Moab Elopement Guide 2026: Everything You Need for an Unforgettable Desert Wedding
Updated for 2026 with current permit info, locations, and planning tips
Your complete guide to eloping in Moab, Utah
Moab elopements have a way of completely pulling you in – it’s the kind of place that feels wild, expansive, and almost unreal in the best way. After years of visiting Moab (and coming back again and again), it’s easily become one of my favorite places to photograph and explore. Between the red rock landscapes, endless adventure, and the kind of quiet moments you just don’t find in more traditional wedding settings, it’s the perfect place for couples who want something different.
Over the years, I’ve paddled down the Colorado River, hiked out to Delicate Arch at sunrise, stumbled across hidden waterfalls, and documented some of the most meaningful elopement days in the desert. It’s one of those places that doesn’t just look beautiful – it feels different. And once you experience it, you’ll understand why so many couples choose to elope in Moab, and why it makes the list of the Best Places to Elope in the World.
Figuring out how to get married in Moab might feel a little overwhelming at first – especially with permits, national park regulations, and trying to choose between so many incredible locations. But that’s exactly why I’ve put this guide together. Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows beneath towering arches, exploring the desert at sunrise, or ending the day with a quiet celebration under the stars, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a day that feels effortless, meaningful, and completely your own.
Why Have a Moab Elopement?
There are a lot of beautiful places to get married in the world – but a Moab elopement feels different. It’s not just the red rock landscapes or the iconic desert views, it’s the way the entire experience invites you to slow down and be fully present in what you’re actually here for.
You can start your day watching the sunrise light up the cliffs, spend the afternoon exploring hidden trails or wandering through towering arches, and end it all under a sky full of stars (my personal favorite way to end your Moab elopement). It’s equal parts adventure and intention – giving you space to create a day that isn’t rushed, over-structured, or centered around anyone else’s expectations.
And with places like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park just minutes away, there’s no shortage of incredible backdrops to choose from.
Best Places to Elope in Moab
Moab isn’t the kind of place where you choose just one beautiful backdrop—it’s the kind of place where your entire day becomes the experience. From iconic arches to quiet, tucked-away overlooks, there’s no shortage of incredible locations for a Moab elopement. The key is choosing a place that matches how you want your day to feel whether that’s iconic and dramatic, quiet and intentional, or something that feels like it was meant just for the two of you.
Here are a few of my favorite locations, based on years of exploring and photographing elopements in the area:
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the most iconic places for a Moab elopement, known for its massive sandstone arches, dramatic desert landscapes, and surreal light at sunrise and sunset. This is where many couples picture getting married in Moab – but what makes it special isn’t just the scenery, it’s the feeling of standing in a landscape that looks almost otherworldly while saying your vows.
There are several incredible ceremony locations within the park, including spots like Park Avenue and the Windows Section, each offering a very different experience depending on the level of adventure and intimacy you’re looking for.
Because Arches is a protected national park, ceremonies do require a permit and have specific guidelines in place to help preserve the landscape. You can find the most up-to-date information & a full list of available ceremony locations directly through the National Park Service here.
Arches National Park Elopement Locations:
Arches National Park has 6 designated locations for ceremonies, but does consider alternate locations on a case-by-case basis.
- Park Avenue – accommodates up to 15 people
- La Sal Mountains Viewpoint – accommodates up to 50 people
- Double Arch – accommodates up to 25 people
- The Windows – accommodates up to 25 people
- Panorama Point – accommodates up to 50 people
- Devils Garden Campground Amphitheatre – accommodates up to 80 people
Learn more about the Arches National Park wedding locations here.
Arches National Park Wedding Permits:
If you’re planning to elope in Arches National Park, you’ll need to secure a special use permit. Please note that Arches does usually send a ranger to oversee your ceremony and ensure it falls within the allotted time.
You can apply for your special use permit at Arches National Park up to one year in advance. I always suggest submitting your application as early as possible – especially if you’re hoping for a specific location or date.
- Special Use Permit Fee: $185
Apply for your Arches National Park Wedding Permit here.
