Where Can You Elope in Moab?

The Best Moab Elopement Locations + Elopement Guide

How to Elope in Moab Guide: Best Locations + Everything else you need to know about getting married in Moab! – updated for 2024

A couple looks out at the view after their ceremony at Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab.
Moab Elopement Photographer
moab-elopement

Why Elope in Moab?

Moab, Utah may be a place you have never heard of or it could be a place that has a spot already on your bucket list. Moab, Utah is known for Arches National Park probably the most. These unique red rock arch formations spreading across Moab’s land are not found anywhere else in the US.

Moab is greatly known for being an adventure mecca – home to “dirt bag” climbing, canyoneering, base jumping + rope swinging. Folks come here from all over for off roading, hiking, to see the dinosaur tracks fossilized into the dirt, and the general sight seeing of it all. In the summer people are often drawn to the Colorado river to float, kayak, or just jump in to cool off.

We know how special this place can be and we are so excited to share with you why it is one of our favorite elopement destinations!

A couple holds hands and looks into each others eyes as they stand on a sandstone boulder overlooking Moab.
Deadhorse Point State Park Elopement | Adventure and Vow

How to Elope in Moab

Here is a simple check list for how to elope in Moab:

  • Select a date that coincides with the weather and experience you want to have.
  • Book an Elopement Photographer
  • Pick an elopement location in Moab (more info below)
  • Plan your travel: flight, rental car, stay, activities + check out restaurants you may like
  • Book any other vendors needed like a hair and make up artist, flowers, etc
  • Pull the proper permits as needed for your elopement location
  • Get your Utah Marriage License
  • Have a fantastic, fun day eloping in Moab!

Now, let’s dive deeper into each of these important steps of planning your elopement in Moab!

When is the best time to elope in Moab?

We think the best time to elope in Moab is the time on the outskirts of busy season! Why? There are far less crowds, less traffic, and plenty more privacy! Busy season in Moab is typically Mid March through mid October. So to us, all of March, October and November are the best times to elope in Moab. No matter what, avoiding Jeep week would be advised, unless you are wanting Jeep Week to be a part of your wedding day 🙂

Outside of picking what date to elope in Moab, selecting if you elope at sunrise or sunset can be a big factor in helping you get more privacy for your ceremony out on the trail. Let’s dive into what each season in Moab is like:

Spring in Moab

Consider March to May temperatures go from in the 60s to in the 80s during the day. These temperatures are mild and all fantastic for eloping in the area. Spring is when heavier winds are present in the desert. Spring doesn’t get much rain either so there is not much to worry about there.

Summer in Moab

Specifcally this season, the temperatures can get to be 100 degrees. We strongly encourage people not to elope when temperatures are this high because for most people it is harder and less enjoyable to adventure in wedding attire when it is this hot. Summer is also super busy in Moab, making logistics harder for an elopement wedding.

Fall in Moab

This is our favorite time in Moab! Temperatures start to drop, crowds start to go away. Do keep in mind that September usually gets the most rainfall in Moab. In short, October is perfection! Getting into November it can start to be colder, but we love the snow capped La Sal Mountains from the desert.

Winter in Moab

While the evenings are super chilly, the day temperatures can be in the 30s and 40s. Still warmer than most of America in the Winter, but you may want to plan to wear layers! It can add a super beautiful element if you get snowfall in Moab for your elopement! Moab typically can see anywhere from 2-9 inches of snow during the winter season.

A couple rides horses overlooking the La Sal Mountain Range in Moab.
Horse back riding in Moab

How to get to Moab:

Moab is basically in the middle of no where, but also conveniently near everything. The best thing to do is fly into Salt Lake City, rent a car and drive down. Alternatively, you could fly into the Grand Junction Airport in Colorado then drive over. Moab has a very small airport that you can also fly into, but expect ticket costs to be much higher and you will still need to rent a car or Jeep. If you are up for a road trip and want to see other places or include your honeymoon elsewhere on the same trip, you could also fly into the Denver or Las Vegas airport for a 5-6 hour drive.

