Imagine driving through Utah’s winding desert highway with red rock walls rising on either side of the road. The late afternoon sun glows off the sandstone cliffs. You take a deep breath and allow everything else to fade away because it’s your wedding week, and you are here to soak in every moment as it unfolds. This is exactly what an elopement in Moab feels like. And this is why couples from all over the world choose this red rock paradise for their elopement. In this blog post, we’ve put together all the important information you need to know about how to elope in Moab. From where to elope in Moab, navigating permits, how to include loved ones, and more, this guide covers everything you need to know about eloping in Utah’s beautiful desert.
How To Elope In Moab: Everything You Need To Know To Plan For An Unforgettable Desert Elopement Experience
1) Book Your Moab Elopement Photographer
Your Moab elopement is about so much more than stunning desert photos. It’s about the two of you choosing each other in one of the most breathtaking places on earth. It’s about those quiet moments that take place between the big ones – the way you look at each other when you think no one’s watching, the nervous laughter before your first look, the way your hands reach for each other during your vows.
When you’re choosing your Moab elopement photographer, you want someone who understands not just how to take beautiful photos but how to document the unspoken moments. Someone you can trust to be a resource and help guide you every step of the way.
One of the reasons we recommend booking your Moab elopement photographer first is because it means you’ll have an expert guide from day one – someone who can help you choose locations, navigate permits, plan your timeline, and connect you with trusted vendors who understand the unique landscape of Moab.
With all our couples, we spend hours getting to know you and listening to your elopement dreams. Then, we dive deep into the research and planning that helps bring your vision to life.
2) Decide When to Elope in Moab
Once you’ve chosen your Moab elopement photographer, you’ll want to choose the best time to elope in Moab. This step really comes down to a few things: weather, crowds, and the type of experience you’re envisioning. Here is a little bit of what you can expect from each season in Moab.
Spring (March – May)
This is hands down our favorite time for an elopement in Moab. The weather in springtime is absolutely incredible, with warm days, cool nights, and some of the most epic desert sunsets we’ve ever seen. Plus, eloping in Moab during the spring months allows you to avoid the intense summer heat.
Summer (June – August)
Not going to lie, summertime is, by far, the hottest time of year to elope in Moab. We typically don’t recommend couples elope during this season as it’s also one of the busiest times in the park. However, if you are thinking about planning a summer elopement in Moab, consider planning a sunrise ceremony to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Fall (September – November)
Fall is another incredible time to elope in Moab. During these months, the temperatures start to cool down from the summer heat, making it the perfect season for adventure activities. The light during this time of year is also magical for photos.
Winter (December – February)
Winter in Moab is a completely different experience, and it also happens to be one of the most stunning seasons in the park. If you’re lucky, you might even get some snow on the red rocks, which creates the most dramatic contrast for photos. Just be prepared for cooler temperatures and shorter days.
3) Choose Where to Elope in Moab, Utah: Our Top 6 Moab Elopement Locations
This guide wouldn’t be complete without sharing some of the best places to elope in Moab.
Arches National Park
Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, Arches National Park is probably one of the first places you think of when you picture Moab. Delicate Arch is iconic, but there are so many other incredible spots that offer more privacy for your intimate ceremony that we can’t wait to share with you.
Canyonlands National Park
Another national park that you have to visit when you elope in Moab, Utah is Canyonlands National Park. The views here are absolutely stunning, with vast canyons, endless desert landscapes, and some of the most dramatic overlooks you’ll ever see. If you’re looking for that “edge of the world” feeling, this is the location for you!
Dead Horse Point State Park
Just outside Canyonlands is one of our absolute favorite elopement locations in Moab, Utah – Dead Horse Point State Park. The overlook here is incredible, and it’s featured in so many movies for a reason. The views of the Colorado River winding through the canyon below are unreal and something you truly have to see for yourself.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is one of the most underrated Moab elopement locations! It’s just two hours from Moab, which means you can stay in Moab and explore all the nearby areas, but still experience this incredible hidden gem. The petroglyphs, the Scenic Drive, and the epic red rock formations make it a perfect addition to your Moab elopement adventure. Plus, why not hit up three national parks while you are here?
BLM Land Adventures
BLM land offers some of the most dramatic and private locations for your ceremony. In fact, this is where Morgan and Nick chose to go for their secluded Moab elopement. If you are thinking about eloping on BLM Land, we have a 10-year permit with the Bureau of Land Management, which means we’re always ready for you, even if you book today and want to elope tomorrow.
