Top 5 Wedding Planners in Utah
-
Content Marketing Manager -
Editor & Publisher
- February 2, 2026
- 19 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Utah is a destination defined by dramatic contrasts—from the snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Range to the striking red rock arches of the south. It’s a place where outdoor adventure meets refined hospitality, making it one of the most sought-after locations for weddings in the American West.
The state hosts thousands of celebrations every year, drawing couples who want their vows backdropped by “The Mighty 5” national parks or the world-class ski resorts of Park City and Deer Valley. Whether you are envisioning a winter wonderland ceremony at a ski-in/ski-out lodge or a bohemian-style desert elopement under the stars in Moab, the Beehive State offers a canvas unlike anywhere else in the country.
However, planning a wedding here requires navigating unique logistics that go far beyond choosing a color palette or tasting cake flavors. The state has distinct geography that separates the urban energy of Salt Lake City from the remote, rugged beauty of Southern Utah. There are specific local regulations regarding alcohol service—often confusing to those from out of state—and complex event permitting processes for public lands that can surprise those unfamiliar with the area.
We curated this list of the top wedding planners in Utah to help you navigate these choices with confidence. These professionals are experts in the local landscape, possessing the insider knowledge necessary to execute flawless events in diverse wedding venue environments. They know which vendors work best in remote locations, how to navigate the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) regulations, and how to transform a blank canvas venue into a luxury experience.
How we curated our list
We understand that trusting someone with your wedding day is a significant decision. Our selection process is rigorous and focuses on finding professionals who have a proven track record of success in the unique Utah market. We look for planners who demonstrate consistency and operational excellence through tangible metrics.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from couples on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations and wedding publications.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, and verified business operations are often held by our planners.
Best wedding planners in Utah
1. Ruby Jane Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Ruby Jane Events / Julie Walker
Specialty/niche: Ruby Jane Events specializes in creating bespoke wedding experiences throughout Utah, with a particular focus on comprehensive planning that bridges the gap between logistical precision and aesthetic beauty. Julie’s niche lies in designing modern, romantic celebrations that feel personal and authentic. She excels at working with couples who may be planning from out of state, acting as their boots-on-the-ground advocate. Whether it is a chic urban affair in a Salt Lake City industrial loft or a scenic celebration in the mountains, her specialty is managing the intricate details required for a seamless guest experience.
Notable projects or signature style: Julie Walker has established a reputation for designing weddings that feel effortless yet structured. Her work often features soft, romantic design elements that complement Utah’s natural beauty rather than competing with it. In her portfolio, you will see a blend of classic elegance and contemporary trends, such as tablescapes that mix modern flatware with lush, organic florals. Her signature style involves a keen eye for layout and flow, ensuring that every element—from the welcome table to the dance floor—is intentionally placed to maximize guest interaction and comfort.
Pricing: Pricing is customized based on the scope of the event, guest count, and location. Reach out to the company directly to request a personalized quote that reflects your specific needs.
Why we love them: We love Ruby Jane Events because Julie Walker brings a calming presence to what can be a stressful process. Her deep understanding of the Utah wedding market allows her to guide couples toward the best venues and vendors for their specific needs, saving them time and money. Julie does not just execute a checklist; she partners with her clients to understand their story. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the glowing testimonials from couples who felt supported every step of the way, particularly when navigating the specific challenges of Utah weddings like weather contingencies and travel logistics.
Connect with them: Follow @rubyjane_events on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. Red Canyon Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Red Canyon Events / Ruby Straaten
Specialty/niche: Red Canyon Events is a premier planning company for couples seeking outdoor adventure wedding venues and scenic weddings in Utah. This company specializes in celebrations that embrace the state’s rugged beauty, particularly in Southern Utah’s red rock country, including Moab and Zion, as well as high-altitude mountain destinations. Their niche lies in “adventure weddings” and elopements that require a high level of logistical know-how regarding outdoor venues and public lands. They are the go-to experts for couples who want to exchange vows on a cliff edge or in a canyon slot without sacrificing the luxury elements of a traditional wedding.
Notable projects or signature style: Ruby Straaten’s work is characterized by a deep respect for the environment, often taking place in breathtaking outdoor settings where the landscape serves as the primary decor. Red Canyon Events is known for executing logistics in remote locations where traditional infrastructure might be lacking, such as coordinating 4×4 transportation for guests to off-grid ceremony sites. The signature style is organic, bohemian, and adventurous, often utilizing warm, earth-tone color palettes that mirror the sandstone cliffs and desert sunsets of Utah. One standout project involved a sunset ceremony in Moab where Ruby used vintage rugs and locally sourced wildflowers to define the aisle, creating a luxurious, intimate atmosphere in the middle of the vast desert.
