Moab Adventure Desert Elopement | Brittney and Dustin

The Ultimate Guide for How to Elope in Moab, Utah | Utah Adventure Elopement Photographers

Where to Elope in Moab

Do you already know that you want a desert elopement, but aren’t quite sure where to go? If so, then Moab, Utah is one of our favorite desert landscapes because it has so much to offer. This place has stunning views from towering arches, to grand red rock formations, to endless cliffs and vast canyons, to mountains and even lakes and waterfalls! With such a wide variety of places to elope, you can’t go wrong for your elopement in Moab.

Fun fact, Utah ranks 3rd in the US for the most national parks in a state with a total of five parks.

Zion National Park
Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park

Out of these five parks, Arches and Canyonlands are located in Moab so there are plenty of gorgeous views to see in this area! There are several locations in Moab that are very popular and easy to access, but popular locations don’t just come with great views, they can also come with big crowds which is why we work with our couples to understand what they are looking for in their elopement day and help suggest private locations for their elopement that provide equally stunning (if not better) backdrops. If the location is important to you, then we work to create a timeline that helps us avoid the crowds in order to provide you the best possible experience for your elopement day!

Elopement champagne celebration in the desert

Why Moab is the Best Place for Adventure Elopements

Another reason we love Moab for desert elopements is that it is a place that can easily provide experiences for an all-day adventure for our couples. With miles and miles of trails and roads to explore you can hike, bike, climb, swim, camp, or even bungee jump and never run out of things to do! Honestly, the possibilities are endless! We spent a week with one of our couples exploring almost all of Utah’s national parks which you can read more about here. Elopements don’t have to just be a couple hours or even a one day event. They can be as long as you want because the best thing about elopements is that you get decide how you want them to be.

Our biggest advice for planning your adventure elopement is:

Sit down with your fiance
You both close your eyes, take a couple of deep breaths
And one at a time, each of you just describe what you envision, what you want to see happen on your elopement day
Don’t think about logistics. Don’t think about anything else.
Describe: Who do you see standing there witnessing your vows? Where exactly is that spot? What else do you do on that day? Do you have a cake there? Is there a bonfire? Are we camping or staying in a cabin? etc…

That right there is thinking with your heart instead of your head. You just painted a picture of what you truly want to do. It did not involve money or who you have to please. Just simply things that would make your elopement day a meaningful one.

What you describe there might not be everything you will do but at least, that is the very first draft to planning your dream elopement day.

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Moab, Utah

With so much to offer and see and with its fairly mild climate Moab is a popular place to visit and can get crowded. Knowing the best time of year to visit Moab will help ensure you have the best elopement experience.

In general, weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends and Moab is no exception, so if possible, plan your elopement for a Monday - Thursday. The best time of year to visit Moab is in the Spring or Fall specifically the months of March - April and September - November. During these times, the weather is moderate and the crowds haven’t quite peaked to their usual summertime capacity. You may not believe that a desert can be lush, but the springtime rain brings wildflowers and lush green trees and bushes which provides a nice contrast to these red rock deserts. In late October - November, you may even see snow-capped mountains which also provides a stunning contrast in the desert.

Unique elopement outfit ideas for desert adventure elopements

The Couple and Their Decision To Elope In Moab

Brittney and Dustin initially wanted to elope at Monument Valley. However, with COVID-19, many places like Monument Valley remains closed even in 2021.

Being elopement photographers themselves, the couple was busy with helping their own clients but they still wanted to have their desert elopement dreams come true. We brainstormed about what’s feasible, beautiful, and just give us all of the breath-taking red rocks, and Moab instantly became the first place we thought of.

In a way, it’s so meant to be and so meaningful as Moab was one of the first places Brittney and Dustin explored together as a couple.

The moment we knew Moab is no longer just a beautiful desert location but it’s a location that forever become a special place in their hearts, we went full blown with elopement planning.

And not just location, I am still over the moon with all the details Brittney brought to their day.

From running around the desert canyon to hiking arches, This Is How To Elope In Moab Adventurously

Brittney and Dustin invited 2 of their closest friends to the elopement. One of whom officiated the elopement, the other signed as a witness. I just love it when they are no longer just guests, they become a part of the story.

The couple, their friends, videographers, and myself started with exploring the valley around Moab. We watched how the sun casted shadows onto the red rocks, listened to the river, and found a perfect spot for the couple to exchange their vows.

The thing about Moab is, it is so diverse in terms of trails. You don’t always have to hike to get the best views or the most secluded location. All it takes is a bit of dedication, research time on the internet, and we found ourselves some pretty stunning views.

After exploring the canyon, we went to explore sand dunes and even arches.

Something about the desert sunset that gives you that boost of energy. It’s like you’re sipping coffee first thing in the morning and just feel like the whole world is yours and you’re ready to do anything. And so we did. We ran around till the sun went down, popped champagne, and created even more art in form of photographs in the dark using nothing but light from the lighter and some stars above.

Brittney and Dustin, words can’t express how grateful I am to have met you and to be a part of your stories all these years. I am still dreaming of your elopement day, of how beautiful you both looked, and of how lovely the whole experience was. I miss you both and I can’t wait for us to create more magic together soon.

Kind Words From The Couple:

What can I say about Henry? He’s absolutely AMAZING! Being a photographer in the industry myself it was by far the most important and hardest decision there was. But I always admired his amazing work and creative eye that’s so different from everyone else, then after chatting with him, we knew it was an easy answer and worth the investment. There was no question we found the right person when we hired him. Henry has gone out of his way to make us feel included in more than just being his client and was flexible with everything covid had thrown our ways. So take it from another photographer..HENRY IS TALENTED AS HECK and will create beautiful photos that will last a life time. Henry, thank you for capturing Dustin and I in the way the day unfolded, we will love these simple images forever.