Best Places to Stay in Moab:

Moab has sooooo many hotels in town, it feels literally endless with the options of just hotels. There are lots of free camping options on BLM land, paid campsites with general amenities, glamping with even more amenities and of course VRBOs + Airbnbs. Below is a list of locations to stay that we recommend based on having an epic experience and places that would photograph super well.

  • Under Canvas – This is a super cool unique glamping opportunity. You can stay here with just you two or you two and all of your guests! It is conveniently located near Arches National Park and other areas for eloping. While all of their other locations have an in house chef, this location does not. If you wanted to host a dinner here after your elopement I recommend reaching out to Cloth + Flame.

  • For paid camping, you can check out the Moab KOA and also the many camp grounds near town and along the river. I also highly recommend checking out HipCamp options in Moab for the ability to stay somewhere private, beautiful and get to know some locals!

  • Hotel wise I recommend the Hyatt, but do not be afraid to look around because there are so many hotels in the area.

  • Sorrel Ranch is located East of Moab proper, but is closer to many BLM elopement locations like Castelton Valley and Fisher Towers. We love this location because it is beautiful, it has actives to do and a way to dine on property. It is a wonderful place to spend your time during your elopement experience.

  • I highly recommend checking out VRBO and AIRBNB for options in Moab.

Best places to eat at in Moab, Utah:

We LOVE to have a good meal when we travel and on your elopement trip, you for sure want to enjoy yourself. Moab is a small town, but they know how to do food. Check out this list of our favorite places to dine while visiting and when may be the best time to go or how to fit it into your elopement day experience:

Dinner in Moab

  • Desert Bistro | You need a reservation at this fine dining location. There is a small amount of dinning inside and then outside as well. This is probably the nicest restaurant to visit during your time in Moab.
  • 98 Center | This place is our top fav in the area! Check to see if they are open, their hours vary. The chef here is amazing and combines pho inspired dishes with Philly cheesesteak dishes.
  • Arches Thai | There are a lot of good Thai and asian inspired places to dine in Moab, but this one is our favorite. In the past we have had couples book large groups here for their pre-wedding dinner.
  • Josie Wyatts | This steak house is connected to a hotel which can make it easy to make it to dinner here if you are staying there, either way though its right in the heart of town. We have had couples in the past book a group dinner after their elopement.
  • Moab Sunset Grill | The Sunset Grill is a staple in Moab, Utah for it’s view. While we have not personally dined here we hear great things from our past couples. If you do eat here we highly advise reserving your table at sunset or earlier so you can enjoy the view.
  • SpitFire | Spit fire is newer to the Moab area, but it is fantastic! We come here often just for a cocktail and to play darts! The pool tables always have folks at them and sometimes there is live music. Here you order and the front then find your table, making it easy for a group dinner. SpitFire also offers some catering options.

Breakfast + Lunch in Moab

  • The Moab Food Truck Park | Located in the heart of town you will find the food truck plaza. This is a great spot for a quick and easy outdoor lunch with your guests or yourselves! Our favorites is the Pannini (best smoothies) and the Hot Dog truck (best mac n cheese).
  • Moab Coffee Roasters | Now, you know we will not send you on your way without a coffee recommendation 🙂 This is our favorite coffee in Moab AND you can also find tasty ice cream for later in the day after a big hike. Refreshing!!
  • Moab Garage Co | If you are looking for coffee and a place to sit down and have a yummy brunch, lunch or breakfast then you want to go here! Also highly recommend any of their treats by the register, my favorite is the brownie.
  • Doughbird Donuts | Another Moab classic! We stopped here at Halloween once and I was blown away at the beautiful (and yummy) donuts all decorated for the season! There is often a line and their hours vary. If you go around lunch time they also serve fried chicken.
  • Canyon Steak + Waffles | This one is easy to miss, but it is our favorite breakfast in town after a sunrise adventure in the parks! We love the steak and waffles, coffee and low key vibes.
A couple pretends to be dinosaurs for a funny photo at Sand Dune Arch.