Marlboro Point
The fun thing about Marlboro Point is that it’s the exact location where the original Marlboro commercial was made. Located just outside of Moab, the views are absolutely epic with unique red rock towers jutting out of the canyon landscape. It’s one of those spots that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Our Thoughts on Leave No Trace
No matter what location you choose for your elopement in Moab, we always like to share a few tips when it comes to eloping in nature. As adventure elopement photographers, we care a whole lot about “Leave No Trace”. LNT is where we go on adventures for photos, but we also make sure to leave things the way we found them. By doing so, we ensure that we are doing our part to preserve the beauty of nature.
Here are some things we do and expect our couples to do (not limited to):
- Stay on trails
- Not climbing over fences, roped-off areas, or places with visible signs of “Do Not Trespass”
- No meadow stomping
- No confetti inside national parks or any other places with fragile plants, flowers, and wildlife (doesn’t matter if they are bio-degradable or not)
- Each of these beautiful places has its own living organisms, plants, animals, etc… By us leaving things behind, we can harm these living organisms. Bio-degradable confetti takes a while to degrade and might need rain or water to speed up that process. In the meantime, other animals might still be able to ingest them. If you are thinking about confetti, we can do so at your cabin/Airbnb (if allowed)
4) Book Your Transportation and Accommodation in Moab
Transportation
When eloping in Moab, we highly recommend renting a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle. Many of the most epic locations require a bit of off-roading to reach, so having a vehicle that allows you to navigate these road conditions will make your experience so much easier.
Accommodation
Moab has some incredible places to stay, from luxury resorts like Amangiri to glamping hotels like Under Canvas, to private Airbnb cabins. No matter what type of accommodation you choose, here are a few things to consider:
- We’ll be using your accommodation for getting-ready photos and potentially your first look, so look for spaces that photograph well.
- If you’re having family and friends attend, you might want to use the space for a reception or celebration, so check that hosting is allowed and there is enough space to accommodate all your loved ones.
- Location matters. While Moab isn’t huge, you’ll want to consider drive times to your ceremony locations so you don’t spend hours in the car driving back and forth.
5) Apply for a Utah Marriage License
Getting legally married in Utah is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- You can apply for your marriage license in person at any county clerk’s office
- The license is valid for up to 32 days from the date of issuance
- There’s no waiting period, so you can use it immediately
- A license fee is required in most counties and is typically around $50
- Utah requires both an officiant and two witnesses for your ceremony
To read more about the marriage license requirements in Utah, click here.
If you are thinking about eloping in Moab and don’t plan on having guests, don’t worry. As your Moab elopement photographer, we are happy to serve as one of your witnesses, if needed, and can provide recommendations for the other witness if needed. We can also recommend trusted officiants who understand the nature of adventure elopements and can help you create a customized ceremony that feels like you and matches your vision.
6) Obtain Permits for Your Moab Elopement
Depending on where you want to elope in Moab, Utah, you may need a permit for your location. As your Moab elopement photographer, we will help you navigate the permitting process; however, here are a few general things to know.
National Parks
Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef all require special use permits for wedding and elopement ceremonies. These permits cost around $100-$185 and can take a few weeks to process, so we recommend giving yourself plenty of time to complete the process.
State Parks
Dead Horse Point State Park does require a wedding permit as well as an entrance fee. Wedding permits can be applied for between 1-18 months in advance. Keep in mind that spring and fall permits fill up fast, so once you have a date, it’s best to apply for your permit right away.
BLM Land
This is where having that 10-year permit we mentioned earlier comes in handy. We can pull permits quickly for BLM locations, which is perfect for couples who want to elope on short notice or don’t want to worry about obtaining a permit on their own.
If all of this sounds like a lot, don’t worry. We help all our couples navigate the permitting process, no matter where you decide to elope. It’s part of creating that seamless experience where you can focus on each other while we handle the logistics.
7) Hire Your Moab Elopement Vendors
A common misconception about elopements is that it’s just the couple and an officiant. While that’s sometimes the case, a lot of the Moab elopements we’ve photographed involve just as much planning and coordination as an intimate wedding. However, there is no rule that says you have to hire additional vendors for your desert elopement. You get to choose whatever makes sense for you.
Below is a list of the most common vendors you might want to consider for your Moab elopement or intimate wedding. We’ve also included links to a few vendors that we absolutely love working with!
- Florist
- Hair & Makeup Artist
- Officiant
- Elopement or Wedding Planner
- Chef
8) Choose Your Moab Elopement Activities
The best way to make your day meaningful is to include activities that you both love and that feel genuinely like YOU.
Activities can be as simple as stargazing together, exploring slot canyons and caves, or having a desert picnic. Or they can be more adventurous, like off-roading to an overlook, rock climbing, or camping under Utah’s incredible night skies.
Your elopement activities might mean trying something brand new together. Or they could mean doing something you’ve always loved, but in this new setting and on your elopement day.
