Chris + Rachael’s Moab Elopement Day Story
Rachael and Chris fell in love with the idea of an elopement when they were considering getting married, but looking for a way that felt right and natural to them. To them, the purpose of a marriage is to signify your love, admiration, and promise of growth to one another. An elopement wedding fit as a way to honor the purpose of their commitment. They decided they would tie the knot on an epic Van life road trip from Vegas, to Moab, to Colorado, to the Tetons and back! While this trip was huge already, as they would be ticking off a bucket list item, it really felt huge to celebrate their relationship of almost 10 years, all they had built together from when they first met, all the changes, highs, lows, love and hard work.
On the elopement day we met at their hotel to head out to drive into the depth of the canyons together. They adventured together in a UTV way down a twisting dirt road that lead all the way back up and out to a stunning vista view. After a few playful moments in their UTV, we hiked a little social trail off of the road for them to change into their wedding attire and share a first look together. Just them + the canyons to take in the day had arrived and they would be getting married!!
We ventured up, over and just down the pass to see the completely unique view with totally different colors + textures. They set up their picnic to enjoy lunch as they sat side by side writing their wedding vows together.
Before adventuring our way back out of the canyons we hiked around exploring the toad stools, vista views and playing in the UTV. Rachael + Chris orginally wanted to off road on dirt bikes to start their elopement day as a way to honor their first date/day they met each other. Their first meeting ended in them riding Chris’ dirt bike down the night roads. So when we saw some fellow off roaders on dirt bikes, I had to ask them if they would be up for a photo for these two on their wedding day + they were! Adventuring mixed in with a few sentimental moments was the perfect way to set the tone of their day!
The second half of their day was headed up to even higher views! We traveled back to town to change out the UTV for the camper van they had rented for their extended road trip. We made it to Dead Horse Point State Park where they fell in love with the views and knew it was the right place to say I Do.
Both Chris + Rachael had lost their fathers during their time dating and they both meant a lot to them. To include their dads in their ceremony Rachael had her veil embioreded with her father’s name and a sweet note for down the aisle. During their ceremony they shared a hand fasting ceremony using rope that Chris’ dad kept in his truck his entire life. Their ceremony was private and felt as if time stood still for a moment surrounded by the evening beauty of the desert vista. They shared their personal vows and a passionate kiss to seal the deal.
Following the ceremony they enjoyed the rest of the evening exploring the edges of the vista overlooking the Colorado river, Canyonlands National Park and watching the sky turn dark blue and the almost full moon rise above them.
Before the night came to an end, we headed into Arches National Park to look at the stars under the iconic natural sand stone arches. The almost full moon shined bright, it was like seeing the stars under a mini sun. It was a beautiful way to end the evening.
During the elopement day Rachel reminded me that when they reached out to plan their elopement they were intially considering Zion National park, but we advised them to consider Moab instead. To my relief, Rachael thanked me for the suggestion and said she was so thankful we recommended Moab and they chose it. They stopped in Zion on their way from Vegas. They camped and hiked Angel’s Landing! They had a wonderful time, but, felt Moab was certainly the better fit for their day. It is so special watching a couple fall in love with a place like Moab and know that it will forever be a place they hold in their hearts dearly.
Rachael and Chris decided to go for a Full Send to celebrate getting married and their time together. From experiencing van life for the first time, conquering big hikes, having an epic adventure on their wedding day and then traveling into the mountains. It was fun, free and a day of happiness. It was a day that truly is all about what the day is about. It was them.
Massive congratulations to these two! Thank you so much for trusting us and inviting us along for such a d*mn good time.
A review from the Bride:
Vendors apart of this elopement:
Dress Designer- Soleil James
Dress shop- @bluesagebridalrva
HMUA- Faith and Image
Wedding Day Charcuterie- Emily Hansen/ Confluence Custom Events
Tux- Indochino @indochino
Embroidered Veil – Etsy/ One Blushing Bride @oneblushingbride
Craft Custom Watercolor ‘roadmap’ – Etsy/ Gibb Co Paperie @gibbcostudio
UTV Rental – Moab Tour Company @moabtourcompany
