Step 1: Choosing a location

One of the most important steps when planning an elopement is choosing a location!! Utah has some of the most stunning landscapes the world has to offer. With it’s mountains in the north and it’s breathtaking red rock in the south, name a better place to get married! I recommend 3 different places to tie the knot in Moab: Dead horse Point State Park, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah

Arches National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Step 2: Which location is right for you?

All 3 options have similarities and vast differences!

If you like a more intimate location without the crowds of a National Park, head on over to Dead Horse Point. This location is my personal favorite! The best time of day to elope here is either sunrise or sunset. This location offers no shade during the day so unless it’s cloudy the lighting will be extremely harsh. The images above were taking at Dead Horse Point at sunrise.

If you like the intricate structures of the arches, head on over to Arches National Park. At this location you have a bit of wiggle room with what time of day you can elope here. The towering arches provide shade during majority of the day. Although I recommend eloping at sunrise (you beat the crowds!) or sunset for the best photos.

If you like the landscape of Dead Horse Point but want the vastness of a National Park, head on over to Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands has a little bit of everything southern Utah has to offer. With arches, canyons and lookouts, Canyonlands National Park is by far the most diverse National Park in Utah. Similar to Dead Horse Point the best time of day to elope here is Sunrise or Sunset.

Step 3: Obtaining a Permit

One of the BIGGEST advantages of planning an adventure elopement over a traditional wedding is the venue cost!! In 2023 the average cost of a wedding venue in the United States was $10,500!!! With a southern Utah elopement you only need to pay for a permit, photographer AND you get to get married in an absolutely breathtaking place.

Dead Horse Point:

If an elopement ceremony is taking place the state park requires a permit. A permit costs $60. If no actual ceremony and legal signage is done within the park you do not need to apply or pay for a permit. Most of my couples that elope in Dead Horse Point opt for a “bridal” style session and sign their marriage certificate outside of the park. For more information check out Dead Horse Point State Park’s website.

Arches National Park:

The national parks are usually a lot stricter than the state parks. At Arches National Park you are required to apply for a special use permit to elope there. Arches’ requires you to submit a request at least 4 weeks in advance in order to process your request in time. The application fee for a wedding permit is $185 and needs to be requested by the couple getting married. (they do not allow photographers to apply for the permit) You can find more information and apply for a permit on the National Park Service website.

Canyonlands National Park:

Canyonlands National Park requires the same exact process as Arches’ National Park. Make sure you’re applying at least 4 weeks in advance! The application fee for a wedding permit is also $185 and must be requested by the couple getting married. You can find more information and apply for a permit on the National Park Service website.

Reminder!! If you are eloping in a National Park you have to pay the park entrance fee in addition to the permit fee. If you book me as your photographer, on the day of your wedding I’ll hop into your car and we can use my National Parks pass to enter the parks!

Step 4: What to do next?

You’ve decided you want to elope in Moab, CONGRATULATIONS!! Now that you’ve decided where you want to say “I DO” all that’s left for you TO-DO is book your photographer and to book your travel and hotels. I’m a Utah local and have been photographing elopements in Moab for years. One of the benefits of working with me as your photographer is all the knowledge and expertise I’ve acquired over the years of photographing weddings and elopements in southern Utah. Say goodbye to all the stress of knowing what requires a permit, what specific permit to buy, buying entrance into the National Parks, and the stress of working with a photographer that doesn’t know the location. I’ve spent hundreds of hours in these parks and know the ALLLL the logistics to making your elopement dreams come true! Contact me below for an investment guide and let me capture your adventurous love!