Eloping in Moab

If you’re planning your elopement but not sure where to elope yet, you’ve probably been looking online. In your search, it is very likely that the Western states have popped up a lot, especially Utah! And for good reason. And a top favorite for couples is eloping in Moab. If you’ve seen photos of Moab, you know of the dramatic canyon views and towering red rocks. I consider myself a bit of an expert on Moab. So if you’ve been thinking about eloping in Moab but don’t know where to start, I’m here to tell you everything you need to know and prepare for!

I love my mountains, but the red rock desert of Moab will always have a special place in my heart! There’s nothing quite like this unearthly place, and it’s perfect for those adventurous couples looking for a beautiful backdrop!

Why Moab is the Perfect Place for Eloping

Moab is home to two out of the 5 national parks in Utah (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks). But you’ll also find Dead Horse Point State Park and tons of beautiful BLM Land! So it’s no wonder it’s a fan favorite. If you’re looking for stunning landscape for your wedding, it’ll be harder to find a spot that’s not beautiful than one that is. Between the stunning red rocks and red dirt beneath your feet, big blue skies for days, and the Colorado River weaving its way through all of the rocks, you’ll be in awe everywhere you look!

There also isn’t a shortage of things to do while you stay in Moab. Moab has some of the best rock climbing, canyoneering, ATVing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and white water rafting! All three parks mentioned below are also International Dark Sky Parks! So there is some epic stargazing in Moab as well! Or if you are an adrenaline junkie, base jumping is also very popular here! And if you’re wanting epic views from above, there are also helicopter tours! There is definitely no lack of adventure in this amazing place.

Moab also has some of the best local restaurants and coffee shops, and unique places to stay during your time in Southern Utah. Whether you’re looking to go big or wanting to keep things small and intimate, you’re sure to find the perfect additions for your wedding day.

Best Times for Eloping in Moab

Honestly, Moab is beautiful any time of the year. But in my opinion, fall and winter are the best times of the year to be in Moab.

For one, the summers in Southern Utah are brutal. The temperatures get up into the 90’s (and sometimes even 100+!), and can be really hard on someone who is not used to that desert heat. Not only is it hot, but it’s incredibly dry. So if you do choose to go in the summer, PLEASE be prepared with more than enough water! And make sure to pack some makeup blotting pads or extra makeup for touch ups, just incase your makeup doesn’t want to stay in place because of the heat.

Moab is also a super popular tourist spot because of the national parks, and the busy seasons are spring and summer. There have been many times where I have had to wait to get into the parks, especially Arches, because the parks are full. The good thing though, is that Arches will be trying a new system in 2022, where they are piloting a timed entry reservation system. Tickets will be live starting January 3rd, 2022.

But if you are looking to avoid the crowds all together in Moab, fall and winter will be your best bets. You’ll have an easier time finding places to stay and eat, and potentially even find cheaper options since it’ll be during the off season!

Temperatures in Moab during the fall are usually in the 70’s, and in the winter between high 40’s to high 50’s. But because it is a dry climate, it won’t feel as cold as it may seem it would!

Best Time of Day for Eloping in Moab

Now that we’ve covered the best time of year for eloping in Moab, let’s talk about the best time of the day!

I will forever love golden hour and blue hour the best for photos. This means the best times for your ceremony and photos of you and your significant other, will start about an hour before sunrise or an hour to two hours before sunset. The lighting at these times is much softer and gives you beautiful golden, pink, and purple hues! The sunrises and sunsets in Moab can’t be beat! When we start to create your timeline, I will definitely suggest working the day around one of these times for your ceremony. Especially if you are eloping in Moab during the summer! Not only will it be cooler during these times during the day, but you won’t run into as many crowds.

Locations to Consider When Eloping in Moab

There are so many beautiful locations for eloping in Moab! You might have a hard time choosing where just because of all of the spectacular places to choose from. But don’t worry, I’ll help you! Also be sure to check out my planning tips for eloping in one of our beautiful national park!

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the most well known places in Utah. If you’re not familiar with Arches National Park, I’m sure you’ve at least seen a photo of the iconic Delicate Arch. As eloping becomes more popular, many couples are choosing Arches National Park for it’s beautiful red rocks.

