How to Elope in Moab, Utah in 2026
Whether you dream of exchanging vows beneath towering sandstone arches, celebrating your love in the tranquil seclusion of a desert canyon, or atop a cliff with panoramic views, eloping in Moab is guaranteed to be the perfect environment for your unique love story!
There are few places in the United States more iconic than Moab, Utah. From the otherworldly red rock formations to the rugged landscapes, Moab offers a stunning natural landscape that is truly one-of-a-kind — and the perfect backdrop for an intimate and unforgettable adventure elopement that’s as unique as the two of you! Eloping in Moab is not just about saying "I do" — it's about immersing yourselves in the wild beauty of one of the most scenic places on earth.
So, where do you even begin planning? I’ve put together this comprehensive Moab elopement guide with all the essential information. Here’s everything you need to know about how to elope in Moab!
How To Get To Moab
By Plane:
The closest and most convenient way to get to Moab is to fly into the Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY). The airport is located only about a 20 minute drive from downtown Moab. However, this airport is very small and prices are often higher to fly in here. You can also fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) which is about a 2 hour drive from Moab or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) which is about a 4 hour drive from Moab. Both Airports will have more flight options and likely cheaper rates.
By Car:
No matter which airport you choose to fly into, the best way to get around Moab is by renting a car. Most of the time, a standard sedan is all you will need! However, there are some really great 4x4 roads in Moab that lead to more secluded locations. If you plan on visiting one of these locations, I would get a 4WD vehicle!
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps directions on your phone so that even when you lose service, you can still receive navigation. As beautiful as the scenery is, getting lost probably isn’t on your to-do list!
The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Moab
One of the most important parts about planning a Moab elopement that’s perfect for you is figuring out which time of year offers the exact experience you’re looking for. Each season offers its own uniquely amazing experiences!
Spring (March-May)
A spring elopement in Moab is perfect if you really want to embrace the natural beauty of Moab and explore all the stunning vistas and unique spots. The weather is typically quite mild and pleasant (between 50°F and 70°F), which makes it easy to go adventuring outdoors and venture off the beaten path.
If you’re interested in hiking or taking in a vast array of wildflowers in full bloom, the spring is a perfect time for a Moab elopement. It also means you’ll end up with some stunningly colorful and awe-inspiring wedding photos!
Another great thing about eloping in Moab in the spring is that it’s a perfect balance of great weather and smaller crowds. If you’re looking for that intimate and secluded vibe, spring is a great time of year to plan your Moab elopement.
Summer (June-August)
Moab gets pretty hot in the summer! Temperatures can run between 90°F and 100°F, but if you’re a fan of balmy climates — and remember to stay hydrated and bring plenty of sunscreen — summer is an amazing time for an elopement here. All hiking trails are open during this time of year, so you’ll be able to access any part of Moab you want, including its most iconic and legendary landmarks.
One thing to keep in mind if you’re planning on getting married in Moab during the summer is that this is peak tourist season, so you might have to contend with some crowds. Still, when you factor in the high level of access you’ll get to the entire park and the fact that we’ll be working with more daylight (which means more time for stunning elopement photos!), you’ll find that summer in Moab is an absolutely amazing time to elope.
Fall (September-November)
During the fall, Moab comes alive with a brilliant display of breathtaking fall colors! The weather is also absolutely amazing: mild and lovely, with most days ranging between 60°F and 80°F. You can comfortably explore all of the natural beauty without being too hot or too cold.
As if that weren’t awesome enough, fall is also the time of year when the heavy summer crowds start to thin out, so you can enjoy an intimate, secluded elopement.
The one thing to keep in mind if you’re planning a Moab elopement in the fall is that it can get a bit chilly during the evenings, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.
Winter (December-February)
While winter is typically not the most popular time for a Moab elopement, there are definitely some highlights that are worth considering! There are almost no crowds so you can have the gorgeous landscape almost entirely all to yourself. The landscape remains as beautiful as ever, and if you’re willing to endure the cold and pack appropriate winter attire, you should be able to manage!
That being said, there are definitely some challenges that come with eloping in Moab during the winter. First of all, it gets pretty cold in Moab in the winter! The temperature often dips below freezing, especially at night. Also, there are a fair amount of trail closures and restricted access to certain iconic spots.
