How to Elope in Moab, Utah
Planning an elopement in Moab, Utah? Look no further! Moab offers breathtaking landscapes, unique wedding venues, and a magical atmosphere for couples seeking an intimate and unforgettable ceremony. Moab is oftentimes referred to as an outdoor playground or adventure mecca, and for good reason! There is something for everyone to love in Moab, from miles of dirt roads for Jeeping, expansive overlooks and canyons, incredible hiking trails, and picturesque arches.
Moab is home to two of the most visited bucket-list national parks–Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park–and provides some of the most incredible desert views anywhere in the west. In this guide, we'll talk about why Moab is an amazing place to elope, best places to elope in Moab, recommended venues for intimate weddings, lodging options, the best time to visit Moab, and the essential steps for a successful Moab elopement or wedding.
Why Elope in Moab?
Eloping in Moab, Utah, offers couples a unique and unforgettable experience, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an adventurous and intimate wedding. Here are compelling reasons why couples should consider eloping in Moab:
Breathtaking Red Rock Landscapes
Moab is renowned for its stunning red rock formations, arches, and canyons, providing a jaw-dropping backdrop for a wedding ceremony. The surreal landscapes of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park create a visually stunning and romantic setting for couples.
Intimate and Secluded Locations
Eloping in Moab allows couples to exchange vows in a more intimate and personal setting. Whether against the backdrop of Delicate Arch or the panoramic views of Dead Horse Point, the lack of crowds and the natural serenity of the surroundings create a truly special and private moment. Moab offers a variety of elopement locations, from the iconic national parks to lesser-known but equally breathtaking spots. Whether you prefer the iconic Delicate Arch, the vast canyons of Canyonlands, or the panoramic views from Dead Horse Point, Moab provides diverse options to suit your preferences.
Adventure Opportunities
For couples who love adventure, Moab is a paradise. From hiking and mountain biking to off-road adventures and hot air ballooning, there are endless ways to add excitement and thrill to your elopement experience. Make your elopement day truly an experience by adding activities that reflect your shared love for adventure
Amazing Spring and Fall Weather
The climate in Moab is generally favorable, especially during the spring and fall. While in the mountains of Utah and Colorado, we’re experiencing “mud season,” Moab has some of its best weather of the year. Mild temperatures make it comfortable for outdoor ceremonies unlike Moab during the summer months. Plus in spring, the Colorado River is flowing and waterfalls are rushing, making for wonderful hiking or water sport experiences during your elopement!
Unique Photography Opportunities
Moab's distinctive landscapes provide a canvas for unique and stunning wedding photography. Imagine capturing the magic of your elopement against the dramatic red rock formations and arches or expansive desert canyons and overlooks that Moab has to offer, most of which are accessible at the end of a dirt road.
Desert Sunsets and Night Skies
Moab is known for its spectacular prismatic sunsets, casting a warm glow over the red rocks, that seem to last much longer than sunsets anywhere else. And “Blue Hour” in the desert makes for a romantic and enchanting atmosphere before Moab's dark skies and little light pollution give way to incredible views of the Milky Way and other constellations.
Easy Accessibility
Moab is easily accessible, as are many of its elopement ceremony locations. The town has plenty of lodging options ranging from luxury resorts to cozy cabins and glamping opportunities, ensuring that you’ll have the stay of your dream during your elopement!
Where to Elope in Moab
Dead Horse Point State Park
Panoramic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands make this a stunning, option for sunrise or sunset ceremonies. It’s easily accessible down a paved road and even offers camping inside of the park. And unlike nearby Arches or Canyonlands National Parks, your dog can accompany you to Dead Horse Point State Park for your elopement (on leash, of course)! There is a $10 entrance fee for each vehicle entering the park.
Corona Arch
Down the famous Potash Road that runs parallel to the Colorado River, you’ll find the trailhead for Corona Arch, a natural sandstone arch, providing a unique and picturesque setting, especially at sunrise. Accessible with a short (but somewhat steep) hike, Corona Arch is a unique spot to say “I do” outside of Moab. The hike gets crowded during the day, so I always recommend couples opt for a sunrise ceremony here.
