This Utah elopement in Moab at Dead Horse State Park was like something from a dream and I loved every minute!

Moab Utah Elopement

Sara and Ray decided to elope at Dead Horse Point in Moab, Utah with what might be the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen!  They decided to say their I-do’s surrounded by the most beautiful canyons and cliffs over the Colorado River.  I was obsessed with everything about this elopement! From Sara’s dress, to the cowboy boots, to Ray’s cowboy hat, to the scenic views, to the sunset. Getting to hang around Sara and Ray was so special because you could really feel how much they care and love each other.

It was a day I definitely won’t forget!

Why to Have a Moab Utah Wedding

There are some pretty incredible places to elope in the U.S. but Moab is definitely towards the top of that list! It can give you that small town charm, but also give you that adventure that you look for in an elopement. It’s right between two national parks and you get to see all the incredible red rock which makes for such an incredible backdrop for an elopement!

Having a place with so much beauty for your elopement makes the whole experience such a special time for you and your partner to tak eit all in and on top of that, you get the most amazing photos. I love an elopement that involves some adventure and exploring and you definitely can get this in Moab.

It’s a spot I could go to over and over and never get sick of it! So I want to share everything you would want to know if you want to elope in Moab. I’ll cover when to elope in Moab, where the best locations are for an elopement, and how to prepare for your elopement to make sure everything runs smoothly!

Where to Elope in Moab

When you’re eloping, rather than looking for wedding venues in Moab, you get to choose from locations that have incredible backdrops and are just a part of nature. You don’t have to worry about everything being decorated perfectly to look best, because the beauty here in Moab speaks for itself!

So here are the best places to elope in Moab!

Dead Horse State Park

This is where this incredible elopement for Sara and Ray was and the landscape and scenery did not disappoint! We had so much fun exploring the area and just taking in the beautiful views.

This spot has the canyon walls, the desert feel, and it has a bunch of trails for you to explore if you’re looking for that adventure for your elopement. Because it also has very little light pollution, you can also get a clear view of the stars at night!

You will need a permit for this location and you can get all the information you need here!

BLM Land

BLM, Bureau of Land Management, Land is another beautiful option for your Moab elopement! These are public locations that are a lot less crowded and can be a lot easier to find spots that are more private, and this is because they are less developed than the state parks.

You also won’t have to worry about a permit for these locations for an elopement, which is one less thing on your to-do list! But your photographer will need a permit, so that is something I would take care of.

If you want to take a look at all of the options for BLM Land in Moab you can find that here.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park has the incredible desert scenery that you would look for in Moab, and it’s made up of canyons created by the Colorado River. In this spot you get a beautiful backdrop with different colored layers on the canyons, flat-topped mesas, and tall rocky pinnacles. It’s breath-taking!

You will need a permit for this location as well, and you are also limited in which spots you can host a ceremony. You can find information about eloping at Canyonlands National Park here.

Arches National Park

This national park is just north of Moab, and has more than 2,000 sandstone arches in the park and was created by erosion. It’s a beautiful and unique spot, where you’ll see the rock formations all over the desert. And it’s a stunning backdrop for photos!

To find out more information about getting a permit and locations for an elopement, you can find that here.

When to Elope in Moab, Utah

Now, your next question might be, “What time of year do I elope in Moab?” and I’m here to answer that question for you!

Spring Moab Elopement

Spring in Moab is gorgeous!! But this also means that it’s a very busy time and it will be really crowded. This is definitely a great time to elope because you’ll have the beautiful weather, but you will need to be prepared for having more of an audience. To avoid this, you can try for a sunrise elopement and beat the crowds!

The weather may be a bit unpredictable in the spring, so come prepared with layers and potential outfit changes!

Summer Moab Elopement

If you’re okay with heat or are planning to do a sunrise elopement, then summer could work for an elopement! But just be prepared that the temps could be up near 100 degrees, so being out exploring during the day can be pretty extreme. So if you’re doing an elopement in the summer, be sure to start really early or take advantage of the cooler temps in the evening.

Fall Moab Elopement

Fall is a really beautiful time to get married in Moab! It’s less crowded then spring and can be quite a bit cooler. You do need to be prepared for thunderstorms as those are more common in the fall. So just bring along jackets and still bring those layers just in case!

Winter Moab Elopement

Because this is the coldest time of year, it’s the least busy time for tourists! This means you’ll have more privacy, and because of the cool temps, you aren’t limited to a really early elopement and can be more flexible. You definitely want to dress warm! And bring along some good hiking boots if you are going to be exploring on your elopement. But this can be a really beautiful time for an elopement in Moab!

How to Prepare for an Elopement in Moab Utah

You want to go into your elopement in Moab feeling ready and comfortable! So here are a few things that you should keep in mind.

• Keep the crowds in mind! Because this is such a beautiful location, that also means a lot of tourists! We mentioned the time of year above that may mean less crowds. But another way to avoid the crowds is doing your elopement on a weekday. And even at sunrise to ensure more privacy.
• Learn about Leave No Trace. This is all about protecting the environment and includes these 7 principles: Plan ahead and prepare, Travel and camp on durable surfaces, Dispose of waste properly, Leave what you find, Minimize campfire impacts, Respect wildlife, and Be considerate of other visitors.
• Don’t forget about park passes. You can get these at the entrance to the parks. Or you plan ahead and get a pass that could work for multiple parks. This is great if you’re looking to do more exploring.
• Ask your photographer questions! Your photographer is the one to help you make your elopement run smoothly. We want to help you out, so ask away!

Moab Elopement Photographer

Hi I’m Lauren, and if you’re ready to elope in Moab, then I’m the one to help you out! Your elopement should be about you and your partner and be exactly what you’ve been dreaming about!

I’m here to give you a warm and inviting experience and capture photos as timeless as your love! So if you’re looking for a Moab elopement photographer, contact me and we can talk more about Moab elopement packages and start planning your dream elopement!