how to plan a moab elopement in 2027
Thinking of eloping in Moab, Utah? This elopement guide is for you!
If your dream wedding day looks less like a big church or stuffy ballroom and more like red rock canyons, big cliffs, and views for miles, Moab may just be the perfect location for you.
In this guide to elopeing in Moab, I will help you plan your dream day in one of the most iconic spots in the Wild West.
Meet your guide for your moab elopement!
Hey! I’m Jen Dz! Moab is my favorite place on Earth.
I don’t say that lightly. I’ve traveled over 20 countries across four continents but keep coming back to this funky little town and the wild, untamed desert that surrounds it.
I’ve explored hundreds of miles of it’s trails and spent countless nights under it’s starry skies – not because my elopement clients were paying me to go there, but because it’s the place my soul feels most free.
I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings and elopements throughout the West, and while I’ve only photographed a handful in Moab, I’ve spent an enormous amount of time here simply because I love it.
This guide is everything I’d want a couple to know before deciding whether Moab is the right elopement location for them.
is moab a good place to elope?
Short Answer: YES. Moab is a PERFECT elopement location (for the right kind of couple).
There is a reason this beautiful desert draws me back over and over again: it’s the sense of freedom and wildness I feel there.
It’s not super easy to go to. It’s not trendy. It’s not the most luxurious desert town out there. But what it is? A place where you can truly escape everyone and immerse yourself in one of the biggest, wildest landscapes you can imagine.
who a moab elopement is great for
Moab is the perfect elopement location for couples who want to experience the rugged beauty of one of the most stunning deserts in the U.S., and are ok getting off the beaten path a bit, and who want adventure around every corner.
It’s dog-friendly (more than you would expect given how famous the National Parks are – and how strict their rules are about dogs) and LGBTQ-friendly (yes, even in Utah) and truly just one of the most magical places on Earth.
who should NOT elope in moab
Couples who are envisioning an upscale town or super luxurious resort-style stay.
While Moab has plenty of good lodging, the vibe of the town tends to feel a little more gritty (which is part of why I love it). If you’re dreaming of a bougie wellness resort instead of a true dirtbag paradise, I recommend heading to Sedona instead.
It’s also terrible for anyone wanting to elope in the summer – but we’ll get to that.
Best time of year to elope in moab
It probably goes without saying but Moab is in the desert and the desert can be HOT … but it’s not hot year round. As a person who generally HATES heat, I promise you that the weather out there can be absolutely glorious if you go at the right time! These deserts can also be super windy …which can make for EPIC photos (gimme all the dresses blowing in the breeze!)
If I had to pick the BEST months for a moab elopement, i’d choose late september, October, November, March, and APril.
Fall elopements in moab
Moab in the fall is GLORIOUS!! I find the weather to be a little more predictable than in the spring. It is especially fantastic in October and November. HIGHLY recommend.
Winter elopements in Moab
You may be surprised to learn that the desert can actually get pretty cold in the winter! The average temperature in Moab is around 40 degrees farenheit! But if you’re up for some chillier temps, you could be blessed with BEAUTIFUL snow on red rocks and you’ll definitely have fewer crowds!
Spring elopements in moab
Spring is probably the busiest time of year in Moab and it’s one of my favorites. The days are warm and sometimes windy and everything in the desert feels like it’s coming to life. March is good but April is better! By early May its starting to get pretty warm.
Summer elopements in moab
No. Just don’t do it.
Summer is a great time to hop over the border and elope in the Colorado mountains!
how do you get legally married in moab?
Getting married in Moab is relatively easy. You will need to visit the Grand County Clerk and Recorder’s office between 8-4:30 on a weekday. Bring a current photo ID and $50 and off you go!
Do you need an officiant and witnesses to elope in Moab?
Yes … Kind of.
Unlike neighboring Colorado, Utah does require an officiant and witnesses. Having said that, if you’d prefer to self-solemnize, you have options!
If (like me!) your photographer is ordained they can sign your marriage license as the officiant and you can have random hikers (like the ones in this photo!) sign as your witnesses. It makes for a really fun story for all parties involved!
Moab Elopement Locations
Choosing the best elopement location in Moab will depend on a lot of things – do you want to hike? Will you be bringing dogs? How much do you want to avoid crowds? etc.
The best thing you can do when choosing a place to elope in Moab is work with an experienced Moab elopement photographer. We live and breathe this stuff and can help guide you to the PERFECT spot!
Here are a few ideas to get you started
BLM Land
The Buearu of Land Management is in charge of almost two million acres of wild desert surrounding Moab and its probably my favorite spot for elopements! The options are endless, the views are incredible, and the crowds are generally very low.
The BLM has a large list of approved ceremony locations and you can take photos pretty much anywhere!
