can feel like stepping into your own
private story.
Where the Pink Lake Is Located?
The Pink Lake is located near Stansbury Island in Utah, close to the Great Salt Lake. It sits along a remote stretch of land that feels far removed from the city even though it's only about 2 hours from Salt Lake City.
Getting there requires driving down a long dirt road, this is super important to plan for. A vehicle with decent clearance is highly recommended, especially after rain when the road can become muddy and uneven. If you are planning an elopement here, this is not the place for low profile cars or last minute logistics.
That extra effort is part of the magic. By the time you arrive, it already feels intentional.
Why Is The Water Pink?
One of the most common questions couples ask is why the lake is pink? The color comes from salt loving algae and bacteria that thrive in the high salinity of the water. When conditions are right, these microorganisms produce pigments that turn the water shades of blush, rose, & sometimes deep coral.
The color can change throughout the year depending on water levels, temperature, and light. Some days it is subtle, other days it looks like cotton candy stretching across the desert. This natural shift is part of what makes eloping here feel so special. No two visits ever look the same.
When Is The Best Time to Elope at the Pink Lake?
The best time to elope at the Pink Lake on Stansbury Island is August through October. During these months, the water tends to be its most vibrant pink. Water levels are usually more stable, and temperatures are more comfortable compared to early spring or winter.
By late summer and early fall, the water isn't as cold, the light is softer, & the landscape feels calmer. These months also allow for more flexibility with timing, outfits, & overall experience. Sunrise and sunset are both beautiful, with sunset often casting warm tones across the pink water and surrounding desert.
Winter and early spring can be unpredictable. The water may not appear as pink, temperatures can be harsh, & access can be difficult. If you want the full Pink Lake experience, late summer through early fall is your best window.
Legal Requirements for Eloping at the Pink Lake
Even though this location feels remote, your elopement still needs to be legal if you want it to be.
Marriage License
You will need a Utah marriage license, which can be obtained from any Utah county clerk. Both partners must be present, and the license is valid statewide.
Permits
Depending on the exact spot and size of your elopement, a special use permit may be required. This is especially true if you plan to bring decor, chairs, or a larger group. Permit fees can vary, so it is best to check with the local land management agency ahead of time.
Officiant and Witnesses
Utah requires an officiant to legally marry you. You'll also need two witnesses over the age of eighteen. These can be friends, family, or even vendors if needed. Planning this ahead of time helps the day feel smooth and stress free.
Where to Stay Near Stansbury Island
Because the Pink Lake is remote, most couples choose to stay closer to Salt Lake City or Tooele and drive out for their elopement.
Some good options include.
Boutique hotels in Salt Lake City for couples who want comfort and good food nearby.
Airbnb's in Tooele for a quieter stay closer to Stansbury Island.
Unique desert style Airbnb's that lean into the landscape and make the experience feel immersive.
Staying nearby the night before can make early morning or sunset elopements much easier.
Activities to Include in Your Pink Lake Elopement
Getting married here doesn't have to be just a ceremony, many couples turn it into a full experience!
Ideas include.
A golden hour ceremony followed by sunset & blue hour portraits as the sky changes color. Don't sleep on some dreamy shots with flash after dark!
A picnic in the sand with simple florals, champagne, and a little cake smash
Include an aesthetic canoe draped in florals for some artistic drone shots
A quiet first dance with a speaker and the open desert around you
These small moments often become the most meaningful parts of the day.
Why the Pink Lake Is Perfect for Non Traditional Couples
The Pink Lake isn't polished, it's not predictable, and that's exactly why it works so well for couples who want to step outside the expectations of the wedding industry.
If you are drawn to places that feel a little strange, a little wild, and deeply beautiful, this spot is a no brainer for your wedding day. Eloping in Stansbury Island is about choosing something that reflects you, not what's trending.
For couples who want an elopement that feels honest, artistic, and completely their own, the Pink Lake in Utah offers something rare. It gives you space, it gives you quiet, and it gives you a setting that feels impossible to recreate anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping at the Pink Lake
Is the Pink Lake always pink?
This is the question everyone asks, & the honest answer is no. The Pink Lake changes throughout the year. The color depends on salt levels, algae, water depth, and light. Late summer into early fall is when the Pink Lake on Stansbury Island is usually at its most vibrant & consistent.
Can you swim in the Pink Lake?
Swimming is not recommended. The salinity is extremely high and can irritate skin and eyes. Most couples treat the Pink Lake as something to experience visually, walking the shoreline, taking photos, and soaking in how surreal it feels.
How many guests can attend a Pink Lake elopement?
Smaller groups are best here. The Stansbury Island area is quiet, remote, and delicate. Keeping your elopement intimate helps protect the landscape and keeps the experience feeling calm and intentional.
Do you need a permit to elope at the Pink Lake?
In many cases, yes. If you plan to bring chairs, decor, or have a larger group, a permit may be required. Rules can change, so it's always best to check with the local land management office while planning your Utah elopement.
Is the road to Stansbury Island difficult?
The road is long, unpaved, and remote. A vehicle with good clearance is strongly recommended, especially after rain. It also takes quite a long time to drive down, since you have to go pretty slow. Consider giving yourself an extra 30 minutes for the drive.
Planning Your Pink Lake Elopement
Eloping at the Pink Lake in Stansbury Island isn't about doing what everyone else is doing. It's about choosing a place that feels like it mirrors something inside you. Quiet, a little strange, and completely unforgettable.
As your Utah elopement photographer, I will absolutely help plan your elopement along the way. I'll help with timelines, location guidance, & the little details that matter when your far from cell service and paved roads. Most importantly, I create space for you to actually be present with each other.
If the Pink Lake keeps pulling at you, that's probably not an accident. If Stansbury Island feels like the kind of place you want to promise your lives to each other, I would love to help you plan your elopement. You can reach out through my contact page and we can start dreaming up a Pink Lake elopement in Utah that feels true to you.
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