The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Moab
Are you planning to elope somewhere exciting, adventurous, AND romantic? Beautiful Moab, Utah, has everything you’re looking for in a dream elopement. Several national parks and breathtaking views mean you won’t run out of options for gorgeous photographs with your elopement photographer. Read this ultimate guide to eloping in Moab Utah to learn more.
Like every fantastic destination wedding or elopement, putting the planning work in now means dreams can come true later! While it looks like a desolate desert in photographs, remember that Moab is an extremely popular travel destination. That means your elopement will take planning and patience to ensure you leave with the photos of your dreams.
So, let’s explore how to elope in Moab and how a Utah elopement photographer can help you create beautiful memories amongst the famed sand arches and breathtaking red rock formations.
When Should I Elope in Moab? The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Moab
To start, you’ll need to figure out what time of year you’d like your Moab elopement to occur.
Top Tip: The busy season is typically mid-March until early November, but every single season has something unique to offer. Don’t be afraid to go in a less popular time for more privacy!
Spring
Springtime is probably the most popular season for an elopement in Moab. If you go on a little recce mission, you’ll see freshly married couples all over the place with their elopement photographer dominating the best spots. The weather is mild, and you get the added benefit of blooming wildflowers due to the rain. Additionally, the rocks will be at their most vibrant red from the rain.
We’re suckers for those wildflowers, but you can always bring a bouquet of your own to put a little spring (flower) in your step!
Summer
Since it can be over 100 degrees almost daily, summer was the dead season in Moab. Now, it’s just as popular as other seasons due to the activities and the shade the rocks can create. If you plan your elopement in Moab for the summer, the best time of day will be sunrise when the weather is at its coolest. Don’t forget your SPF (and re-apply!)! There are basically no clouds during the summer in Moab.
Fall
Fall will have similar temperatures to spring, but you lose the wildflowers and greenery. If you are planning for the fall, the best location will be the Man-LA Sal Mountains because of the Aspen trees. Fall is also a great time to grab your elopement photographer and get some photos near the lakes and rivers.
Are you adventurous enough to wade into a Moab swimming hole for some breathtaking pictures that scream, “We’re here because life is an adventure, and we want to enjoy every moment together!”
Winter
Are you looking to avoid crowds at all costs? Then winter will be your best bet. The winter months are the least busy in Moab, but you must prepare for unpredictable weather. One day it will be warm, and the next day it may snow. Yes, it does snow out there! Winter might be for you if you want to go into your Moab elopement with spontaneity at its highest.
Avoiding Crowds when Eloping in Moab Utah
As seasoned elopement photographers who prefer to capture spontaneous joy, we’ve gotten pretty darn good at avoiding those crowds without stress.
Since Moab is a popular tourist destination, you will deal with crowds. Your elopement photographer knows you don’t want strangers in the background of your photos from your trip to Utah. Your best bet for a more smooth, crowd-free experience is a weekday.
When we say weekday, we mean Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I know your boss expects you to turn up Monday and Friday, too, but those get lumped into the weekend because most people taking trips will usually extend into those two days, so there will be more crowds. Eloping on the weekdays will give you more privacy and more opportunity for incredible photos with your elopement photographer.
Choosing a Location for Eloping in Moab Utah
In this Ultimate Guide to Elopeing in Moab we could not leave out choosing the location because that is one of the most critical pieces of your elopement. That is an important part of The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Moab. You won’t run out of gorgeous views for you and your elopement photographer to create lovely memories.
Thankfully, all the location planning doesn’t fall on your shoulders; you’ve got elopement photo experts like us on your side to guide you with shining beacons of excitement and years of knowledge
Canyonlands National Park is the biggest and most famous national park in Utah. It is truly massive and definitely a sight to see. The problem is that other people want to see it, too! This park is very popular, so it’s typically crowded, and it can be hard to find a good time to have a private elopement, but don’t worry, there are several other options in Moab to choose from that will be less congested.
Arches National Park is a unique place. The Sand Dune Arch will give you incredible photos like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Or may ever see again! Unless you go back for anniversary pictures (just sayin’!)
When it comes to national parks, keep in mind that you’ll need to keep it simple, and you can’t bring balloons and decorations. You’ll also need to pay for a permit which will run you $185.
Arches National Park also has the Park Avenue ceremony site, where you can have your elopement ceremony before venturing off for photos in front of the Sand Dune Arch.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Along with two national parks, Moab is home to an incredible state park that your elopement photographer can accompany you to. The national parks draw huge crowds, so if you’re planning to elope during the busy season, Dead Horse Point State Park will be less congested. You’ll need a separate permit from the national parks for the state park, which you can find here.
Getting Your Permit to for Eloping in Moab Utah
Get ready; we’re talking paperwork now! No, no, don’t run; where are you off to? This is important, but we’ll make it quick and painless.
Along with state and national park permits, you’re going to need proper documentation to actually elope in the state of Utah. For the park permits, you can find them on their websites, and you’ll typically have to pay a fee.
Since an elopement is a marriage ceremony, you’ll need a marriage license. You and your partner will need to go to the Grand County Clerk’s Office to obtain the permit. You’ll pay a $30 fee, and that will cover one copy of the marriage license. Be prepared to show your ID, as well. Check it’s in date before you head off. You can find the application form here.
You’ll need an officiant and a witness to carry out your elopement in Utah. The good news is that your elopement photographer can be your witness! Since they’re familiar with the area, they should also be able to help you find a proper officiant for your elopement in Moab.
Pssst, we adore being people’s witnesses both on paper and through the lens.
Final Thoughts
Moab is a beautiful place to elope, but it doesn’t come without its planning challenges. We hope this doesn’t put you off getting your beautiful moment on the dunes! It’s a special place, full of magic and possibility.
Once you choose a location, you’ll want to find a time that isn’t too busy to ensure you get the photos you want. Your elopement photographer can help you make arrangements to ensure you have the best day possible with incredible images to remember for a lifetime. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Happy eloping, love birds! I hope you found The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Moab helpful. If you are interested in learning more check out our other blog posts here.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]