How to Legally Get Married in Moab

In the state of Utah you will both need to apply in person for your marriage license with all of your proper documents and ID’s. You will need an officiant to hold the ceremony and to have two witnesses present who are above the age of 18. To make sure you are properly prepared to legally get married in the state please read all of the guidelines. Every state is different in how they handle their marriage licenses, in terms of Utah state there is no waiting period from the time that you have the paperwork in your hand to being able to use it. That means you can get married the moment you have the license.

Note, if you are eloping you can also always handle the “paperwork” side of things prior to your official elopement in your home state if that is easier for you two. If you are working with us for your elopement, we are both ordained and can officiate your ceremony for you and one of us can sign as one of your witnesses. If you are eloping just you two, then we can find the second witness anywhere on trail, in the parking lot or back at your stay/town.

Obtaining your Marriage License in Moab

There is a local clerk office right in town in Moab, Utah making it super easy to obtain your marriage license. While it is the officiants legal duty to bring your paperwork back to the clerk office from where you obtained it from, some couples opt to bring it in themselves as this can sometimes speed up the processing of the marriage license. While it is usually quicker, the turnaround time for your marriage license to be processed can be up to six weeks. Just remember, the clerk offices have basic bank hours so plan your pick up around that.

If having the marriage license physically in your hand to sign the day of isn’t a crucial part of your vision for the day, Utah county has the option to apply for the paperwork all online. We have worked with plenty of couples who decide to go this route for the simplicity, however this is when it becomes important to know that the marriage license is only valid for 32 days, so be sure not to file for this too far in advance or else you’ll have to purchase a new marriage license.

A couple shares a slow dance by the back of their jeep as a vendor plays guitar and sings for them.

Where Can I elope in Moab, Utah?

These are some of the best elopement locations in Moab:

  • Dead Horse State Park
  • Arches National Park
  • Canyon Lands National Park
  • La Sal Mountains / National Forest Land
  • Moab BLM Land like Fisher towers, Castleton tower and other areas
  • Private land like Red Earth Venue + other resorts and locations

Let’s go over these locations and how you can get married at them!

A couple stands at Top of the World off road route in Moab overlooking Fisher Towers at sunset.

Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement

This state park is just about 9 miles out of Moab and has a seemingly endless supply of hiking and dirt biking trails. A lot of their trails are pet friendly which is great if you want to bring your pup along for your elopement! It is best to plan your elopement or small wedding at this location at least 30 days in advance so you can apply for your wedding permit without being stressed about your application getting approved. The state park will require you to apply for a special use permit to get married on location.

This is one of the few locations within the Moab area that you can include a set up for your ceremony like an arch or other ideas. This location is also a great family location option since the parking areas are very close to the elopement ceremony options. The entire state park for the most part is a flat plateau overlooking the East and West side of the valley of red rocks. While most people think sunset is the very best time to elope here, it really is just as stunning at sunrise and it offers you more privacy. For complete information on getting married at Dead Horse Point State park you will want to read this guide.

Dead Horse Point State Park FAQ:

Where can I watch the sunset in Dead Horse Point state park?

You can watch sunset at Dead Horse State Park anywhere along the rim facing West. Our favorite spot for sunset at Dead Horse is the Colorado River Overlook.

Can you use a drone at Dead Horse Point State Park?

You can only use a drone here from November to February and must have permission from the park. If drone photography/video is important to you for your elopement day, consider eloping on a date between this time period or pick a different location!

A groom helps a bride up a rock at dusk.
Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement

Arches National Park Elopement

What a gold mine this place is for all desert lovers! The 2,000+ red rock arches are so beautiful and it is just outside the center of town. Eloping here would mean getting married at one of the iconic locations of the America Southwest. Since Arches is a National Park, there are stricter regulations that need to be followed and permits that need to be applied for in advance for specific locations you are allowed to hold a ceremony at within the park. The National Park put everything you need to know and actions to follow here.

This is one of the most popular National Park’s in Utah. It is important to make sure you are tracking closures due to high visitor volume and understand your privacy will be limited. To elope here with privacy my suggestion would be to elope in one of the equally stunning but less popular locations in the park, to elope during the early hours of sunrise or to hold your ceremony during the off season. Some of the most iconic shots you have seen of elopements in Moab are 100% at Arches. If you can plan it properly to be a good fit for the experience of your day it is worth it!