There’s something about Arches that feels almost surreal in person – the scale, the light, and the way the landscape shifts as the day moves. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impression, whether it’s part of your ceremony or simply one chapter of your Moab elopement story. Next, we’ll move into a completely different side of Moab: wide-open canyon views and quieter, more expansive landscapes.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park feels completely different from the more iconic, tightly framed landscapes of Arches. Everything here opens up – the canyons stretch endlessly in every direction, the cliffs feel layered and massive, and there’s a stillness that makes the entire experience feel slower and more grounded. A Moab elopement in Canyonlands is especially beautiful if you’re drawn to wide-open landscapes and want a day that feels unhurried and intentional. It’s less about standing in a single “famous spot” and more about taking in the scale of everything around you and letting the experience unfold naturally.
And the sunsets here are truly something else (one of the best sunsets I’ve ever witnessed was in Canyonlands!). As the light moves across the canyon walls, everything shifts into soft golds, deep reds, and long shadows that stretch across the landscape. It’s one of the most breathtaking places in Moab to end your day – quiet, expansive, and completely unforgettable. What I love most about Canyonlands is how it invites you to slow down. There’s room to breathe, to move intentionally, and to fully take in the experience of getting married somewhere that feels this vast.
Canyonlands National Park Wedding Ceremony Locations:
Canyonlands has 7 designated wedding locations available for ceremonies, each offering a unique view of the surrounding canyons and desert landscape. Because the park is more spread out, these locations can feel quieter and more secluded, making Canyonlands a great choice if you’re looking for a more private elopement experience.
- Locations at Island in the Sky:
- Shafer Canyon Overlook – accommodates up to 25 people
- Green River Overlook – accommodates up to 25 people
- Grand View Point – accommodates up to 25 people
- Locations at the Needles:
- Pothole Point – accommodates up to 15 people
- Needles Group Campsites:
- Dutch Oven Group Site – accommodates up to 50 people
- Wooden Shoe Group Site – accommodates up to 25 people
- Split Top Group Site – accommodates up to 15 people
Learn more about Canyonlands elopement locations here.
Canyonlands National Park Wedding Permits:
If you’re planning to elope in Canyonlands National Park, you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit through the park. Compared to other locations near Moab, Canyonlands tends to be a bit more remote and less crowded, which can make it an incredible option if you’re looking for something quieter and more expansive.
You can apply for your special use permit at Canyonlands up to one year in advance. I always suggest submitting your application as early as possible – especially if you’re hoping for a specific location or date.
- Special Use Permit Fee: $185
Apply for your Canyonlands National Park Wedding Permit here.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of my personal favorite spots in Moab, and for good reason! It offers one of the most expansive, all-encompassing canyon views in the entire area. Standing here, you can see the Colorado River winding far below through layers of red rock cliffs that seem to stretch endlessly in every direction. It’s one of those places that immediately stops you in your tracks. The scale of the landscape is hard to fully process at first, and then suddenly everything feels very quiet, very still, and very present + you’ll experience the most amazing sunsets of your life!
Dead Horse Point State Park Wedding Ceremony Locations:
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the most accessible and scenic places to elope near Moab, especially if you’re looking for epic canyon views without the stricter regulations of nearby national parks. Most ceremony sites are easy to reach, making this a great option if you’re bringing guests or want something that doesn’t require a long hike. It’s also a popular choice for sunset ceremonies thanks to the wide-open views over the canyon.
Dead Horse Point has 11 designated wedding locations, listed below, each with its own unique view and accessibility level. You can see more about the designated locations here.
- La Sal Site – accommodates up to 25 people
- Cliff Side Site – accommodates up to 20 people
- West Bench Site – accommodates up to 50 people
- Point Bench Site – accommodates up to 5 people
- Shade Shelter Site – accommodates up to 100 people (not available March-June or September-October)
- Picnic Sites 1-6
Dead Horse Point State Park Wedding Permits
If you’re planning to elope at Dead Horse Point State Park, you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit in advance. The park recommends reaching out at least 30 days before your elopement date, though I always suggest giving yourself a little extra buffer – especially if you’re planning around a popular season like spring or fall.