This is definitely a spot where I recommend having your ceremony either at sunrise or around sunset. As I mentioned above, this park gets super crowded with visitors. And depending on the time of the year, the middle of the day can be incredibly hot because it is the desert!

Arches has a $385 permit fee that needs to be paid and approved by the national park service ahead of time. So it is best to apply for this permit ASAP! This is also a location where there are designated spots within the park where you can have a ceremony. Those spots include:

• The La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
• The Windows Section (North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, or Double Arch)
• Sand Dune Arch
• Delicate Arch
• Delicate Arch Viewpoint
• Pine Tree Arch
• Landscape Arch
• Park Avenue
• Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater
• Panorama Point

You can find this list along with how many people you can have at each location, regulations within the park, and permit information, here.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is a little further out from the town of Moab, but it’s my personal favorite. And so underrated in my opinion! I hope I don’t jynx myself by saying this, but I have never had to wait to get into this park. I don’t think many people realize just how cool and breathtaking Canyonlands really is! And I’m honestly okay with that haha.

Just like Arches, Canyonlands also requires a permit to get married within the park, that is $385.

There are also regulations within this park, and you can only have a ceremony in the following locations:

• Grand View Point
• Green River Overlook
• Mesa Arch
• Shafer Canyon Overlook
• Pothole Point
• Needles Group Campsites

You can find this list along with how many people you can have at each location, regulations within the park, and permit information, here.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point is out near Canyonlands, and is another spectacular location. And a great option if you are wanting to include your fur babies on your special day! Where you’re not allowed to have dogs in the national parks, you are allowed to have your dogs on a leash at Dead Horse Point State Park.

This is another spot that typically has way less visitors than Arches, which makes it idea for a small wedding ceremony and taking photos with just the two of you. Plus, Dead Horse provides epic cliff hanging views that will give your photos even more of a dramatic touch.

There is a permit required to have a ceremony here, and it costs $60, plus the $15 per car at the entrance of the park. Unfortunately, your national parks pass will not work for Dead Horse Point.

Just like the other two parks, there are designated spots where you can have your wedding:

• Shade Shelter Site
• Cliff Side Site
• Point Bench Site
• West Bench Site
• La Sal Site

You can find this list along with how many people you can have at each location, regulations within the park, and permit information, here.

Even though you can only have a ceremony at certain locations within these parks, there are many spots within the parks where we can take photos of the two of you!

Other Locations to Consider for Eloping in Moab

The three I have mentioned above are the most popular and loved locations to elope or have a small intimate wedding. However, there are many other places within Moab that would be just as epic and beautiful! A few noteworthy locations are:

The Manti-La Sal Mountains

If you want the best of both words (the rugged red rocks of Moab and the forest filled mountains), the Manti-La Sal Mountains will be perfect for you. This beautiful place is just an hour outside of Moab and has perfect mountain views everywhere you look!

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land

A HUGEEE part of Moab is managed by the BLM. The biggest thing to know about considering being married on BLM land, is that absolutely any sort of photography requires a permit from your photographer. And that permit can be a little tricky to obtain, as it is a yearly permit and only given out twice a year. Make sure your photographer has the required permit. And if they tell you that they don’t need one, they are wrong.

The Red Earth Venue

If you are looking for an actual venue but wanting those iconic Moab views and vibes, The Red Earth Venue is perfect for you! This venue also offers guaranteed privacy, and you can hold a small reception right there in the same place! And where other venues in Moab have a lot of requirements, The Red Earth Venue lets you do your day the way you want — at a much affordable rate!

Things to Do in Moab

Of course I encourage you to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks if you’re going to be in Moab. But there are so many different things you can do during your visit that will make for epic memories that you’ll talk about for years to come!

Here is a list of some of my favorite activities to do in Moab:

• Rent Jeeps or ATVs and go off roading
• Hiking
• Hot air balloon ride at sunrise
• Ranger guided tour in one of the parks or through the miles and miles of BLM land
• Stargazing (Arches and Canyonlands are both rated as Dark Sky Parks!)
• Rock climbing
• Helicopter/Airplane tour
• Scenic drive through Moab or Castle Valley

Places to Stay if You Are Eloping in Moab

So, you’ve decided you want to elope or have your small intimate wedding in Moab. Wonderful!! Now you need to figure out where to stay. Here are a few of my favorite places within and around Moab, that will further enrich and elevate your elopement experience!

