Utah Wedding Traditions You’ll Actually Want to Include in Your Big Day

Planning a wedding in Utah? First—yay! Second—get ready for a unique blend of meaningful traditions, cultural quirks, and charming details that make Utah weddings totally their own.

Whether you're getting sealed in a temple, hosting a mountaintop ceremony, or just wondering what’s normal around here (spoiler alert: soda bars), this guide rounds up the Utah wedding traditions brides actually love—not just the ones you feel obligated to include.

Let’s dive in and help you find what feels true to you.

Ring Ceremonies After Temple Weddings

If you're getting sealed in the temple, a ring ceremony is one tradition that adds warmth and accessibility to your big day. Since temple ceremonies are private and sacred, a ring ceremony allows extended family and friends—especially those not of your faith—to witness a meaningful part of your wedding. It’s also a chance to personalize your vows, walk down an aisle if you want one, and share a sweet moment with your guests. These ceremonies typically last 10–15 minutes and can be officiated by a close family member, friend, or bishop. Add soft music, floral touches, and printed programs to make it feel special—and yes, Anthology Print has templates that make it look like you hired a full-time designer.

Ideas:

• Ask your uncle, bishop, or sibling to officiate (no license needed)

• Add acoustic music or pre-recorded instrumental tracks

• Use a floral arch or sheer drape to frame your ring ceremony space

• Print minimalist welcome signs and guest programs

• TRY OUR CUSTOM: Ring Ceremony Programs, Ceremony Sign design

Photos by Nicole Aston Photo

The Temple Exit Photo Moment

There’s nothing quite like that iconic temple exit—doors open, the crowd cheers, and your photographer catches the moment. Utah brides know this isn’t just a photo op—it’s a cherished tradition. Family and friends line up outside the temple to celebrate your first steps as a married couple, and the joy in the air is unmatched. Right after, you'll typically take family photos (lots of them), so be prepared with a printed photo list and a plan for wrangling siblings, grandparents, and little cousins. Temples like Provo City Center and Logan are especially photogenic, and local photographers often know the best hidden corners for dreamy light and zero crowds.

💡 Ideas & Implementations:

• Provide a printed family photo shot list for your photographer

• Bring parasols or matching shawls for seasonal temple exits

• Supply bubbles or floral confetti for the big moment

• Feature signage that says “Here they come!” or “They’re Married!”

Photos by Micah Nixon Photo

Dessert Tables & Soda Bars

Utah’s unofficial wedding refreshments? Sugar and carbonation. Instead of plated dinners, many receptions feature cookie bars, cupcake towers, and full-blown soda bars inspired by Utah’s beloved “dirty soda” culture. It’s fun, interactive, and allows guests to customize their treat (hello, raspberry vanilla Dr. Pepper with coconut cream). You can dress it up with signature bride-and-groom drinks, printed menu signage, and even personalized cups or straws. It’s a cost-effective way to serve a crowd and add personality to your day—and let’s be real, no one misses the rubbery chicken entrée anyway.

💡 Ideas & Implementations:

• Feature a “His + Hers” soda combo menu with punny names

• Include signage: “Sip Sip Hooray” or “Pop the Fizz”

• Add a sugar cookie bar with custom frosted monograms

• Partner with a local soda vendor for branded flair

• TRY OUR CUSTOM: Ceremony Sign design, Drink Menus, Dessert Cards

Photos by Swig

Line Dancing, Cousin Choreography, and High-Energy Receptions

You haven’t seen true Utah wedding energy until you’ve witnessed a full family flash mob or a multi-generational line dance. Receptions in Utah tend to be high-energy and joy-filled, with dance floors that invite everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Whether it’s the “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” a choreographed cousin dance, or a slow dance remix with all your nieces, it’s less about polish and more about participation. Dance-heavy receptions work best when you have space and intention, so choose a venue with good flow or an outdoor dance patio. If dancing isn’t your vibe, you can always offer an activity station or cozy lounge to keep the energy high in a different way.

💡 Ideas & Implementations:

• Plan a line dance or group song with your bridal party

• Include a “Dance Floor Rules” sign (e.g. “No wallflowers allowed”)

• Offer flip-flops or socks in a cute basket for tired feet

• Cross-promote DJs or live bands with a Utah vendor spotlight

Backyard or Church Gym Receptions (Yes, Really!)

Only in Utah is it completely normal to transform a church gym or your aunt’s backyard into a stunning reception space—and somehow make it Pinterest-worthy. These spaces offer budget flexibility and sentimental value, and with the right decor, they can be absolutely breathtaking. Think: ceiling drapes, uplighting, rented linens, and fresh florals. Backyard receptions are also ideal for open house formats and allow for outdoor photo moments and custom backdrops. Whether you’re saying “I do” under a tree or next to the basketball hoop (hello, transformation challenge), the result can still be magical.