Arches National Park FAQ:

Can I get Married in Arches National Park?

Yes! You can legally get married in Arches National Park. These are the locations within Arches National Park that you can hold your elopement ceremony:

  • La Sal Mountain View Point
  • The Windows Section
  • Sand Dune Arch
  • Delicate Arch View point
  • Pine Tree Arch
  • Park Ave
  • Landscape Arch
  • Devils Garden Camp Amphitheater
  • Panorama Point

Arches National Park Wedding Permit

Wedding permits can be applied for within 1 year of your elopement date. It takes the park 4 weeks to complete your permit/application. Your ceremony can only be 10 minutes long, per the parks requirements. In some situations you would also need to pay for a park ranger to be present during your permitted time in the park. You can apply for your permit and obtain all the permit rules and information by visiting the parks permit page. The permit without a park ranger is $185.

In full transparency, Arches National Park has some of the most strict permit rules for ceremonies. These rules include a 15 minute ceremony time limit. The rules the park has doesn’t really effect a two person ceremony, so do not recommend doing your ceremony here if you plan to have guests. Instead we would encourage couples to share a first look in the park or to have portraits captured without a ceremony in the park. No permit is generally required unless your holding your actual wedding there. If you want your ceremony to be under an arch or near an arch we recommend looking at options in BLM land.

Are Reservations Required at Arches National Park?

Yes, you are required to get a reservation to enter Arches from April 1st to the last day in October yearly. Learn more about the parked entry times on the parks website. If you have a wedding permit this may cover your entry, this is important information to speak to the ranger about. Entry into the park is $35 per car.

A couple stands in the center of an arch at dusk.
Arches National Park Elopement

Canyon lands National Park Elopement

This national park is just past Dead Horse Point State Park, but this park is vast. You may know this park best for the Island in the Sky region which is where all three of the locations the parks allows weddings to take place. If you’re interested in eloping at this mind blowing national park you will need to apply for a permit and make sure your event falls into place within the parks restrictions. Note that if you aren’t looking for a longer drive on your wedding day, this is one of the furthest areas from Moab.

Can you get married in Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, these are the locations you can legally get married + hold a wedding ceremony in Canyonlands National Park:

  • Grand View Point
  • Green River Overlook
  • Mesa Arch
  • Shafer Canyon Overlook
  • Pothole Pt in the Needles Section
  • Needles Group Campsites

Each location has a corresponding maximum guest count per the National Park.

Canyonlands is just like Arches in how it handles permits, ceremony locations and cost of their permits.

A bride smiles at the camera at sunrise after her first look with her groom.
Canyonlands Elopement

Castle Valley + more BLM Elopement Locations in Moab

Well you guessed it! This small town just North East of Moab got its name from the castle like rock formations that surround the area. There are many great trails for hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding in this area. Or if being on the water is something you absolutely love, you can spend part of your elopement day floating the Colorado River! Not too far out of Castle Valley you will also find Mary Jane Slot Canyon which would be so dreamy for an elopement and (bonus!) it is dog friendly and currently no permits are required!!

This is just one of the areas laid out by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) office that are per-approved elopement locations for photographers already holding a permit with the Moab BLM.

Several areas on the list include places you can hike to, off road to, climb at or even mountain bike or kayak. If you find a location that is on BLM and sustainable to hold your event, there is the possibility of applying for it through your photographer to still get married there. As permit holders we are provided an entire list of locations you can elope at. Many of which we are familiar with and we are always learning more every time we go to Moab to know if a particular spot is a good location both experience and photo wise for our couples.

With all of the red rocks around, it is easy to forget about the beautiful mountain range right outside of Moab. The La Sal Mountains are stunning, full of Aspen trees, a few lakes here and there and jaw dropping vista points. Not to mention, surprise visits from the local free range cattle. If you are eloping in the Moab area in the Fall you do not want to miss the yellow explosion of color that will be all along the mountain range. I think that this is a component that makes Moab super special, because you get the easy diversity of desert and mountains all in one place.

