Planning an Arches National Park elopement? As an elopement photographer, it’s one of my favorite locations and most magical places for a wedding.

Arches National Park is just outside Moab in eastern Utah and has over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The sweeping red rock landscapes, desert skies, and iconic formations make it an unforgettable backdrop for a wedding day.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about getting married at Arches. From permits and ceremony locations to planning tips and photography packages — let’s get into it.

TL;DR: You need a Special Use Permit to elope at Arches National Park. The permit costs $185 and must be applied for at least 4 weeks in advance. There are 6 approved ceremony locations, each with a guest count limit. Timed entry is not required in 2026. Elopements typically cost between $4,000 and $15,000, depending on photography, travel, and other vendors.

Can you get married at Arches National Park?

Yes, you can get married at Arches National Park. The park allows wedding and elopement ceremonies as long as you get the Special Use Permit through the National Park Service. Arches has 6 pre-approved ceremony locations, each with its own guest limit. The permit costs $185, and there can only be one ceremony per location per day, so you’ll have the spot to yourselves. Some couples choose Arches for the ceremony and explore other areas of the park for photos afterward.

Arches National Park Elopement Permit

Special Use Permit

You need a Special Use Permit for any wedding or elopement ceremony at Arches National Park, even if it’s just the two of you. Here’s what to know:

• Cost – $185
• Apply – Apply as soon as possible through the National Park Service website
• How far in advance – Up to one year; minimum 4 weeks before your date
• Exclusivity – Only one permit is given per location per day
• Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (or $80 for an America the Beautiful annual pass)

Permit details are accurate as of summer 2026. Check the NPS weddings page for the most up-to-date information.

Timed Entry Reservations (2026 update)

Timed entry reservations are not required at Arches in 2026. You can enter the park at any time during operating hours.

That said, the park may turn vehicles away at the entrance on busier days. One thing to keep in mind — reservations are still required for Devils Garden Campground and for self-guided and ranger-led Fiery Furnace hikes. Head to the NPS Fees and Passes page for the latest entry info.

Arches National Park Elopement Locations

Arches has six approved ceremony locations, each with its own max guest count and a completely different vibe. You can also explore the park and find other beautiful spots to take photos. 

Location	Max Guest Count	Accessibility	Description
Park Avenue	15	Paved path	A dramatic canyon surrounded by towering sandstone walls.
Double Arch	25	Mostly packed dirt path	One of the park’s most iconic formations, where two arches meet in the middle.
The Windows	25	Firm bedrock, some rock and wooden stairs	A group of sweeping arches with mountain views. Accessible and iconic.
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint	50	Short, paved path	Panoramic red rock views with the La Sal Mountains as a backdrop.
Panorama Point	50	Short walk from parking, paved amphitheater with seatin	Wide open desert views in every direction — ideal for larger groups.
Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater	80	Paved path, gravel amphitheater with seating	The park’s largest ceremony space, tucked deep among red rock formations.

Best Time of Year for an Arches National Park Elopement

My favorite time of year to join couples for an Arches National Park elopement is early spring or early fall. You can get away from the crowds and the heat as you explore the captivating red rocks and endless scenery.

Here’s what to expect throughout the year:

• Spring (March–May) – The most popular season. You can enjoy mild temps, occasional desert blooms, and gorgeous lighting. It can get busy, especially midday and on weekends.
• Fall (September–November) – Crisp air, golden light, and fewer crowds than spring. Fall is a favorite for many photographers and couples.
• Summer (June–August) – Warmer temperatures, so early morning or sunset elopement is best. 
• Winter (December–February) – Cold temps and snowy weather. Perfect for a peaceful winter elopement.

Tips for Planning Your Arches National Park Elopement

An Arches elopement is all about making the day your own — from where you exchange your vows to how you spend the rest of the day. Here are a few tips to help everything go smoothly.

• Hire an experienced elopement photographer – A photographer who knows the park can help with permits, timelines, vendor recommendations, and logistics. This lets you fully enjoy the experience. 
• Apply for your permit early – Permits are available up to a year in advance, and only one is issued per location per day. Book as early as possible.
• Book your Devils Garden reservation – If your plans include Devils Garden Campground or the Fiery Furnace, you must make reservations separately.
• Choose the right timing – Spring and fall offer the best temps. Sunrise or sunset on a weekday is ideal for perfect lighting and fewer crowds. 
• Stay flexible – Desert weather can quickly change. Be flexible — sometimes the best elopement memories come from unexpected moments.
• Know the park rules – It’s all about enjoying nature at Arches. No drones, confetti, flower petals, or amplified sound. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines to leave the park how you found it.
• Plan activities around your day – Arches and Moab have so many fun adventures, including hiking, off-roading, and riding hot air balloons.