Wedding permit pricing at Dead Horse Point is relatively straightforward compared to nearby national parks:
- Permit Fee: $60 ($10 application fee and $50 permit fee)
- Site Fee (up to 50 guests): $100 per hour
- Site Fee (51–100 guests): $150 per hour
- Ceremony Rehearsal: $100
- Picnic Shelter Reservation: $50
On top of that, there is a park entrance fee:
- $20 per vehicle (covers up to 8 people), or
- $5 per person if guests arrive by shuttle or bus
Once you’re ready to officially book your Dead Horse Point State Park Wedding, you can apply for your special use permit here.
Hidden + Intimate Moab Elopement Spots
Beyond the national parks, Moab is full of quieter, more intimate locations that often feel just as beautiful – sometimes even more so, depending on the kind of experience you’re wanting. These are the places that tend to feel a little more personal, a little less structured, and often a bit more flexible when it comes to planning your day. Outside of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, you’ll find everything from small sandstone arches tucked away in the desert, to quiet canyon trails, to seasonal waterfalls that completely transform the landscape when the timing is right.
Some of my favorite moments I’ve photographed in Moab have actually happened in these more hidden areas – places where you can take your time, explore without crowds, and create a ceremony that feels more personal and less structured.
This is especially ideal if you’re hoping for:
- a more private Moab elopement experience
- flexibility with your timeline and movement throughout the day
- or simply a different kind of landscape beyond the iconic national park viewpoints
Moab has a way of surprising you here – the more you explore beyond the obvious spots, the more it opens up into something that feels completely your own.
How to Elope in Moab, Utah (Step-by-Step Guide)
Planning a Moab elopement doesn’t have to feel complicated. Once you understand how the landscape, timing, and locations work together, you can focus less on logistics and more on creating a day that actually feels like an experience – slow, intentional, and completely your own.
Step 1: Choose a photographer who helps you plan the experience
Your photographer plays a much bigger role in a Moab elopement than just showing up and taking photos. They often help shape the flow of the day, guide location decisions, and support you through the logistics that come with photographing in national parks and desert environments.
When I work with couples in Moab, I’m there from the very beginning to help make the planning feel simple. That includes helping you choose locations based on the kind of experience you want, building a timeline that works with light and weather, and making sure you feel fully supported throughout the day.
On the actual elopement day, I’m not just documenting what’s happening – I’m helping guide the experience so everything feels natural and unhurried, whether that means finding the best light, adjusting for conditions, or knowing when to slow down and just take it all in.
Step 2: Pick your Moab elopement location
Moab is incredibly diverse, and your elopement can look and feel very different depending on the landscapes you choose. Do you want something iconic and dramatic like Arches National Park? Something wide, quiet, and expansive like Canyonlands National Park? Or something cinematic and overlook-focused like Dead Horse Point State Park?
Most couples end up combining a few different areas throughout the day, which is one of the things that makes Moab so special – you’re not limited to a single backdrop. You can move through completely different landscapes and let the day unfold in layers.
Step 3: Handle permits, timing, and desert logistics
Once your vision and locations start coming together, it’s time to think through the practical side of your Moab elopement. Some areas, especially within national parks, require wedding permits for ceremonies, and timing matters a lot more here than people initially expect. Sunrise and sunset light completely transform the landscape, and summer heat or seasonal weather can also influence how your day flows.
This step is really about making sure everything supports the experience you want to have – so the logistics never distract from it.
Step 4: Experience your Moab elopement day
This is the best part! A Moab elopement is about slowing down and actually being present in a landscape that feels bigger than everyday life. It might look like getting ready in a quiet rental, exploring desert trails together, exchanging vows with massive canyon views around you, and ending the day as the light fades across the red rock.
There’s no single “right” way for the day to unfold. The best Moab elopements feel unforced, spacious, and deeply intentional – you’re exploring the landscape together instead of rushing through a timeline. And my job is to document it in a way that lets you relive every moment not just how it looked, but how it felt.