The Best Places To Elope In Moab
With so many gorgeous spots in Moab, it’s hard to go wrong when you’re choosing a location for your Moab adventure elopement. Still, there are a few iconic spots that any couple planning a Moab adventure elopement should consider.
Arches National Park
There’s no question that Arches National Park is one of the most iconic locations not just in Moab, but in the entire United States. The park boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches carved by wind and time, and eloping in Arches National Park gives you the opportunity to exchange vows right in the middle of this unforgettable landscape.
Imagine saying “I do” beneath the world-famous Delicate Arch, with the sun casting its golden glow over the fiery red rocks. The park's dramatic desert landscapes, featuring towering spires, expansive canyons, and otherworldly rock formations, create a setting that feels both dreamlike and intimate.
Arches National Park is a place that promises breathtaking views and a sense of adventure, perfect if you want your elopement to reflect the boldness and beauty of your love.
Canyonlands National Park
If you’re seeking epic views and a touch of rugged wilderness, you should definitely consider Canyonlands National Park! With its vast, dramatic landscapes studded with epic buttes interwoven with a network of gorgeous rivers, Canyonlands is hands-down one of the best places to elope in Moab.
The park offers an incredibly diverse range of scenery, from the soaring cliffs and deep canyons of the Island in the Sky to the labyrinthine rock formations of The Needles. The park’s expansive vistas stretch out as far as the eye can see, with the Colorado River carving its way through the canyons below.
Eloping here means having a front-row seat to some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on earth — perfect if you’re looking for stunning vistas and completely unique elopement photos.
Dead Horse Point State Park
The views in Dead Horse Point State Park are nothing short of spectacular, with an expansive view of the Colorado River as it meanders through the deep canyons, and the surrounding desert landscape painted in hues of red, orange, and gold.
The park’s sweeping panoramic vistas provide a breathtaking and secluded location for an elopement ceremony, and the quiet beauty of the area offers privacy.
Whether you’re watching the sun set over the rugged terrain or starting your day with the early morning light casting shadows across the canyon, Dead Horse Point guarantees a dramatic elopement setting, making it one of the very best Moab wedding venues.
BLM Land
If you’re seeking an elopement ceremony that’s a bit off the beaten path, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land in the Moab area might just be the perfect spot for you.
The BLM manages large areas of public land around Moab, offering you the chance to escape the crowds and create a completely unique, intimate elopement ceremony. These lands feature a variety of stunning desert landscapes, from quiet canyons and hidden rock formations to open fields with sweeping views of the La Sal Mountains.
Whether you want to get married among the towering red rocks of Fiery Furnace or in a remote, peaceful meadow, BLM Land offers solitude and a sense of true connection with nature.
What Do You Need To Elope In Moab?
Before you can set out into the amazing landscape of Moab for your adventure elopement, you’ll have to take care of a few administrative and logistical odds and ends first.
Fortunately, Utah marriage requirements are really straightforward, and before you know it you’ll be finished dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s. I’d also be happy to help with this part if you have any questions, since I’m something of an expert when it comes to planning Moab adventure elopements!
Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you’ll need to elope legally in Moab:
Marriage License
First things first — before you can exchange vows, you’ll need a marriage license! The good news? Utah makes it pretty easy to get one and make your elopement official!
Where to Get It:
Head over to the Grand County Clerk's office in Moab and fill out a marriage license application. Moab makes this process quick and hassle-free, and you don’t have to be a Utah resident to apply. You’ll just need to bring a few key items.
What You’ll Need:
Valid ID: A driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID will work.
Social Security Number: If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll need your Social Security number. Don’t stress if you don’t have one — you’ll just mark “N/A” on the application.
No Birth Certificate Needed: Unlike some states, you don’t need to bring your birth certificate. Keep it simple!
Cost:
Expect to pay around $50–$75 for your license. It’s a small price to pay for a lifetime of adventure, right?
Pro Tip:
Once you’ve got your license, you don’t have to wait around! Utah doesn’t have a waiting period, so you can marry the same day you get your license. Just make sure your elopement ceremony occurs within 30 days of receiving your Utah marriage license and you’ll be good to go!