💡 Ideas & Implementations:

• Use soft uplighting and overhead fabric swags for ambiance

• Rent wood chairs and matching linens for consistency

• Designate a corner for photo ops with a floral wall or custom sign

• Offer lawn games or cozy seating to maximize space

• TRY OUR CUSTOM: DIY Table Numbers, Ceremony Sign design

Photos by Heather Nan

Formal Photos Before the Wedding

Scheduling your bridal or formal session before the big day is a Utah bride go-to—and we totally support it. Taking photos early lets you soak in the moment, skip the stress, and chase that golden hour glow in your dream location. Plus, it opens up your wedding day timeline for more visiting, more dancing, and fewer “Where did the time go?” moments. Bring your bouquet and wedding accessories to keep the visual aesthetic consistent. With locations like Antelope Island or the Alpine Loop, you’ve got dreamy Utah backdrops right in your backyard.

💡 Ideas & Implementations:

• Coordinate hair/makeup trials for the same day as photos

• Use your wedding-day bouquet or a mock version for cohesion

• Schedule golden hour for soft, glowing light

• Bring a friend or photographer’s assistant for veil toss shots

• Link to: [Photo Session Checklist], [Top Utah Bridal Photo Spots Guide]

Celebrating Culture Through Food, Decor & Dance

Utah may be best known for its classic temple weddings, but its couples are increasingly bringing cultural identity and heritage into their celebrations—and it’s beautiful. Whether it’s a Polynesian haka dance, a Navajo wedding blanket, a mariachi band, or Scandinavian treats from grandma’s recipe box, culture is showing up in powerful, personal ways. These inclusions deepen the meaning of your day and give guests a glimpse into your roots. It’s also a fabulous opportunity for collaboration with local vendors who specialize in cultural cuisine or traditions. Your wedding becomes more than a day—it becomes a story.

💡 Ideas & Implementations:

• Include a cultural dance or musical performance at the reception

• Offer traditional foods or desserts from your background

• Showcase family heirlooms or textiles in your decor

• Partner with multicultural vendors in Utah for authenticity

• Link to: [Vendor Spotlight: Cultural Caterers in Utah], [Cultural Wedding Guide PDF]

The DIY Bride Era (Still Going Strong)

Utah brides are known for being crafty, creative, and a little bit scrappy—and the DIY spirit is still going strong. From signage and centerpieces to programs and backdrops, there’s a real satisfaction in saying “I made that.” But just because you’re DIY-ing doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch or sacrifice your aesthetic. Semi-custom templates are the secret weapon of the modern DIY bride—they save time, keep your visuals cohesive, and still leave room for your personality to shine. (And hey, no hot glue burns required.)

💡 Ideas & Implementations:

• Use a Canva template to create your own signage suite

• Source thrifted decor pieces and unify them with a color palette

• Partner with local friends or small businesses for crafty collabs

• Avoid burnout by choosing 1–2 key areas to DIY—then outsource the rest

• TRY OUR DIY TEMPLATES:

Love Stories That Start with Missions (Or EFY, or BYU...)

Only in Utah does “we met in FHE” count as a real meet-cute—and we’re here for it. Many couples in Utah have love stories that began on missions, at EFY, at BYU, or through family connections. Sharing that story is not only meaningful—it gives your guests a window into what makes your relationship unique. Timeline boards, display tables, or even QR codes linking to your love story video are great ways to include this without taking up too much space. And yes—these displays photograph so well.

💡 Ideas & Implementations:

• Create a printed “Our Story” timeline for your welcome table

• Include a guestbook with prompts like “How do you know the bride/groom?”

• Add framed mission maps or shared milestone photos

• Include a Spotify playlist of songs from your courtship

The Open House Reception

Open house receptions are a Utah staple: casual, welcoming, and crowd-friendly. Instead of assigned seating and plated dinners, guests come and go over a few hours, stopping for a hug, a cookie, and a peek at the photo slideshow. It’s less pressure on everyone—especially your introverted guests—and works beautifully for large wedding crowds. That said, the best open house receptions still feel intentional. Use signage, clear flow, and cozy touches to keep things elevated without losing the relaxed vibe.

💡 Ideas & Implementations:

• Use directional signage: “Guestbook → Treats → Dance Floor”

• Set up floral centerpieces even for standing tables

• Offer pre-filled favor bags for guests who pop in and out

• Feature a printed welcome sign and hashtag display

• TRY OUR CUSTOM: Ring Ceremony Programs, Ceremony Sign design
  
  
  

Planning a wedding rooted in Utah tradition? Whether you’re a DIY queen, a temple bride, or somewhere in between, Anthology Print has the templates, custom designs, and insider tips to make your invites and signage as special as your love story.