Why Elope in Moab?
As an outdoor adventure lover myself, there is an endless number of reasons why Moab is such an epic elopement location. Moab is a playground for adrenaline junkies and a wonder for nature enthusiasts. Part of the reason that Moab is such an incredible place to elope is because there’s so many ways to experience it. You can go from exploring unmarked slot canyons to playing in the snow on the La Sal Mountains in just a few hours. If you and your partner are lovers of adventure and discovery, then Moab is a great location to consider eloping. In this blog, I cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect Moab Elopement!
Moab Elopement Checklist
- Pick a date
- Find an Elopement Photographer and book them ASAP. I might be available đ
- Pick the location you want to elope at in Moab
- Book your Travel: Airfare if needed, rental cars, stay, activities, food, etc…
- Determine what permits you need for getting married in Moab (more info below)
- Obtain your Utah Marriage License (more info below)
- Book any activities you may want to do on your elopement day!
Now that you have a step-by-step checklist of what you need to do to plan your Moab elopement, let’s take a deeper dive into the details of it all!
Planning Your Moab Elopement
Best Time of Year for Your Moab Elopement
With Moab being a desert, it gets very hot in the summer months and then gets pretty cold in the winter months. Because of this, the late late spring and fall are definitely the most ideas times of the year in Moab. These are the transition seasons from it being super hot to getting pretty chilly. During the fall and late spring the temperature usually is somewhere between 60-80 degrees in the day and between 30-50 degrees at night. The best months to visit Moab are April/May and September/October/November.
Marriage Licenses and Permits
If you plan on officially getting married in Utah, then one of the most important steps is obtaining your marriage license from the state of Utah. You can find all the information you need to do that HERE!
When it comes to obtaining permits in Moab, you will need one if you are getting married, having a ceremony, or taking professional photos. So one of the most important things you need to do before your Moab elopement is obtain a wedding and photography permit. It’s also important to mention that every park within Moab has slightly different rules, so it’s best to review the parks permits beforehand. Below you will find the links to where you can obtain the permits for each of the parks.
Location: Choose the Perfect Spot for Your Moab Elopement
The best thing about Moab is that there are so many picturesque locations to choose from â the only challenge is deciding which one to pick! Consider what type of atmosphere you’re aiming for, and how you plan to incorporate it into your elopement ceremony. Do you envision a sandy beach along the Colorado river? An adventurous canyon? Or peaceful views from atop a mountain? Take the time to explore your options and imagine yourself in each spot. You’ll easily find the perfect spot for your epic Moab elopement!
Here is some additional information about some of my favorite locations in Moab:
Canyonlands National Park
Located in Southeastern, Utah, Canyonlands National Park offers a similar feel to Arches National Park. It has the beautiful desert landscape and epic arches but because it is a less known park, it offers a much more private and intimate space for an intimate elopement. There are several different hikes that you can do and more information is provided in the link above.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK:
This is by far one of the most popular locations in Moab and for good reason. It is the most beautiful and epic location with a landscape of massive textured arches and red canyon views for miles. Some hiking locations within Arches National Park Include:
- Double Arch: This is a slightly sloped, compacted dirt trail that leads to to the double arches. It is a 0.6 mile distance roundtrip making this an easy spot for engagement photos.
- Sand Dune Arch: This hike includes walking through thick sand and narrow sandstone fins to reach the secluded arch. It is an easy hike with a distance of only 0.4 miles roundtrip.
- Navajo & Partition Arches: This is a longer hike with a roundtrip distance of 3 miles. I would say that this is more of a moderate level of difficulty. If youâre wanting to do more of a hiking adventure couples session, then this is a great option.
CASTLE VALLEY/ CASTLETON:
Castleton Towers is a super popular location in Moab, as it is the most famous desert tower in the world. This is a more difficult hike with different types of terrain. It is a 2.6 mile hike roundtrip. And, if you and your partner are avid rock climbers, it is also a super well-known rock climbing spot.
CORONA & BOWTIE ARCHES:
A great hike for those who want a little adventure but donât want to deal with any difficult terrain. Itâs a 3 mile roundtrip hike that is moderate in difficulty. There are a couple of spots along this hike that require you to climb a ladder and hold onto a cable to ascend a steep rock. So while it’s not a super difficult hike, it does offer some adventure.
FISHER TOWERS:
This is an amazing hike which offers super unique landscapes with strangely shaped rock formations everywhere. This 5.2 mile roundtrip hike includes single-track dirt and slick rock trail. With a moderate level of difficulty, this hike should take you somewhere around 2-3 hours to complete.
Accommodations: Find the Best Place for your Stay
Your accommodation is a big part of your elopement experience and should reflect the type of atmosphere youâre hoping to create. Whether youâre looking for a classic rustic cabin, or a funky Airbnb with wild desert vibes, Moab offers plenty of choices. Its close proximity to the national parks makes it easy to book a place that allows you to rise early for a beautiful first-light ceremony with your closest friends and family.
