Moab Elopement Photographer
For the adventurous desert lovers
Arches *
Dead Horse *
Public Lands *
Canyonlands *
Arches * Dead Horse * Public Lands * Canyonlands *
Meet Your Moab Elopement Photographer
Imagine exchanging vows in the stunning red rock landscape of Moab, Utah—one of the most breathtaking places on earth. As a seasoned Moab elopement photographer, I specialize in capturing the raw beauty and intimate moments of adventure-filled elopement days. Whether you want a quiet ceremony in the desert, or a sunrise elopement beneath the arches, I’m here to document every detail of your unique story.
Moab is my most popular destination for couples seeking an adventurous outdoor elopement day for obvious reasons. I’ve had the pleasure photographing close to 40 elopements, weddings, and couples in Moab over the past five years, and I’ve spent weeks camping & exploring the area on my own because it’s such a special place to me.
It offers so many breathtaking views, unbelievable rock structures, surprising formations & the most delicate cryptobiotic soil to keep it all alive. With multiple iconic national parks, a stunning state park and so much public lands, Moab has something for everyone. There isn’t a better place to say “I do”!
The first step in planning your Moab elopement is to choose the best time of year for your ceremony. Spring and fall are my top recommendations for elopements in Moab. During these seasons, the weather is mild and comfortable, with vibrant desert wildflowers in the spring or the breathtaking golden hues of the fall landscape. These seasons also offer the perfect lighting for stunning photographs, whether you're planning a sunrise or sunset ceremony. Avoiding the hot summer months and the winter chill will ensure you have the best experience, both in terms of comfort and beauty.
Once you've chosen the perfect time to elope, the next step is to hire your Moab elopement photographer—that’s where I come in! As a seasoned photographer in the area, I’ll help you plan and capture every moment of your intimate day, ensuring you have memories that last a lifetime. After hiring your photographer, I will assist you in picking the most stunning and meaningful locations for your elopement. Moab has so many incredible spots—Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, and countless BLM lands—but some of the best locations are hidden gems that only photographers with the proper commercial use permits can access. With my permit, I can guide you to these private, off-the-beaten-path spots that other photographers cannot legally shoot at, giving you a truly exclusive and memorable experience.
Once you've locked in your photographer and chosen your locations, there are a few more key steps to ensure your Moab elopement goes smoothly. First, you'll need to apply for the necessary permits to marry on public lands or in national parks. Many of Moab’s most iconic spots require permits, and I can help guide you through the process to make sure everything is in order. Don't worry—I'll handle the details for the spots I recommend, making sure we have permission to shoot in your chosen location. After securing your permit, it’s time to get your accommodations and marriage license in order. There are many wonderful places to stay in and around Moab, whether you’re looking for a luxury resort, a cozy Airbnb, or even a unique desert glamping experience. Make sure to also apply for your Utah marriage license—I can point you to the nearest county clerk’s office where you can easily apply.
Finally, you might want to hire other vendors to complete your elopement experience, such as an officiant, florist, or hair and makeup artist. As an experienced Moab elopement photographer, I’ve worked with many local vendors and can recommend trusted professionals who will make your day even more special. Whether you want a simple, heartfelt ceremony or something more elaborate, I can help you assemble a team that matches your vision for your Moab elopement.
How to Elope in Moab
As you start dreaming up your Moab elopement, take a moment together to picture how you want the day to feel. Is it just the two of you exchanging vows, or are there a few close loved ones sharing in the celebration? The intimacy of your day will shift depending on who’s there. Think, too, about privacy—if it’s important to you, a weekday or sunrise ceremony can help you capture those quiet, magical moments with the landscape all to yourselves. Consider the kind of ceremony that resonates with you both. Would you like a traditional exchange of vows with an officiant, or something more symbolic and personal, maybe getting legally married before or after? And, of course, what other experiences are calling you here? Hiking, canyoneering, or stargazing can add even more to your adventure, and may guide you toward the perfect season to say “I do.”
