how to elope in moab, utah
a bride's guide on
Updated for 2025
There’s nowhere on Earth quite like Moab. With its towering red rock arches, sweeping desert canyons, and golden light that turns every hour into magic hour, it’s a place that feels otherworldly—and yet grounding.
Whether you’re saying your vows beneath an arch carved by time or overlooking a canyon at sunrise, Moab offers a wild, cinematic backdrop that’s both raw and deeply romantic. It’s perfect for couples who crave adventure, solitude, and unforgettable views all in one day. If you want a wedding day that feels as epic as your love story, Moab delivers.
One of the most unique places on the planet
why you should elope
in moab
Your Moab elopement photographer & planner
I'm an elopement photographer who's been shooting love stories since 2016. It's been a wild ride!
A place like Moab is absolutely my favorite place to be. Having traveled to almost all 50 states, and to places like Iceland, France, Norway, Canada, and more for my photography - I can tell you that absolutely NOTHING compares to the beauty and uniqueness of Moab.
I'm based out of Salt Lake City, Utah and have grown to love what this state has to offer - including some of the most BEAUTIFUL national parks on the planet!
I like to tell people that my love language is showing people beautiful places like Moab for the first time - driving through the red canyons, and watching the reaction on people's faces as they see these beautiful arches - an incredible natural phenomenon - in real life.
It's truly a magical place that will never get old for me - even after shooting there almost every month!
Hey, I'm Dani!
let's get planning!
Moab can be a totally different place depending upon the time of year and the location that you select. Luckily for you, there are so many location and season options to choose from! There's no way to do an elopement wrong, because it should be whatever most perfectly fits the two of you. But,
THERE MAY BE A PERFECT SPOT FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT.
So let's find out where that is!
choose a moab elopement spot first
Choose a moab elopement spot first
Before you pack your bags for Uah
places to elope in moab
arches national park
Dead Horse Point State Park
canyonlands national park
option 1
option 2
option 3
outside of the parks
option 4
PLACES TO ELOPE IN MOAb
Click to jump!
Arches National Park is filled with jaw-dropping ceremony spots, but only a few are approved for weddings. Popular locations include:
- La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
- The Windows Section
- Sand Dune Arch
- Panorama Point
Each site offers something different—from wide-open views to cozy sandstone alcoves.
The La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is ideal for couples wanting a big, cinematic backdrop without a long hike. Sand Dune Arch is more intimate and partially shaded, perfect for summer ceremonies with just a few guests. The Windows offers incredible sunrise light and iconic rock formations that are easy to access.
Keep in mind that arches themselves—like Delicate Arch—are not available for ceremonies due to crowd control and conservation efforts. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take portraits near them before or after your ceremony if you're up for a short hike.
To elope inside Arches National Park, you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit through the National Park Service. The application fee is $185, and it’s best to apply at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially during peak season. Only certain dates and group sizes are allowed, so plan early.
You’ll need to list your ceremony location from the NPS’s approved list and follow the park’s guidelines on group size (typically under 25), noise restrictions, and environmental protection. Decorations, arches, chairs, and amplified sound are not allowed—keeping things natural and minimal.
Photographers and videographers will also need a separate commercial permit to shoot within the park. Be sure to include that in your planning, or work with vendors (hey, I'm a photographer planner who can help!) who are already permitted to simplify the process.
best places to elope in arches
Arches Elopement Permit Process
Best Time to Elope in Arches
arches national park
DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK
Best places to elope at Dead Horse Point
Dead Horse Point State Park offers some of the most sweeping, cinematic views in all of Moab. The main overlook stretches over 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, with layered canyons, towering cliffs, and winding river bends that create a surreal, jaw-dropping backdrop. It’s one of the most iconic places to say your vows—and it’s accessible by car with minimal walking required.