Witnesses
Getting legally married in Utah also requires two witnesses to be present during your ceremony. The witnesses will need to be over the age of 18, but otherwise there are no requirements for who can serve as your witness. You can even get your trusty Moab elopement photographer (hello!) to serve as one of your witnesses!
Officiant
Weddings in Utah require an officiant to make your Moab elopement fully official. Fortunately, there’s plenty of flexibility for who can serve as a valid officiant! The officiant for your Moab adventure elopement can be any of the following:
A clergy member, such as a priest or minister
A judge
A friend or family member who gets certified as an officiant is eligible to administer marriages in Utah. This option can be great if you want an officiant who knows you really well and can speak from the heart about how special your love story is.
Permits
Each park in Moab has its own set of rules and costs for permits. There are Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land. You’ll want to contact the specific park you plan on having your ceremony in to get the appropriate Special Use Permit. As a reminder, I help all my couples navigate permits so it’s never confusing!
Where To Stay For Moab Elopement
Here are some of the best places to stay in Moab for an elopement — from luxury lodges with red-rock views to cozy, convenient hotels close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Moab serves as the perfect home base for your desert adventure and ceremony planning.
Pro Tip: If you are planning to be having guests at any point of the day for either a ceremony, intimate dinner, or reception, be sure to get an event-friendly rental! Not all vacation rentals are event friendly and nothing would be worse than getting kicked out by your host mid elopement experience! For all my tips on finding an event-friendly rental, view my blog on how to plan your Airbnb elopement.
Moab Elopement Activity Ideas
One of the best things about eloping in Moab is how easy it is to turn your wedding day into a full desert adventure. With red rock arches, deep canyons, and endless open space, Moab is perfect for couples who want their elopement to feel experiential, intentional, and fun—not rushed.
Go on an Off-Road Adventure
See the desert from above in a hot air balloon
Kayak on the Colorado River
See sunrise or sunset in the desert
Have a camp-style celebration!
Stargaze under the dark desert sky
Go horseback riding
Hike to a scenic viewpoint
Rock climb along the iconic desert rock walls
Eat at the food truck garden downtown
Hire a private chef to cook at your bnb
Moab Elopement Timeline Examples
Not sure exactly how much time you need for your dream Moab elopement? Here are a few timeline examples to help you get a feel for what might be the best fit!
8 Hour Elopement
12:00pm Sally Arrives at Airbnb for Getting Ready Photos
1:45pm First Look at Bnb
2:00pm Drive to Arches National Park for Ceremony
3:00pm Ceremony with Friends/Family and photos afterwards
4:30pm Off Road Adventure With Friends + Family
6:30 pm Group Picnic + First Dance in Desert
8:00pm Photography Coverage Ends
12 Hour Elopement
8:00am Sally Arrives at Airbnb for Getting Ready Photos
9:45am First Look at Bnb
10:00am Head to Hot Air Balloon Tour
10:30am Private Hot Air Balloon Ride
1:30pm Have Lunch at the Food Truck Garden
2:30pm Drive to Hidden-Gem Ceremony Spot
3:30pm Ceremony With Family + Friends
5:30pm Head to Bnb
6:30pm Private Chef Dinner / Toasts / Cake Cutting
8:00pm Photography Coverage Ends
Moab Elopement Packages
I’m much more than a photographer, I’m someone who is super passionate about supporting couples on their big day, from scouting hidden gems for the ideal location, stress-free planning, and of course capturing raw, authentic moments. As a photographer specializing in adventure elopements, you’ll be in safe hands. So, are you ready to say yes to Moab?! More information on my packages below:
Packages
4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 2 Day elopement photography
Photography on digital, film, and drone (where permitted)
A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
Personalized elopement location recommendation list
Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
Custom-built-for-you elopement timeline
Assistance to help you with permits and licenses
90+ page elopement planning guide with my best tips & tricks
Optional complimentary officiant services
Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
5-7 day sneak peeks
Travel fees to anywhere in the United States are already included
Starting at $5,000
Video Add-Ons
For an extra special, immersive reminder of your special day, I now offer the following options for video add ons to your elopement packages:
Documentary style highlight reel
Super 8 film
Ceremony recording
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
CHECK OUT MY FREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