Moab Elopement Permits & What You Need to Know
Planning a Moab elopement means working with some of the most protected and well-loved public lands in Utah – including both national parks and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Most people are surprised to learn that Moab wedding permits aren’t just required in places like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park – they can also be required in many areas of BLM land around Moab when you’re hosting an organized ceremony or working with vendors.
BLM manages a large portion of the land around Moab, and weddings or elopements often fall under their Special Recreation Permit system, depending on location, group size, and activity type. This is simply part of how these landscapes are protected and shared responsibly.
The important thing to know is that this isn’t meant to make planning harder – it’s meant to preserve access to these incredible places long-term and keep experiences low-impact and respectful.
- National parks require a formal wedding permit (always)
- Many BLM areas require authorization for ceremonies or commercial activity
- Dispersed recreation rules (like camping) are different from event permitting
- Each location may have slightly different requirements depending on use
Once your location is chosen, the permitting process is usually very straightforward – and something I help guide couples through so it doesn’t feel overwhelming or confusing.
If you’re ever unsure, the best step is always to check directly with the managing agency for your specific location so you’re working with the most up-to-date information.
Moab Elopement Permits:
| Location: | Permit Fee: | Additional considerations: |
| Arches National Park | $185 | Permits open up one year in advance – so reach out early for your ideal date & time. You’ll also be responsible for the entrance fee to the park which is $30 per vehicle (or get a National Park Pass ahead of time for $80!). |
| Canyonlands National Park | $185 | Permits open up one year in advance – so reach out early for your ideal date & time. You’ll also be responsible for the entrance fee to the park which is $30 per vehicle (or get a National Park Pass ahead of time for $80!). |
| Dead Horse Point State Park | $60 + $100-$150 site fee | Site Fee (parties up to 50 people): $100 per hour Site Fee (parties 51-100 people): $150 per hour. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle. |
| Moab BLM Land | Free for couples | Your photographer is required to have an up-to-date BLM permit. You’ll want to apply for your special recreation permit if necessary at least 30 days in advance. |
Best Time of Year to Elope in Moab
The best time to plan a Moab elopement really depends on the kind of experience you want, but in my opinion, spring and fall are absolutely the sweet spot.
- Spring (March–May): One of the best times to elope in Moab. Temperatures are comfortable, the desert starts to come alive, and the light this time of year feels especially soft and glowy. Mornings and evenings have that peaceful chill, while the daytime stays warm without being overwhelming.
- Summer (June–August): Summer in Moab can be very hot, especially in the middle of the day. If you’re planning a summer elopement, it’s essential to build your timeline around sunrise or sunset to avoid the intense heat and make the experience more enjoyable.
- Fall (September–November): Another ideal season for eloping. Similar to spring, you’ll get more moderate temperatures, beautiful light, and a really balanced overall experience. It’s a great time to explore places like Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park without feeling rushed or overheated.
- Winter (December–February): The quietest time of year in Moab. Winter can feel incredibly peaceful and minimal, with fewer crowds and a completely different kind of beauty. That said, you’ll want to be prepared for colder temperatures and shorter days.
At the end of the day, there’s really no “wrong” time to elope in Moab – it just comes down to the kind of experience you’re envisioning and how you want your day to feel in the landscape.
The Best Moab Micro Wedding Venues
If you’re planning a Moab elopement with guests, choosing a dedicated venue can make the experience much easier to navigate. Many outdoor locations in the area have restrictions on group size and setup, so micro wedding venues offer a great alternative with more flexibility and built-in amenities. From desert lodges to unique outdoor spaces, here are some of the best micro wedding venues in Moab:
Under Canvas Moab
One of my all-time favorite micro wedding venues, Under Canvas Moab is perfect if you’re envisioning a highly immersive desert experience with your guests. The property offers both intimate setups for smaller groups (up to around 30 guests) as well as full-site buyouts for larger celebrations of up to 250 people. It’s a great option if you want something that feels intentional and experience-driven, where your stay and your wedding blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Red Earth Venue
Set just outside Moab, Red Earth Venue is a private 17-acre property surrounded by wide open desert and expansive canyon views. It’s one of those places that immediately feels quiet and removed, with incredible night skies and a sense of privacy that’s hard to find closer to town.