Pricing: Partial wedding planning starts at $4,999 and full wedding planning at $5,999. For couples with a DIY mentality who still want some extra support, month-of coordination starts at $1,950.
Why we love them: We love Red Canyon Events for their fearless approach to wedding planning. With over 90 reviews confirming their expertise in the field, Ruby Straaten understands that for many couples, a wedding is an adventure, and she facilitates that experience safely and beautifully. Her knowledge of permit requirements for national and state parks is invaluable for couples dreaming of a ceremony in nature. Ruby brings an energetic and capable attitude to every event, anticipating unique challenges like wind protection or lighting needs after sunset. Her ability to create a luxury experience in a rugged environment sets her apart as a leader in the adventure wedding market.
Connect with them: Follow @redcanyonevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
3. Heirloom Weddings & Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Heirloom Weddings & Events / Marla
Specialty/niche: Heirloom Weddings & Events focuses on creating timeless, legacy-focused celebrations. Marla specializes in weddings that honor tradition while embracing modern sensibilities. The company is dedicated to “heirloom” quality moments—events designed to be remembered and cherished for generations. They excel in full-service planning and design for couples who value classic aesthetics, refined details, and a high level of guest hospitality. Their niche is the sophisticated, elegant wedding that avoids fleeting trends in favor of enduring style, often taking place in mansion venues, historic buildings, or luxury resorts.
Notable projects or signature style: Marla’s work is defined by elegance and sophistication, producing celebrations that feel curated and polished. Her portfolio often showcases wedding reception venues, intricate tablescapes with fine linens, and lush, romantic floral arrangements. The style is often described as romantic and timeless. Notable projects often involve transforming ballrooms and private residences into bespoke event spaces where lighting and texture play a huge role. For example, she is skilled at layering textures—crystal glassware, velvet linens, and candlelight—to create a warm and inviting ambiance. She pays close attention to the guest experience, ensuring that the flow of the evening encourages connection and celebration.
Pricing: Partial planning starts at $4,800 and full-service planning at $7,000. Coordination starts at $2,500. They also offer a la carte services such as welcome party planning, vendor payment and RSVP tracking, lodging and transportation assistance, and more. Reach out to them directly for a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Heirloom Weddings & Events for their commitment to the emotional weight of a wedding day. Marla understands that a wedding is a piece of family history in the making, and her approach is thoughtful and detail-oriented. She brings a sense of grace and order to the planning process, helping couples prioritize their budget to achieve the most impactful results. Her relationships with top-tier vendors in Utah allow her to assemble creative teams that deliver exceptional quality. For couples seeking a classic, sophisticated wedding experience that feels like a true family heirloom, this team is a standout choice.
Connect with them: Follow @heirloomweddingsutah on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
4. Hoopes Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Hoopes Events / Tonya Hoopes
Specialty/niche: Hoopes Events is a powerhouse in the Utah event industry, offering comprehensive planning services for weddings and corporate functions. The team specializes in high-capacity, complex events that require rigorous logistical management. They are a go-to resource for large-scale weddings, destination weddings in Park City and Deer Valley, and events requiring extensive production elements. Their niche covers everything from luxury mountain resort weddings to chic urban celebrations, specifically excelling in events that involve complicated transportation, multiple venues, or intricate load-in schedules.
Notable projects or signature style: Tonya Hoopes and her team are known for their versatility and production quality. Their portfolio includes everything from winter wonderland weddings at ski resorts to vibrant summer celebrations at private estates. A signature aspect of a Hoopes Events wedding is the flawless execution of the timeline. They are experts at managing transportation for hundreds of guests, coordinating load-ins for major installations, and handling multi-day wedding weekends. Their style is polished and professional, capable of adapting to the specific vision of the client, whether that is a modern, minimalist look or a lavish, floral-heavy design. Their work frequently appears in press features, highlighting their status as industry leaders in the region.
Pricing: Hoopes Events offers a range of services from full planning to month-of coordination. Reach out to them to plan a no-cost wedding planning consultation to discuss your vision and receive a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Hoopes Events for their reliability and scale. Tonya Hoopes has built an award-winning team that can handle anything thrown their way, offering a level of assurance that comes from years of experience in the Utah market. They know the venues, the vendors, and the potential pitfalls inside and out. Their ability to manage the “business” side of the wedding—contracts, timelines, and budgets—allows their clients to relax and enjoy the creative process. If you’re planning a destination wedding with many moving parts, Hoopes Events provides the logistical backbone needed for success.
