How to Elope in Moab Utah

Moab, Utah is known for its outdoor adventures, like hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, off-roading, and SO much more. Moab is home to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park and lots of BLM land. Moab is the perfect place to get married if you love any kind of adventure, red rocks, and tons of opportunity to explore!

Whether or not you’ve been to Moab before, it’ll blow you away! No matter how many times I go to Moab, I am constantly astonished by the landscape’s colors & formations, the insanely gorgeous weather, and the endless amount of adventures to be had.

I’m sharing with you all my best tips & advice to help your Elopement in Moab go nice & smooth!

Any underline text is a super helpful link to point you towards other trusted friends & adventurers.

Note: I frequently go back to update links, they were last updated March 29, 2022.

Locations to Elope

Arches National Park

Arches is by far one of the most iconic areas of Moab (have you seen the Utah license plates?). There are 9 locations designated within the park for the ceremony part of your Elopement. Don’t worry though! After the ceremony we can further explore the park, go on a hike, and take some amazing photos to document your day!

Arches is one of the more crowded areas on Moab, and throughout the more popular months, you may need a timed-entry ticket to enter the park, if you’re eloping or just visiting. It is definitely worth it, but during the busy-season, Arches is not the place to go to avoid crowds.

The National Park service has been kind enough to provide us with this awesome page to provide you with specific information regarding locations within the park, permits, planning, and regulations.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is phenomenal and will have your jaw dropping at every view point! Within Canyonlands National Park there are 6 designated locations for your Elopement Ceremony. Just like, Arches, after the ceremony we can keep the adventure going!

Canyonlands is about a 35 minute drive from the town of Moab, it is a bit less crowded than Arches, and the park size is bigger (aka more places to explore). There are different sections of the park, that will give you differing views and adventures. The parks main website has tons of good information to help you prepare for your visit.

This is the wonderfully helpful page from the National Park Service to help you navigate planning an elopement in Canyonlands.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point is home to sculpted canyon, similar to canyonlands, with multi-colored rock layers! You are able to choose from 5 different locations for your elopement ceremony. There are a bunch of view points we can stop at or trails we can hike after your ceremony to help capture your day!

Dead Horse has created a helpful guide that you can look over before planning your elopement there.

My Secret Spots

Since my husband and I love Moab, during our own adventures, we have found some beautiful & secluded spots, that are perfect for elopements! Some spots are within the various parks, or just off the beaten path. If you are interested in eloping in one of “secret spots” of Moab, let’s chat!

I keep these locations to myself to ensure that my couples are able to have the kind of elopement they’re dreaming of and protect the fragile desert biome. These spots are secluded, perfect for the intimate-adventurers. and full of desert life! At the bottom of this post you can find photos that are from my “secret spots” list.

Places to Stay

There are lots of hotels, airbnbs and campsites in Moab to stay, I’ve compiled this short list for you to give you a range of options in various locations throughout Moab.

Secluded Glamping Canvas Tent – near Canyonlands National Park

Charming Casita – near Downtown Moab

Luxury Condo – near Downtown Moab

Tiny Home – near south end of Moab

Moab Springs Ranch – near Arches National Park

Red Cliffs Lodge – near Arches National Park

Things to Do

Moab has endless options for adventures. I’ve listed a few options and linked businesses in Moab that can help you adventure! Any of these adventure options can be incorporated into your elopement day.

Hiking – Hiking is a popular option in Moab, with tons of trails for varying skill levels. I’ve linked my own personal list of hikes in Moab that I love (and I will continue to add to it!).

Rock Climbing – There’s a plethora of places to climb in Moab on the towering red canyon walls!

River Rafting & Kayaking – The Colorado River runs through Moab, there are sections that are bit calmer if you’re looking for a quiet float down the river, or sections full of rapids.

Helicopter Ride – If you think Moab is beautiful from the ground, try looking over it!

Off Roading – Another very popular option! If you are comfortable driving the roads yourself, there are plenty of places to rent a Jeep or Land Cruiser, or you can be taken on an off-roading tour.

Mountain Biking – My husband’s personal favorite. There are lots of trails to choose from depending on your skill level. You can rent a bike in Moab or bring your own. There are lots of trails you can conquer on your own, or you can go with a local business if it’s one of your first times trying mountain biking.

Skydiving – My personal favorite. Skydiving is insanely fun and super peaceful as you’re floating through the sky, plus the gorgeous landscapes sure helps.

Places to Eat

In all our trips to Moab, we’ve tried several of the local restaurants, and they keep us coming back!! When we aren’t at one of these restaurants for a meal, we’re sitting around the campfire roasting hotdogs & s’mores.

Thai – Bangkok House Too

Mediterranean – Sultan Mediterranean Grill

American – Moab Diner

Weather

Winter

Moab is definitely not your classic winter wonderland but it is stunning in the winter. Occasionally there will be some snow, but not much. On average it will rain a few times a month, but most of the time its nice & sunny! As for the temperatures the average high temperatures are in the upper 40°s, with the low temperatures in the lower 20°s.

Layers are encouraged in the winter, especially if you are heading out before the sun comes up or staying out after it goes down.

Spring

Spring is an amazing time to visit Moab. All the desert foliage is blooming & greening up! It looks phenomenal against the red rock. Just like winter, it may rain a couple times a month, but you can expect sunshine most days! The temperatures are warming up in prep for summer, the average high temperature is in the mid 70°s to low 80°s, the low temperatures are around the mid 40°s. You may need a jacket in the morning or after the sun has gone down.

Just a reminder that Moab (and most National Parks), their busy season begins in the spring, due to spring breaks across the country. If possible, make reservations as early as possible

Summer

If you love the heat, summer in Moab was made for you! Sunshine nearly everyday and hardly any rain makes for beautifully consistent weather. The temperatures average high is around the low 100°s and cooling down around 70° at night. Early mornings and late night adventures are best to beat the heat.

Make sure you drinks LOTS of water, especially if you live in a cooler & wetter climate.

Fall

Fall is my favorite time to visit & explore Moab. There aren’t nearly as many crowds and the temperatures are just right. The average high is in mid 70°s, with the average low in the mid 40°s. There is a few more days of rain in the fall, but most of the time you can expect sunshine.

If you have the option to elope in Moab in the fall, I HIGHLY recommend it!

Marriage License, Officiants & Witnesses

Moab is located in Grand County Utah. If you’re getting married in Moab, you can easily visit our friends at the Grand County Auditor’s office to obtain your marriage license. They’ve listed all the instructions and have all the forms you’ll need here.

In Utah you need someone who is ordained to perform marriages present at your elopement, as well as 2 witnesses over the age of 18. If needed, I am more than happy to be one of your witnesses.

Let’s Do The Thing

No matter what adventures you choose when eloping in Moab, I’d love to be a part of it! Let’s chat!