The space itself blends modern design with the natural landscape, featuring a glass-walled venue, multiple outdoor patio areas, and two different ceremony site options. It’s a great fit if you’re looking for something that feels elevated while still being fully immersed in the desert.
Sorrel River Ranch
Set along the Colorado River just outside of Moab, Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa is one of the most expansive and experience-driven venues in the area. The property spans hundreds of acres of desert landscape, with red rock mesas, canyon views, and the river weaving right through it.
What makes this place stand out is how much is built into the experience. Between the private cabins, on-site dining, and multiple ceremony and reception spaces, it’s designed for a full wedding weekend rather than just a single event. You can have your ceremony by the river, host dinner under the open sky, and settle into a slower, more immersive pace without ever needing to leave the property.
Whispering Oaks Ranch
Tucked up in the La Sal Mountains just outside of Moab, Whispering Oaks Ranch feels like a completely different world from the desert floor below. This private 50-acre property sits at nearly 8,000 feet in elevation, surrounded by alpine forest, open mountain views, and quiet forest service land. While you’re still just a short drive from Moab and the surrounding national parks, you get a quiet & secluded space for your day.
The property includes a collection of private cabins, each spaced out for privacy, along with sweeping views of the La Sal Mountains and the canyonlands in the distance. It’s a beautiful option if you want a more relaxed, retreat-style experience for your elopement or micro wedding – especially if you’re planning to stay multiple nights with your guests.
Red Cliffs Lodge
Set right along the Colorado River just outside of Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge is a classic desert venue surrounded by towering red rock cliffs and river views.
The property offers both lodging and event spaces, including the well-known riverfront Wedding Deck, which overlooks the canyon walls and Colorado River. It’s a great option if you want a simple, all-in-one place to stay and host your ceremony without needing to travel between locations.
For a full list of the Best Micro Wedding Venues in Utah check out this post! And if you want inspiration for the Best Small Wedding Venues in the U.S., check out this one.
Moab Elopement Packing List:
Planning a Moab, Utah elopement? You’ll want to be prepared for everything from desert sun to sudden weather changes. Here’s what I recommend packing to make your day comfortable, elevated, and stress-free:
Clothing & Layers
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers for hiking or outdoor activities
- Warm mid-layers (fleece, sweater, or vest) for cooler mountain mornings
- Waterproof or windproof jacket
- Dress/outfit for the ceremony
- Comfortable shoes for walking or light hiking
- Hiking boots if you’re doing a trail elopement
- Hats, gloves, or scarves depending on season
- Sunglasses & sunhat
Ceremony & Personal Items
- Vow books or personal ceremony items
- Rings and ring box
- Small bouquet or boutonniere
- Jewelry or accessories for your outfit
- Hair ties, bobby pins, or headpieces
Adventure Essentials
- Water bottle & snacks
- Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF
- Bug spray (summer)
- Backpack or daypack for hiking locations
Optional Fun Extras
- Champagne or sparkling water for a toast
- Blanket or picnic setup
- Hot cocoa or coffee thermos for cozy mornings
- Props for photos (hats, scarves, or small keepsakes)
- Swim suit/hot tub or spa essentials if your location includes one
Travel & Logistics
- Printed permit or park paperwork (if required)
- Directions or GPS offline maps for remote spots
- Small first-aid kit
- Phone charger or portable power bank
For more ideas on what to bring with you for your elopement in Moab, check out this Guide to Elopement Details: What to Bring + How to Make It Truly Meaningful
Moab Elopement Timeline Example (Sunrise + Sunset Day)
One of my favorite ways to photograph a Moab elopement is by splitting the day into sunrise and sunset sessions. It allows you to experience the desert in its most beautiful light, avoid the harsh midday heat, and create a day that feels spacious instead of rushed.
