How to Plan Your Moab Elopement
Your Moab Guide
Hey, I’m Danielle! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer in Moab, UT. I used to work as a hiking and archaeology guide in Moab and hiked 800 miles from Arches National Park to Zion National Park. I’ve even shot photos and video for Edward Abbey’s family. It’s fair to say that I know southern Utah better than anywhere else - and I’ve spent years of my life literally living outside all over the country, so that’s saying a lot.
If having someone with some serious local expertise and skill behind the camera sounds like something you want on your wedding day, pop over to my contact form when you’re done with this guide!
Are you dreaming of an unforgettable adventure elopement in the dramatic landscapes of Moab, Utah, but feeling daunted by the planning process? Look no further – you've landed on the ultimate resource for your Moab elopement journey! Moab - with its breathtaking natural arches, expansive canyons, and towering rock formations - is the perfect backdrop for your desert elopement.
Figuring out how to elope in Moab can be overwhelming, and you likely have a ton of questions. Planning an elopement can be so daunting that you may not even know what questions to ask.
That's why I've created this comprehensive guide to eloping in Moab. As a seasoned elopement photographer and former Moab resident and hiking guide, I have the best insights and steps to plan your perfect Moab elopement.
Whether you've already set your heart on Moab or are teetering on the edge of a few locations, read on for everything you need to know about planning a Moab adventure elopement or wedding.
Before we begin, a quick acknowledgement - I am only able to work here and you are only able to plan an elopement here due to the forcible relocation of several indigenous peoples who still consider this place home. Most informational sources get these peoples wrong, though, and only acknowledge the Dineh, Paiute, and Ute. But this place was also home to the Ancestral Puebloans, ancestors of the Zuni and Hopi, who have actually left the most physical evidence of their residency in the form of rock art and ruins.
Table of Contents
Common Elopement
FAQs
Where can I elope in Moab, UT?
Moab is like a treasure trove of jaw-dropping landscapes, and you're spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing your elopement location. The best spots are on public land, including National Parks, State Parks, campgrounds, and Bureau of Land Management land. For those with larger guest lists, considering a private property ceremony can also be a fantastic option. Below, I've listed some of my personal favorite spots:
2. Dead Horse Point State Park
3. Moab BLM Land*
*BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management. It's a hidden gem with fewer crowds and some of my favorite low-key locations, like Ida Gulch and Fisher Towers. Just remember, photographers need a special permit to work on this land, so make sure to hire someone who's all good to go. Personally, I’ve decided that the locations aren’t actually worth the extra permit, fees, and reporting process, so I will not be operating on BLM land for 2024.
How much does it cost to elope in Moab?
The cost of your Moab elopement can range anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on what your dream day looks like. The factors that contribute to your elopement costs include hiring a photographer (that's me!), videographer, florist, baker, travel accommodations, wedding attire, lodging, and, of course, food to keep you fueled up for your adventure. Don't worry; I'll break down the costs for you in more detail below!
Do I need a permit to have a ceremony?
Yep! Many locations require permits to have a wedding on public land in Moab. The specific regulations depend on your group size and the location you choose. So, do your homework (check out my Canyonlands, Arches, Corona Arch, and Dead Horse Point State Park guides ) or better yet, let a local expert like me help you navigate the permit process.
When is the best time of year to plan a wedding or elopement in Moab?
Moab is pretty spectacular year-round, but if you want the weather gods to be on your side, I recommend planning your elopement between April & May or October & November. These months offer fantastic weather, ensuring that your wedding experience is as comfortable as it is stunning.
Where can I have a wedding in Moab?
The best places to elope in Moab are on public land. I'm talking National Parks, State Parks, campgrounds, and, yes, BLM Land. If you've got a larger group, consider a ceremony on private property for that extra personal touch.
There are also several private locations, including The Red Earth Venue, The Hoodoo, Under Canvas, and Whispering Oaks Ranch. I strongly, strongly advise against Sorrel River Ranch - it’s beautiful, but as a three-year employee and resident I witnessed so much mismanagement and furious customers that I wouldn’t wish that on anyone’s wedding day.
How Much Does a Moab Elopement Cost?
The Moab Elopement Budget Breakdown
So, you've decided to tie the knot in the stunning red rock landscapes of Moab, Utah. Awesome choice! Now, let's talk dollars and cents. Moab is a tiny town without a lot of options, but I do provide contact info in my client guide for various vendors so you can find the one that’s perfect for you.
Vendors:
Florist: $200 - $500 (that said, I’m a big fan of picking wildflowers for spring elopements)
Hair and Makeup Artist: $400 to $1000.
Photographer: $4,000 - $15,000
Cake: $50 to $150
Officiant: $200 - $900, or you can have a friend/family member officiate
Videographer: $2,500 to $7,500
Adventure Wedding Essentials:
Lodging: $500 to $1,500K
Travel: $200 to $1000
Wedding Attire: The sky is the limit here
Food/Caterer: $50 to $500
- Permits: $60 to $300
Adventurous Activities:$250 to $2000
What Do You Need to Elope in Moab?
Apart from love, of course! You’ll also need your marriage license, officiant, witnesses, and permits. Other popular items include:
Wedding Attire
Flowers
Photographer
Officiant
Food/Catering
Fun Activities
A Celebration
Step 1: Choose Your Location and Date
Step 2: Apply for Permits
Step 3: Book Vendors + Lodging
Step 4: Choose Your Elopement Day Activities
Step 6: Get Hitched!
