Why is Moab an ideal place to elope? To start, they only get nine inches of rain annually, so you’re nearly guaranteed to have blue skies and sunshine when you visit!

Aside from that, it’s gorgeous, doesn’t get too crowded, and has Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Deadhorse State Park within a five-to-30-minute drive from town. Popular activities — mountain biking, rock climbing, off-roading, hiking, rafting, and stargazing are just the beginning of the to-do list.

Travel

Salt Lake City is the closest international airport to Moab — about a four-hour drive away – and regional Walker Field Airport in Colorado is two hours away. However, the local Canyonlands Field Airport is the smallest and closest airport, located just 20 minutes from town. Of course, you could always just road trip there as I did!

When to visit

Moab is spectacular in every season, so when you want to visit can be determined by weather and popularity. Visit in the spring or fall for milder, but still warm, weather in the 60s to 70s and fewer crowds, during winter for temps between 40 to 50 degrees without the crowds, or in summertime for temps in the 100s and peak tourist traffic.

Legal requirements to marry in Utah

Check here for all of Utah’s current laws about marriage. You’ll both need to apply in person, but once you have the license, there is no waiting period. This means you can get married as soon as you have the license, but it does need to be used within 30 days.

For your ceremony, you must be married by an ordained officiant and have two witnesses present.

Determine your guest list

The size of your guest list will determine where you can hold your ceremony. Although there are areas that can accommodate larger groups, the smaller your guest list is, the more ceremony locations you’ll be able to choose from. Note that each car — you and your guests included — will also need to pay to enter national or state parks.

Where should you get married?

Arches National Park

Known for its spectacular views, arches and famous climbs, Arches National Park is an iconic place to say I do. With an amphitheater that can hold up to 80 people or more intimate spots that allow 10 to 25, there are plenty of ceremony spaces to choose from.

Bonus: It’s especially quiet here because airplanes aren’t allowed to fly over the park for fear that the vibrations will break its rock features.

Canyonlands National Park

Views in Canyonlands, as you could guess by the name, overlook river canyons near and far. Weddings are permitted at specific sites, and other location requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The group size is limited to 25 here.

Deadhorse State Park

As one of the more beautiful state parks, this location is not to be missed! There are perks to eloping here as well — dogs (on leashes) are allowed, as well as drones in certain months (by permit only). Groups of up to 100 are allowed.

BLM Land

Outside of the national and state parks, is land owned by the Bureau of Land Management. Although it’s less developed and well known, these areas are just as beautiful as the ones mentioned above.

Apply for permits

Like weddings on most public land, you’ll need to apply and pay for a special use permit at least 30 days out, although I recommend applying as soon as you’ve decided on a location.

Elope sustainably

Preserving the natural environment in national parks is a priority, so following the leave no trace principles is critical.

It’s especially important to stay on the designated paths in Moab’s nearby parks because the dirt here is alive. It’s called a biological soil crust, composed of algae, lichens, and bacteria that provide a secure foundation for desert plants.

You should also plan to pack out anything you bring with you (this means no throwing confetti or leaving decor) and respect the wildlife and other visitors. Deadhorse State Park even goes as far to specify that they do not allow live, cut, or dried flowers to be brought into the park. Plan accordingly and use artificial flowers if you’d like.

Start planning your Moab elopement

When you hire me to photograph your elopement, I do so much more than show up and take gorgeous photos. We’ll get to know one another as I help guide you through the process of elopement planning, suggesting shooting locations, activities, recommending local vendors, and plan a timeline that prioritizes having a great time, and as a result, you’ll get great photos too. Let me help guide you in creating the most incredible elopement experience possible.

Start planning your Moab elopement