Here’s a real timeline from one of my Moab elopements so you can get a sense of how the day can actually unfold:
Sunrise Session (Arches National Park)
6:50 AM – Arrive at the Windows Section area, first look
7:19 AM – Sunrise
7:30 AM – Ceremony
7:45 AM – Family photos
8:30 AM – Exploring Arches National Park
10:00 AM – Break for the afternoon
We started the day inside Arches National Park while everything was still quiet and cool. Sunrise here is unreal – the light slowly spills over the sandstone and the entire landscape feels soft and still before the day begins. This part of the day is usually focused on intention and presence: your first look, your ceremony, and time exploring iconic spots while the park is still relatively calm.
Midday Break (Rest + Reset)
Midday in Moab is all about slowing down.
This is the time to:
- rest and cool off
- grab food or relax at your Airbnb
- reset before the evening
- give yourself space between the two halves of the day
It’s one of the reasons this split-day structure works so well – you’re not trying to push through the hottest part of the desert.
Sunset Session (Dead Horse Point State Park)
3:15 PM – Details + getting ready photos at Airbnb
4:15 PM – Leave for Dead Horse Point
5:15 PM – Meet up at Dead Horse Point State Park (tattoos, wedding party photos, exploring)
6:53 PM – Sunset
7:15 PM – Head back
The evening takes you into a completely different energy. Dead Horse Point is one of the most dramatic overlooks in Moab, and it’s incredible at sunset – the canyon just keeps unfolding in layers as the light shifts. This is often where we slow everything down again: taking portraits, spending time with your people, and letting the golden light do its thing while the day winds down naturally.
Best Places to Stay for Your Moab Elopement
Where you stay when you elope in Moab plays a big role in the overall experience. It sets the tone for your mornings, gives you space to slow down between adventure sessions, and becomes part of the story of your day.
These are a couple of my personal favorite places to stay in Moab:
Under Canvas Moab
Under Canvas Moab is my personal favorite place to stay in the area. It’s a luxury glamping experience set right in the desert, and it feels like the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the landscape.
Waking up here feels like you’re already part of the desert – canvas tents, open skies, and quiet mornings make it such a special place to slow down and be present. It’s especially amazing for couples who want their stay to feel like an extension of the elopement itself, not just a place to sleep.
Field Station Moab
Field Station Moab is another one I’ve personally stayed at and absolutely loved. It has a really fun, relaxed energy while still feeling thoughtful and well-designed.
There’s a pool to cool off in during warmer days, a fire pit for hanging out in the evenings, and a cozy indoor space that’s perfect for gathering, playing games, or just unwinding together. It’s a great option if you want something social, comfortable, and a little more modern while still being close to everything Moab has to offer.
Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa is one of my favorite places to stay in all of Moab, and it feels like its own little world along the Colorado River. What makes it so special for a Moab elopement is how immersive it is – you’re surrounded by red rock cliffs, wide open desert, and the river right outside your door. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down completely between adventure moments and still feel like you’re fully in the landscape.
The property itself spans a huge stretch of riverfront land and blends a rustic ranch feel with really intentional luxury touches. There’s an on-site restaurant, spa services, and tons of curated experiences, but it never feels overly polished in a way that takes away from the setting. It still feels grounded in the desert in the best way. I also love how easy it is to stay here for a full Moab elopement experience – getting ready in the morning with canyon views, taking time to rest in the middle of the day, and having a cozy place to come back to after a sunset out in the parks.
If you’re looking for a stay that feels like part of the adventure itself (not just a place to sleep), this is one of the best options in the area.
Gravity Haus Moab
Gravity Haus Moab is a really great option if you want to stay somewhere that feels modern, social, and right in the heart of downtown Moab. Unlike more remote or immersive desert stays, this is a true basecamp-style hotel – which makes it especially convenient for elopements where you’re moving between locations throughout the day.
