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!
kinsley + caden
“Brooke was the perfect choice for our wedding day! We had a micro wedding at Sapphire Point in August. I had never been to Sapphire Point and Brooke was so helpful suggesting vendors, picture locations, parking, marriage license info etc. She was so kind and helpful before and during the whole process and was a large part of why the day went so smooth. She does so much more than just show up and take pictures, Brooke will truly go out of her way to make your wedding day perfect! The photos are gorgeous and I keep getting so many compliments! I truly cannot recommend her enough!”
"Brooke was a large part of why our day went so smooth and will truly go out of her way to make your wedding day perfect!"
We chose Brooke to capture our Colorado elopement and she did exactly that and more. She made it easy to plan our day out with locations and timelines so that we could focus on ourselves. We decided last minute to change our afternoon/evening elopement to a 6am sunrise one so beat the heat of the day. Brooke accommodated us without hesitation and even created a new timeline for us so that we knew where to be for the perfect sunrise. She was kind and understood what we wanted in terms of our elopement and we are so grateful to have her capture the day. Our photos turned out beautiful and truly helped us relive the day. I would recommend Brooke to anyone wanting their special day photographed.
"Brooke accommodated us without hesitation and even created a new timeline for us so that we knew where to be for the perfect sunrise."
erica + stacy
kirstie + colin
Brooke not only photographed our mountain elopement beautifully, but she put so much thought into the details and knew all of the answers the questions I didn’t even know to ask. She really puts a lot of thought into each photo and brings her expertise while still remaining very open to what we wanted and ideas we had. She even helped pick the perfect spot for us and advised us on the logistical details like securing a reservation at the mountain lake where we wanted our ceremony. She is SO easy to work with and very friendly and chill. My husband and I are super awkward in front of a camera but she made it so natural and easy - and the shots came out better than we could have imagined.
"She really puts a lot of thought into each photo and brings her expertise while still remaining very open to what we wanted and ideas we had."
amanda + jace
Brooke is many things; talented, calm, flexible, experienced/ knowledgeable, patient, incredibly responsive, organized, resourceful in a pinch, supportive, creative, professional yet a blast to work with, and goes above & beyond w her clients. Our wedding was a spectacular dream and we couldn't be more grateful that she made that single day last forever. Whether she's photographing nature or an intimate event, her pictures tell a story of peace, love, whatever your vision may be. We couldn't recommend her more and we look forward to booking with her for all of our vow renewals, seasonal and family pictures for as long as she'll have us.
"Whether she's photographing nature or an intimate event, her pictures tell a story of peace, love, whatever your vision may be."
linden + brent
Working with Brooke was a dream come true! Before we even met, my husband Brent and I were impressed by her portfolio. After meeting, we were even more convinced that her photography skills and knowledge, and her fun and easygoing personality were exactly what we were looking for in an elopement photographer. Brooke was able to take our vision and facilitate everything so that it worked out beautifully, especially when it came to finding the perfect location (the incredible mountains surrounding Ouray). Throughout the entire planning process, she was honest and flexible, and made it clear that her goal was for us to be 100% happy. In the end, her creativity and our happiness totally shine through in every single photo.
"Throughout the entire planning process, she was honest and flexible."
lauren + branden
I can't begin to express my gratitude for the intimacy and beauty behind Brooke's photographs. In capturing our wedding day, she went above and beyond to document our story, our families, and the depths of our love in ways that I'll forever be grateful for. Brooke has an eye for not only capturing the adventure and magic of your love, but deeply connects with your personal story, understands your relationship, and then gives that back in the most incredible way. She is truly an artist and tells your story in an authentic and creative way for you to look back on for years to come. We are forever grateful to Brooke for spending the time to get to know us, our story, and capturing the memories that we'll relive for years to come.
"Brooke deeply connects with your personal story, understands your relationship, and then gives that back in the most incredible way."
heather + jedd
“If you're contemplating which photographer to go with, THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO CHOOSE BROOKE!!!! She is so so so talented and was able to capture our elopement exactly how I pictured and wanted! We eloped in Ridgway, CO this past September and she was so helpful figuring out picture locations, recommendations of timeline for the day, and just made the whole day feel so smooth. She schedules multiple check ins, phone calls, etc., leading up to the big day to ensure everything is as you want it. Brooke has such a calming, down to earth presence and is one of those awesome people you feel like you've known forever after just the first time of meeting."
"Brooke has such a calming, down to earth presence and is one of those awesome people you feel like you've known forever."
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. Brooke is so sweet, fun, personable and incredibly talented. We could not be more in love with our engagement photos! Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever.
"Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever."
