Best Elopement adventure Locations in Moab Utah

Moab is full of adventure and jaw-dropping views around every corner. You have the opportunity to be down on the valley floor, looking up at the towers above, or be on the cliffs admiring the canyon below. No matter what type of adventures you crave, Moab has something for you! From hiking, rock climbing, off-roading, a private helicopter ride, and so much more!

Due to the nature of popular outdoor recreation areas like Moab, I strive to keep the area safe and protected. For this reason, while following Leave No Trace principles, I do not openly disclose the exact locations. With every couple I work with, I will recommend specific spots for you to choose from, based on your skill level, the kind of adventure you're looking for, and seasonal factors. Once you contact me, I'd love to chat more about specific locations! 

Arches National Park
Arches is by far one of the most iconic areas of Moab (have you seen the Utah license plates?) and the entrance is just a few minutes outside of town. Throughout most of the park you're on the floor looking up at the stunning arches, fins, and towers inside the park. There are several stunning viewpoints where you are looking out over the landscape.

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 if you want to avoid crowds. There are so many amazing spots in Arches (not just the iconic Delicate Arch), so don't be afraid to explore away from the crowds (in designated areas, of course)!

There are 6 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! You'll need to apply for a permit to get married in Arches. Don't be intimidated by the permit process, its not as scary as it seems, I promise!  Applications take 4 weeks or more to process, so don't leave it to the last minute, and there is $185 application fee. 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! No matter if you're above or below the rim, the view will capture your attention and make it hard to look away.

Canyonlands is about a 45 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 Island in the Sky is the more well-known area of the park. In this district you'll primarily be standing atop the canyon looking down. You can see for miles! Its insane! The Needles district is on the valley floor and requires you to go south out of Moab. There are some stunning rock formations in the Needles and the views above are just as amazing. The Maze district is the less accessible and requires a high-clearance vehicle to reach. Its name does it justice. Its a labyrinth below the canyon that is stunning around every turn, The parks main website has tons of good information to help you prepare for your visit, no matter where you decide to explore.

In order to get married in Canyonlands you will need a permit and choose from one of their designated ceremony locations. Within Canyonlands National Park there are 5 designated locations for your Elopement Ceremony. Just like, Arches, after the ceremony we can keep the adventure going!  Applications take 4 weeks or more to process, so don't leave it to the last minute, and there is $185 application fee. This is the wonderfully helpful page from the National Park Service to help you navigate planning an elopement in Canyonlands.

Deadhorse Point State Park
Deadhorse Point State Park puts you on the rim looking down into the canyon below, where the Colorado River twist and turns among the towers. Its on the way to Canyonlands National Park, about 40 minutes outside of town. While it may seem small geographically, the views are HUGE! Plus, I've never felt crowded while visiting. 

There are easy to access viewpoints that you can practically drive right up to, or you can take a walk to along the rim to find your own view of the canyon. There is an impressive amount of interconnected trails or hiking and mountain biking, that take you near the canyons rim so you can view every angle of the view there is.

In Deadhorse Point, there are 5 designated ceremony locations and a permit is required. You can submit your permit request up to 18 months in advance, but no less than 30 days before. Permits start at $60.  Deadhorse Point has a very informative wedding packet, with photos of the ceremony sites, and more!

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 my “secret spots” in 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! Throughout this guide you can find photos that are from my “secret spots” list.