Moab is a dream destination for couples who have their hearts set on a desert elopement! With its unique red rock formations, off-roading trails, expansive overlooks, breathtaking mesas and buttes, National Parks, and charming downtown area, Moab is the perfect backdrop for your elopement! Whether you’re considering eloping in Moab or just beginning the Utah elopement planning process, this comprehensive guide is your go-to resource! Packed with the best ceremony locations, accommodations, activities, and tips, it will assist you in planning and preparing for an epic Utah elopement in Moab!

The Best Time To Plan A Utah Elopement In Moab

Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit Moab for your Utah elopement! September to November and March to May bring milder temperatures. While crowd levels tend to be higher during these months, planning a weekday elopement will save you money on vendors and ensure you avoid crowds at popular sightseeing locations. 

If you do plan to visit Moab during the springtime, keep in mind that Jeep Week (the week before Easter) is the busiest week of the year. Unless you have a Jeep and want to plan your elopement around this event, I would avoid this week!

Summer in Moab is very hot! If you are willing to endure the heat or prefer 90°F to 100°F degree weather, Summer does provide less crowds when it comes to visiting popular sightseeing destinations like Canyonlands or Arches National Park. 

It may come as a surprise, but Winter can get pretty chilly in Moab! It can even snow in this region from December to February, so I wouldn’t recommend visiting Moab during this time of year, as the weather is unpredictable. 

The Best Utah Elopement Ceremony Locations In Moab

01. Canyonlands National Park

Intricate canyons and buttes have been carved over centuries by the Colorado River and its tributaries to create Canyonlands National Park. The park is divided into four sections: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Rivers. Each area of the park offers various sightseeing spots, hiking trails, and experiences. My favorite ceremony locations in Canyonlands National Park include Grand View Point Overlook in Island in the Sky and Pothole Point in The Needles. Timed entry reservations are not required to enter the park. However, there is a $30 entry fee. A permit is required to elope in Canyonlands and costs $185. You can learn more about the permit application process here. 

02. Arches National Park

This incredible red-rock national park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches. It is full of history, culture, wildlife, and trails. Arches is also one of the best places to stargaze while camping under the night sky! My favorite ceremony locations in Arches National Park include Double Arch and Panorama Point. A timed entry reservation is required to enter the park from April to October, along with a $30 entry fee. A permit is required to elope in Arches National Park, and it costs $185. You can learn more about the permit application process here. 

03. Dead Horse Point State Park

Best known for its dark skies, amazing campgrounds, and breathtaking panoramic overlooks onto Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point is rich in history and intricately carved rocks and canyons. It’s said that in the late 1800s, Dead Horse Point was used by cowboys as a corral for wild mustangs roaming the mesa top. From pet-friendly hiking trails to mountain biking routes, yurt campgrounds, and more, Dead Horse Point State Park is a beautiful place to say I Do! Some of my favorite ceremony locations here include La Sal and Cliff Side. There is a $20 entry fee to enter the park. A special use permit is required to elope in Dead Horse Point and costs $60. You can learn more about the permit process here. 

04. BLM Land

From campsites to hiking trails, canyon overlooks, and more, Moab’s BLM public lands are full of beautiful ceremony spots for your Utah elopement. Some of my favorite BLM elopement locations include Jeep Arch and Corona and Bowtie Arch! A permit is required to elope on BLM land in Moab and around Utah. You can learn more about the permit process here. 

05. The Red Earth Venue

A one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor venue surrounded by red rock cliffs, The Red Earth Venue offers couples the chance to elope or host an intimate wedding in the heart of canyon country. The Red Earth’s Glass Venue site is perfect for indoor weddings and receptions. The Desert Platform Site is an amazing outdoor choice for Sunset vow ceremonies. 

The Best Accommodations In And Around Moab

01. Downtown Moab

Hoodoo Moab

Located just ten minutes from Arches National Park, Hoodoo Moab is a luxurious resort-style hotel with an outdoor pool, spa, and suites.

Main Street Cottages

If you want a more local accommodation experience, consider renting a cottage, guest house, or garden home in downtown Moab from Moab Nightly Rentals!