Best Locations to Elope in Moab
Each of these iconic Moab locations offers something unique—whether it’s the grandeur of Arches National Park, the stunning views of Dead Horse Point, the rugged adventure of Canyonlands, or the peaceful solitude of Moab’s BLM Lands. By choosing one of these stunning spots for your elopement, you’ll not only create a beautiful, personalized experience but also have the opportunity to make memories in one of the most photogenic places on Earth. Whether you're looking for adventure, intimacy, or a perfect blend of both, these locations will provide the backdrop for an unforgettable elopement day. From the iconic sandstone arches of Arches National Park to the sweeping views at Dead Horse Point, Moab offers countless stunning backdrops for your elopement. Here are a few of the most popular locations I love to photograph.
Arches National Park:
One of the most famous and visually stunning places in Moab, making it an ideal location for couples seeking a dramatic, breathtaking backdrop for their elopement. With its towering sandstone formations and iconic natural arches, this park offers a variety of landscapes—from sweeping desert vistas to intimate, hidden alcoves. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous hike to a secluded spot or prefer a short walk to a viewpoint, Arches National Park offers a range of options to match your elopement vision. The park’s otherworldly scenery will provide stunning, timeless photos that capture the essence of your adventure together.
Choosing to elope at Arches means you’ll experience the incredible beauty of the desert in a unique way. The park’s landscapes are particularly striking during sunrise and sunset, offering a soft, warm light that will make your photos truly unforgettable. For couples who love both nature and photography, Arches National Park is a dream destination—its vastness and grandeur provide an unforgettable backdrop to your most intimate moments.
Canyonlands National Park:
Canyonlands offers a rugged, expansive setting that perfectly complements an elopement in Moab. This park is known for its dramatic canyons, mesas, and buttes that stretch as far as the eye can see, creating an incredible sense of awe and intimacy. The park’s Island in the Sky district is perfect for couples who want a high-elevation ceremony with panoramic views of the surrounding red rock desert. Canyonlands offers an impressive combination of solitude and beauty, making it a perfect choice for those who want a peaceful and awe-inspiring place to exchange vows, without the crowds.
What makes Canyonlands particularly special is its vastness. Whether you’re standing at the edge of a canyon or hiking through a secluded ravine, the wide open spaces provide a sense of adventure and freedom. The park is less frequented than Arches, meaning you’ll likely have a more private experience, ideal for couples seeking an intimate, unspoiled environment. The sunsets here are some of the best in Moab, with the changing light casting beautiful shadows and hues over the rugged landscape, making for unforgettable photographs.
Dead Horse Point State Park:
Known for its sweeping views of the Colorado River and its unique vantage point over the surrounding canyons, Dead Horse Point State Park is a stunning and more secluded option for couples looking to elope in Moab. Situated just outside of Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the river’s meandering path through the desert landscape, and its cliffs and mesas create an incredible natural amphitheater, perfect for an intimate ceremony. The park is named for a historic spot where wild horses were once corralled, but today it’s a serene, peaceful location with plenty of space to celebrate your love.
Choosing to elope at Dead Horse Point means you’ll be surrounded by dramatic cliffs and unparalleled views that feel both grand and intimate. The park is particularly known for its stunning sunrise and sunset light, which paints the sky and the landscape in rich, vibrant colors. Whether you choose to exchange your vows during the golden hours of sunrise or the warm glow of sunset, Dead Horse Point’s beauty will make your elopement feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a fantastic choice for couples who want both breathtaking views and privacy, all while enjoying the essence of Moab’s wild, untamed beauty.
BLM Public Lands:
Moab is surrounded by an incredible amount of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) public lands, which means there are countless hidden gems and breathtaking, secluded spots that you can only access with the proper permits. As a licensed Moab elopement photographer, I hold a commercial use permit to photograph on these public lands, which is not only special but essential for accessing the more remote and protected areas that many other photographers either don’t have the legal ability to shoot at or simply don’t know about. This permit gives me the freedom to guide you to secret locations far away from the crowds—places that are off-the-beaten-path and perfect for an intimate elopement experience. Whether you’re seeking a hidden desert canyon, a cliffside with sweeping views, or a tranquil spot far from the well-known tourist areas, I’m qualified to take you there, ensuring you have a truly exclusive and unforgettable Moab adventure.
Marriage licenses & permits
To get married in the area you’ll need your marriage license, a photography permit and a wedding permit. Every park is slightly different, so it is important to review each park’s permitting rules and call the permit department if you have further questions. Permits do not include park entrance fees. Symbolic ceremonies usually don’t require these permits. Click here to learn about marriage licenses in Grand County, explore a list of authorized local officiants, and learn more about ordination/officiants here.