Resorts/Hotels
Moab Springs Ranch: Moab Springs Ranch is a stunning resort located near Arches National Park. It’s a luxurious resort tucked beneath Moab’s red rock providing a cool and shady atmosphere. They offer two types of accommodations including stand-alone luxury bungalows and large one, two, and three bedroom townhouses. Both options include access to all of the resorts amazing amenities! Some of the amenities that the resort offers are Horsethief Coffee Shop, outdoor pool and hot tub, private park and vineyard, trail access and views, and environmental sustainability. This a popular resort for those wanting to enjoy the beauty of Moab in a luxurious and peaceful way!
Red Cliffs Lodge: Red Cliffs Lodge is a luxurious hotel with a more rustic feel located in Moab, Utah. It offers everything from guest rooms and suites to vacation homes all with epic views of the surrounding nature. Some of the resorts amenities include a full service spa, gourmet restaurant, and a wide variety of tons of outdoor activities and tours. They have tons of super adventurous activities like horseback riding, off-roading, and sky-diving as well as more calm things like sound healing and park tours! This is a great resort and a popular destination for those wanting the adventurous experience of Moab with a nice and comfortable stay!
Sorrel River Ranch: Sorrel River Ranch is a beautiful luxury resort located alongside the Colorado River. They offer everything from studio size cabins all the way up to ranch house estates that can sleep up to 12 people. This resort offers a wide variety of activities including horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and rafting. And, if you’re wanting a more relaxed day, they have a full-service spa and a wide variety of wellness classes. This is the perfect resort for those looking to enjoy Moab in a more luxurious resort that offers everything you would need for an amazing trip!
Camping Options
Commercial Campgrounds: Commercial Campgrounds are privately owned which means that will typically have more amenities such as showers, running water, RV hook-ups, flushing toilets, and more. At the link above, you can find a list of all of the commercial campgrounds in Moab.
BLM Campgrounds: There are 26 BLM maintained campgrounds throughout Moab. These BLM campgrounds are located in very scenic locations and are well-maintained. But, they tend to not offer the same amenities as a commercial campground. These are available on a first come basis. Information on these campgrounds can be found at the above link.
National Park, State Park, and Forest Campgrounds: While these campgrounds do not typically have the same amenities as a commercial campground, they have the luxury of being located in very scenic areas of the park. For a full list of the campgrounds, visit the link.
AirBnbs
Wisteria Cottage at Cali Cochitta
Activities: Enjoy Unique Things To Do in Moab on your Honeymoon or Adventure Together
Once youâve said your vows, the rest of your elopement day will be for creating amazing memories together. Moab is an outdoor adventure paradise, so there truly is no shortage of options! Whether you love hiking, mountain biking, rafting, or exploring the stunning red rock canyons and national parks, Moab has something for everyone. Take some time and explore this incredible landscape with your new husband or wife and make magic happen!
Additional Information: Leave No Trace
All too often I see really stunning photos where the couple is off trail, standing on fallen trees, dancing around in Cryptobiotic soil, or throwing powder/plastic confetti that gets left behind. This is such a big problem that needs to be talked about more! So, letâs talk about how you can âLEAVE NO TRACE” during your Moab Elopement!
One of the most amazing things about my job is taking my clients to some pretty beautiful places. But, many people arenât familiar with LNT ethics so as your photographer and an outdoor lover, itâs my responsibility to educate my clients. I love educating my clients on following LNT ethics and taking care of the environment so that others can continue to enjoy it too!
So How Can You Follow LNT?
1.) Plan Ahead & Prepare: Educate yourself on the ecosystem that youâre exploring. Some ecosystems require a little extra care and awareness when visiting.
2.) Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces: As a general rule of thumb, slick rock, soft sand, and established trails are safe to travel over via foot, bike, or car.
3.)Â Dispose of Waste Properly:Â Did you know that orange peels can take up to 2 years to decompose? If you pack it in make sure you pack it out; carrying a plastic bag or garbage bag clipped to your person with a carabiner ensures that youâll always have a place to put your trash.
4.)Â Leave What You Find:Â Wood and vegetation can look like a harmless souvenir to take home but they can spread pests to new environments and are a vital part of healthy ecosystems.
5.)Â Minimize Campfire Impacts: Did you know almost 85% of fires are caused by humans? This one should go without saying especially in places where thereâs high fire risks. If you must have a campfire, make sure itâs in a pre-established fire ring and that itâs cold to the touch after you put it out.
6.)Â Respect Wildlife:Â DO NOT feed the wildlife. As adorable as some animals are, feeding them causes them to rely on humans for food and encourages them to to approach humans when theyâre hungry.
7.)Â Be Considerate of other visitors:Â We all want to get âthe shotâ but popular locations can become crowded quickly. Just be patient and wait your turn if youâre wanting a specific shot. The scenery isnât going anywhere and waiting a few minutes isnât the end of the world. Amplified music on busy trails and crowded places is pretty inconsiderate. While it may help set the mood for your party, it may be ruining someone elseâs experience and scaring wildlife in the surrounding areas.Â
Ready for your Moab Elopement?
If this guide didn’t convince you that Moab is an amazing location to elope then I don’t know what will. Moab truly has my heart from the epic views to the endless list of activities you can do! If you’re ready to start planning your Moab elopement, I would love to be a part of your experience. I don’t want to just be your photographer, I would love to be involved in helping you plan your elopement as I am truly passionate about this amazing place.
