Revisiting the Church of Dirt

Last year, I explained in that blog what the “Church of Dirt” in Park City was and, on a couple of occasions, I had the opportunity of hiking by it this season.

It’s still “standing” as one could say, but is becoming increasingly popular and transact some serious wedding volume. 

During the entire Covid-19 pandemic, it kept on offering a popular alternative to indoor weddings when gatherings were limited and people were advised to keep six feet distance, but it’s done more than that; it’s becoming an affordable place to tie the knot in a place invaded by the rich and famous and where real-estate prices have become totally unreal. 

As in the past, there’s still no official way to book the location as everything’s run on the honor system. Couples write their name down in a planner and leave a rock or piece of wood claiming a date and time for their special day. 

Interviewed by le local radio station, Cassie Crook got married at the Church of Dirt and said she was drawn to the location because of the views. "It's really cool to like save money," she said. "That's the thing that was for us. We're like, 'man, if we could only get ski resort views for no ski resort price' ... because anywhere else, Deer Valley is probably around $12,000 just for the venue. So it's one of those things where it's like you to get the same views, but just without maybe some of the resorts amenities."

The radio mentioned that Deer Valley wedding venues range in cost, with the most affordable option starting at $6,000 for the just the ceremony at Cushings Cabin. So here you have it: Dirt-cheap wedding venue next to multi-million dollars home. 

Nothing capture as well the contrast and contradictions as well as the huge wealth gap that’s growing in good old Park City!