Abi + Garrett’s adventure elopement under a giant arch in utah

There is something just so special about the desert. The vast landscape. The tough little critters. The plants that have somehow managed to survive in the harshest of climates. The wind and the sun and the fact that even the hottest of days cool down into the most beautiful of evenings. Which is why, after traveling to 18 countries, 4 continents, and all the U.S., Moab is favorite place on Earth. So getting to photograph Abi and Garrett’s elopement here? It was really special.

Eloping under an arch in moab

When Abi and Garrett first reached out they didn’t know exactly where they wanted to elope – other than that they wanted to do it in Colorado or Utah. After tossing around some ideas they decided to head to Moab to get married in the desert. As far as their exact location, they knew they wanted to have their ceremony under a giant arch, which Moab is known for. Instead of eloping in Arches National Park (with it’s very strict elopement rules and SO MANY PEOPLE), I found them a beautiful arch out on BLM land – far from the crowds and busy-ness of the national park. I helped them get their permit from the BLM for their ceremony and we were off!

How I helped plan their corona Arch elopement

Once we had secured their permit to elope at Corona Arch, it was time to put the rest of the pieces together! I suggested a bunch of cool places to stay and they chose my ABSOLUTE favorite – Under Canvas! I knew that taking getting ready photos and doing their first look at Under Canvas would be a perfect start to their day. They also knew that they wanted to get their wedding rings tattooed as part of their day so we worked that into the schedule as well – and then made time for a pizza picnic and sunset photos out in the desert. The goal for the day was to enjoy the beautiful scenery and have a stress-free day – and it was perfect!

their elopement day

Their elopement day began at Under Canvas where they got ready in their tent (shoutout to Under Canvas for giving them a tent upgrade for their big day!) with stunning views of the desert. They did a sweet first look on the porch of the tent and then we headed off to begin our hike to Corona Arch! Corona Arch is a relatively short and easy hike (3 miles round trip) but there are a couple more interesting sections – including one spot where you climb up the rocks with the help of chains to hold onto and another where you climb a small ladder. The views are BEAUTIFUL along the entire route!

Once we made it to Corona Arch, they had their ceremony and said their vows under the GIANT arch (who needs a man-made wedding arch when Mother Nature can provide one for you?!). After their ceremony, to make it official, a couple hikers got to sign their marriage license as witnesses – their comment was “we would have dressed nicer if we knew we would be doing this!”. It was so fun! After their ceremony at Corona Arch we hiked back down to the car and made our way to Moab Tattoo where Kim tattooed wedding bands on their fingers.

We ended the day out in the desert, eating pizza and watching the sun set behind the mesa. Even though I was SO sad this day was over, I was so happy with how it all turned out.

There is a reason Moab is my favorite places in the whole world. This is it.