How to Elope in Moab: The Ultimate Guide for Adventurous Couples | Updated for 2024
Updated December 8th, 2023
Updated for the 2024-2025 Wedding Season
Insider Tips From a
Moab Elopement Photographer
Dreaming of a desert elopement?
Let’s Find Your Arch!
Whether you’re envisioning a dramatic cliffside ceremony or a private vow exchange underneath one of Moab’s famous natural arches, my guide—based on everything I’ve seen and done in this rose-colored wonderland—has everything you need to know to make it happen.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Moab Elopement?
People have been flocking to Moab in recent years due to its prime location close to several famous national parks and their unique red rock formations, mesas, and buttes. The stunning natural landscape offers something for everyone from contemplative hikes to thrilling rock climbs to star-sprinkled nights just perfect for romantic stargazing.
All photos by Andrea Enger unless otherwise credited.
If you’re looking for advice about planning a Moab elopement in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, you’ve come to the right place. Moab in eastern Utah is best known for being a base for exploring the national parks of Arches and Canyonlands. For adventurous and outdoors-loving couples, it’s the perfect location for a one-of-a-kind elopement.
I know this because, before moving to Colorado, I lived in Utah for four years. I have to say Moab and the surrounding parks are some of my most favorite places on the planet. I made sure to spend as much time as I could exploring the desert. I loved hiking and driving for hours through these lands scouting all the best places for the perfect Moab, Utah, elopement.
Hi, I’m Andrea, an elopement photographer with years of experience in and around Moab. I help couples just like you plan the outdoor elopements they’ve always wanted. Often, my couples start with the date. Then I work with them to build the perfect adventure elopement.
I can get you to the places few visitors even know about. We can hike in or get there by Jeep–now that would be an adventure.
My experience as a Moab elopement photographer means I know the exact spots in the area that will fit your needs. I can also advise on permits, hiking, what to wear, what to bring, and suggestions for activities that will cap your day wonderfully.
Best Places to Elope in Moab
Let’s talk about where to elope in Moab for the adventurous at heart. There are so many great locations for an elopement: underneath an arch, in a canyon, on a cliff, or beside a waterfall or lake. No matter where you look to elope in Moab, you’ll find wondrous beauty. Pick a single park feature for your vows or let’s plan an all-day adventure. Your Moab wedding; your choice!
Arches National Park Elopements
Known for its huge natural arches of sandstone, Arches National Park is a magical place to elope in the desert. The red rock structures remind me of a traditional wedding arch, except these are natural, ancient, and best of all, outside.
Because they are protected inside a national park, you won’t be able to decorate the area like you would at a traditional wedding. But is that necessary? Nope. The natural arches are particularly beautiful when the sun is rising. I always love to photograph my couples eloping under one at sunrise because the sandstone practically glows in the light. Also, there is less likely to be a lot of other people around.
The required Moab Wedding permit costs $185, whether you’re planning a private elopement or a Moab micro-wedding with guests. You and any guests will also have to pay park entrance fees or have a National Park Service recreation pass.
With your permit, you can choose from 9 elopement ceremony locations within Arches (shown on the map above):
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
The Windows Section
Park Avenue (maximum of 15 people)
Sand Dune Arch
Pine Tree Arch
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater
Landscape Arch (maximum of 10 people)
Panorama Point
The National Park Service requests holders to be aware that even with a permit other visitors will be around. We’ll have no more than 10 minutes to take photos under an arch. But after you exchange vows, you’re free to move about the park, and that’s when I can take you to the best spots for incredible photos.
Canyonlands National Park Elopements
Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park and is made up of four giant sections:
The Needles
Island in the Sky
The Maze
The combined rivers of Green and Colorado that carved two deep canyons with their flow through the center of the park
Like Arches, you’re not able to set up like a traditional wedding at Canyonlands, but with these gorgeous canyons, you won’t miss it. The most popular section of the park is the Island in the Sky. It’s also the closest to Moab. The drive via US 191 North and US 313 West is about 39 miles and will take you approximately 40 minutes. The next closest section is the Needles–just as gorgeous as Island in the Sky and a little more remote.
If Canyonlands piques your interest, then I suggest planning a sunrise or sunset elopement for that incredible lighting. This park is not as close to Moab as Arches so there will be less foot traffic. We can also spend some time before or after your ceremony getting photos in other parts of the park.
