Eloping in Moab, Utah
it’s an unforgettable experience
A Moab elopement has all the sprawling vistas, these-can’t-be-real-overlooks, and activities for a dream adventure elopement. Dramatic 2,000-foot canyons, outstretched red stone arches, towering rock formations, and miles of desert provide the perfect backdrop for memories and photos you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.
Located in southeastern Utah, Moab is a famous destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The 1.8 million acres of public lands to explore, and two national parks right outside of town, are an adult playground just waiting to be explored, and the landscape is even mores stunning during the fiery desert sunsets and sparkling night skies.
Planning a wedding day in a location like Moab is so exciting! Until you start thinking about logistics. That’s probably how you landed on my page, am I right? You have one burning question on your mind, and it’s how to elope in Moab? This planning guide goes over everything you’d need to know from a Moab elopement photographer (that’s me!). I go over Moab elopement locations, best time of year to elope in Moab, what to expect when coming to the Moab desert, and really get you stoked on this loved up adventure you’re about to have!
With me as your Moab elopement photographer, you can spend more time loving and adventuring and less time planning your Moab wedding.
I get why you want to elope in Moab
That’s me, Kelly, and my husband Alex during our ten year vow renewal in Moab
When we decided to elope (on the beach in NC in 2016), it was like the weight of the world had been lifted off our shoulders. No worrying about guests lists or having to host a party to entertain people we haven’t seen in months (or years even!). We wanted our wedding day to be simple, easy, and about us. We wanted an adventure of a lifetime. And so that’s what we did!
and i’m here to help you do the same
Not only do I understand why you’re deciding to get married this way, I can help you bring your dream Moab elopement to life. I’ll help you create an experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime. From picking out your location, to suggesting vendors, to planning out your day, and finally making sure we’re at the right place at the right time for the best pictures, i’m here for it all.
Why? Because when your Moab elopement day, location, and timing are planned just right, your pictures turn out incredible!
You Can Elope in Moab! Here’s How
Best Time of Year to Elope in Moab
Moab is a magical place, and there isn’t a bad time to elope in Moab, but there is a best time! The summer’s get way too hot and buggy, and the winters are cold and unpredictable. The best time of year to elope in Moab is early to mid spring (March-May), and fall (September-November).
Best Time of Day to Elope in Moab
If you want to head into a National Park for your elopement, the best time of day to elope in Moab is sunrise. For Arches National Park in particular, you don’t need a timed reservation to get in before 7am. Not needing a permit to get into the park is just another thing off your list of things to do. Eloping in Moab during sunrise is also another great way to avoid the crowds. Get up with the birds and it’ll be less crowded, and you’ll be able to catch sunrise. It’s a win-win. But really. I always encourage my couples to plan their photos around golden hour, which is during sunrise, or sunset. Horizontal lighting makes for the most dreamy glowy pictures, and thats what were going for! If you can’t make sunrise happen, sunset is just as magical.
Weekends vs. Weekdays for your Moab Elopement
This one is tricky. I know that weekends are usually the easiest to plan around. People have off work, traveling is easier, it’s easier on your guests (the ones who make the cut of course). There are a bunch of reasons why a weekend elopement logistically works out better. But for avoiding crowds, having more privacy, having more intimate moments, and feeling more relaxed will come with eloping in Moab during the week. I always encourage to elope in Moab during the week if it’s an option!
How to Elope in Moab
6 Easy Steps
1) pick your season
The first step in having a Moab elopement is deciding your season, and deciding what type of environment you want to be surrounded with on your big day. The best time of year to elope in Moab is either the early to mid spring or fall. Think anytime between March-May, and Sptember-November.
2) book your moab elopement photographer (like me!)
Once you know your elopement date you’ll be able to book your Moab elopement photographer (mmhmmm me!! 😜 ) Let’s hop on the phone and talk about your ideas and plans for your Moab elopement! Even if you don’t have it all figured out yet, I want to get to know you two and hear what gets you two excited. I want to bring your vision to life for your elopement day. So let’s chat, and get you booked! Once you have your Moab elopement photographer booked, the rest of the planning will happen easily because depending on their services, they’ll be able to help you with a lot of the heavy lifting. For me, I take care of things like finding the perfect location in Moab for what your envisioning, helping you book vendors to make your day even more special, making a plan for the day and suggesting activities, even helping finding vendors to make those activities happen, as well as make the perfect timeline for your elopement day! We are going to be at the right place at the right time to get those glowy dreamy images you’re dreaming of having!
4) hrie vendors
Consider hiring a few Moab elopement vendors to make your day extra special. If you’re planning to have guests and need help with day of coordination, or looking to hire an elopement planner, consider hiring Terra Vida Events. Any kind of furniture or tent rentals can be done through Moab Event Services. If you’re looking to have florals done, consider Farm Yard, or Tangled Sage. Any hair and make up needs could be done by Lesley Lind, or Janelle Ingram.
5) plan out your attire
Depending on what you chose for Step 1: Pick your season, you’ll want to choose your wedding attire around this. I always tell my couples that your top priority should be your comfort. Remember that you’ll be outside, so don’t stress too much about getting your attire dirty. Also remember that your Moab elopement photographer will probably ask you to move around, stand on rocks, walk over rocks, skip, jump, or even dance around a bit to get those best shots. You’ll want to be comfortable all day long. And if you’re choosing to elope in Moab in the winter or early spring (when mom nature can throw curve balls) be sure to bring layers or a jacket you’ll be stoked to get your picture taken in! Playing around with accessories and jackets, caps even are such a fun way to incorporate your personality into your big day.
6) have the best damn day ever
Now it’s time to take it all in. In Moab. In the most magical place on this earth. Time to get married, and celebrate!
Getting your marriage license for your Moab elopement
The legal stuff always seems scary, but I promise, getting your marriage license for your Moab elopement is going to be a breeze! First is where to go to get your marriage license for your Moab elopement?
where to go to get your marriage license for your moab elopement
You’ll want to go to: Grand County Clerk/Auditor 125 E. Center St. Moab, UT 84532
how much does it cost to get a marriage license in moab?
The fee is a non refundable $50 to apply for your Moab elopement marriage license.
things to know before you go to apply for your marriage license in moab
Before you go to apply for your Moab elopement marriage license you should know these few things: the office is open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., you and your partner must both be present, you both will need a picture ID with proof of age (date of birth), and you will need to provide the date of your ceremony and your officiant’s name (officiant does not have to be present to get your marriage license in Moab.) To save yourself time you can print the application before you go and fill it out BUT DO NOT SIGN IT until you’re in front of a witness at the clerks office. Click here to download the application.
let’s adventure together!
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Your Moab Elopement in 3 Easy Steps
step 1: phone call
First, let’s get to know each other! I want to hear your love story and your vision for your elopement. Every little thing that matters to you matters to me. I’ll focus on those unique aspects of your relationships so we can bring them to life on your elopement day!
step 2: unlimited planning consults
My job is to curate a day that is everything you dreamed of and more. From travel logistics to custom hiking maps, I will lock down every damn detail so you can have your elopement vision realized. It’ll be all gravy, baby – stress-free and full of friggin’ excitement!
step 3: get married!
When your big day arrives, I want you focused on one thing and one thing only: loving the heck out of each other! That’s all you need to do. I’ll deliver an experience you’ll never forget and fan-freakin-tastic photos to keep your day alive forever.
pricing
Wanna see the Moab elopement packages?
click on the orange button below to see my elopement packages & pricing
and reach out for a custom quote if you’re not seeing what you’re looking for!
Let’s talk about your Moab elopement
fill out the form below and i’ll be in touch within 24 hours