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you must apply for a wedding permit at least 4 weeks ahead of your wedding or elopement date. The park allows weddings to be held in 10 different specific locations, each with different size limitations. Most common guest sizes for weddings in the park are between 10-25 people. Arches wedding permits are $385 and ceremonies are limited to 10 minutes. Click here to read more about wedding permits in the park.
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Less designated wedding site options and smaller areas than Arches National Park, Canyonlands has 4 designated areas where they allow a maximum of 25 guests for 3 out of the 4 locations. The wedding permit fee at this location is also $385 and only allows for a 10 minute ceremony. This permit should be applied for more than 4 weeks in advance. Click here to apply for your permit and read more information.
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Being a state park, the permits here are slightly different than the National Park options. At Dead Horse you can hold a ceremony with up to 100 guests, but there are better location options in the park with smaller groups of 50 guests or less. These sites are not wheel-chair accessible though. Because it’s a state parks, this location is dog friendly! To obtain a permit you need to apply at least 1 month before your wedding or elopement date. The permit for Dead Horse Point is $60. Click here for the wedding/elopement informational packet from the state park which includes how and where to apply for your permit.
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As the couple getting married, you usually just need to alert the Bureau of Land Management Office that you are planning to get married on public land and you’ll need a letter of authorization from them. I hold an annual Commercial Photography Permit with BLM Public Lands that allows me to photograph couples on BLM land legally.
Recent Moab Work
Moab Elopement Packages
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Half Day $6,000
4 hours of coverage
2-3 location
Consecutive coverage or $250 extra for split
Includes any necessary photography permits
Includes ALL TRAVEL FEES to get here
Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline
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Full Day $8,000
7 hours of coverage
3-5 locations + capturing any activities you do
Split or consecutive coverage
Includes any necessary photography permits
Includes ALL TRAVEL FEES to get here
Vendor referrals, location recommendations, help planning your timeline
When to
visit Moab
Weather & Seasons
April and October are generally the best months of the year to visit Moab for the best weather. In the shoulder season months (April, May, September, October) Moab can warm up quite a bit, seeing an average of 70-90 degree weather! However, it can be temperamental and have a string of days in the 80s and then a few days of 50s and rain or even snow! Even so, the shoulder months are the best time to visit Moab and plan your elopement or wedding because the temperature is much more comfortable than summer. The summer months are the most consistent, and in these months you can expect pretty hot weather (breaking 100 degrees regularly!). For this reason, I generally suggest not getting married here in July or August as it can be way too hot for hiking and doing anything other than soaking in the river! Lastly, because Moab is high desert terrain, it experiences a decent amount of wind year round so if you’re camping be prepared for some windy days and evenings.
Where to Stay
Favorite accommodations: camping, lodges, and airbnbs in Moab
Lodging
If you’re looking for comfortable and unique lodging, here are some of my top recommendations:
Sorrel River Ranch: Sorrel River Ranch is a luxury guest ranch and resort located in Moab, Utah. The ranch is situated on a stunning stretch of the Colorado River and offers a range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and rafting. The ranch also has a full-service spa and a gourmet restaurant. Accommodations at the ranch include luxury tents, cabins, and vacation homes, all of which offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The ranch is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Moab and the surrounding area in style and comfort.
Red Cliffs Lodge: Red Cliffs Lodge is a luxury resort located in Moab, Utah, nestled among the red rock cliffs of the Colorado River. The lodge offers a range of accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and vacation homes, all with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The resort is home to a full-service spa, a gourmet restaurant, and a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, rafting, and hiking. Red Cliffs Lodge is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty and adventure of Moab in style and comfort.
Under Canvas Moab: Under Canvas is a glamping (glamorous camping) company that operates in several locations across the United States, including Moab, Utah. The Moab location is situated just outside Arches National Park and offers a range of luxury tent accommodations, including standard tents, deluxe tents, and suites. The tents are equipped with comfortable beds, electricity, and private bathrooms, and the property also has a restaurant, a bar, and a variety of outdoor activities, such as guided hikes and Jeep tours. Under Canvas Moab is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of the outdoors in a comfortable and luxurious setting.