A Canyonlands wedding permit is also $185. You will also have to pay a park entrance fee or have a recreation pass. Something else to be aware of is your tolerance for heights. These canyon walls are high and steep. Good for dramatic photography as long as you’re okay with heights!
A Moab Micro-Wedding in the La Sal Mountains
Just as spectacular, but often a second thought, are the amazing mountains outside Moab. The La Sal Mountains are to the southeast of Moab and visible from both National Parks and Dead Horse Point State Park. Have your Moab elopement on top of one of these peaks and you’ll be able to see into the beautiful area valleys. The range also features the Manti-La Sal National Forest with gorgeous hikes and lakes. No wedding permit is needed for small groups.
Dead Horse Point State Park Elopements
Also giving amazing scenery—but further from Moab—is Dead Horse Point State Park. The park is famous for its unique natural point overlooking the Colorado River and views of neighboring Canyonlands. Dead Horse Point is close to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park–they are about 20 minutes apart. You can make this 33-mile drive via US 191 North to UT 313 West in about 40 minutes, if you’re coming from Moab.
This park is less crowded because you need to pay a separate State Park entrance fee and that’s not included on the National Parks pass, unless you already have a Utah State Park pass. Currently, the standard two-day entrance fees for Dead Horse Point State Park are $20 per vehicle, up to eight people; $10 for motorcycles; and $10 per person for bike-in or walk-in (parking at the gate is limited).
A Dead Horse Point wedding permit costs $60 for up to 40 people. The neat thing about this park is that it’s dog friendly for the hiking trails (West Rim Trail, East Rim Trail, and the Bighorn Overlook Trail), so you can include your doggo in your elopement, if you’d like.
Elopements in Moab Within BLM Areas
If land is not in a national or state park, it’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management (or BLM) and is no less spectacular. BLM lands seem to stretch forever and offer the same gorgeous sandy-red arches, soaring bluffs, and fast-running rivers as any of the parks.
As far as permits, you won’t necessarily need to buy one for your Moab elopement ceremony. And you can even camp there for free. You only need a letter of authorization from BLM. The letter is free but you do need to list any vendors, including your elopement photographer, and ensure that they have the right permits.
I’m knowledgeable about the process, which is a bit tricky, and can also recommend experienced and appropriate vendors for you. The reason this is important is because all of us in the Moab elopement industry must have an annual recreation permit, only distributed at certain times of the year, to provide services on BLM lands. Getting caught without permits may result in fines.
The reward for getting through the red tape is a treasure trove of beautiful desert landscape creating a breathtaking backdrop for your Moab micro-wedding. Imagine scarlet canyons, dramatic waterfalls, pristine rivers, and all the red-stoned bridges, arches, and monuments that rival anything found in a national or state park–all private, all remote, all to yourselves.
As an experienced Moab elopement photographer, I’ve spent countless hours during the time I lived in Utah, and in subsequent visits since, personally scouting for wedding and portrait sites on BLM lands. You won’t find them on any map but I’d love to share my knowledge with you! With me, you’ll get detailed trail information, and together we can come up with a plan that fits your personality and vision.
How to Get Married in Moab, Utah
Moab is in Utah’s Grand County. You’ll need to appear in person with current identification at the County Clerk’s Office at 125 East Center Street, Moab, UT, 84532, to apply for your marriage license. A Moab marriage license costs $30.
The fee includes a certified copy of your license, but you can get additional copies for an additional cost. To get your license, you’ll also need your ceremony date and your officiant’s name. The application can be completed online but you’ll need to sign it in person at the office.
Once you have your license, you’re free to get married anywhere in Utah. Your officiant will sign and date the license and then return it to the clerk’s office within 30 days.
I can help you find an excellent authorized officiant. Utah code specifies that ministers, rabbis, priests, and Native American spiritual leaders may serve as officiants for weddings held in the state.
However, anyone can officiate a wedding in Utah without the need to register with the state as an authorized officiant! This is nice to know if you have someone close to you and would like for them to have a meaningful role in your ceremony. To do this, you and your designee will need to complete a Single Ceremony Appointment of Marriage Designee form in person when you apply for the marriage license at the Grand County Clerk’s Office.
