Yes! You’re thinking of having a Moab elopement, and that couldn’t be more exciting. Moab is my FAVORITE place and easily one of the best places to elope. In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about having an epic elopement adventure in Moab – legalities, locations, tips, and more.
Interested in checking out Moab elopement packages?
Why Elope in Moab
Moab is known as one of the most popular destinations in Utah for many reasons. It’s home to two famous national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, magical red rock formations, gorgeous blue skies, picturesque rivers, and endless adventure. Talk about an iconic place to say “I do!”
Here are the top reasons many couples choose Moab for their elopement destination:
- It’s a nature lover’s paradise with jaw-dropping wedding day backdrops.
- There’s tons of public land for endless outdoor adventure opportunities, including rock climbing, river floating, mountain biking, hiking, and so much more.
- Moab’s small-town hospitality makes visitors feel incredibly welcomed.
- The downtown area offers couples a fun experience with shops, galleries, restaurants, and breweries. You can also attend local festivals and events year-round.
How can I legally elope in Utah?
If you’re looking to tie the knot in Moab legally, there are a few steps you’ll have to take. If you work with an elopement planner/photographer (like me!), I can help you every step of the way.
Here’s what you need to know about a legal Moab elopement regarding your marriage license and officiant:
Both parties need to visit the County Clerk’s Office in Moab. You’ll need your total application fee of $50, a government-issued photo ID for each person, and your application (which you can fill out online).
There’s no waiting period for a Utah marriage license, but you must have your ceremony within 32 days of the issue date.
To legally elope in Moab, you must also have an officiant (like myself!) at your ceremony. The officiant must sign and date your marriage license, which needs to be returned to the County Clerk’s Office within 30 days.
Note: If you prefer to skip the legal stuff during your elopement, you can always legally get married in your home state before eloping to Moab.
Where to Have a Moab Elopement – The Best Locations
Now for the fun part! There are so many epic places to have your elopement ceremony in Moab. While this list could be endless, let’s check out some of the top places in Moab to elope.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of Moab’s biggest attractions, and for great reason! This stunning national park is bordered by the Colorado River and boasts more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, which make for a picture-perfect elopement backdrop.
While Arches can get crowded, certain times have fewer crowds for a more intimate ceremony. Sunrise and sunset are beautiful options!
Canyonlands National Park
About half an hour from Arches is Utah’s largest national park, Canyonlands. This one is known for its massive size with the dramatic desert landscape. Since Canyonlands is so big, it feels less congested than Arches. Many couples prefer this while others stick to Arches for its unique scenery.
There are 4 major parts of Canyonland National Park, with The Island in the Sky being its most popular. This giant mesa over panoramic overlooks and hiking trails. Other areas feature sandstone rock formations and flowing rivers. There’s something for all kinds of adventurous couples!
Dead Horse Point State Park
If you prefer a quieter elopement location over the popular national parks, Dead Horse Point State Park is ideal. It’s the only state park in Moab and one of the most stunning in all of Utah.
This is also an excellent spot for dog parents as the park is pet-friendly. Pets are allowed in most zones of the park besides mountain biking trails.
Dead Horse Point State Park covers over 5,000 acres of desert at an altitude of almost 6,000 feet. The park also features a dramatic overlook of Canyonland National Park and the Colorado River. Endless magical photo ops!
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
One of the best parts about a Moab elopement is the incredible BLM land. BLM lands are public areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management. These are ideal spaces for couples looking to get off the beaten path and enjoy a private, intimate ceremony.
In Moab, there is so much BLM land to explore. From rugged cliffs to picturesque arches, it’s almost impossible not to be impressed by all the options. You can even opt for a BLM land campsite for your elopement getaway if you and your love enjoy camping.
I’ve spent a ton of time exploring Moab and BLM areas, so feel free to contact me to find your perfect spot.
Manti-La Sal Mountains
With so many amazing parks around Moab, the Manti-La Sal Mountains are sometimes forgotten. The Manti-La Sal National Forest covers over a million acres throughout Utah and Colorado. You can see this stunning mountain range from many popular locations in Moab.