Where can I have a wedding in Moab?

If eloping is not your jam and you can not imagine your wedding day without all of your loved ones, you may want to consider holding a more traditional wedding. For adventure elopements we recommend 15 guests or less to be able to follow Leave No Trace to the best of our ability and for the best experience over all.

Couples who are looking to tie together more elements of tradition with their elopement can always do an adventure day together before the wedding. We’ve also worked with many couples who have gone on an intimate just them outing in the morning and then in the evening or next day have a more formal wedding. Now, just like Moab’s elopement locations the wedding venues here are just as unique! So, where do you have a wedding in Moab?? These are our favorite Wedding Venues in Moab:

Under Canvas Moab

Here you can have a wedding of up to 30 people or do a complete buy out of the glamping venue for a group of 80-150 people. People attending your event must stay on property. While a wedding here comes with its stipulations, it would be a unique experience. We love this place because of it’s communal space for fires, dancing and live music. It is also conveniently located near Arches National Park and Dead Horse State Park. You can also check out their new sister company – Ulum.

A bride and groom walking together at Under Canvas from the perspective of a drone.

Red Earth Venue

We love this location because it was inspired by elopements and the beauty of Moab. It doesn’t feel like you are at a venue, but it accommodates in all the important ways a venue would. This space was literally created by photographers, which means it is designed for great images and good experience. Keep in mind the location does not have any space for getting ready, so you may want to stay at Under Canvas or in an Airbnb in town. We recommend booking here if you have between 25-55 guests.

The couple holds their wedding ceremony at red earth venue.
Red Earth Venue Moab Wedding

Sorrel Ranch

We love this place as a place to stay in the Moab area, but you can actually get married here! They have wedding packages with the river nearby and red rock canyons towering over head. We love that your guests can all stay where you get married so no one has to worry about driving, making it an easier experience on your guests. This is great if you want to combine your wedding with with adventures in the Onion Creek or Fisher towers area.

Whispering Oaks Ranch

While the view here is mostly of the La Sal Mountain range it is a fantastic place for both you and your guest to stay and to enjoy time together for your wedding in Moab! This location can house up to 45-65 guests. We would highly recommend this as a full day wedding at this ranch followed by a next day or day before adventure in the red rocks with just you two!

A couple walks around Under Canvas in Moab on their wedding day.
Under Canvas Elopement in Moab | Adventure + Vow

Top things to do in Moab on your elopement day:

Moab is a place where adventure literally seems to never end. It is a complete dream elopement location for a couple who really wants to get out there and experience the desert together on their wedding day. Our personal list of favorite things to do in Moab include taking the cat canyoneering, hanging out at Wall Street and off roading for an epic sunset view. What will you do on your elopement day?!

  • Backpack
  • Camp
  • Off Road | Jeep, Dirt Bike or Can-am Rentals located in town
  • Explore Slot canyons on a canyoneering trip
  • Hike
  • Sight See
  • Rope Swing
  • High Line
  • Base Jump
  • Sky Dive
  • Horse back Ride
  • Float the River
  • Rock Climb a spire or hangout at the crag
  • Star gaze
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride
  • Take your pup out on an adventure
  • See Dinosaur tracks and fossils
A couple raps down a canyon on a winter day in the morning for their adventure elopement.
BLM Land Elopement in Moab, Utah | Adventure + Vow

Moab Adventure Elopement Guide

Something that is very importantly to understand is that we are not guides. There is a very important legal distinction here that matters a lot to be aware of when working on public lands. Secondly, I do not know a single elopement photographer that is also a guide. So, in terms of the legal definition, what exactly is a guide?

Commercial guides and outfitters operate on federal lands across the United States, providing
visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. Guide and
outfitter activities include backpacking, hunting/fishing trips, educational excursions, float trips,
canoe or horse rentals, shuttle services, ski touring, helicopter skiing, and vehicle/boat tours. Both
for-profit and nonprofit entities engage in commercial guide and outfitting activities on federal
lands

We recommend if you are interested in doing any of these activities listed above, but do not have the proper gear or knowledge to fully and safely do it on your own to hire a guide service! There are plenty of climbing, rafting and other guide companies that you can hire in Moab that can for sure come on your elopement adventure.