An Important Note About Eloping in the Desert
The people who call Moab and the surrounding desert home take extra care with this sensitive environment. They are happy, though, to share all the sumptuous beauty with visitors. To preserve it, I like to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
What this means is taking care to leave behind no sign that you were ever there. That includes marking or moving rocks, leaving the trail, and neglecting to get your park permits. Staying on the trails is incredibly important because the sand here is actually a biological soil crust that is an important part of sustaining life and preventing erosion!
Another important thing to remember is that climbing is strictly prohibited on any arches with more than a three-foot opening whether or not the arch is named. The reason is that climbing them can cause damage to the soft sandstone arches. It’s also dangerous, especially on the larger formations.
Finally, permits are essential to controlling pedestrian traffic and preventing conflicts between users of Arches and Canyonlands. All weddings need permits in Arches and Canyonlands. For either park, you can schedule your wedding up to a year in advance, but give yourself at least four weeks.
More About “Leave No Trace!”
Sustainability can’t just be a niche market for photographers. It must be the new normal! As a nature lover, I am dedicated to helping our earth flourish. This is why I practice “Leave No Trace” principles at each and every one of my sessions.
What exactly is Leave No Trace?
It is:
🌿 A set of ethics & best practices we should follow to enjoy and protect the outdoors at the same time
🌿 An access tool to help enjoy public lands responsibly and leave less impact
It isn’t:
🌿 Something to shame other people about or make them feel bad for not knowing
🌿 Something to use to gatekeep and keep others from enjoying the outdoors
Once you’ve booked me as your Moab elopement photographer, you’ll receive my full Leave No Trace guide for couples! It’s an easy-breezy workbook designed to help you plan your dream elopement, while being mindful of the beautiful lands upon which you’ve chosen to exchange your vows.
When’s the Best Time of Year to Elope in Moab?
High season in Moab is March through October. During this time, crowds are at their peak and the gates to the national parks will often close early in the morning as they reach full capacity. Winters are mild in Moab (and no less beautiful) so expect a steady stream of visitors during these months, too.
Spring in Moab is perhaps my favorite season, although it’s a busy one for the area. The scant amount of rain Moab gets annually (maybe 9 inches?) comes this time of year, but the showers and storms pass quickly leaving behind beautiful wildflowers and glistening rocks the color of garnets. Temps will be at their most comfortable. I find photography this time of year to be the most gratifying because of all the incredible colors. If spring is your thing, you’ll want to pick a date prior to mid-May. After schools let out, the crowds will swell.
The summer months will be extremely hot. If you’ve set a summer date for your Moab, Utah, elopement, consider heading to the Manti-La Sal Forest or Mountains for the cooler temps. Moab’s rivers and lakes are also a nice place to cool off. I like to photograph my eloping couples at sunrise in the summer. There will be fewer people around and we won’t wilt in the heat. The light at sunrise is stunning too and makes the whole desert glow.
Speaking of heat, if you visit Moab in the summer and are outside for any length of time, you’ll want to keep hydrated. You’ll be surprised at how much water is needed in the high desert to stay comfortable and safe.
Fall in Moab is another fantastic time to elope in the desert because of the mild temperatures. But unless you get to the mountains, you won’t get much foliage or color. River and lake levels will be at their lowest too. Yet the desert has a certain magic this time of year and there’s plenty of hiking and 4WD trails that will take you to some beautiful and unique spots.
Winter in Moab is unpredictable, ranging from pleasantly cool to rainy or snowy. You’ll need to be prepared for any weather event and exercise caution on cliffs as the rocks can get slippery. But winter snows, as well as fall colors, are particularly lovely in the La Sal Mountains and they photograph beautifully.
So what are the best months to elope in Moab? That all depends on what you like, because Moab offers something special no matter the season. I love all the seasons in Moab for different reasons and I’m happy to talk about them with you so you know what to expect. I am, however, partial to a Moab elopement midweek as opposed to a weekend. You’ll get more privacy and more options for your stay, as weekends will see the most visitors.
Where to Stay in Moab
You can find great BnBs, campgrounds, and hotels for unique places to stay in Moab, Utah.
Here are some of my favorites.
Private Vacation Rentals
Quick note: As an affiliate member of VRBO, this post contains links to recommended services that I use myself and love. If you make a booking after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra charge to you). I promise any latte money earned ☕️ will be used to create even more useful content like this!
