I was so excited when Gabrielle contacted me about her and Christopher’s elopement! Not only did the couple want to have a beautiful ceremony in the mountains of Colorado, but she also wanted to spend an additional day exploring somewhere she and Christopher had never been and always dreamed of seeing… MOAB. Immediately, I was on board because Moab, Utah, has always been a bucket list location! If you’re planning a Moab elopement or dreaming of a desert vow ceremony, wait until you look at Gabrielle and Christopher’s Epic Moab Elopement! 

All About Moab, Utah

Located in one of the four corners of the Southwestern United States, Moab is a desert oasis full of brilliant red rock structures, vast canyons, trail systems, and wildlife. Serving as a gateway and base camp to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and miles of BLM land, Moab is one of the most beautiful, diverse, and adventurous places to say I Do in Utah.

Gabrielle And Christopher’s Love Story

Gabrielle and Christopher’s love story is a true testament to the saying, “When you know, you know.” They met at work and immediately felt a strong connection that grew into a deep and lasting love. After just a few months, they decided to take the plunge and get engaged. Instead of a big wedding, the couple opted for a more intimate elopement, focusing on their love and commitment. Their happiness and excitement are evident to everyone around them, and they are genuinely like two puppies in love—happy, carefree, and ready to take on the world together!

Gabrielle And Christopher’s Moab Elopement 

Christopher and Gabrielle’s elopement was a two-day adventure that started in the mountains of Colorado. To kick off the epic elopement, the couple started with a very small but beautiful ceremony in Ouray. The next day, we headed to Moab to explore Utah and take photographs in Arches National Park and Canyonland National Park. When Gabrielle inquired, she had expressed to me that she wanted to be a tourist and see Moab’s beautiful arches, so I knew our first stop in Moab had to be Arches National Park!

Once we arrived in Moab, Christopher was so excited to see the giant red rocks in Arches National Park. Originally from South Africa, Christopher had never seen snow, like in Colorado, or red rocks, like in Moab! We explored Arches National Park for some time before continuing the couple’s desert adventure to Canyonlands for Sunset! Canyonlands National Park was the couple’s favorite spot we visited during their elopement. We hiked to Grand View Point Overlook, and the couple read private vows to one other on the cliffside at Sunset. It was such a magical moment and a beautiful end to their two-day elopement.

Tips For Planning A Moab Elopement

Tip #1: Fly into Salt Lake City, Montrose, or Grand Junction 

If you’re traveling to Moab by air, there are three different airports within a four-hour driving distance to choose from: Salt Lake City, Montrose, and Grand Junction. Each airport services airlines like United and also offers on-site or nearby rental car agencies like Enterprise. You can also opt to use a car rental service app like Turo, which offers car airport drop-off and return.

Tip #2: How To Get Legally Married In Utah

To legally marry in Moab, Utah, for your elopement, follow these steps:

1. Print and complete the online marriage license application before your visit.
2. Visit the Grand County Clerk’s Office and pay a non-refundable $50 fee. This fee will include a copy of your certified marriage license.
3. Bring the completed application, along with government-issued identification, to the County Clerk’s Office.
4. An authorized officiant must perform the ceremony with two witnesses present.
5. The officiant must sign, date, and return the license to the County Clerk’s Office within 30 days.

Learn more about getting legally married in Utah here.

Tip #3: Leave No Trace When You Elope In Moab 

Moab is home to a delicate and fragile ecosystem. The desert floor is made of cryptobiotic soil, which consists of millions of living organisms vital to the health and well-being of the desert ecosystem. When eloping in Moab, be sure to follow Leave No Trace’s 7 Principles so that the desert of Moab is preserved for generations to come:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Ready To Plan A Moab Elopement?!

If you’re ready to experience a Moab elopement in the desert of Utah like Gabrielle And Christopher, I’m here to help bring your ceremony dreams to life! As your Moab photographer, I’ll ensure your ceremony is stress-free by assisting with location scouting, permits, timelines, and more. You can take a peek at my Moab elopement packages here and share your vision for your special day through my contact form. If you want to learn more about planning an epic Moab elopement, check out my guide, How To Elope In Utah!

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VENDORS

Florals: Hosanna Floral