While many of these activities are things we have personal experience with and have our own gear to do along side of you, we (nor any photographer) can not legally provide you with any gear or instruction for any activity you’ve chosen. We hope that this in no way discourages you from taking the leap to trying something new that excites you on your wedding day! We can capture your love perfectly right along and around a guided service so they would not be in your images if you did not want them to be.

A bride and Groom sit on a tree together in the La Sal mountains reading letters from their loved ones.
La Sal Mountains Elopement | Adventure and Vow

Star Gazing in Moab

Moab, Utah has some of the best star gazing in the states! Arches + Canyonlands National Parks are dark sky communities which means no article light is allowed after dark other than needed like car lights or headlamps. So here you can see the milky way crystal clear. The weather in the desert is pretty predicable, usually, but sometimes not. Deserts usually have clear skies at least once in a week. Milky way and star photos under the arches are super fun and beautiful. Checking out if you can see or name the planets as you lay on the rock on a cool evening is for sure a fun way to end your elopement day.

A couple hangs on rappel while star gazing from an arch.
Star Gazing while Rock Climbing

Moab Elopement Packages

What is included in our packages

We have photographed over 150 elopements all across the United States. We have carefully crafted our packages and the experience we offer our couples. Below is a list of some of the main things we include in our packages for all of our elopements:

  • Two international award winning photographers stoked about your day, with you every step of the way and have A LOT of experience adventuring and photographing in Moab.
  • BLM Permit holders for the Moab area
  • An officiant + 1 witness or 2 witnesses, pending what you need and if you have guest with you as we are both ordained and happy to help!
  • Location Scouting
  • Timeline planning
  • Experience Consulting
  • Vendor recommendations
  • Same day sneak peak images
  • An online gallery with high res images for you to download, slide show and album design
  • Drone pilots for photo and/or video where permitted
  • AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!!


Together, Traci and Bill are the most intentional, professional, and talented pair who complement each other in every way. Even our guests were floored. We felt like we’d known them forever and are so grateful for the new friendships. If you are thinking of hiring an elopement photographer, we can tell you that working with Adventure and Vow was the best decision we made, and you will not regret it!

– Caitlyn + Alex

Package options

We offer elopement packages in Moab, Utah in March through May, late October and early November. Our elopement start at mini elopements and go all the way up to multi-day, all out adventure weddings!. Our packages are designed for couples who plan to spend their day on epic adventures.

  • Half Day Elopement – up to 10 hours of time
  • Full Day Elopement – up to 14 hours of time
  • Two Day Elopement – up to 22 hours of time

We are with our couples every step of the way from the moment we connect until after their photos are in their hands. To us adventure elopements can be a direct reflection of marriage + your relationship. We love helping couples plan dream elopement days that reflect who they are, what they connect to the most and that are filled with so much intention.

Moab Elopement Videographer

If you are looking for an elopement videographer in Moab, we got you!! As a husband and wife team – Traci is the main photographer and Bill is the videographer/officiant. We offer video as an add-on to all of our elopement photography packages. This includes:

  • Song selection assistance
  • Voice recording of vows, poem, speeches or however you envision adding voice to your video
  • 8 week turn around time
  • 3-5 minute highlight videos

A couple poses for a headshot with their camera and climbing gear.

Meet your Moab Elopement Photographer!

Bill and I love adventuring in Moab and would love to help you plan your epic adventure and capture all the memories. Moab holds a special place in our heart as we have many memories of taking our cat canyoneering there, adopting our dog Tucker from Under Dog, yearly friends-giving out in the open desert, hosting photography workshops, climbing adventures and more! We would love the chance to connect with you and to help you create special memories here on your big day together! <3

It is impossible to put into words the appreciation we have for all that Traci and Bill did to create the most perfect elopement day for us. We began the process of wedding planning frustrated, stressed and confused on where to even look as none of the “traditional” route felt very us. It was perfect timing that we stumbled across Adventure and Vow. The beautiful photographs captivated us and we decided to reach out. From the very first inquiry Traci and Bill were so informed, patient, and really helped us flesh out the dream we had for our elopement.