Castle Valley
A lesser-known spot with breathtaking views of Moab and the surrounding red rock formations. Perfect for couples seeking a more secluded elopement experience. This hidden gem offers a tranquil place to recover and rest after a full day of adventure. Castle Valley lies in the shadow of Castleton Tower and is surrounded by the La Sal Mountains, red rock towers, and the Colorado River.
Arches National Park
Exchange vows against the iconic red rock formations of Arches National Park in one of the designated ceremony areas in the park. Please note that you must reserve and receive a permit for your Arches National Park elopement ceremony. Ceremony locations in the park are limited designated spots and these areas have limitations on the number of guests (and cars) you can have as part of your permit.
One important note is that Arches has implemented a timed entry system for peak season, which means that from April 1st-Oct 31st, visitors arriving to Arches between 7am-4pm will need a timed entry ticket, a photo ID, and a park entrance ticket. Timed Entry Tickets are not be required for anyone with special use permits for weddings or elopements. For more information on Arches National Park Weddings and permits, you can visit the linked page to apply.
Canyonlands National Park
Experience the vastness of Canyonlands with its dramatic canyons and stunning vistas, and less crowds than can be found at Arches NP. As with Arches, Canyonlands offers designated ceremony spots for groups that must be reserved with their offices. Ceremonies are limited to 10 minutes and, as with Arches, your ceremony may be overseen by a park ranger to ensure your time limit and other park rules are upheld.
You can find additional information on ceremonies in Canyonlands, how to apply for permits, and the cost of permits on the Canyonlands National Park Weddings Page.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Areas
There are so many incredible free BLM spots in Moab that make incredible elopement locations. While your photographer (me!) will need a photography permit, there is no permit required on your end for elopements under 10 ish people. Some of my favorite elopement locations are long 4x4 or jeeping roads that lead to incredible overlooks–Moab is full of incredible off-roading opportunities.
When to Elope in Moab
When you elope in Moab will have a big impact on both your comfort level being outdoors for an extended period of time for your elopement day and the activities available to you.
The Best Seasons for Moab Elopements
In Moab, the spring and fall months (March to May and September to November) offer milder temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor elopements in the desert. Keep in mind, these are also “peak times” for tourists visiting the national parks and outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure, so opt for a weekday when you can!
During peak summer June-September in Moab, temperatures can easily break 100 degrees and being outside is uncomfortable, and oftentimes dangerous without access to shade or water, which is hard to come by in the desert. Trust me, you don’t want to be outside in wedding attire during summer in Moab.
Winter in Moab is also a great time to elope, although you’ll be contending with cold desert temperatures, and sometimes even snow. But getting to experience the desert with a fresh dusting of snow is something for your bucket list. And there are far less crowds in Moab during winter if you’re willing to brave the cold!
Best Time of Day
Moab gets a lot of direct sunlight during the day. Because of this, the time of day you elope is extremely important for the best lighting. You’ll experience the best light at sunrise or sunset, so I always recommend making the most and opting for a package that allows you to experience both without having to deal with as much of the hot, blinding midday sun.
Obtaining Permits and Marriage License
If you plan to exchange vows in one of the national parks such as in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks, or BLM land, securing a special use permit is required. However, if you want to elope on free Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, you will not need a permit in most locations.
Unlike Colorado, Utah is not a self-solemnizing state, meaning you must have an officiant and witnesses present for your elopement. I can provide a list of local Moab officiants to choose from on your big day. There is a local clerk and county office in Moab, Utah making it super easy to get your marriage license without an appointment. You will just both need to be present with a form of identification.
Things to do on your Moab Elopement Day
Moab has no shortage of things to do for every activity and experience level and I love incorporating activities into elopement days. Elopement days should be an experience, not just “a few photos,” which is why adding activities you love or have always wanted to try into your elopement day makes it feel like your perfect adventure.
Here are just a few of the activities we could incorporate into your elopement in Moab
Hit the famed 4×4 roads in a rented Jeep or your own off-road vehicle
Take a scenic drive on one of the many gorgeous paved roads through the National Parks
Hike to one an incredible arch
Share a charcuterie picnic and cut a cake beside a canyon at sunset
Sleep under the stars and make s’mores at a campfire
Visit a local brewery or distillery and share a celebratory cocktail
Rock Climbing or Bouldering
Sky Diving at Moab SkyDive
Canyoneering tour
Mountain biking
Doing a river float
Horseback riding
Doing yoga together
Whether you want a thrilling adventure or a relaxing day, there is something for everyone!