Oasis Townhome

Architecturally stunning both inside and out, Oasis Townhome is just minutes from Arches National Park and a relaxing desert getaway dream.  

02. Glamping/Camping

Red Rock Base Camps

Enjoy camping in the comfort of a teardrop camping trailer equipped with a cozy bed and a full kitchen!

Under Canvas Moab

Experience Moab’s star-filled night sky from the comfort of a Stargazer glamping tent at Under Canvas Moab.

03. Lodges

Base Camp Adventure Lodge

If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable and off-the-grid accommodation experience, Base Camp Adventure Lodge won’t disappoint!

HTR Moab Lodge and Cottages

Offering a variety of accommodations, from safari tents to cottages and rustic lodge rooms, HTR Moab offers an elevated twist on rustic desert living. 

04. Unique Accommodations

The Caves At Moab

If you’ve always wanted to sleep in a cave, this home built into a rock formation is the perfect, unique accommodation experience for your Utah elopement!

The Gonzo Inn

Offering condominium-style rooms in the heart of Moab, The Gonzo Inn is an eclectic and friendly place to unwind after a day of adventuring.

The Best Activities In And Around Moab

• Learn how to rock climb
• Paraglide over Moab
• Go on a self-guided or passenger off-roading 4×4 adventure
• Explore the beauty of Moab from a mountain bike
• Whitewater raft the Colorado River
• Adventure through Moab’s backcountry on horseback
• Enjoy local restaurants and breweries in downtown Moab
• Relax and rejuvenate at Sorrel River Ranch’s Spa
• Experience Hot Air Ballooning over Moab 
• Zipline Moab
• Take a scenic helicopter tour

How To Make Your Utah Elopement In Moab Official

Getting Legally Married In Utah

You and your partner can obtain a marriage license for your Moab elopement at the Grand County Clerk’s Office. Before you arrive, print and fill out the application online. There is a $50 non-refundable, which includes a certified copy of your marriage license. You’ll need to provide the completed application upon your arrival, along with government-issued identification. The state of Utah requires that an authorized officiant perform the marriage ceremony and that two additional witnesses be present. The officiant must sign, date, and return the license to the Grand County Clerk’s Office within 30 days of your elopement ceremony. You can learn more here about getting legally married in Utah!

Hire Local Vendors For Your Utah Elopement In Moab

I recommend couples use local vendors when planning their elopement or intimate wedding! While the town of Moab is tiny, the town and surrounding area are full of some of the best vendors in the Mountain West! Here are some of my favorite local vendors:

• Florals: Farm Yard | Tellurian Events
• Planning & Design: Terra Vida Events & Design
• HMU: Lindsey Vaccaro Bridal Design
• Cakes & Bakeries: Baked by Rachel
• Catering: Confluence Custom Catering
• Officiant: Ruth Lowe

Book Your Travel Accommodations

If you’re traveling to Moab by air, there are three airports within a four-hour driving distance to choose from! The first is Salt Lake City International Airport. It’s just under a four-hour drive from Moab and services major airlines such as Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines. The next option is Montrose Regional Airport. This airport is located in Colorado, just under a three-hour drive from Moab. Montrose services airlines like Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines. Last but not least, Grand Junction Regional Airport is just under a two-hour drive and is also located in Colorado! While it’s small, like Montrose, it’s the closest regional airport to Moab and services airlines like American, Allegiant, and United Airlines. 

You can rent a car from any of these airports through an agency like Enterprise (I highly recommend one with a four-wheel drive) and enjoy a scenic drive to the beautiful desert town of Moab! You can also use a car rental app like Turo, which offers airport drop-off and return. 

Ready To Plan A Utah Elopement In Moab?!

If you’re ready to run away to the beautiful desert region of Moab for your Utah elopement, I’m here to help bring your desert ceremony dreams to life! As your photographer, I’ll ensure your elopement day is stress-free by assisting with location scouting, permits, timelines, and more. You can take a peek at my Utah elopement packages here and share your vision for your special day through my contact form. If you’re in need of some elopement planning inspiration, check out this epic Moab elopement!