Moab Elopement Guide: How to Elope in Moab, Utah

Updated April 2026

There’s something about Moab that just feels different.

Maybe it’s the way the red rock glows at sunrise or sunset. Or how quiet it gets once you step away from the main viewpoints. Or the feeling of standing out there together, surrounded by cliffs, canyons, and open desert, realizing this day is actually yours.

If you’re thinking about eloping in Moab, Utah, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From permits and locations to timing your day and making it feel like an adventure instead of just a quick ceremony. Because you can’t just visit Moab, you have to experience it.

Why Elope in Moab?

Moab is one of the most iconic places to elope in Utah, and for good reason!

You get:

• Unreal desert landscapes (arches, cliffs, canyons)
• Easy access to epic views (no long hikes required, unless that’s your thing)
• Endless opportunities for adventure (off-roading, hiking, stargazing, climbing, flying over the desert in a small plane or helicopter, exploring the national and state parks)
• A mix of iconic spots and hidden locations

It’s a place where your elopement can feel both adventurous and intentional, without needing to overcomplicate anything.

Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Moab?

In most cases, yes.

If you’re planning to elope in Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park and having a ceremony, you’ll need a Special Use Permit.

Each park has:

• Designated ceremony locations
• Guest count limits
• Rules to protect the environment

If you’re eloping on BLM land (which Moab has a lot of), permits are often simpler or not required at all, depending on the setup.

This is one of the biggest advantages of Moab: You have flexibility to choose something more private and less restricted by having your ceremony on BLM Land, and then going into one of the parks for photos before or after.

Arches National Park

Special Use Wedding Permit ($185): Must apply at least 4 weeks in advance

While timed-entry tickets are no longer required, this also means the park can fill up quickly, especially from March through October.

It’s not uncommon to wait 30–60 minutes just to get into the park, and on busier days, they may temporarily stop entry altogether until parking opens up again.

Because of this, I typically recommend planning your elopement for sunrise or sunset. Not only does this help us avoid those delays, but it also gives you a quieter, more intentional experience with the best light of the day.

Canyonlands National Park

Special Use Wedding Permit ($185): Must apply at least 14 days in advance

No timed-entry tickets but because Canyonlands is a little out of the way from the main part of Moab, there are never long lines and we don’t have to worry about timing as much as we do with Arches.

Both National Parks have standard entrance fees: Even if you have a permit, entrance fees still apply.

• Private Vehicle – $30
• Motorcycle – $25
• America the Beautiful annual pass (accepted in all national parks, monuments, and forests) – $80/year for U.S. residents and $250/year for non U.S. residents
• Senior Pass – $20/Annual pass or $80/Lifetime Pass
• Current U.S. Military members – Free annual pass
• Military Veterans & Gold Star Family Members – Free lifetime pass
• Access Pass – Free lifetime pass for anyone that has a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment disability

Dead Horse Point State Park

Special Use Wedding Permit ($60): Must apply at least 30 days in advance

Standard entrance fee still apply, even with a permit

• $20 per vehicle (this covers up to 8 people in each vehicle)
• If you and your guests ride together in a bus they charge $5 per person

No timed-entry tickets

Pet-friendly (leashed dogs allowed): Big win if you’re including your pup!

Best Places to Elope in Moab

One of the best parts about Moab is how many different types of locations you can choose from.

Some couples want something iconic. Others want something quiet and tucked away.

Here are a few options:

National & State Park Locations

Arches National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Dead Horse Point State Park

These are incredible, but also more regulated and often busier.

BLM & Hidden Locations

• Scenic overlooks
• Desert trails
• Remote canyon spots

These are often:

• Less crowded
• More flexible
• Better for a more private experience

Adventure-Based Locations

• Off-roading to remote viewpoints
• Short hikes to overlooks
• Exploring multiple spots in one day

This is where Moab really shines. You can turn your elopement into a full experience, not just a ceremony!

Moab Wedding Venues

There are a few amazing venues in Moab, Utah if you’re planning to have a micro wedding:

Red Cliffs Lodge

The Red Earth Venue

Sorrel River Ranch

ULUM

Best Time of Year to Elope in Moab

Timing matters more here than people expect.

Spring (March–May)

• One of the best times to elope
• Mild weather
• Wildflowers in some areas

Fall (September–November)

• The other best time of the year to elope
• Cooler temperatures (literally the perfect time of year for Moab)
• Fewer crowds in late fall
• Sun rises later, making it the perfect time of the year for sunrise elopements
• Sun sets earlier, which is great for photos under the stars

Winter (December–February)

• Quiet and underrated
• Cooler temps, occasional snow
• Great deals on places to stay

Summer (June–August)

• VERY hot (often over 100°F)
• Sunrise and sunset are key
• I personally do not work in Moab during these months

Best Time of Day for Your Elopement

Moab is all about the light.