Field Station: A new outdoor hotel that makes for the perfect base for all your adventures. Each Field Station location is stocked with outdoor equipment, professional guide services, and thoughtful amenities that empower you to take on a new adventure with confidence. The rooms are modern and they offer large shared areas.
Camping
There are many great campsites to choose from in Moab, Utah, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are a few options:
Kayenta Campground: in Dead Horse Point State Park, located about 20 miles from Moab and offers a range of campsites, including RV sites and tent sites with electricity. The park has beautiful views of the Colorado River and the surrounding red rock cliffs, and is a great base for exploring Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
Devils Garden Campground: This is the only developed campground in the park, with 51 sites that can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers. The campground has flush toilets, running water, and a campground store, and is open year-round.
Primitive Campsites: In addition to the developed campground, Arches National Park also has several primitive campsites that are accessible by dirt roads and are suitable for tent camping. These campsites do not have running water or toilets, so you'll need to be self-sufficient and bring your own water and supplies.
Campgrounds on the Colorado River: Goose Island, Granstaff Canyon, Big Bend Campground
Sun Outdoors: This RV park and campground is located in Moab and offers a range of campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and tent sites. The campground has a swimming pool, a playground, and a variety of amenities, such as a laundry facility and a store.
Moab KOA: This campground is located just outside Moab and offers a range of campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and tent sites. The campground has a swimming pool, a playground, and a variety of amenities, such as a laundry facility and a store.
Willow Springs Campground: This small, secluded campground is located about 20 miles from Moab and offers tent sites and RV sites. The campground is surrounded by stunning red rock cliffs and is a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
Hiking
Arches National Park (Double Arch, Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden Loop with 7 arches, Windows Loop & Turret Arch Trail, Fiery Furnace)
Canyonlands National Park (Druid Arch Trail, Mesa Arch Trail, Cave Spring Trail)
Dead Horse Point State Park (Rim Loop Trail)
BLM hikes: Corona Arch, Jeep Arch, Mill Creek
Other Activities
White Water Rafting: Fisher Towers Rafting Experience
Off Roading: Xtreme 4x4 Tours
Canyoneering: Red River Adventures
Rock Climbing: Castle Valley (Castleton Tower, The Convent, The Nuns, Parriot Mesa, The Rectory), Fisher Towers, Wall St. Potash Rd, Indian Creek, etc
Mountain Biking: Click here to see the MANY different trails & difficulty levels for each location
Horseback Riding: Moab Horses, Mill Creek, Parriot Mesa, Mount Peale summit hike
Star Gazing & Astrophotography: from any of the parks!
Food
98 Center: my absolute FAVORITE place to eat in Moab! Delicious fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients and tons of menu options for my vegan and gluten free friends.
Arches Thai: relaxed Thai eatery serving pho, curries & other classic dishes in a warm space with a fireplace
Sabaku Sushi: best sushi in Utah! Fresh, unique and impactful flavors.
Desert Bistro: upscale venue plating adventurous Southwestern cuisine in an intimate setting with a wine cellar
Moab Brewery: microbrewery for ales & IPAs, plus an American restaurant, bar, patio dining & a gift shop
Moab Kitchen: food truck turning out vegan wraps, soups & other bites, with indoor & outdoor seating area
Moab Garage Co: indoor coffee shop with a cool vibe! Breakfast, ice creams, and plenty of coffee options.
Moab Coffee Roasters: you HAVE to go here if you like matcha. Get the lavender matcha and you won’t be disappointed!
Moab Rainbowls: a plant based food truck with delicious smoothies, bowls, and other amazing vegan meals.
Mas Cafe: best coffee in town.
Shopping
Favorite Shops: Indigo Alley, Moab Made, Desert Wild
Thrift Store: Wabi Sabi
Gear: Gear heads for full price, Moab Gear Trader for used discounted items
Book Your Moab Elopement Now
Fill out this form as detailed as possible and we’ll be planning together in no time!
This adventurous couple chose to divide their Moab elopement into a private sunrise vow exchange and a joyful sunset ceremony with loved ones. From off-roading in the dark to spotting bighorn sheep, their day was unforgettable from start to finish!