Summer Wedding Venue Near Salt Lake
If you’re searching for a summer wedding venue near Salt Lake City, look no further than Spruces Historic Pavilion in Big Cottonwood Canyon. With towering pines, mountain air, and wildflower meadows, it’s one of the most stunning outdoor wedding venues in Utah—ideal for couples planning an intimate, nature-filled celebration. Abby and Julian’s June wedding felt like a secret mountain garden party tucked away in the canyon, just 25 minutes from downtown Salt Lake.
Their Story: From Fate to Forever
Abby and Julian met during the pandemic in a tiny mountain town south of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Their friends had tried to set them up on blind dates more than once, but timing had other plans—until fate decided to step in. Five days after their first date, they were already cutting down their first Christmas tree together. That spontaneous, full-hearted energy has carried them ever since.
We first met up in the mountains near Provo Canyon for their engagement session. It was unplanned, playful, and filled with golden light—and yes, a trampoline we stumbled on in the woods. (You can’t plan magic like that.)
Wedding Day in the Canyon Pines
Abby, Julian, their family, and friends got ready at the Powderhorn Lodge at Solitude Mountain Resort, tucked into the upper reaches of Big Cottonwood Canyon. It felt quiet, calm, and full of that pre-ceremony buzz.
At 5 PM, the ceremony began at Spruces Historic Pavilion, one of the most charming mountain wedding venues near Salt Lake. Guests arrived in garden party attire, weaving through the trees to a ceremony site framed by towering pines and soft light. The whole thing felt like something out of a storybook.
After the vows, everyone celebrated with champagne toasts, a cake cutting, and a few happy tears under the pavilion.
An Intimate Reception with Intention
Instead of a traditional full reception, Abby and Julian kept it intentional and relaxed. They shared their first dances under the trees before heading off for golden hour portraits while guests made their way to dinner at Emigration Brewing Co., one of Salt Lake's coziest, most down-to-earth spots for post-ceremony celebration.
As the light faded, they pulled up to the brewery—just the two of them, glowing—and joined their people for good food, laughter, and a long table kind of love.
Why Spruces is a Hidden Gem Wedding Venue
If you're dreaming of a summer wedding in the Utah mountains, Spruces Historic Pavilion checks every box:
Close to Salt Lake City (but feels worlds away)
Cool mountain temperatures in the summer
Surrounded by nature, with minimal need for décor
Perfect for intimate or micro weddings
A rare mix of laid-back and elegant
How to Get Married at Spruces Campground
To get married at Spruces Campground, you'll need to obtain a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service office for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, as it’s part of a public recreation area. You’ll also need a Utah marriage license, which you can get from any Utah County Clerk’s office.
The process is straightforward—and 100% worth it if you want a backdrop that’s naturally stunning and affordable.
Planning Your Own Mountain Wedding?
Abby and Julian’s day was full of meaning and mountain magic. If you’re looking for a Salt Lake City wedding photographer who captures the real stuff—I’d love to tell your story.