According to Utah Code Title 30, Marriages may be solemnized by the following persons only:
Ministers, rabbis or priests of any religious denomination who are:
in regular communion with any religious society
18 years of age or older
Native American spiritual advisors
The governor
The lieutenant governor
Mayors of municipalities or county executives
A justice, judge, or commissioner of a court of record
A judge of a court not of record of the state
Judges or magistrates of the United States
The county clerk of any county in the state
The president of the Senate
The speaker of the House of Representatives
A judge or magistrate who holds office in Utah when retired, under rules set by the Supreme Court.
A designee (This option can be utilized to have someone authorized by the County Clerk to officiate at a single marriage ceremony within the State of Utah. For information on a designee to perform your wedding ceremony, email mpclerk@slco.org or call 385-468-7300.)
If you’ve decided you’d like to have a friend or family member perform your wedding, the first step is to have them ordained on a site like themonastery.org or have them authorized by the County Clerk.
Then, it’s time for you and your partner to have a discussion with your chosen officiant about what you want from them on your wedding day. You can provide them with a sample text for the ceremony that’s either completely personal and tailored to you and your partner or you can look online for the generic wedding officiant script.
As far as the words were spoken during the ceremony, the only legal requirement is that both bride and groom assent or confirm—in the physical presence of the wedding officiant and at least two attending witnesses—that they take each other to be husband and wife, or husband and husband, or wife and wife.
“Casie and Ryan were some of the funniest humans I’ve ever photographed,” says photographer, Justine Berges. “You know how they say you should marry your best friend? Well, I’m pretty sure this is what they mean.”
Berges is a big fan of unconventional bridals, so she was thrilled when Casie showed up to the shoot wearing Dr. Martens.
To get the perfect bridal photos, Berges captured the couple as they hiked, while intermittently taking stops to enjoy the breathtaking views and snap some sweet memories. “We made it to the top for golden hour, and that was such a special moment.”
“Casie and Ryan, you guys are the absolute best,” says Berges. “Cheers to you!”
When planning your wedding, there are a lot of details to handle. While finding a planner, gown and venue certainly top the list, a photographer is the one who will capture it all.
Your wedding photographer’s number one priority is creating tangible memories that will last a lifetime. And while asking a friend or family member to grab some photos may seem like a good idea at the time, you’re better off hiring a professional.
The first thing to consider is what style you’re looking for for your wedding photos. Do you prefer posed, journalistic, or emotional? Additionally, consider the lighting at your wedding venue. Some photographers specialize in indoor or outdoor photography. Others can be more artistic or journalistic in style.
Next, look at social media, websites and reviews to determine which photographers you’d like to have a meeting with to discuss your vision.
Key questions to ask at your initial meeting:
Do you have a preferred style? Most photographers can blend styles, but they also have a style in which they specialize – portraiture, natural, journalistic, etc.
How long have you been working as a wedding photographer?
Will I be able to see untouched/unedited proofs before I place my order?
What is your experience in black and white wedding photography?
What do your packages include?
What length of time will you spend photographing an event and if my event goes longer than we agreed upon, do you have an overtime option? If so, what is the cost associated with that?
Do you have a backup photographer and an assistant? What happens in the event that an emergency happens making you unavailable on my wedding day? (Make sure this is specified in your contract.)
What do you wear? A professional photographer will blend in at your wedding.
Can we meet in person? Never hire a photographer you can’t meet prior to the wedding.
Do you have insurance? Insurance protects the photographer, not you. However, having insurance is indicative of professionalism.
Make sure you read your entire contract. Here’s what it should include:
Who owns the rights to the photographs?
Any potential extras. i.e. parking, travel, damages to or loss of equipment, etc.
Exhilarating and New Outdoor Dining for Lunch, Aprèsand Dinner on the Slopes of the Resort’s Ski Beach
Whether you’re looking for a romantic private dinner with your partner, the perfect place to host your bridal party or an intimate meal with family, St. Regis’ brand new Yurt Village offers exclusive private dining.