Arches National Park Elopement Cost: What to Budget

The cost of eloping depends on your guest count, the vendors you hire, and your activities.

You can have a simple, just-us elopement for a few thousand dollars or splurge on a bigger experience.  

Here’s a realistic breakdown for the cost of an Arches National Park elopement: 

• Special Use Permit – $185
• Park entrance fee – $35 per vehicle
• Utah marriage license – $35–$50
• Elopement photography – $4,000–$10,000+
• Officiant – $200–$500
• Florals – $100–$500+
• Hair & makeup – $200–$600+
• Accommodations – $150–$400+ per night
• Travel & flights – Varies

Note: If you book photography with me, I’m also an ordained officiant, so that’s one less vendor to worry about.

Getting Your Utah Marriage License

Getting legally married in Utah is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

• Both partners must apply in person at a Utah County Clerk’s office
• You must be 18 or older with a valid photo ID
• The fee is $35–$50 depending on the county
• The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue
• You’ll need two witnesses at your ceremony
• You must return the completed license to the county clerk after the ceremony

Some couples choose to handle the legal details in their home state before or after their elopement getaway. This lets couples fully enjoy the experience without worrying about the legalities. 

Things to Do Around Moab for Your Elopement

There are so many fun activities to enjoy during your Moab elopement:

• Hike in Arches or Canyonlands – Extend your time in the park with a hike before or after your ceremony. Delicate Arch, Double Arch, and Landscape Arch are some of the best spots.
• Colorado River rafting – Float or white-water raft through canyon country with stunning red rock formations along the river.
• Hot air balloon ride – A sunrise balloon ride over Moab and Arches is an incredible experience to celebrate your new chapter.
• Off-road adventure – If you’re planning an adventure elopement, rent a 4×4 or join a guided off-road tour through the backcountry surrounding Moab.
• Explore Moab – With great restaurants, local shops, and a laid-back vibe, Moab is a fun place to celebrate after your ceremony.

Arches National Park Elopement FAQs

Do you need a permit to elope at Arches National Park?

Yes, you need a Special Use Permit for any wedding or elopement ceremony at Arches National Park, regardless of group size. The permit costs $185 and must be submitted at least 4 weeks before your date, though applying earlier is strongly recommended. Only one permit is issued per location per day, so you’ll have the space to yourselves. You can apply through the National Park Service website up to one year in advance.

Can you elope at Delicate Arch?

Delicate Arch is not on the NPS-approved ceremony location list, so you can’t have an official ceremony there. That said, you can hike to Delicate Arch before or after your ceremony for photos. The hike is about 3 miles round-trip and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit for light and fewer people on the trail.

Can I bring guests to my Arches National Park elopement?

You can definitely invite guests for your Arches elopement. Each official ceremony location has a maximum guest count, ranging from 15 at Park Avenue to 80 at Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater. All guests must pay the standard park entrance fee.

Can my pet join for my Arches National Park elopement?

Pets typically aren’t allowed at ceremony sites, particularly in unpaved or undeveloped areas. If you’d like to have your pet join you, reach out to the NPS directly to ask about your specific location. Either way, your pup is welcome to join for photos in other areas of the park after the ceremony — or you can explore other pet-friendly elopement locations.

How do I get a marriage license in Utah?

Both partners must apply in person at a Utah County Clerk’s office with a valid photo ID. The fee is $35–$50, depending on the county, and the license is valid for 30 days. The Grand County Clerk’s office in Moab is the most convenient option for couples eloping at Arches. Some couples prefer to get their license in their home state — either option works!

Arches National Park Elopement Packages

Arches National Park is one of my favorite places to photograph elopements, and I have a few packages to fit your vision and budget. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet ceremony with just the two of you, a celebration with loved ones, or a multi-day adventure, we can make it happen. 

My Arches elopement photography packages include planning support and coverage for a multi-day, full-day, or mini elopement. Each package includes:

• An initial phone consultation
• Photography (hours vary by package)
• Location scouting, timeline planning, client guides & vendor recommendations
• A value-packed 100-page Elopement Guide
• Custom online gallery with all edited high-resolution images
• Sneak peek photos
• Rights to printing

Let’s Plan Your Arches National Park Elopement

I hope you found this guide helpful and are excited to start planning your Arches elopement. There’s truly no place quite like it, whether you’re saying your vows just the two of you or celebrating with your favorite people.

If you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to be part of your day. From picking the right location and sorting out permits to creating the perfect timeline and taking photos the day of, I’m here for all of it.