Connect with them: Follow @hoopesevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
5. Delicate Rose Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Delicate Rose Events / Samantha
Specialty/niche: Delicate Rose Events is a boutique wedding planning firm that focuses on soft, romantic, and delicate details. Samantha serves couples who prioritize personalization and want a hands-on planner to guide them through the design process. The niche here is approachable luxury—creating beautiful, high-end feeling events that remain grounded and personal to the couple. She is an excellent choice for couples who want a “garden party” aesthetic or a wedding that feels like a romantic fairytale, regardless of the venue.
Notable projects or signature style: Samantha’s signature style lives up to the company name: delicate, floral-forward, and romantic. Her projects often feature pastel color palettes, whimsical floral installations, and airy photography styles. She excels at creating intimate atmospheres, even in indoor settings, by using soft lighting and thoughtful table arrangements. Her work demonstrates a strong attention to the smaller details that guests notice, such as personalized place cards, unique favors, and thoughtful signage.
Pricing: Delicate Rose Events offers various planning packages tailored to the needs of the couple. Contact them to request a quote based on your vision.
Why we love them: We love Delicate Rose Events for the personal connection Samantha builds with her clients. She acts as a true partner during the planning process, and her eye for design ensures that even budget-conscious weddings look polished and expensive. Samantha is praised for her responsiveness and her willingness to go the extra mile to solve problems. She brings a fresh perspective to the Utah wedding scene, combining current trends with classic wedding traditions. For couples seeking a wedding that feels intimate, romantic, and beautifully detailed, Delicate Rose Events is a perfect match.
Connect with them: Follow @delicaterose13 on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
Finding the right Utah wedding planner
Finding the right planner in Utah is about more than just liking their Instagram feed. You need a professional who understands the specific geography and logistics of the Beehive State. Here is how to narrow down your options to find the perfect partner for your celebration.
1. Test their knowledge of regional logistics
Utah is geographically diverse, and a wedding reception venue in downtown Salt Lake City has completely different requirements than a wedding in Moab or Park City. Don’t just ask if they know the area—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions like: “How do you handle travel fees for vendors if our venue is outside the Salt Lake Valley?” or “What’s the parking situation for guests at Main Street venues in Park City during ski season?”
A planner with real experience will have immediate answers regarding travel times, shuttle services, and accommodation blocks. If they are vague about the distance between the airport and your mountain venue, that is a red flag. Ask them to walk you through how they manage guest transportation between the ceremony and reception if you are in a remote area like Zion. Their answer reveals whether they have actually managed events across the state or are just listing it on their website.
2. Check how they navigate peak season conflicts
Utah has two distinct peak seasons: summer for weddings and winter for skiing (and the Sundance Film Festival). Ask prospective planners: “How do you handle vendor availability during peak ski season or the Sundance Film Festival?” The right answer includes specific strategies: booking room blocks a year in advance, avoiding Park City during late January, and knowing which vendors do not travel during winter storms.
They should mention specific challenges, like traffic in Little Cottonwood Canyon on a powder day, without you prompting them. Follow up by asking for an example of an event they planned during a high-demand weekend. Review their solution—did they book vendors six months out? Did they find alternative neighborhoods for lodging? Their past problem-solving reveals their real expertise in this competitive market.
3. Verify their alcohol and permit expertise
Utah has some of the most unique liquor laws in the country. This is a critical area where a local planner is essential. Ask: “What are the requirements for serving alcohol at a private party venue versus a restaurant in Utah?” A knowledgeable planner will explain the difference between a “bar” license and a “restaurant” license, the requirement for food to be served with alcohol in certain settings, and the nuances of the DABC regulations.
They should also know the strict permitting process for photography and ceremonies in National Parks. If they say “we’ll just figure it out later,” proceed with caution. Ask them to share a permit they have secured for a similar event. Their paperwork trail proves they have navigated Utah’s bureaucracy successfully, ensuring your wedding won’t be shut down by a ranger or liquor control officer.
4. Assess their wether crisis management
Mountain weather is unpredictable. It can snow in June at high altitudes and flash flood in the desert in August. Ask: “Can you walk me through a time you had to implement a weather backup plan for a Utah wedding?” Listen for specifics. Did they have a tent on standby? Did they move the ceremony indoors at the last minute?
Their answer should include how they communicated the change to guests and vendors. A generic “we are flexible” response indicates they may not have faced a true high-altitude storm. Experienced Utah planners have protocols ready: relationships with indoor backup venues, vendor cancellation policies they’ve negotiated, and guest communication templates for weather delays.
5. Measure budget realism for the market
Utah can be surprisingly expensive, especially in resort towns like Park City or Deer Valley. Share your budget range and ask: “What is realistic for a guest count of [Number] in [City/Area] with this budget?” Good planners will be honest. They might say, “For a Park City resort wedding, expect to pay a premium on food and beverage. Here’s where we can save by looking at venues in Heber or Midway instead.”
They should offer concrete examples of cost tiers. If they promise a luxury Deer Valley wedding on a shoestring budget, they are setting you up for failure. Ask them to show you two past events—one at your budget and one 50% higher—and explain what the extra money bought. This reveals what they optimize for and whether it aligns with your priorities.
Planning a wedding in Utah
Planning an event in Utah is all about timing and geography. The state offers incredible beauty, but it demands respect for the elements and local regulations.
Factors to consider:
- Weather patterns: Utah is a high-desert and alpine environment. Summer (July-August) in Southern Utah (Moab, St. George) often exceeds 100°F, making outdoor daytime events dangerous. Conversely, Northern Utah mountains can see snow from October through May. Check the Salt Lake City National Weather Service forecast for historical data and forecasts before finalizing your date.
- Tourism peaks: Avoid Park City during the Sundance Film Festival (usually the last two weeks of January). Lodging prices triple, and traffic is gridlocked. Similarly, the National Parks (Zion, Arches) are incredibly crowded during spring break and holiday weekends. Consult the Visit Utah events calendar to spot major local events that might impact availability.
- Altitude: If you are hosting guests from sea level at a mountain resort (often 7,000+ feet), remind them to hydrate. Alcohol hits harder at altitude, which is a major consideration for your bar tab and guest safety.
- Traffic timing: I-15 is the main artery of the state. Traffic in Salt Lake City and Utah County can be heavy during commuter hours. On winter weekends, canyon traffic to ski resorts (Little Cottonwood, Big Cottonwood, Parleys) can take hours. Use UDOT Traffic data to plan travel times accurately.
- Event permit requirements: Utah’s public lands are protected. You cannot simply set up an arch in a National Park. You need a Special Use Permit, often applied for months in advance. Visit the National Park Service Utah guidelines website for specific park regulations.
- Liquor Laws: Alcohol service must end by 1:00 AM. In many venues, you are required to hire a certified bartender; self-service is rarely legal for large events. Review current laws at the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services website.
Major events to avoid (or plan around):
- Sundance Film Festival: Late January (Park City/SLC).
- General Conference: First weekends of April and October (Downtown SLC becomes very busy).
- Ski Season Opening/Closing: Late November and mid-April.
- Moab Jeep Safari: Easter week (Moab is completely booked).
If you’re not a local, don’t underestimate the travel times. On a map, two venues might look close, but a mountain range could separate them, requiring a 45-minute drive. Defer to your local planner on logistics.
FAQs: Utah wedding planning
When should I hire a Utah wedding planner?
You should hire a planner as soon as you have your date, ideally 12 to 18 months in advance. Utah is a top destination for weddings, and popular planners book up quickly, especially for dates in June, September, and October.
How much does an event planner cost in Utah?
Costs vary based on experience and service level. Full-service planning typically runs between 15% and 20% of your total budget. For flat-fee packages, expect to pay between $3,000 for month-of coordination and $10,000+ for full-service planning in luxury markets like Park City.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue; their job is to protect the property and manage on-site staff. An independent wedding planner works for you. They handle your timeline, design, outside vendors, and personal logistics that the venue coordinator does not touch.
Why hire a local Utah planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners have established relationships with vendors, which can save you money and stress. They know the hidden gems, the specific load-in difficulties of mountain venues, and the nuances of Utah’s alcohol laws that an out-of-town planner might miss.
Great weddings start with the right space—and the right planner!
Utah’s stunning landscape makes it an incredible backdrop to celebrate one of the biggest days of your life. No matter what you envision, great weddings start with the right people and the right setting. Browse beautiful Utah wedding venues on Peerspace and fall in love with one that encapsulates your love story.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
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