Planning a Moab Elopement
Step 1: Choose A Moab Elopement Location and Date
There are so many incredible elopement locations to choose from in Moab, so it really comes down to your vision.
1. What kind of jaw-dropping backdrop do you envision? Moab has a lot to offer, between arches, canyons, cliffside, and more.
2. What kind of activities are important to your relationship, and do you want to incorporate them into the day?
3. Are you up for a bit of an adventure to reach your ceremony spot, or do you prefer something easily accessible?
4. Most locations are 30 min to 1 hour from town, so how far are you willing to drive (related: how early are you willing to wake up?)?
5. What’s the most important thing about your elopement day?
Your answers to these questions will help you narrow down the list of potential locations. Each spot in Moab has its own distinct charm, so take your time exploring your options before making the big decision.
Need some inspiration? Check out my all time favorite two-part session with Mike and Trista at Ida Gulch and Canyonlands National Park.
-
Canyonlands, Island in the Sky
-
Arches National Park
-
Dead Horse Point State Park
-
Corona Arch
Spring
Picture this: colorful wildflowers dotting the red rock landscape, warm sun on your face, and a gentle breeze rustling through the canyons. Spring is an absolute gem for Moab elopements. The days are sunny but the temps are still relatively cool in the morning and evening, so pack accordingly.
Fall
Fall is one of the best times of year to elope in Moab, because the temps are perfect and there’s less wind than Spring (though a slight breeze is key for dramatic images).
If you're into cooler evenings, later mornings, and earlier evenings, consider eloping in Moab from mid-October to late November. Fall here is a lot like spring, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
Early November is a particularly great choice if you want a bit more solitude while you exchange your vows against the backdrop of Moab's breathtaking scenery.
Winter
Winter in Moab can be very cold, but if you time it right the drama of white snow on red rocks is well worth it. Expect fewer crowds, allowing you to have those iconic red rock arches all to yourselves.
Summer
Summer in Moab is like stepping into an oven, with temperatures soaring to 110 degrees in July and August. If you're determined to elope during the summer, I highly recommend planning an early morning ceremony to beat the heat. However, keep in mind that the scorching sun can be quite unforgiving for you and your guests. So, if you're considering bringing loved ones along, this might not be the ideal season for an all-day outdoor celebration.
I generally do not book summer sessions anymore; you can find me in enjoying perfect temps in Grand Teton National Park instead.
How To Pick A Date
Step 2: Apply for Permits for Your Moab Ceremony Location
Once you've identified your dream Moab backdrop, it's time for the not-so-glamorous but oh-so-important part: permits. Yep, every corner of this stunning desert paradise comes with its own set of rules, and you don't want to be caught on your big day without the proper paperwork.
Here's the scoop: Moab's lands are owned by different agencies, and each has its own permit regulations. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks have their own systems, while BLM lands and Dead Horse Point have their unique requirements. Luckily my client guide provides the necessary emails and forms so you can shoot those off ASAP.
One important note - most experienced photographers in Moab do not enjoy shooting in Arches National Park, myself included. We will either encourage you to go to Dead Horse or Canyonlands, or push for a sunrise session. There are a lot of reasons for this, but it’s something to be aware of as you’re reaching out to photographers and planning your timeline.
Step 3: Start Booking Moab Wedding Vendors
Now that you've pinned down the perfect Moab wedding location, date, and permits, it's time to assemble your dream team of vendors. Yup, you might be eloping, but that doesn't mean you can't have some rad folks making your day extra special. Moab is a tiny town so your choice of vendors is a little limited, but I provide contacts for local vendors in my client guide so you can find the everything you need.
1. Moab Elopement Photographer
2. Moab Wedding Florist
3. Officiant
4. Hair & Makeup Artist
5. Videographer
6. Baker/Caterer
7. Planner/Stylist
8. Moab Wedding and Reception Venues
You don't need to stick to a strict order when hiring your vendors. You can start researching and hiring them whenever you're ready. But my golden advice would be to lock in your photographer first. Trust me on this one; it'll make your life a whole lot easier. Hiring a local (or previously local) photographer instead of a travel photographer is a huge plus too, because they’ll have a lot more insight into the planning process.
Step 4: Plan Your Day
This is your day to celebrate your love in a way that speaks to you both. So, pick the activities that resonate with your personalities and relationship. Moab is your canvas; let's paint your perfect elopement adventure!
Hiking
Catching the Sunset
Overnight Backpacking Trip
Road Tripping to Accessible Locations (Canyonlands and Arches)
Canyoneering
Climbing
Mountain Biking
Rafting the Daily
Adventure with Your Dog/Pets
Step 5: Design your Elopement Itinerary
Your elopement itinerary is completely up to you, but I encourage you to loop your photographer into the process. Your wedding photographer should have you fill out a survey beforehand, getting into the details of what matters most for the day and your images, and they’ll know the time of day and locations to get you what you want.
As an obligatory plug, I have to recommend local photographers (for formerly local, in my case). They’ll understand the traffic patterns and how long it actually takes to get from one location to another (pro tip: always add extra time to Google Maps ETA).
Step 6: Have a Kick Ass Elopement :)
Hey hey, you made it to the bottom and you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable Moab adventure elopement!
You've conquered all the previous steps, and now it's time to craft your epic Moab elopement story. I'm here to be your guide and partner in creating a Moab elopement that's uniquely yours.
Let's chat, so I can be a part of your extraordinary wedding day. Get in touch with me below, and let's turn your dreams into reality!