Check out my curated list of Moab vacation rentals on VRBO for your wedding party’s accommodations. Some are surrounded by nature, others are more urban. My picks have gorgeous decks, views, gardens, and most will give you dark skies at night for stargazing. Enjoy both “city” and country life with Moab’s lodging options.
I personally researched each of these properties before adding them to this list, taking into consideration the lighting, the layout of the space, and the overall aesthetic for the potential photography we might be doing there! Families can spread out (and the betrothed can occupy opposite wings, if needed), and these types of lodging are also perfect for bringing in a private chef for your wedding day dinner! I’ve included a good mix of budget, luxury, and dog-friendly listings–click the big blue button above and start getting inspired!
When a VRBO listing has caught your eye, scroll down to the “House Rules” to read the hosts’ event policy. Some may charge an extra fee, and pay attention to the limit on guests. While I’ve vetted these properties for their amenities, ambiance, and elopement potential (have you SEEN some of these back yards?!), you’ll definitely want to disclose your plans with your host to ensure you’re not met with any last-minute surprises.
Redstone Inn
Centrally located, the Redstone Inn is an easy drive to the parks and mountains. The 52-room inn features a swimming pool and Jacuzzi tub, as well as laundry facilities, bike rentals and luggage storage. It’s cozy, clean and visitors love the location, calling it a “terrific value.” Rates start at $72 per night.
The Redstone Inn image courtesy of RedstoneInn.com
Red Cliffs Lodge
Get into the western swing of things with a stay at ranch resort Red Cliffs Lodge. Set on the Colorado River, this is the ultimate adventure hub. The lodge is surrounded by southwestern Utah’s iconic red cliffs and offers western decor and beautiful water views. Cabin-inspired rooms make you feel like you’re in true cowboy country.
Enjoy the ranch’s winery, tennis courts, horseback riding (Oh! The photos!), whitewater rafting, and refreshing pool and hot tub. The lodge also has their famous Museum of Film and Western Heritage with exhibits showcasing Utah’s film legacy. Admission to the museum is free even if you’re not a guest.
Photo courtesy of Red Cliffs Lodge
Where to Have Your Wedding Reception in Moab
Moab offers a variety of fantastic facilities where you can throw a truly special micro-wedding reception.
Red Earth Venue
Hold the red rock reception of your dreams without the restrictions of using public lands. The Red Earth Venue can be your own private park any night of the week. Eat, drink, and dance away the evening all under a canopy of stars and surrounded by an amazing desert landscape. If you’re a nature-lover, then Red Earth Venue is your ballroom.
Grand Center
Grand Center is a modern and flexible event space with a fully equipped kitchen (or a list of preferred caterers) ready to make your dream wedding reception a reality. Centrally located.
Photo courtesy of Grand County Utah
Moab Arts and Recreation Center
The space that’s now the “MARC” was once a church that was built in 1925, so it only stands to reason you can have your reception there. This community and arts center is light and airy and can hold larger groups of people for a banquet.
Where to Eat in Moab
Moab may not be a huge city, but they have a vibrant foodie scene with eclectic cuisine from a variety of countries. These are the spots I love going back to again and again!
Hidden Cuisine
Hidden Cuisine is often called a hidden treasure by locals. It may not be hidden exactly, but it is outside of town with plenty of parking. Find amazing South African dishes here. Now that’s unexpected! They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Zax Restaurant and Watering Hole
I love going to Zax after a day of fun in the desert. The food is hot and delicious, especially the wood-fired pizzas, and the craft beer is ice cold. They also have burgers and fries and a buffet if you can’t decide what you want to eat (or you’re simply too tired after a day of adventuring!).
Desert Bistro
For something upscale and special, get a table at the adobe-housed Desert Bistro. The menu features interesting game entrees, fresh salads, and delicious baked-in-house breads and desserts. They also have a lovely terrace in the back. This restaurant would be the perfect place to celebrate your Moab, Utah, elopement.
Pre- and Post-Wedding Activities in Moab
The range of activities the Moab area offers is endless. Let’s just say I’d be SO stoked if my besties invited me to do any of these things during their Moab destination wedding weekend!
