How to Elope in Moab, Utah

If the idea of a big, traditional wedding doesn’t quite fit your vibe, and you prefer a sunset view to the inside of a venue, you’ve found just the place! Moab, a small town in Utah with a lot of personality, with its gorgeous red rock formations and vast desert landscapes, can be the perfect setting for an elopement allowing you to focus on what truly matters – getting married the way you want to. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your Moab elopement!

Choosing the Moab Elopement Location

Moab is jam packed with gorgeous places, whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony in a secluded canyon, on top of a sandstone cliff, or even under an arch. Here are a few of the best spots to consider!

Moab Wedding Venues

While eloping on public land can be great, booking a venue for your Moab elopement allows you to have the space to yourself, offering a little more privacy than some of the busy trails. This can be an especially great option for couples who want to include a few guests in their elopement day! 

• The Red Earth Venue – This venue in Moab was created by a former park ranger and photographer, and the indoor venue has glass walls surrounded by 360 degree views of the desert!
• Under Canvas Moab – This is a unique venue where you and your guests can experience glamping under the stars.  

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is just 10 minutes outside of Moab, and it’s a favorite for couples looking for a unique desert backdrop. It’s named for the sandstone arches all over the park, with iconinc formations like Delicate Arch and Double Arch. Eloping here does require a permit, and there are restrictions on where you can have your ceremony – but you can take photos anywhere in the park! You can check out the locations, group size limits, and permit information on the National Park website.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is about 30 minutes from Moab, and is a little less popular than Arches National Park, with some rugged, remote options for a desert adventure. A permit is required for elopements, and the options for locations are limited to some pre approved spots. But, just like Arches, you can take photos anywhere in the park. The National Park website will tell you about the rules and permit information!

Dead Horse Point State Park

Another great location for a Moab elopement is Dead Horse Point State Park, which features dramatic views overlooking the Colorado River. Sunrises and sunsets here are magical, with the canyon walls glowing in the golden light. You need a permit to elope here as well, and there are some pre approved sites to choose from.

BLM Land

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land can be a great option that allows you to get away from the popular spots and find an off the beaten path location where you can exchange vows. Permits are still required, and the rules can vary depending on the location – so be sure to contact the field office to find out what you need!

Wedding Permits for Your Moab Elopement

To elope in Moab, you might need a special use permit. In fact, because Moab is a pretty popular location, you usually will need one! The logistics can feel tricky, but I can take the stress out of this and make sure that you know the requirements for the location you choose. It’s typically recommended that you apply as early as possible – most places will take applications at least a year in advance. Popular dates in spring and fall can fill up quickly, so don’t wait to fill out that application! 

What Time of Year is Best For A Moab Elopement?

Moab is stunning all year long, but each season is a little different. 

Spring (March-May): This is one of the best times to elope in Moab, and one of the most popular times to visit. The temperatures are more mild, and the desert wildflowers bloom. Along with fall, this is a popular season, so you can expect more people out and about.

Summer (June-August): Moab gets hot in the summer, with daytime temperatures in the high 90s or even in the triple digits. Early morning or late evening ceremonies would be best, in order to avoid the heat.

Fall (September-November): Fall is another gorgeous time to elope, as the temperatures cool down. It’s a popular time to visit, but you can elope on a weekday and find some off the beaten path spots to avoid some of the crowds.

Winter (December-February): Moab is in the high desert, so winters can actually get pretty chilly. During the day, highs are usually in the 40s or low 50s, so you’ll definitely need some layers. Occasionally, you can even get a dusting of snow over the red rocks! 

The Legal Stuff

Before the big day, you’ll need to get a marriage license to make sure things are official! To get a marriage license, you can go to any county clerk’s office – and the Grand County Clerk is in Moab. You can find the application online ahead of time, and you can fill it out, but make sure not to sign it. You’ll sign it in person, when you both go to the County Clerk’s office with your photo IDs. The fee in Moab is $50, but this can vary if you go to a different county. You’ll get your marriage license, and since there’s no waiting period, you can use it right away. 

An ordained officiant and two witnesses are required to sign the marriage license. But, don’t worry if you were hoping for a totally private, just the two of you ceremony! Along with being a photographer, I’m also an ordained minister with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (it’s real!), so I can double as your officiant. For witnesses, the only real requirement is that they be over 18 – so you can find two people at the trailhead, diner, parking lot, or wherever your elopement day takes you, to sign.

Things to Do When You Elope in Moab

Your elopement day should be exactly what you want it to be, so make it your own! Plan an all day adventure that will truly make this the best day of your life. Moab has plenty of things to do, so here are some ideas for elopement day activities.

• Rent a 4×4 Jeep and go on an epic adventure.
• Take a scenic hike to an overlook.
• Book a hot air balloon ride for a romantic sunrise experience.
• Stargaze! Moab has some Dark Sky parks, making it an incredible location to see the stars.

Moab Elopement Photographer

You’ll want to remember all of the adventures, and the best way to do that is to document them! As an elopement photographer, my job isn’t only to take stunning photos (that’s cool too, though), it’s also to help you plan your adventure, scout locations, and ensure that everything runs smoothly. I eloped, and I’ve helped countless other couples elope – so if you want to bring your dream wedding to life, contact me!

Have the Best Day Ever

You have all the details now – it’s time to start planning your elopement! There truly are no rules, no “shoulds” or “have tos.” Create an adventure that really represents your love story!