Sunrise

• Fewer people
• Cooler temperatures
• Soft, glowing light on the red rock

Sunset

• Warm golden tones
• Slower pace to the day

Midday

This is doable, but:

• Light is harsh
• Heat can be intense

Activities to Do in Moab

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

What to Expect on Your Elopement Day

One of the biggest shifts couples make when they elope is realizing the day doesn’t have to follow a traditional timeline

Your day could look like:

• Slow morning getting ready and having coffee and breakfast together
• First look outside of your tent at ULUM or Under Canvas
• Exploring one (or both!) national parks
• Taking a Jeep on one of the many off-roading trails in the desert of Moab
• Ceremony at sunset on a cliff overlooking the Colorado River
• Taking a break to celebrating with a picnic (food is always good!)

The goal isn’t to fit everything in.

It’s to create something that actually feels like you.

What to Bring for Your Moab Elopement

Here are the essentials:

• Marriage license
• Permit (if required)
• Rings & vows
• Comfortable shoes
• Water (more than you think)
• Snacks
• Layers (desert temps change quickly)

Optional but helpful:

• Headlamp
• Blanket
• Backup shoes

Where to Stay in Moab for Your Elopement

There are some great options listed above (ULUM, Sorrel River Ranch, and Red Cliffs Lodge), but there are so many cool and unique places to stay in and around Moab! Here are a few on my favorites:

The Caves at Moab

This is such a cool and unique Airbnb, that really immerses you into the Moab experience! This thoughtfully designed, multi-unit retreat tucked just outside of town, offers a peaceful desert escape with a communal bathhouse serving its four private units. The space blends clean, contemporary finishes with rugged touches. Expect cozy living areas, modern kitchens, and comfortable sleeping setups, all staged amidst impressive red‑rock views.

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!

Staying close to your location makes a big difference—especially for sunrise or sunset timelines.

Where to Eat in Moab

I visit Moab a lot. Here are some of my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat!

My favorite Coffee Shops & Breakfast Spots in Moab:

• Cactus Jacks
• Mas Cafe
• Moab Coffee Roasters
• Moab Garage Co.
• Jailhouse Café

Lunch & Dinner Spots:

• Canyon Pizza Co.
• Trailhead Public House and Eatery
• Milt’s Stop & Eat
• Antica Forma
• Sunset Grill

Why Moab Might Be the Perfect Fit (or Not)

Moab is perfect if you:

• Love epic, otherworldly desert landscapes
• Want adventure without extreme hiking
• Want flexibility in your day

But if you’re dreaming of:

• Alpine lakes
• Forests or fields of wildflowers
• Mountains towering over you
• Cooler mountain weather

You might want to consider somewhere like Salt Lake City, Park City or the Tetons instead.

Example Timeline

A lot of couples can’t understand how they can fill 4 hours of time if it’s just them, or if they have a small group, let alone 8-12 hours or even multiple days!

Here’s an example timeline of a real Moab elopement I planned and photographed:

Time	Event
5:30 AM – 8:00 AM	Tiffany arrives to do hair and makeup
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Brittany arrives and we drive up to Oowah Lake
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM	Photo coverage starts. Photos and ceremony at sunrise at Oowah Lake
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM	Breakfast picnic and fishing at the lake
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Drive back to Moab
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM	Get lunch at Canyon Pizza Co.
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Drive through Kane Springs Canyon to Hurrah Pass with your Jeep and stop to take photos along the way and stopping to check out the Birthing Scene Petroglyph
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Drive back to Moab for and get dinner
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM	Drive to The Windows Section in Arches National Park
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM	Stargazing and photos under the arches (double arch, turret arch, and the windows)

Planning Your Moab Elopement

Planning an elopement in Moab can feel overwhelming at first, especially with permits, locations, and timing.

But once everything is aligned, it becomes simple.

That’s where having the right support makes all the difference. Instead of trying to piece everything together on your own, you can have your locations, timeline, and details thoughtfully planned for you, so the entire experience flows naturally.

For couples who want something even more seamless, I also offer all-inclusive elopement and micro wedding packages that bring everything together in one place.

From planning and photography to things like florals, hair and makeup, officiating, cake, and thoughtful details throughout the day.

Whether you want something simple or something more adventurous, the goal is always the same:

To create a day that feels like yours from start to finish.

If you’re starting to picture your elopement in this beautiful and otherworldly place, you can reach out and we can start exploring what it could look like for you!