Have a beautiful elopement ceremony with the Manti-La Sal Mountains in the background or head to the top for the ultimate elopement experience.
Tips for an Epic Elopement Adventure in Moab
It’s hard not to have an incredible elopement in Moab, especially if you love adventure. But here are some tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.
When to Have a Moab Elopement
Most couples prefer saying “I do” in Moab during spring or fall. With that said, Moab is fun and beautiful no matter when you go. There are 4 distinct seasons, each offering a different experience.
During summer, Moab is hot and crowded. Couples who love the hustle may enjoy this. However, many couples prefer to avoid eloping in summer to steer clear of all the people and warm temperatures. If you choose to elope during summer in Moab, a sunrise or sunset ceremony is the way to go!
In the fall, the weather cools down and is much more pleasant. With that, the crowds remain. Just about any Moab destination is stunning during fall, and there are just as many hidden gems as there are busy destinations.
A winter elopement is ideal for couples who enjoy chilly weather and a quiet atmosphere. During this time of year, Moab slows down so elopement ceremonies can be much more intimate. Just be sure to consider clothing in case it snows!
Tip: A wedding planner and photographer like Among the Pines can help you get creative with attire for a winter elopement in Moab.
I personally love spring in Moab for its mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Because the spring is so magical, a lot of other people love visiting during this time. That’s why the busy season starts during late spring. An early spring elopement brings nice weather, fewer crowds, and gorgeous scenery.
Elopement Permits
Moab can be a tricky place when it comes to getting permits for elopements. With the mix of BLM lands, national parks, a national forest, and a state park, permit regulations and fees vary depending on the location. However, most Moab elopement spots do require permits.
While there are a few hoops to jump through, the memories that eloping in Moab brings is well worth it! Not to mention, I always help my clients with the logistics of permits to ensure they have the most stress-free experience possible.
Leave No Trace
The Leave No Trace concept is very important, especially in Moab. Simply put, Leave No Trace entails showing love to the natural environment. Important things to mention include sticking to established areas, getting the appropriate permits, and not damaging any natural structures or artifacts.
I’m a proud member of Leave No Trace and am committed to working with any adventure couple to plan and execute an unforgettable elopement while protecting the Earth!
Traveling to and Around Moab
Whether you plan to fly or drive to Moab, there are several options for getting to and around the area.
Because Moab is more remote than many other US cities, there isn’t a very convenient airport right in town. However, there are a few nearby options. The closest international airport is about 4 hours away in Salt Lake City (Salt Lake City International Airport). There’s another large airport about an hour and a half from Moab (Grand Junction Regional Airport) and a small one about 20 minutes away (Canyonlands Regional Airport).
Moab itself is very drivable. If you’re flying in, you’ll probably want to rent a car. If you plan to do some adventurous exploring, there are plenty of options for renting Jeeps and ATVs.
Let’s Plan Your Moab Elopement!
Moab is easily one of my favorite elopement destinations. It’s one of the most fun, adventurous, and scenic places to tie the knot.
Are you ready to start planning your epic elopement adventure? I’m an ordained elopement photographer and planner who can help you make your elopement dreams a reality!
CHLOE + CONNER
Brooke is professional, prepared, and provides all the peace of mind that a bride needs on her wedding day. Because of our conversations leading up to the day, I had no doubt that she would capture every important moment and more. Throughout the day, she was present and helpful, but never overbearing or controlling. She beautifully captured the moments that happened naturally & her experience allowed for insight and ideas that I wouldn't have thought to ask for but that I'll now cherish forever! She is flexible, understanding, and patient, and looking back, we can't imagine our day without her. If you are looking for someone to capture your wedding day, or just any day, Brooke is your girl. She goes above and beyond to serve her clients, and she is absolutely gifted at what she does.
"SHE GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO SERVE HER CLIENTS, and she is absolutely gifted at what she does."