ULUM

ULUM is a luxury glamping resort in Moab, and is ideal for those looking to combine luxury with nature! Just 30 minutes from the heart of Moab, this is great location for the more adventurous couples. From their website, “Intentionally integrated into the natural contours of the land, ULUM® Moab’s safari-inspired Suite Tents feature king-size beds, plush Parachute linens, bathrooms with rain showers and lavish Aesop bath products, wood burning stoves, and private decks.”  The resort also offers hot and cool dipping pools, on-site events like morning yoga and sunset live music, and they have some of the best food I’ve ever eaten!

Arches Vacation Rentals

Arches Vacation Rentals offer a ton of beautiful places to stay, all around Moab! They all offer locations that are more budget friendly, which is always a nice perk! And they have locations that can fit just the two of you, all the way up to 26 people! You’re sure to find the perfect match, but try to snag one early as they go quickly!

Talking Mountain Yurts

Located up in the La Sal Mountain Range, these yurts are the coolest places to stay! In the summer you can drive up to them, but in the winter you’ll have to snowshoe or cross country ski to get there! Which would be such a cool experience for a highly adventurous couple that doesn’t mind the cold! In the summer, this is the perfect location to beat those desert heats you’ll get in Moab.

Glamping Canyonlands

Another great glamping location, Glamping Canyonlands is a husband and wife owned company that has a lot of great amenities to offer. Not only do they have an outdoor kitchen, hot showers, and coffee deliveries, but they also have a sauna to use, and each guests gets a complimentary sauna session with their stay. Talk about relaxation at it’s finest!

Base Camp Adventure Lodge

With views like the Amasa Back to the north, Hurrah Pass to the east, the Anti-Cline and Hatch Point to the south, and Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point to the west, with the Colorado River running along side, you’ll feel like you’re on your own little piece of desert heaven!

Where to Eat in Moab

You’re probably going to get hungry at some point. Or maybe you’re thinking of inviting your guests to a nice dinner somewhere in town after your ceremony, or having something catered. Whatever you choose, there are lots of places to pick from in this American West desert town!

My favorite Coffee Shops in Moab:

• Moab Coffee Roasters
• Moab Garage Co.
• Gloria’s Corner Cafe
• Bonjour Bakery & Café
• Jailhouse Café

Restaurants for your Celebration:

• The Broken Oar (American)
• Pasta Jays (Italian)
• Susie’s Branding Iron Restaurant (American)
• Zax Restaurant (Pizza)
• Antica Forma (Italian)
• Blu Pig (BBQ)
• Sunset Grill (Steak House)
• Josie Wyatt’s Grille (American)

Example Timeline

Here’s an example of what your day could look like! This is totally flexible and can be changed. Keep in mind that this is your day and I’m here to make sure you have a damn good time above all else. If you’re having an amazing time in one location, we can keep rocking it there! This is just a way for you to get a feel for what can be done during your elopement. A more detailed timeline will be sent out after a plan and location has been determined to help with travel time estimates. 

Time	Event
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM	I come towards the end of getting ready to get some photos
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM	First look between the two of you
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	Travel to your ceremony location
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM	Ceremony
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM	Photos with your loved ones
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Some type of adventure like hiking or Jeeping
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Portraits of just the two of you
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Head back into town for dinner
8:00 PM	My coverage wraps up and you celebrate with your loved ones

How To Get To Moab

It’s a little out there, but there are a few options when planning your travels to Moab, Utah.

Flying to Moab:

If you are coming from out of town and plan to fly, you can do a couple of things!

• You can fly into the Salt Lake International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah. And then from there, you can either fly right into Moab at the Canyonlands Field Airport, or you can rent a car and drive down to Moab. If you choose to drive, it is a beautiful drive pretty much the whole way, and there are many places where you can stop along the way to site see. The drive is about 4 hours long, so it’s not a terrible drive! But if you’re planning to make the drive in the winter and spring, be careful going through the canyon in Spanish Fork! It can get very snowy. Just take your time!
• You can also fly into the Grand Junction Regional Airport, and then drive to Moab. The drive from Grand Junction to Moab is just under a two hour drive!