A couple share a kiss as sun starts to set in Dead Horse State Park.

Shannon + Cole’s Spring Elopement in Moab, Utah

Shannon + Cole traveled to Utah on a trip and fell in love with the desert and adventures there. When it came time to get married they knew they wanted to share their love + the love they had for this region with their family. We planned for an elopement in Moab since it would still be where they love, but a new place for them to check off the bucket list!

Their elopement day started with a first look at Arches National Park. Cole waited to see Shannon for the first time while standing beside a tall red rock feature with a building excitement that you could feel. Little did Shannon know as she made her way to her future husband, he had a surprise up his sleeve. She tapped his shoulder and he turned around smiling from ear to ear checking out his brides beautiful dress as Shannon showcased all of its sparkle. As they were ready to move on from the first look Shannon’s sister handed her a letter to read. In the letter it explained that she had secretly gifted her video coverage of their day, with the help of Cole. Shannon didn’t realize we had already been filming the whole thing! 🙂 It was a wonderful surprise leaving everyone in happy tears – a perfect way to start off their elopement.

The bride smiles and is surprised when she finds out she was gifted video from a letter her sister gave her.

Following the first look, since this was their first time in Arches National Park we planned to explore several of the arches in the area we were at. As we walked around the park we could also see the La Sal mountain range! It was still covered in snow and absolutely stunning.

From the park, we headed to where they would be staying for the evening, one of our favorite spots in Moab – Under Canvas. This unique glamping stay is a fantastic place to spend your wedding night and experience Moab up close and comfortable. While we were stopping by their place we also made sure to capture them riding around in an ATV they had rented while in Moab. They had made a super cute sign for the back of their ATV – Just Married! <3

Now – it was time to finally get married!!! We went over to Dead Horse Point State Park to meet up with their family and go to their approved ceremony location. The spot was perfect, one of the best views of sunset and the thousand feet canyons below them. Shannon’s mom helped her switch her shoes and prepare to walk down the trial to the ceremony as everyone else gathered around Cole and the officiant. They had a close friend, a fellow firefighter, officiate their ceremony. It was special to have a close friend perform their ceremony, since he had an insider view of their lives together. During their ceremony they shared touching personal vows with each other in front of their guests – including their kids. It was a beautiful ceremony, even bystanders stopped to give a moment of awe and congrats at the end. With the family surrounded around, some of their closest guests standing by their sides and the monumental cliffs below them.

As they sealed the deal with a kiss they went straight into their first dance. Accompanied with the song Dressed Up in White by CAL – a romantic song to dance to in the desert sunlight just after getting married. It was a beautiful juxtaposition – Shannon in her white dress with the sparkles twirling in the sunlight with the red rock far below them! After their dance their family joined them in hugs and moments of congratulations. As the sun started to get closer to setting below the canyons we explored different areas of the state park. They had came out the day before to see just where they were going to get married and picked some of their favorite locations they would want photos at. I love this idea as it is like a date night before the big day!! We watched them play along the ledges and captured their love in these stunning spots until the light was almost completely gone from the sky.

As we returned back to the cars, two of their family members signed their marriage license as witnesses and just like that they were officially married!! The fun was not over though for the evening! They were headed to dinner in town in Moab with all of their guests to continue celebrating and gathering together for the special occasion. For the rest of the week they had plans to go explore more of Utah and to continue making epic memories together. I am sure these two will be back in Moab sometime in the future! Until then, we wish them so much love and happiness in their marriage!!!

A bride and groom embrace each other closely on the side of a cliff in Moab.

Are you looking to Elope in Moab?

Moab is a stunning part of the desert with diverse adventures for nearly every outdoor enthusiast! It is a fantastic place to play, get married and explore National Parks and canyons! Eloping here is breath taking + there are endless beautiful places to consider for your elopement day!

Looking for an Elopement Photographer?

Well hi! Adventure and Vow is a husband and wife elopement photography team! All of our packages include officiating, assistance in planning and the option to add on video! We know Moab super well – we spend most of our Thanksgivings there, we rescued our dog from there and we take our cat deep in the slot canyons on canyoneering trips lol. We would love to help you plan your elopement day in Moab!!!!