In addition to the main overlook, there are several lesser-known rim trails that offer quieter, equally stunning views. These spots are ideal for portraits, first looks, or private vow exchanges away from the crowds. Places like Meander Overlook or Rim Overlook Trail are short hikes with epic rewards, perfect for adventurous couples.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to elope here, with golden hour casting a warm, glowy light across the canyon walls. Since it’s a state park, you’ll often find it less crowded than the nearby national parks, especially on weekdays. Whether you're eloping with guests or just the two of you, the views alone are worth the trip.
Dead Horse Point Elopement Permits
One of the standout perks? It’s pet-friendly, unlike many nearby national parks. If bringing your dog is a must, this is the perfect spot to include them in your ceremony and photos. Plus, with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, the entire experience feels more personal and less rushed.
Dead Horse Point also pairs beautifully with other Moab elopement spots. Many couples start their day here for a sunrise ceremony, then explore nearby BLM land or slot canyons for portraits later in the day. Its versatility and natural beauty make it a favorite for adventurous couples who want both intimacy and impact.
Why Couples DEAD HORSE POINT
canyonlands national park
Canyonlands National Park is vast and wild, with views that stretch across red rock mesas, river-carved canyons, and dramatic desert cliffs. The Island in the Sky District is the most accessible and popular area for elopements, offering stunning overlooks like Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, and Mesa Arch. These locations are ideal for intimate ceremonies that feel like they’re on the edge of the world.
Grand View Point is a top choice, with a paved path leading to one of the most expansive vistas in the park. Mesa Arch, while iconic, tends to be busy—especially at sunrise—so it’s best for portraits rather than a ceremony. Green River Overlook is another hidden gem, with a more peaceful atmosphere and golden light that’s perfect in the late afternoon.
The other districts of Canyonlands (The Needles, The Maze) are more remote and require off-roading or hiking, making them less ideal for most elopements. If you want easily accessible beauty with a side of adventure, Island in the Sky offers the perfect blend.
Top Ceremony Spots in Canyonlands
Under Canvas Moab is a privately owned glamping campground that works as a wedding venue only seven miles north of Moab, close to Arches National Park.
Most permits inside the parks limit the number of guests you can have attending your Moab elopement ceremony. If don't plan on it being just the two of you, that number generally must stay under 20 people.
If you plan to have more than 20 guests attend then Under Canvas Moab is a great option! You can book it for under 30 people total or reserve the entire campground for 80-250 guests.
We can still go into nearby Arches or any of the other parks for your first look, portraits, or first shots as newlyweds!
Neither a state or national park, Castle Valley, Utah is a smaller town located 20 miles north of Moab. It is BLM land (Borough Land Management) that is independently run outside of the parks.
This entire area is so beautiful and offers a lot of different hikes to various viewpoints overseeing cascading red rocks and monuments. It's great for portraits or the ceremony itself!
In order to have a ceremony on BLM land your photographer needs to have already been placed on an approved list that opens up annually each December. I am an approved photographer on that list and will walk you through the permit process.
under canvas moab
castle valley, utah
moab elopement spots outside of the parks
best time to elope in moab
Spring
(mar - may)
fall
(sep - nov)
option 1
option 2
what we'll go over:
One thing to never forget is Moab is a DESERT.
when's the best time of year?
how to elope in moab
Although winter and spring won't be crowded, winter can still be cold and there will be snow! It's best to avoid late spring for the same reason. Though it can still be beautiful, it can get very cold and even snow.
It's best to avoid summer altogether due to the desert heat and crowds. Sunrise is usually the only option during this time.
The most friendly weather is April--May or September--early November. Be prepared for the fact that because Moab is a desert and the weather operates in extremes, it can change unexpectedly. Expect the sunrises to super cold even in the fall
- Cold Seasons: warm outerwear and leggings to wear under the wedding dress.
- Bring lots of snacks, water, and sturdy shoes or hiking boots! There's a large grocery store in town to grab anything that you may have missed.
- Leave No Trace: you can bring in approved flowers but you must remain on the approved trails.
- BLM land and Dead Horse Point State Park allow some other decorations but the other parks do not.