The St. Regis Deer Valley, one of the most luxurious mountain resorts in the world, opened their new and exhilarating dining experience– Yurt Village at The St. Regis Deer Valley. Yurt Village serves Lunch, Après and Dinner on the slopes of the resort’s Ski Beach. Yurt Village consists of three round dark blue Yurts that feature intricate mahogany lattice work, a plexiglass stargazing dome, windows that overlook the snow-covered Wasatch Range, radiant heat and are furnished in an elegant, rustic style. Each Yurt, which can seat up to eight people, is individually-themed and based on the Olympic events held at Deer Valley Resort during the 2002 XIX Winter games: Slalom, Moguls, and Aerials. The menus change weekly. Yurt Village can be accessed via skis or by raised walkway from the Hotel’s main building.
A sample menu for Lunch, served daily at 11:30 AM, starts with Amuse Bouche of Ahi Tuna Tartare served with Sherry Vinaigrette, Capers and Sourdough; a First Course of Oyster and Diver Scallop Soup, served with Crème Fraiche, Seafood Veloute and Roe; or Honey-Thyme Labneh, served with Watercress, Frisee, Roasted Baby Carrots and Honey Sesame Vinaigrette; and a Main Course of Chili Maple Berkshire Pork Tenderloin, served with Butter Poached Lobster Tail. Accompaniments might include Grilled Asparagus with Crispy Capers, Ricotta, and Lemon; and Potato Au Gratin, served with Comte Cheese and Thyme; followed by Dessert of Pear Cranberry Cobbler served with Mascarpone Vanilla Cream. The food and beverage minimum for lunch is $600 per Yurt, with a rental fee of $250 per Yurt.
A sample menu for Après, served daily at 3:00 PM, includes Food Boards of Smoked La Belle Foie Gras Torchon with Mission Fig Compote, Calvados Braised Apples, Pickled Vegetables, Craft Mustards, French Sourdough and Pain d’Epice; and House Smoked Salmon with Dill Fromage Blanc, Mini Bagels, Caper Berries, Grain Mustard, Pickled Onion, Hot House Cucumbers and Winter Greens. Irania Pearl Ostera Caviar with Butter, Eggs, Creme Fraiche, Lemon Wedges, Russian Blinis and Toast Points; and Market Shellfish Tower with Maine Lobster, Jumbo Shrimp, Oysters, Scallop Ceviche and Peeky Toe Crab will also be available. The food and beverage minimum for Après is $700 per Yurt, with a rental fee of $250 per Yurt. Pair your Après with wine selections from the resort’s renowned 10,000 bottle Wine Vault.
A sample menu for Dinner, served daily at 6:00 PM, includes Amuse Bouche of Morel Tartlet with Brie and Raspberry Tartare; First Course of Smoked Utah Trout Chowder served with Potato Gallate; Second Course of Smoked Beet Salad served with Herb Crusted Goat Cheese, Aged Balsamic, Watercress and Pickled Shallots; Main Course including Forty-Eight Hour Short Ribs served with Potato Gratin, Smoked Hon Himeji, Carrot Puree and Roasted Garlic Jam; or King Salmon Osso Bucco, served with Potato and Leek Brandade and Beurre Rouge; and Dessert of Chocolate Almond Tart, Coconut Cream, Candied Pistachios and Dark Chocolate Curls. The price of Dinner is $175 per person, with optional Tier One and Tier Two wine pairings for an additional $75 or $150 per person respectively. The food and beverage minimum for Dinner is $1250 per Yurt, with a rental fee of $250 per Yurt.
The Yurt Village at The St. Regis Deer Valley compliments another new dining experience at the resort– heated outdoor dining all winter long. Three of the resort’s restaurants— RIME, the resort’s signature restaurant, which serves traditional American cuisine; Brasserie 7452, a light-filled and bistro-style eatery surrounding a three-sided fireplace for diners of all ages; and the Mountain Terrace, perfect for an al fresco lunch, an après-ski Caviar Bar or a dinner under the stars— offer heated outdoor dining all winter long— tables are generously distanced and heaters abound. The St. Regis Bar & Lounge, with murals depicting Park City’s colorful history and supple leather seating is the resort’s only restaurant without outdoor dining. Menus for all were developed by Chef Matthew Harris, who has earned a national reputation for his expertise in sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine.
