Destination Wedding at Utah's Sand Hollow Resort

Ceremony next to a triangular arch with rust and white flowers against a red rock formation at Sand Hollow Resort | Destination Wedding at Utah's Sand Hollow Resort | JoAnn's Photography | Adventure Wed Feature

Spring 2024, St. George, UT — For Liz and Jacob, the outdoors has always been central to their relationship and tying it in to their destination wedding at Utah's Sand Hollow Resort was a no-brainer. The two of them first met on a college backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail in Maine, where they spent six days trekking through the wilderness, quickly forming a bond that turned into a lasting friendship. After dating for a few years, they moved 2,500 miles across the country to St. George, Utah, for work. It was in this beautiful desert landscape that they spent two years building a strong foundation for their relationship, sharing countless adventures—camping, hiking, rock climbing, biking—and simply enjoying each other's company.

After their time in Utah, life took them back to Boston, where they were both accepted into medical school. Yet, despite their busy schedules, they always made time for adventure. It was during one such adventure, in Chamonix, France, that Jacob popped the big question, getting down on one knee during a stormy day in the Swiss Alps. Liz said yes, and their adventure continued.

When it came time to plan their wedding, Southern Utah, where their relationship had taken root, was the obvious choice. They wanted to share this meaningful place with their loved ones and create new memories where so many special moments had already unfolded.

Pre-Wedding Adventures and Sentimental Moments

The celebrations began with some adventures the day before their wedding. Liz and Jacob planned an ATV tour for their guests, taking them out to explore the sand dunes and red rock mountains. It was the perfect way to immerse everyone in the adventure-filled spirit of Southern Utah and set the tone for the festivities ahead.

Liz and Jacob decided to have a private first look a few days before the big event. They chose a local state park, a place where they had shared many dates during their time in Utah. The first look and the exchange of rings were private, intimate moments for just the two of them, made even more memorable by the strong desert winds that couldn’t dampen their spirits. Through the gusts, they smiled and laughed, focused only on each other.

A Wedding Day to Remember

Liz and Jacob’s wedding at Sand Hollow Resort was nothing short of magical, but it didn’t come without its challenges. Just moments before the ceremony, a sudden rainstorm swept in, but because they had an experienced vendor team, they were prepared. It was a testament to teamwork and the dedication of their vendors, who helped keep the couple’s dream day intact.

Liz and Jacob’s wedding was filled with love and joy. One of their meaningful details was a memorial chair placed in honor of Liz’s mom. This heartfelt tribute was a way to include her memory in the celebration, keeping her spirit close as they started their new chapter together.

A Partnership Built on Growth and Love

"We love each other so deeply, and feel like that love has evolved and deepened every year. That sounds corny, but it feels true because we have such different backgrounds and upbringings and yet have continued to intentionally grow together in the same direction. We have the same long-term goals of living somewhere outdoorsy and beautiful, being good doctors, and having a life (a garden, a dog, maybe kids, going on adventures, remaining active). We have also supported each other through very difficult times, and that makes both of us really grateful to have each other. Getting married is really exciting, but in a way it feels like just a formality and reason to celebrate, because we already feel like life partners."

Liz and Jacob’s love story is one of adventure, growth, and unwavering support through life’s ups and downs. Their wedding was not just a celebration of their love but a reflection of the life they’ve built together—full of passion, resilience, and a deep connection to the places and people they cherish most.