What to Wear and Pack for Your Moab Elopement
Unpopular opinion: I believe your day and activities should dictate your attire, not the other way around. Choosing attire that is too restrictive or that you’re afraid to get a little dirty will definitely limit the things you’re able to do on your elopement day. So instead, choose attire that works with your elopement day instead of against it. Here are some key things for your elopement attire and how to choose the best for you!
Dress
When choosing your dress, find something you feel beautiful and comfortable in. Consider the way the dress moves and pick an option that moves with you rather than against you. If you plan to do any type of activities on your day, choose a wedding dress that you can move freely in. Avoid tight-fitting trumpet shaped dresses, extremely long trains, or dresses with uncomfortable corsets or itchy material. Remember that Moab gets hot, so opt for a lightweight dress you won’t sweat in!
Make sure you can comfortably sit, walk, and spend long periods of time in whichever dress you choose. And keep in mind that if you’re spending your elopement day outside, your dress might get a little dirty—and that’s okay! On your desert elopement is that you’ll likely come away with some red desert dirt, so lean into the experience and don’t go overboard on your dress spend!
Suit
When trying on suits, make sure that you have full range of motion in it, including sitting, walking, hiking, or standing for a long day outside. Consider the type of fabric and make sure it’s appropriate for the season you’re eloping in (lighter fabrics for summer; heavier/ warmer fabrics for late fall and winter!)
Make any alterations to ensure comfortable wear like having pants hemmed.
Footwear
Footwear is one of the most important pieces of clothing you’ll wear on your elopement day. Make sure your shoes coincide with whatever activities you plan to do. Consider bringing multiple pairs of shoes with you to change into throughout the day and extra pairs of socks. Warm, dry feet can mean the difference between an awesome elopement day or complete misery, I promise!
Pack a sturdy, waterproof hiking boot or shoe for any hiking adventures, a waterproof sandal (like Chacos or Tevas) for any water activities, and any “cute” shoes you might want to throw on for portraits. High heels are best for indoor reception sites or for portraits on flat ground and men’s dress shoes should follow the same rule of thumb since they tend to slip and slide on wet surfaces or loose rock!
Layers
Pack a jacket since desert temperatures are known to drop when the sun goes down. Pack a casual jacket like a jean jacket or leather jacket for cooler times during your elopement day.
Gear
You’ll also want to consider any gear you might need throughout the day like backpacks, hand warmers, headlamps, snacks and water, pet accessories, and more. I also offer couples access to my “gear closet” to borrow things like paddle boards, canoes, backpacks, tents, etc. on their elopement day.
Ready to Elope in the Moab?
It’s easier than you might think to elope in Moab! With tons of free forest lands to recreate on and so many things to do, planning your perfect elopement in Moab is as easy as envisioning your dream setting and letting me do the rest!
As an elopement-specific photographer, I provide more than just photos of your day. I’m essentially your wedding planner, helping you with every stage of your elopement planning process. Every elopement package includes:
Customized location guide - I've lived in the west over a decade and I've spent a ton of time scouting the most secluded and gorgeous spots for elopements!
Full timeline, schedule, and shot list creation
Guidance for getting your marriage license
Preferred list of vendors for hair and makeup artists, florists, and caterers, lodging, etc.
Ideas for activities beyond just the traditional wedding day things and planning activities
Recommendations for lodging, restaurants, and things to do in the area!
Packing lists and access to my gear closet with things like backpacks, camping gear, paddle boards, a canoe, and more!
My 60-page VIP Elopement Planning Guide with everything you need to get started!
Let’s Chat about Your Elopement in Moab
Moab offers some of the most incredible locations for couples seeking an intimate and awe-inspiring elopement experience. From the majestic canyons to incredible arches, you won’t be disappointed by choosing Utah for your elopement.
If you’re interested in having me help you plan and capture the perfect adventure elopement in Moab, I’d love to see if we’re a good fit! I have 2024 elopement dates available in Moab in March and April, so reach out soon and let’s get to planning!