Moab is an incredibly special destination for couples to elope, with an abundance of breathtaking spots to take your wedding photos/videos. The red rock formations, bottomless canyons, towering sand dunes, and sweeping desert vistas have attracted couples from all over the world for their incredible beauty. With two national parks, a state park, and endless acres of BLM land, there’s no shortage of unique and stunning backdrops for your elopement. If you’re looking for a truly magical and unforgettable experience, look no further than Moab!

THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN MOAB

Spring and Fall are the best seasons to elope in Moab! The temperatures are usually perfect and there are far fewer visitors. Along the Colorado River, Moab becomes surprisingly verdant in the Spring and bursts with the colors of the oak trees in the Fall. Early mornings and evenings can be crisp, making them great times to take a dip in the hot tub.

Late October to early November is especially magical, with the snow-capped La Sal Mountains in the distance contrasting with the oranges and reds of the desert terrain. While snow may occasionally dust the ground, large snowstorms are rare. Seeing the desert blanketed in a thin layer of snow is an amazing sight!

BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN MOAB

If you’re looking for a special place to host your elopement, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some spots are more accessible, while others are more remote and private. Popular, well-known locations tend to be more crowded, so if privacy is your priority, you may need to go off the beaten path and be willing to hike a bit farther.

POPULAR LOCATIONS (accessible + busy)

• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Dead Horse State Park

PRIVATE SPOTS

• Castle Valley
• La Sal Mountains
• BLM Land

TRAVEL PLANS WHEN YOU ELOPE IN MOAB

THINGS TO DO

• Hiking in Moab is an endless adventure, with a multitude of stunning landscapes to explore. From the dramatic red rock cliffs of Arches National Park to the vibrant green canyons of the Colorado River, Moab is a hiker’s paradise.
• Moab is known for its off roading opportunities. Moab is the perfect playground for off-roading enthusiasts! From the moderate routes that require strong driving skills and the right 4WD vehicle, to the Shafer Trail for a thrilling off-road adventure, there’s something for everyone!
• Get in the sky. Yes, you heard that right. You think it’s gorgeous from below try a helicopter tour, hot air balloon ride, and skydiving!
• BASE Jumping is an extreme experience that offers couples a unique opportunity to confront their fears, push their boundaries, experience the thrill of flight, and explore the stunning natural beauty of the area.

WHERE TO STAY

• Camping – There are so many campsites, and it’s FREE! Just bring a tent or RV 🙂 Check out this article for more information.

p.s. – don’t have an RV but want one? check out the teardrop rv rentals!

• Under Canvas Luxury Tents – I can’t say anything other than, OMGGGG. Check them out here.
• The Dome – If you are wanting something a little different, then this is for you! Think glamping with a twist.
• Canvas Bell Tent – Unplug and disconnect, This airbnb is off the grid and luxury at the same time. My kind of place!

LICENSE AND PERMITS

Here are the basics of the wedding license requirements you need to know in order to elope in Moab. 

In order to apply for a marriage license in Moab, Utah, you must visit the Grand County Clerk’s Office at 125 East Center Street, Moab, UT, 84532 in person with valid identification. A Moab marriage license will cost you $30. That might sound a little stressful but, in Utah you can get your license and get married in the same day. 

If you have a loved one that you would like to have a special role in your wedding ceremony, you can have them officiate your wedding in Utah without having to register as an authorized officiant. All you have to do is complete the Single Ceremony Appointment of Marriage Designee form in person when you apply for your marriage license at the Grand County Clerk’s Office. This is a great way to include someone special in your big day and make it even more meaningful.

DOES MY ELOPEMENT LOCATION REQUIRE A PERMIT?

When eloping in Moab, it’s important to remember that you may need a permit for any ceremony that isn’t taking place in a private venue/property. Don’t let this stress you out though your officiant,
photographer/videographer or planner will often be able to help you with the permit process. If you’re unsure about permits or regulations, ask your elopement vendor for advice. 

If you’re planning to elope in Moab, Utah, you may need to obtain one or two permits, depending on where you want to hold your ceremony and any other spots you may have in mind for taking photos. To ensure you have all the necessary permits, take some time to research the requirements for the locations you’re interested in, and apply for the permits early. That way, you can be sure your special day will go off without a hitch.

You will need to obtain a ‘special use’ permit. This permit grants permission to have your elopement ceremony in a specific location. We understand that this process may seem intimidating, but don’t worry – we’re here to guide you through it. Once you have all the necessary documents in order, all you need to do is sign on the dotted line.  Then there’s a photography permit which is entirely separate to the special use permit. Here at ‘Summer Pines’, we take care of the photography permit and the cost is included in all of our Moab elopement packages. 

 Moab, like other places to elope, is very strict with Leave No Trace (LNT) policies. This means that you’ll need to be considerate of regulations surrounding wedding decorations, bridal bouquets, and the trail. Additionally, if you plan to bring food or champagne, you’ll need to make sure to take it with you when you leave. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your elopement leaves no trace on the environment.

FULL DAY ELOPEMENT TIMELINE

• 6am: Couple photos biking, hiking, climbing
• 7:15 am: Head into town for breakfast
• 8:00 am: Go get some breakfast!
• 12:00 pm: Start getting ready
• 1:30 pm: First look at Airbnb
• 3:30 pm: Explore, pick ceremony spot
• 4:00 pm: Ceremony
• 5:00 pm: Small picnic, champagne toast
• 5:30 pm: Sunset romantics with couple
• 6:30 pm: Sunset
• 7:45 pm: Arrive at Airbnb
• 8:00 pm: Candids, first dance
• 8:30 pm: Dinner

---

Planning an elopement can be so exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming! That’s why I’m here to help. Let me show you how to craft the perfect adventure elopement in Moab, so you can focus on the most important part: celebrating your love! I’m here to be your guide every step of the way, so you can have an elopement that lets your love run wild! Reach out and let’s start planning your dream elopement!