Moab Elopement Location Ideas
How do you choose a Moab elopement photo shoot location from thousands of miles away? Moab has so much more to offer than just red rocks and arches. It has jaw-dropping cliffside views in Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park, towering mesas above Ida Gulch, and more.
As a Moab local, I’ve personalized client’s elopement photo sessions and shot in some of the more unique areas of town, such as Devil’s Garden and Old City Park. I’ve also worked commercial gigs all over town. So take it from an expert - the locations below are the best of the best.
As intimate desert elopement photographer in Moab, I’ve compiled some of my favorite places around the area and included some photos to help you choose the perfect location for your session.
Canyonlands National Park Elopements
Canyonlands National Park is my favorite Utah wedding spot, especially for intimate wedding photos. Canyonlands never gets as busy as the other parks for some reason, maybe related to its further distance from town. When it comes to lighting, you really can’t beat being at the top of the landscape in an open area (as opposed to Arches, where the landscape kind of towers over you and casts shadows).
But be aware that the geology at Canyonlands is a little bit different than the rest of Moab. It’s older and has experienced a lot more erosion than other parts of Moab, so you won’t see much of the classic Navajo and Entrada sandstones that make up Arches National Park and Behind the Rocks. Instead, you get incredible views of the deeper red Wingate sandstone beneath a layer of lighter Kayenta formation. These rocks turn a deep red and purple in the shadows, so be aware that you may not have as much of a “red rocks” look to your elopement photos.
Deadhorse State Park Elopements
Deadhorse Point - Deadhorse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is another very popular spot for elopement photography in Moab. Going forward, I’ll be mostly booking sessions in Dead Horse and Canyonlands because the lighting and scenery are truly the best in the area.
It’s much smaller than Canyonlands but equally stunning - the bend in the Colorado River, called the Gooseneck, is an iconic Moab sight. Deadhorse has numerous short, easy hikes that offer multiple vantages and different backgrounds for your photo session.
Permits to get married at Dead Horse are also much cheaper than Arches and Canyonlands. There are limited ceremony locations though, so couples wanting to get married here will need to apply in advance.
But be aware that the geology at Dead Horse is a little bit different than the rest of Moab. It’s older and has experienced a lot more erosion than other parts of Moab, so you won’t see the classic Navajo and Entrada sandstones that make up Arches National Park and Behind the Rocks. Instead, you get incredible views of the deeper red Wingate sandstone beneath a layer of lighter Kayenta formation. These rocks turn a deep red and purple in the shadows, so be aware that you may not have as much of a “red rocks” look to your elopement photos.
Highway 128
I’m not going to give all of my secrets away, but there are some real gems off River Road. I was lucky enough to live out here and found some off-the-beaton path roads that lead to truly beautiful places.
Arches National Park Elopements
Arches National Park is a beautiful place for weddings. But I’m going to be honest, it’s my least favorite place to shoot for a few reasons.
Arches is very crowded, expensive, and heavily regulated. There will almost definitely be a ranger at your wedding to supervise, and you’re going to pay a lot for that permit.
The only place I generally shoot is the Windows district, though Sand Dune Arch is a nice place for mid-day ceremonies. Delicate Arch is so crowded that it’s effectively impossible to get any shots there in the busy season, and the lighting in Devil’s Garden is too dark.
If you look at my galleries, you can see a big difference in the lighting in Arches compared to Dead Horse or Canyonlands. Arches sessions are very backlit and dark because the arches cast huge shadows, and it’s not my favorite look. I personally prefer the dreamier lighting and dramatic landscapes elsewhere in Moab.
Corona Arch Elopements
Corona Arch
Corona Arch was a local secret a long time ago - it’s since become a well-known spot to see an incredible arch outside of the national park. But it’s still a great spot for a unique Moab elopement.
The hike is relatively mellow, excluding a short, steep section with a handrail, and has multiple beautiful photo locations along they way. It’s a great option for those looking for an adventure elopement session without the hassle of Arches National Park’s traffic.
Corona Arch is enclosed in a bowl and the rim casts a heavy shadow that some clients haven’t loved historically. That’s kind of the price you pay for avoiding the Arches expenses, but I think Corona Arch should be reserved for pretty quick elopements and bridal sessions.