If you've gotten this far, you may find the idea of planning an elopement overwhelming. From the choices you have to make to the
This isn't my first adventure, and I'm also not new to Moab. So for your elopement, let me be your guide! As we walk through the elopement planning process together, I can provide you with tips and tricks to make the planning process easier. If you have questions or worry that you're missing something I'm happy to walk you through those steps!
Hiring an elopement photographer provides you with way more than just photographic coverage of your day. I'm also your partner, and support as you plan out your adventurous elopement. We can work together using my expertise in both elopements in generally and specifically a Moab elopement!
Are you ready to start planning? Let's do this thing!
psst here's a note from me on planning
let me plan your elopement!
how should you be prepared?
why do I need a permit?
Good question! This is really important.
You need to make it legal if you want to get married in Moab–and I mean ANYWHERE where you plan to hold an actual ceremony.
Go to the website of the specific park where you want to get married to read more about how to get a permit, and fill out the application. Requirements vary by park and there may also be restrictions on the guest total too (usually no more than 30).
Once you fill it out, it costs range from $60 to $185 to save your date depending upon which park that you choose. After we have that, we’ll be able to head out and get you married!
Keep in mind: Always keep it legal. If there aren’t any papers to prove you can get married, then there is big potential to get in trouble. And we definitely don’t want that!
and how do I get one to get married in moab?
Find out more about permits
things to do:
Dining: The town of Moab is very small and quaint but has a lot of food options! There are some great breweries and if you want a really fancy dinner try the Sunset Grill Moab which has the best sunset mountaintop views! One of my favorites is a restaurant famous for it's pizza: Antica Forma. There isn't much of a night-life in town but there are plenty of amazing spots to eat!
Activities: There's seriously so much to do in Moab! Everything from several stables for horseback riding to hiking. You can rent a Jeep, ATV, or dirt bikes. Moab is known for its off-roading trails that have self-guided and guided touring options! Read more for the top things to do in Moab!
Sightseeing: Even if you opt to get married in one specific location, you should still check out the rest! Make sure you head out and see all that Moab has to offer through hikes, long drives, off-roading and more. There are SO many beautiful things to see, making Moab worth the stay for more than just a day or two.
Some of my favorite activities to do in moab:
Hotels: these can be on the pricier side but can still be a great option if it's the style and location that you want! I recommend Springhill Suites & Fairfield Inn by Marriott Moab: this hotel is next to the Colorado River and is the closest hotel to Arches National Park.
where to stay:
Airbnbs in Moab: I recommend searching for local Airbnb's especially for elopements. You will have more space to work with for getting ready and there are many options to choose from.
Camping: Moab has a mix of both reservation and first-come-first-serve campgrounds.
Best vendors:
These are my favorite vendors to work with when photographing a Moab elopement! It's amazing working with experienced vendors who know the drill!
let me help!
Ready for your elopement adventure?
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not only am I a photographer, but i'm also an elopement planner!
Marlee A.
"We loved everything about Dani! Dani is beyond talented. Her attention to detail is amazing. Her use of lighting is timeless and her attitude is full of energy. Our friends and family keep speaking about how stunning the photos are from the big day. We loved Dani’s use of non posed photos. They came out more authetic and genuine and we couldn’t be more happier. Everything about these photos speaks fairytale dream come true. Thank you so much."
Rebekah H.
"Dani is such a people person, I had no hesitation in booking her because she has such a gracious presence about her on all platforms. She does such a good job at giving you direction but not making you feel forced or awkward about it. She's genuinely there to be a friend, she was so kind to both me and my husband and I may be a little bit biased but honestly I don't think I would ever book another photographer besides her if I needed photos taken."
Bryanna C.
"Dani was more than we expected! She was so happy and very calm on our wedding day. Her passion for photography did not go unnoticed! She even came to the rehearsal to scope it out and stayed longer than she was supposed to take pictures. She got me a few pictures by the next morning which made me even more excited to see all our photos. She was always on time and took all the photos that I wanted to be taken. I highly recommend Dani and will definitely use her in the future!"