The St. Regis Deer Valley, nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Park City, Utah, is a true ski-in ski-out resort, with the only funicular at a North American ski resort, 174 guest rooms and suites, 68 elegant Hotel Condominiums and 25 grand Private Residences, with nine additional Residences, The Residences at The St. Regis Deer Valley I Snow Park, scheduled to open February 2021. Ski Valets, 24-hour Butler Service, a 24-hour Athletic Club, a luxurious and tranquil 14,000 square-foot Reméde Spa, four restaurants, a 10,000 bottle Wine Cellar and a nightly Champagne Sabering at which a bottle of champagne is opened with a real saber are just a few of the resort’s amenities and activities.
Now that you’ve said “yes” to the wedding, it’s time to pick your planner!
Planning a wedding means you have so many decisions to make. The first one, of course, is the planner!
How do you choose the person that’s sure to create your perfect day? While your nearest and dearest will certainly provide tons of support during these exciting times, you need a professional to make your fairy-tale dreams come true. You need a wedding planner that is willing and able to turn your vision into reality.
The first thing to know: there is a difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator.
A wedding coordinator may be hired only for the wedding day to ensure a smooth flow of events or hired for a list of specific duties, like finding and arranging a wedding venue or caterers. They’re typically more short-term; so, think day-of to month-of.
A wedding planner is typically hired from start to finish and participate and oversee all details–big and small.
Picking your planner or coordinator is a huge decision, so we suggest interviewing around five professionals before you make your choice.
STEP ONE: Search online and get referrals.
STEP TWO: Meet your top picks face-to-face. Typically, this meeting is a free consultation and will enable you to get a good understanding of how you and your potential planner will work together. Pay close attention to the conversation to see whether or not your potential planner shares your vision.
PRO-TIP: Before your meeting, make a list of ideas you have for your big day. Bring inspiration in any form you see fit and see how your potential planner responds. And remember, key to a perfect planner is being a good listener.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE INITIAL MEETING?
Your budget.
Your ideas (think venue, color scheme, catering, vibe, etc.)
The number of guests you anticipate having.
Your ideal date.
An idea of what services you will want from your planner.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR INITIAL MEETING?
Check out the planner’s work online. Have they done any events that really stand out to you? Mention them!
Decide how involved you want to be in the planning process? Are you interested in running the show or would you prefer to take a backseat approach? Some planners/coordinators offer all-inclusive wedding packages while others have a menu of a la carte services.
WHAT TO ASK AT YOUR INITIAL MEETING?
How does your potential planner prefer to communicate? Over the phone? In person? Email? Text?
How quickly can you expect a reply to any question? Remember, your planner is probably juggling multiple clients. However, an experienced planner will be able to juggle them all efficiently.
“Are my expectations realistic?” Remember, a good wedding planner is not a “yes” person. They should be able to tell you the viability of your proposed ideas.
“What is your pricing?”
“Do you have commercial liability insurance?” This is often not at the top of an engaged couple’s mind, but things happen. You want a person who is responsible enough to be proactive.
“Do you have references?”
“What is included in each service you are providing?” For example, wedding catering doesn’t necessarily include tables and chairs. Be sure to figure out what your planner can offer in advance. This information should be available to you in the overall package.
FINAL TIPS:
Remember to carefully read your contract. Don’t skim it; read it from beginning to end. We know it’s boring to weed through pages of paperwork but it’s so important to understand what services you’re actually getting that way you can avoid surprises along the way. Things to look for: How your planner handles things like pricing additional fees, day-off set-up and take down and backup plans for inclement weather.
Make sure your personalities mesh. Ask yourself if this is this someone you want holding your hand during one of the biggest days of your life. Yes? Then you have officially found the wedding planner who’s right for you.
The Knot reports that only 10% of couples marry in December, January and February. Think winter isn’t ideal for a wedding? Think again.
Photos by Rebekah Westover.