Linden + Brent
In the end, her creativity and our happiness totally shine through in every single photo. Brooke made both of us feel so at ease, from our individual sessions before we had our first look, to strolling through downtown Ouray, to our ceremony and in the scenic spots we visited afterwards. Her talent is beyond compare and we are absolutely thrilled with our gallery of photos we will treasure forever. We give Brooke our highest recommendation and can’t wait to work with her again!
"Throughout the entire planning process, Brooke was honest and flexible, and made it clear that her goal was for us to be 100% happy."
Emily + Nick
Brooke is hands down the most talented photographer I have ever met in my entire life. I gave her my inspiration and she took it and made it into something entirely unique and beautiful. Brooke was able to work with my budget and offer me options. Along with all of this, she was always there to communicate with me from ideas to concerns. The day of never goes as planned, she was thrown curveball after curveball and dodged them all with ease. The photos we received memorialized the best day of our lives and we are forever grateful for the beautiful artwork she created.
"we are forever grateful for the beautiful artwork she created."
ERICA & ZACH
Brooke was booked to do our wedding June 6th. However, the virus hit and we were afraid we wouldn’t be able to have our wedding in June so we decided to go ahead and get married with just our parents there. I called Brooke and told her our plans and literally we were getting married in a week and she was so quick to say yes and capture our day for us. She helped make our day very special. She was super fun and made Zach and I feel very comfortable. I got my pictures back and I felt so overjoyed to see the happiness and love I felt on that day. Even though we didn’t have our wedding like we planned, it was still very special and Brooke was a big hand in that. She truly captured some very special memories that I will have for the rest of my life.
"SHE TRULY CAPTURED SOME VERY SPECIAL MEMORIES THAT I WILL HAVE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE."
Our wedding was in Kentucky in September. Brooke not only traveled for us but made a custom package for us because we had a unique situation. She took pictures the day before, and just seemed to be in the right place at the right time. She met with me before the wedding and we communicated a few times up to the wedding about my specific requests, and she hit the nail on the head. I am so very thankful for Brooke's story-telling, organic nature. She captured our wedding for exactly what it was and what I will remember it to be...full of joy, laughter, love and hope for the future!
"I AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR BROOKE'S storytelling, organic nature."
JENNA + JOSH
KRYSTAL & BRANDON
She’s professional, creative, organized, kind, and just a blast to be around. She made my husband comfortable instantly in front of a camera so she’s a miracle worker too. We can’t stop staring at our photos! So many people keep telling us how amazing they are!
"YOU WON'T FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER BETTER rounded than brooke!"
Jessica & Robby
Brooke has a true talent. She is able to tap into and capture moments you didn’t even realize were happening. Absolutely 100% recommend Brooke and her beautiful pictures. We booked her services for our engagement pictures and then immediately realized we needed to have her for our wedding also. I’m already preemptively dreaming of the anniversary shoot I want!
"Brooke will make you feel comfortable and like a friend - she will take your ideas and inspiration and produce something better than you thought."
Rori + Eli
Brooke truly listened to what we wanted as a couple, our hopes, and took time to understand our "vibe," which came through in her work she delivered.
I can't thank Brooke enough for her amazing work - seriously the BEST decision we made and brings me to tears each time I look at these beautiful, photographic memories we'll have forever.
ALYSSA & HUNTER
Not only is Brooke an amazing photographer, but she is so fun and easy to work with! She made the whole process feel natural and comfortable for someone who typically feels awkward and weird while getting pictures taken! I love all of the pictures and I highly recommend Brooke as a photographer!
"SHE MADE THE WHOLE PROCESS FEEL natural & Comfortable."
ALI & KYLE
That's exactly what Brooke does, she captures a story. No words needed. You can see it and feel it. You can remember the exact moment and how you feel for that person and see how they feel about you. Her intuitive eye has only gotten sharper. I can’t wait to see what other adventures await for her to capture.
"SHE CAPTURES A STORY, NO WORDS NEEDED. you can see it and feel it."
Christy + Austin
Brooke is the absolute best. She truly went above and beyond for my fiancé and I to be able to get our engagement photos taken with the fall colors. Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever.
Brooke is so sweet, fun, personable and incredibly talented. We could not be more in love with our engagement photos!