Arches National Park
Arches is directly adjacent to the town of Moab and, true to it’s name, is full of giant sandstone arches. The Park does allow elopement ceremonies but the rules are incredibly strict and your location must be booked well in advance. Also, please note that this park gets extremely crowded at certain times of year.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Just down the road from the much more famous (and much busier) Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point is a perfect place for your Moab elopement. While there are definitely more people there than on the BLM land, it is very easy to access and there are tons of places to get privacy. The views here at sunset are especially spectacular!
Bonus: It’s dog friendly!
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is a little farther from town and quite a bit less crowded. Like Arches, it also has strict rules about where and when ceremonies can happen. If you love the idea of eloping in one of these national parks, I recommend eloping elsewhere (like on BLM land or in Dead Horse Point State Park) and then entering the park to take photos!
Do you need a permit to elope in moab?
The short answer: Probably.
The public lands around Moab are owned and managed by different entities and what you will need to do legally to get married there will depend on where you decide to elope. Generally speaking, the two national parks will have the most strict requirements (and longest wait times for permits). Even on BLM lands, couples are required to obtain a letter of agreement from the BLM for their ceremony (even if it is just the two of them). Fortunately these are easy to get.
Your elopement photographer and planner will help you. navigate all these logistics – it’s just good to know that it’s not as easy as just showing up and saying your vows! The last thing you want is for your day to be ruined by a ranger.
How to plan your moab elopement
Choose your Season + Book your Photographer / Planner
The first thing to do is decide WHEN you want to elope in Moab. Spring and fall are best and weekdays are ALWAYS better than weekends. Once you have a general idea of what you want to elope (or even if you don’t really know when!), it’s time to reach out to a Moab elopement photographer.
I can’t emphasize this enough: The sooner you reach out to your photographer (whether that’s me or someone else – and I hope it’s me!), the easier your life will be. Elopement photographers are experts in this stuff and are here to help you every step of the way! Trust me when I say that having experience on your side is worth its weight in gold!
Choose Your Elopement Location + Secure permits
Your elopement photographer will help you choose the perfect location and let you know what kind of permits you need for your day.
Take a deep breath and get ready to have your best day ever!
Trust me when I say that your elopement day will FLY by! Make sure you take the time to enjoy it all.
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.”
– Edward Abbey
moab elopement
activity ideas
When it comes to coming up with ideas for your elopement, I always encourage my couples to think outside of the box. Sure, this day could be just vows and photos but I believe this is your chance to do something TRULY special and unique – and fortunately for you, Moab has TONS to offer!
These also make great ideas for other activities to do while you are in Moab (not just on your elopement day!)
Note: Below I am linking to activities that can be easily booked as part of your vacation. For activities during your elopement day itself, I recommend working with your photographer for a private tour.
- GO FOR A HIKE – Moab has tons of hiking trails (and SO much wild land to just go explore and get lost in) and there are plenty of epic hikes!
- MOUNTAIN BIKING – Moab is one of the most famous mountain bike towns in the world (and as an avid MTBer myself, it’s how I first discovered the place) and has trails for all abilities. Rent bikes from any of the shops in town, or if you are more skilled, get a shuttle. Don’t want to work too hard? Book a guided e-bike tour!
- HELICOPTER TOUR – If you’ve never been in a helicopter, I promise it’s an experience you’ll NEVER forget!
- GET YOUR WEDDING BANDS TATTOOED
- CLIFFSIDE PICNIC
- JEEP OR 4X4 TOUR
- CANYONEERING
- PRIVATE CHEF DINNER AT YOUR AIRBNB
TRAVELING TO MOAB
WHERE TO STAY, DINE, AND SHOP, ETC.
Moab has a robust tourist economy and plenty of infrastructure to support it. If you are coming to Moab for your elopement, here is some info on where and how to do it!
faq
QUESTIONS ABOUT eloping in moab
Moab Elopement Packages
Thinking about eloping in Moab, Utah? I have custom crafted Moab elopement photography and planning packages to help make planning your dream desert elopement a breeze!
Here’s what you get:
Hand picked Location Suggestions
Whether you want to drive , hike, or helicopter to your Moab elopement location, I’ll help you pick the perfect spot based on what you want for YOUR day! Bringing guests? Dogs? No problem! I’ll recommend places that meet the needs of everyone in your group!
Permit assistance
Unfortunately eloping in Moab isn’t as easy as just picking a spot and showing up – most locations need a permit which can get pretty confusing pretty fast. Don’t worry! Before I was an elopement photographer, I went to law school and worked for public lands agencies. All that to say, when it comes to making sure your legal bases are covered, I’ve got you!
LOCAL VENDORS, TIMELINES, AND MORE
I’ll recommend other local vendors (hair and makeup, etc.) and help you come up with an awesome timeline that maximizes both the photos and your enjoyment of the stunning desert scenery. Over the years I’ve learned a thing or two about the art of planning an epic day!
EPIC, HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES + ALBUM DESIGN
Your finally gallery will be full of beautiful photos that tell the story of your day so that you can relive it over and over again – and share it with friends and family wherever they may be! Most packages also include a handcrafted album bound in leather or linen.