Winter destination weddings are on the rise and industry leaders—Michelle Leo Events and photographer Rebekah Westover—know why. Think hearty cuisine, show-stopping florals, velvety color palettes and soothing candlelight. These in-the-know dynamos showcase the keys to winter-wedding success.
Pick a soft palette
One way to escape the kitschy holiday stereotype is to coat your party design with alternative tones.
“For this design, I wanted to create a romantic, winter setting that felt both cozy and sophisticated for the beautiful mountains of Utah,” planner and designer Michelle Leo explains. “Muted tones in burgundy and cranberry replaced the traditional holiday reds while blue-hued greens took the place of a more traditional evergreen color palette.”
Go wild with big blooms
“Mood” oftentimes gets overused in wedding design, but the fact of the matter is come mid-winter, everyone needs a mood boost. Big blooms and evergreens are just what the doctor ordered. “It might be winter here, but on the other side of the world, it’s spring and we can source flowers from around the globe,” florist Erin Keller of Urban Chateau explains. “Despite popular belief, winter brides have plentiful options like peonies, tulips, hydrangea and garden roses.” Here, ranunculas, hellabores, dahlias, anemones, pine and cedar decorate the table tops and ceiling—even chair backs.
Create good flow
Have you ever felt stuck at a party? It’s the worst. Avoid the bottleneck and lines by adding variety to the room’s layout. “My rule of thumb is ‘different table, different design,’” says Leo. Round tables break up the long farmhouse tables, meanwhile each table flaunts a different design. Lounge seating—by Eclectic Hive—adds one more element. “I am a huge fan of mixing up table styles for a design in order to break up the monotony of a room filled with only rounds or only banquet tables—a common mistake made by most designers. This alternate arrangement provides a visually-stylish ambiance while offering varied levels of height for the eyes to enjoy.”
Reinvent an overused theme
Every year, destination couples are lured to Utah for its casual-yet-refined outdoor lifestyle. “We are repeatedly asked to design a ‘rustic chic’ reception with a ‘mountain elegance’ vibe for our destination weddings,” says Leo. One way to shake up the theme is to vary the decor. “I designed the tabletop pieces to complement one another while not looking exactly alike. Both table styles mirror the overall theme of the event design, while each table captures individuality at the same time.” Using this method, partygoers never tire of one scene.
Create sensory overload
Cue the music and let the feast begin. Luxe Catering begins this fine dining experience with a blood orange and roasted beet salad topped with yogurt, tarragon and hazelnuts. A Snake River Farms braised wagyu Zabuton beef—topped with pistachio and pine nut crust—pairs with seasonal winter harvest veggies and a butternut squash puree. A rose and pomegranate pot de creme finishes off the meal.
THE MEET-CUTE Rebekah’s Boss at Evereve is one of Alex’s family friends, so when the pair attended a Mumford and Sons concert separately and ran into one another, Rebekah’s boss had the opportunity to witness their interaction and decided to set them up on their first date. And, according to Alex, “the rest was history.”
THE PROPOSAL After dating for four months, Alex told Rebekah that they were going on a double date with some friends up in Huntsville, where Alex’s family has a cabin and we have spent a lot of our dating. “I said we needed to stop at our property to check on some lights in the barn that my Mom has “forgotten” to turn off earlier that day. My mom and sisters had set up over 300 candles and flowers all over in the old barn,” says Alex. “We walked in and I told her how much I loved her and wanted to be with her forever. I proposed right then and she had no idea!”
THE WEDDING The pair opted for a barnyard wedding in the same place Alex proposed to Rebekah. “When Rebekah and I were dating, the first time I showed her the old barn where I kept my tractor and some fun things in, I opened the door and Rebekah had a cool experience. Apparently, when I opened the doors to the barn she had a vision of getting married right where we ended up getting married. We thought it’d be somewhere else but because of COVID this was perfect and ended up being the perfect wedding,” says Alex.
THE FIRST DANCE The duo chose the ultimate love song, Cover Me Up (Morgan Wallen’s version) for their first dance.
Create good flow