They were quick to adjust when we decided we did actually want some close family to join for the ceremony and they made each piece so personal and exciting. Then the big day came, we were nervous to meet Traci and Bill but so quickly it felt like we were just hanging out with lifelong friends. They did a great job of making sure we were comfortable and made us feel so natural despite not having any prior experience in front of a camera, much of the day we forgot there was even a camera there. The locations they scouted out for us were exactly what we were hoping for, they really made it feel like a dream come true. We received our full gallery and all of the images are so stunning it is hard to even pick favorites. We are still talking every day about how beautiful and perfect the entire experience was, if you are thinking of eloping we cannot recommend Traci and Bill more!

– Bailey + Sydney
A bride and groom kiss as the wind catches the bride's dress.

Things to keep in mind when planning a wedding in Moab:

  • Moab is in the desert, so all of our usual tips for eloping in these dry climates exist here too. Bring lots of water, be aware of the temperatures, know your dress will get red dirt on it, bring sunscreen and more water 🙂
  • If you have never been to Moab and you just starting your research into where you want to elope I suggest browsing the Discover Moab website since it is packed with information on lodging, food and more! Always feel free to reach out to us! We are always here to help you two find the perfect location for your elopement. Moab has so many countless amazing spots for an adventure wedding and I am happy to help you narrow it down for what would best fit your day <3
  • Restaurants in Moab can close early, especially during off season. There is no shortage of options for places to eat in Moab. There are also a couple of grocery stores, we prefer the co-op grocery story next to Moab Coffee Roasters. Be sure to check out list earlier in the blog of our favorite dining options in Moab.

How to follow Leave No Trace while eloping in Moab

Leave No Trace has 7 principals laid out by LNT.org and that the public land systems uphold for people recreating in on the land. It is so important to follow LNT when you are eloping on the land for several reasons like preservation for future visitors, keeping the ability to get married on public lands available for other couples, protecting the wildlife, allowing others visiting the area to still enjoy their visit if you are eloping while they’re visiting and more! The seven principals are:

  • Plan ahead and prepare (this saves your life and others!)
  • Travel on Durable surfaces
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Respect Wildlife
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimize campfire impact
  • Be considerate of other visitors
  • BONUS: do not geo-tag on social media platforms

The Soil is Alive!

One of the very most important and special things about Moab is that there is a lot of cryptobiotic soil. People often just call it crypto for short.This soil is what helps keep animals and plant life alive in the desert. It takes hundreds of years to grow and form and one step can kill it. This is one of the reasons it is SO important to stay on the trail in Moab and other desert regions. Cryptobiotic soil comes in a few different forms so it is important to look it up before you go to know what to look out for, but if you are ever in doubt, stay on the trail.

We highly recommend if you are eloping in any of the popular areas of Moab or anywhere with fragile soil to keep your elopement guest count below ten people. This helps give you the ability to really follow the leave no trace principals. If you want the iconic places, but want a larger group of guests we recommend doing the ceremony/things with the group on private property or sustainable places then going on an adventure with just you two to the fragile locations.

What to Pack for your Moab Elopement:

When visiting Moab or the desert in general there are a few things to consider bringing. Keep in mind your specific packing list may be determined by what you are doing in Moab, your elopement day and time of year. Here is our general list:

  • A jacket
  • Human Waste Bags
  • Hiking shoes
  • Head lamp so you can get out and see the stars!
  • Sunscreen
  • Chapstick
  • Re-usable water bottle (Drink lots of Water!)
A bride and groom on a hanging rappel in Moab on a famous arch rock.
A man and woman walk through a slot canyon in Moab as they feel the texture of the rocks.

Let’s Chat About Your Moab Elopement!

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A couple snuggle on a rock at sunset together.
Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement