So Easy to Love: Why Utah is the Best Honeymoon Destination

Looking for some enchanted evenings? Hours of happy talk? Put Utah at the top of your list of honeymoon destinations in the U.S. You’ll find mountains to climb, deserts to traverse, fine food on which to dine — and romance? But of course. We have national parks, vibrant city life, too. You’ll both be seeing sparks — it’s just perfect for you.

A Whole New World: What To Do

A Park Full of Love

As far as stunning honeymoon destinations go, it’s hard to beat a place with five national parks and eight national monuments. Visit just one for a day or two, or drive Highway 12 Scenic Byway and see several at once. For front row seats, stay in one of the charming towns just outside the parks, or camp right inside.

Falling Slowly

If you think the parks in Utah look impressive from the ground, wait until you see one from a bird’s eye view. Take an aerial tour on a hot air balloon or in a helicopter. Depending on the spot you pick, you’ll see red rock spires, quirky hoodoos, craggy cliffs and winding rivers. 

How Deep Is Your Love?

Nature was kind to Utah. We have hot springs sprinkled across the state, where you can warm your hearts and feet — if you don’t mind a little hike to get there. Even grander, head to the Homestead Crater, where you can scuba dive, swim or soak in crystal clear mineral water. 

All of the sites are open year-round. Call it a spa treatment on your list of cheap honeymoon ideas. You’ll have to bring your own plush robes, though.

Send in the Sand

Utah is a desert, which means we have more sand than a really long beach. Rent a Jeep or ATV and take your honey to the sweetest dunes in the West. Coral Pink Sand Dunes has more than 1,200 acres of the gritty stuff, where you can shred, sandboard and sled. Open any season, the winter temps average around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the summer months are in the 80s.

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Whether you’re a climber or a glider, Utah is the all-season honeymoon destination. In the summer, hike, bike or ride horseback through pristine wilderness — alpine or desert. Or take the easy route: a scenic tram ride at Snowbird Ski Resort.

During the winter months, the mountains are all dressed in white — with a veil of the powderiest snow you ever laid eyes on. Slip into something comfortable — and warm — and head to one of the 14 ski resorts to shred the slopes.

Want something a little more … together? Cuddle up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride or get all mush-y with a dog sledding experience. Want to get really close? Nothing bonds you more than barrelling down a bobsledding track at four times the force of gravity. (You can take a run on a modified sled in the summer months.)

A Few of Your Favorite Things

There’s lots to do outside in Utah, but there are plenty of indoor activities, too. 

• Visit a museum: fine art, ancient life, natural history, planes, trains and automobiles
• Shop trendy stores in the (sometimes) open air City Creek Mall 
• Nibble on a freshly made French pastry from Beaumont Bakery & Cafe 
• Attend a ballet, opera, independent film, concert or comedy show 

Music of the Night

Utah loves the arts almost as much as you love your new spouse. Take in a comedy or tragedy, whichever is on the docket. There’s sure to be some romantic banter in there somewhere. 

In the Salt Lake Valley, catch a delightful show at the Hale Centre Theater, Utah’s largest theater-in-the-round. Eccles Theater hosts touring Broadway shows and other programs. If you’re up for deep conversations afterward, try a play at Pioneer Theater Company. 

In southern Utah, see a show like you’ve never seen it before — in a massive amphitheater at Tuacahn Center for the Arts. During summer and early fall, the Utah Shakespeare Festival runs plays by the Bard, as well as more contemporary playwrights. 

Sunrise, Sunset

Can you call it a honeymoon if you don’t take in a sunset or two? Watch the golden light dip gently below the horizon for the perfect ending to the day. More of a morning person? Head out for an early hike (or watch from your balcony) to see beams of light bursting over the hills.

You Could’ve Danced All Night

Turn your starry eyes to the starry skies. Sure, stargazing may be a corny honeymoon idea, but isn’t that what it’s all about? Lucky for you, we have plenty of places to bring on the bling, with vast landscapes and huge skies. It’s a cheap honeymoon idea worth its weight in diamonds. Hey, it’s cheesy, too!

Prologue: How to Get There

Most major airlines fly into Salt Lake International Airport. You can take public transportation or hire a ride service to get to the major hotels. If you’ll be traveling to areas outside of Salt Lake City or Park City, we recommend renting a car.

Utah also has several regional airports to get you closer to your destination. If you’re headed to southern Utah, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is a nearer option.

Tonight, Tonight: Where to Stay

I Feel Pretty

Brangelina? Bennifer? Boring. Be your own celebrity couple and stay at one of Utah’s five-star luxury resorts. After all, you only get married once (unlike certain someones). Enjoy plush accommodations, fine dining and sublime spa treatments. Hot rock therapy for two, please. 

• Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City
• Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City
• St. Regis Deer Valley, Park City
• Waldorf Astoria, Park City
• Pendry, Park City

Till There Was Glamping

Lose track of where you are by totally immersing yourself in the wilderness. But better than the sleeping bag on the ground kind, go glamping. Snuggle under a fluffy down comforter in a king-size bed while you look up at the stars through the window of your yurt or upscale tent. Feeling adventurous, in an old-fashioned sort of way? Hitch a Conestoga wagon.

S’wonderful

Make Utah your honeymoon destination, whether you’re outdoor enthusiasts or hardcore city folk. There’s something here for both of you to love. Besides each other, obviously.

Need more honeymoon ideas? Search Utah.com for destinations, activities, places to stay and attractions. We even have a slew of itineraries to take the guesswork out of your plans.