One of the things I love about it is how easy everything feels here. You can walk to coffee shops, restaurants, and local shops in town, then head out to explore the parks just a short drive away. It’s also designed with adventure in mind, with thoughtful touches like gear storage, a pool, and common spaces that feel relaxed but intentional.
It’s a great fit for couples who want:
- a walkable downtown location
- a more social, modern hotel feel
- easy access to both Arches and Canyonlands without feeling remote
- a comfortable place to reset between sunrise and sunset parts of the day
If places like Under Canvas feel fully immersed in the desert and Sorrel River Ranch feels like a riverfront escape, Gravity Haus Moab is the central hub – a place that keeps you close to everything while still feeling stylish and adventure-oriented.
Final Tips for Planning Your Moab Elopement
Planning a Moab elopement is really about giving yourself permission to slow down and design a day that feels intentional from start to finish. Once you’ve chosen your locations, sorted your permits, and thought through timing, everything else becomes about the experience you want to have together.
- Prioritize your story: The most meaningful elopement days are the ones built around what actually matters to you. That might look like getting matching tattoos on your wedding day, finding a favorite coffee shop together in Moab, or paddle boarding down the Colorado River before sunset. Whatever it is, let your priorities instead of tradition shape the experience.
- Be flexible: Moab is incredibly beautiful, but it’s also a wild desert environment. Weather shifts, timing can stretch, and the best moments often happen when you’re open to adjusting along the way. Flexibility allows you to stay present instead of stressed, and it usually leads to a more relaxed and memorable day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in Moab
- Do you need a permit to elope in Moab?
- In most cases, yes. Eloping in Moab requires a permit for both national and state park locations, with fees typically ranging from $60–$185 depending on the specific site.
- How much does it cost to elope in Moab?
- The cost to elope in Moab depends on the kind of experience you want to create. Permit fees are typically $60–$185, but overall budgets vary quite a bit. A more budget-friendly elopement with a photographer usually falls in the $3,000–$8,000 range, while a more elevated, luxury experience that includes full planning, intentional details, and a full-day or multi-day celebration can range from $8,000–$20,000+. Most couples fall somewhere in between depending on travel, lodging, and how intentionally they want to design their day.
- Can you get married in Arches National Park?
- Yes, you can! Arches National Park is one of the best places to get married in Moab because of its unique & otherworldly landscape. The permit fee is $185 and you can submit your permit as early as one year from your wedding date.
- What’s the best month to elope in Moab?
- My favorite time to elope in Moab is spring or fall. May is warm but not too hot, with soft desert light and beautiful conditions for exploring. October is another standout, with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a really comfortable pace for being outside all day. Both seasons are ideal for places like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
- Can you bring guests to a Moab elopement?
- Yes! Many Moab locations can accommodate guests, though the number depends on the specific park or venue. There are options ranging from intimate spots for just a few people to larger sites that can host small weddings.
Moab Elopement Packages
Your story deserves more than just beautiful photos, it deserves to be felt. I approach elopement days with a mixture of artistic planning + logistics, so you can show up on your wedding day fully relaxed in knowing that we’ve got this covered.
My approach is centered around building an experience that feels like yours from the ground up, with support every step of the way so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
- 4+ hours to multi-day photography coverage
- Behind the scenes iPhone video clips
- Handpicked location idea list
- Vendor recommendations that match your vision
- Tips, tricks, logistics, & unlimited planning help
- Thoughtfully designed timeline for meaningful moments & timeless images.
- Your heirloom-quality images in a digital gallery ready to print, frame, and share
- Photography travel fees within the U.S. are fully included, so your day can happen wherever your love takes you
If you want a full breakdown of what’s included, you can check out my Moab elopement packages here.
Let’s Plan Your Moab Elopement
If you’re dreaming about your own Moab elopement but aren’t sure where to start, I’m here to help you figure it out. From choosing locations across Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park, to building a timeline that works with light, permits, and the desert environment, I help couples design days that feel intentional, relaxed, and true to you.
If this kind of experience is what you’ve been looking for, you can reach out here and we’ll start planning something that feels completely your own.
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