This is your chance to get creative and dream big! There’s no right or wrong way to elope in Moab. Elopement means freedom, so don’t feel pressured to do something just because it looks good on social media. The best activities are the ones that reflect your relationship. So if hiking isn’t your thing, we don’t have to hike. If you’re not comfortable with heights, we can skip the cliffside ceremony.
We are big fans of including activities in your elopement day, which is why we created the following resources with epic elopement ideas and ways to make your elopement more personalized.
9) Finalize Your Moab Elopement Timeline
About three months before your elopement in Moab, we will work on creating your elopement timeline. The best thing about planning your Moab elopement timeline is that we can customize it completely to whatever you envision for your day.
Want to start with a private sunrise ceremony in Arches, then explore Canyonlands for adventurous portraits before ending with a champagne toast at Dead Horse Point? We can do that! Want to wake up early for getting-ready photos at your desert cabin, then venture to Capitol Reef for your vows, and finish with a sunset first dance on BLM land? Anything is possible!
The beauty of eloping in Moab is that we have so many incredible locations within driving distance. Whether you want to experience one epic spot for your entire day or adventure to multiple locations around the area, we’ll help you create a timeline that allows room for spontaneity and makes time for the moments and experiences that matter most.
To learn more about how to plan your elopement timeline and see sample timelines for your elopement in Moab, check out our timeline planning guide here.
10) Eat Cake, Pop Champagne, and Celebrate Your Elopement in Moab
Once your elopement day arrives, all you need to do is enjoy the experience as it unfolds. Together we’ll adventure around the location you picked, take in the beauty of the Moab desert, create memories, and photograph the heck out of you guys.
Ready to Elope in Moab, Utah?
Eloping in Moab gives you the chance to say your vows surrounded by some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes on earth. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic arches, the vast canyonlands, or the hidden beauty of Capitol Reef, we can create an intentional experience that reflects your unique love story.
From scouting the perfect location to handling all the permit logistics, we’re here to help you plan every detail of your Moab elopement adventure. Contact us here to start planning your elopement in Moab today!
Moab Elopement Packages
Explore the best of Utah’s red rock country: From the iconic arches to dramatic canyonlands, hidden Capitol Reef gems, and epic BLM land adventures.
Coverage from 4 hours to Full Day: Whether you want a simple ceremony or a full adventure experience exploring multiple locations. we’ve gotchu.
A personalized elopement experience: Unlimited guides, resources, and planning support as detailed above.
All your breathtaking photos: Delivered in a secure & private online gallery.
Travel fees included: No hidden costs or surprise add-ons for anywhere in Utah.
Starting at $7,900
(Ranges between $7,900 – $14,200)
FAQs About Eloping in Moab
Can You Get Married in Moab?
Yes! Moab is an incredible place to get married. You can have your ceremony in Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, on BLM land, or even at Capitol Reef National Park, which is just two hours away. Each location requires different permits, but we help all our couples navigate that process.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Arches National Park?
The permit fee for getting married in Arches National Park is $185. You’ll also need a Utah marriage license, which costs around $50. Keep in mind that these are just the legal costs. Your overall elopement budget will depend on photography, accommodation, and any other vendors or activities you choose to include. Read more about how much it costs to elope and check out our elopement cost calculator here.
How Long Does it Take to Elope in Utah?
The actual ceremony can be as short or long as you want! Some couples do a quick 15-minute ceremony, while others spend a bit more time to include personal vows, readings, and rituals. For the full elopement experience (getting ready, ceremony, and adventure photos), most couples book anywhere from 6 hours to multiple days of coverage, depending on how many locations they want to visit and activities they want to include.
When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Moab, Utah?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are some of the best months for Moab elopements. You’ll have comfortable temperatures, incredible light, and fewer crowds. Summer can work if you’re planning very early morning or evening ceremonies to avoid the heat. Winter elopements are stunning too, with snow-dusted red rocks as your backdrop! Each season offers something unique, so it really comes down to your vision and temperature preferences.
Looking for Moab Elopement inspiration? Check out some of our other elopement and adventure weddings in this beautiful desert!
Meet Your Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photographers
We’re Henry, Sergio, and Nick, the faces behind these honest, meaningful, and artful photographs of couples eloping in the most beautiful places. Since 2018, we’ve photographed more than 200+ intimate weddings and elopements all over the world and on 6 different continents. Our work has been published on Junebug Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes, Brides, Dancing With Her, etc…We’ve won international awards for best wedding photos but what’s most important to us is actually winning our clients’ hearts with our art.
With 15 years of combined photography experience, we’ve learned that the only way to a beautiful wedding experience & photos is through intentionality.
We’re here for you and with you from “let’s do this” to “I do”, one step at a time, each step of the way. We’re in this together
