What Most People Don't Know About the Salt Flats in Utah:

The Bonneville Salt Flats is a unique and beautiful location for a bridal photoshoot, offering a stunning and otherworldly landscape that is unlike anywhere else. Located in western Utah, the Salt Flats is a large, flat expanse of hardened salt crystals that stretch for miles and offer a special and dramatic backdrop for photos. Throughout the year, different types of looks can be captured. In the spring people come from all over to see the free-standing water that sits on top of the salt and can create a perfect mirror-like reflection when the weather is just right. In the summer and early fall, the salt cracks to create hexagonal-looking shapes in the earth. There are also a few different locations in Utah that people may think of when imagining an elopement or traveling in general here. Even though the Bonneville Salt Flats are the most popular destination out of the bunch, we also have The Great Salt Lake, The Pink Lake, and the Spiral Jetty. These are all areas that are fairly close to each other and may come up in your search engine while looking for information about the Salt Flats. All of these areas are amazing and worth exploring, just make sure to plan accordingly so that you get the desired look for your shoot.

Most people, even local Utahns expect the Bonneville salt flats to be super close to Salt Lake City, however, that is not the case. From Salt Lake City to the main area of the Bonneville Salt Flats is just over 110 miles or 1 hour and 30 minutes away. It is important to be prepared for the specific challenges and conditions of the Salt Flats, and make sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable and safe during your photoshoot and drive out to the area. It is much closer to Wendover, Nevada. The Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the most popular places we photograph each year and we understand the challenges and risks on a high level. Check the conditions of the salt flats here at Weather for You.

By packing these items and being prepared for the specific challenges and conditions of the Salt Flats, you'll be able to enjoy your bridal photoshoot and get beautiful and memorable photos. Don't forget to have fun and embrace the unique and special experience of a photoshoot at the Bonneville Salt Flats!

Essential Packing List:

Water and Snacks: It's a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized during your photoshoot. The Salt Flats can get hot and dry, and it's important to stay well-hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion. Pack a few bottles of water and consider bringing a hydration pack to the salt flats. Pack some high-energy snacks such as energy bars, nuts, or trail mix to help keep your energy levels up and keep you fueled throughout the photoshoot. The Salt Flats are located in a remote area, and it's important to be self-sufficient and bring everything you need as the nearest facility or store could be miles away.

Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The Salt Flats are known for their bright and intense sunlight, and it's important to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays. Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF, and choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant and non-greasy. It's a good idea to pack some sunscreen wipes or a travel-sized bottle of sunscreen for easy reapplication. The Salt Flats are also known for their intense glare, so make sure to bring sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce the glare and protect your eyes while you are not having your photos taken.

A Hat and Other Protective Clothing: It's a good idea to bring a hat and other protective clothing to shield your skin from the sun and the reflective surfaces of the salt flats. It is a place where you can get sunburns on your armpits! The sun reflects off of the white ground and bounces everywhere! Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants to protect your skin is a great option. Obviously, you will want to wear your wedding attire for the photos, but consider bringing along a shawl or wrap to cover your shoulders if needed. The Salt Flats can also get windy, so make sure to pack some layers that you can remove or add as needed. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen that will help keep you cool and comfortable. The Salt Flats are also known for their dust and dirt, so make sure to bring clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. The salt can do a number when it comes to clothing and equipment.

Comfortable Shoes and Extra Shoes: The Salt Flats can be rough, uneven, and crusty. It's important to wear comfortable shoes that offer good support and traction. Consider wearing closed-toe shoes such as boots or sneakers if possible. If not, bring comfortable shoes to put on after the photo shoot to ensure comfortable travel home. Plus, the salt on the bottom of your shoes will be a pain to clean out of the car and could even cause damage to the coloring of your car. It’s always a good idea to break in your shoes before your photo shoot to avoid any blisters or discomfort. Watch the weather and prepare accordingly. The Salt Flats can become muddy and wet, or dry and dusty - it depends on the time of year.

Full Tank of Gas: Remember - we are practically in the middle of nowhere. There are no gas stations nearby, so come prepared with plenty of gas. Another thing you may want to throw in the car is a first aid kid (just in case)! It's always a good idea to bring a small first aid kit in case of any minor injuries or emergencies. If you don’t already have one in your car, now would be a good idea to make a small kit! Pack some basic items such as band-aids, pain medication, and insect repellent, and make sure to bring any prescription medications you may need. It's also a good idea to pack some basic first aid supplies such as gauze, tape, and tweezers. The Salt Flats can also be harsh on the skin, so consider bringing some moisturizer or skin cream to help protect your skin and prevent dryness. Hopefully, you won’t need any of these things, but it always seems that when we need them we do not have them.

A Mirror and Makeup: If you're planning to do your makeup for your photoshoot, make sure to bring a mirror and all the necessary makeup and tools. The Salt Flats can be harsh on the skin, so consider using long-lasting and waterproof makeup to help your makeup stay in place. It can be sweltering hot and windy so plan your makeup routine accordingly.

Your Wedding Attire and a Change of Clothes: Double-check everything before you leave. The last thing we would want after driving out there would be to forget something. Make sure you have the dress, suit, shoes, jewelry, flowers, rings, and any other items you plan on wearing. The Salt Flats are a longer drive than most expect so it would make for a bad day to forget something essential!

All Wedding Decor: There is no wedding venue out here, but we can make it incredibly beautiful and unique with only a few decorations. We think that by just bringing a few rental rugs, an arch, and some flowers the space can be transformed into a gorgeous wedding setting. Chairs and an aisle can also be brought if you are inviting guests. There are a few local vendors that rent out a great selection of wedding decor.