4x4 Driving Tours
Moab has some great trails for exploring by Jeep or other 4x4 vehicle. Hell’s Revenge is only one of them. As you can guess from the name, this trail is a wild one. Only experienced drivers should tackle it. Or you can book a 4x4 tour and follow a professional driver in your own UTV (included in the tour) for a guided thrilling ride.
White Water Rafting
You may think it strange that such an arid part of the country would have exciting white water rafting. But the Colorado River cuts through Moab’s sandstone canyons at a heart-pounding rate in parts. What makes white water rafting so fun in Moab are the steep, red canyon walls soaring a thousand-plus feet above you as you twist and turn.
The river sections alternate between thrill rides and calm floats. You can look for bald eagles and herons while you catch your breath in the tranquil gorges before your next plunge into water-filled chaos. White water rafting here is seriously a fun time and good for all experience-levels.
Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail
One hundred and fifty million years ago, dinosaurs roamed these lands, and you can see their tracks and fossils on the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, which is also the site of an old copper mill. Take a self-guided tour along the trails and paths and learn more about Utah’s Jurassic history. Admission is free.
Moab Wedding Vendors
Make your wedding day as special as possible with the help of these great folks who work in and around Moab serving brides and grooms.
This is by no means an exhaustive list–if you’re serious about planning a Moab elopement or micro-wedding, I’ll share more of my vetted vendors! These are just a few of my favorites to get you inspired!
Seventh Ave Beauty
I’ve worked with Courtney from Seventh Ave Beauty on multiple on-location photoshoots, and I can’t recommend her hair and makeup skills enough! Check out her inspirational Instagram, or check out the Seventh Ave website for their full list of bridal services.
Hair and Makeup by Seventh Avenue Beauty. Image by Andrea Enger Photography.
Hair and Makeup by Seventh Avenue Beauty. Image by Andrea Enger Photography.
Signature Brides & Design
These specialists work on-location providing beautifully airbrushed makeup and gorgeous hair. The artists of Signature Brides & Design take time to consult with brides to learn how they envision their perfect bridal look. They are talented people with great style and I highly recommend them.
Succulents for Hire
“Living succulent art for your special event.” I’m so sold on these desert-flora vibes! Toni, aka “the succulent lady,” is such a sweetheart and I’ve really enjoyed working with her in the past. My couples love her, too! Check out the Succulents for Hire website for a complete list of their offerings (think boutonnières, “succulent jewelry,” embellished dog collars, hair accessories, and everything from stunning bouquets to elaborate altars).
Sweet Afton Floral
I love eclectic arrangements of flowers, especially when they are artfully designed. Sweet Afton Floral specializes in making bridal visions come true with their boho-chic styled arrangements. Owner and floral artist Kaitlynn Putnam is dedicated to giving intimate Moab elopements a sense of artistry through her thoughtful designs.
Our Blessed Woods
If you decide to eschew fresh florals, definitely consider the stunning faux (silk) flowers in the handmade arrangements from Our Blessed Woods on Etsy. A recent bride used these and we were both obsessed with how they turned out and looked in photos! (The bouquet and boutonnieres are also keepsakes that’ll never wilt!)
Intimate Moab Weddings
Tara of Intimate Moab Weddings is a design GURU! If you’re envisioning a perfect cliff side wedding altar or an enchanting riverside terrace, this team pulls it all off with environmental consciousness, sustainability and ethical design.
Cakes by Camryn
Even If your wedding vows were exchanged under an arch, you can still find a place for cake. Cakes by Camryn bakes custom-designed wedding cakes in the Moab area that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Camryn also accommodates a variety of dietary restrictions.
Moab Chef Services
Ken of Moab Chef Services offers menu tastings, creates custom menu items, accommodates dietary restrictions, and is well known and respected among the area’s wedding industry professionals.
Moab Elopement Packages + Pricing
Does a Moab elopement sound like a dream come true for you?
I love helping engaged couples plan elopements in this magical space. Together we can put together a plan that honors your passion for the outdoors and each other. Your wedding day will be special—and definitely on your terms.
I’m now booking Moab, Utah elopements for 2024 + 2025! Bookings are extremely limited. View my rates and see what’s included by clicking the button below, and reach out to snag your spot ASAP! And of course, we can always start with a low key phone call if you have any questions at all.
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Find out how I can help make that happen!
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer that’s great! You can do that by filling out the form below, by emailing me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or by calling/texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!
