Picture this: you and your lover, barefoot in the desert, wind in your hair, as the desert sunset lights the canyon. Welcome to the world of Moab elopements! Moab is where the magic happens, and if you're the kind of couple who craves excitement and breathtaking landscapes, this is your spot.

Hey hi hello! It's Jess, your gal for all things elopements in places that make your heart beat faster. If you've landed here, you're probably dreaming of red rock magic, otherworldly views, and an elopement day that feels like the ultimate adventure. Well, get comfy because I'm about to spill ~all~ the tea on how to have the most perfect Moab elopement.

Why Elope in Moab? (Honestly, Why Not?!)

Listen, I've spent years exploring Moab's hidden corners, and let me tell you—this place is pure magic. There's a reason so many couples are saying "heck yeah" to desert elopements here:

It's literally another planet: Those red rock formations? The arches that look like they were made by actual giants? The wide-open skies? It's like getting married on Mars, but with oxygen.

All the seclusion you could want: If you know where to go (don't worry, that's why I'm here!), you’ll feel like you have the place completely to yourself. Just you, your person, and views for days.

The ultimate playground: Start your marriage climbing rocks, off-roading, floating down the Colorado River, or simply soaking in those stunning views. Moab isn't just a pretty backdrop—it's an experience.

No boring wedding photos, ever: These landscapes create the most epic, jaw-dropping images that will have everyone saying "wait, you got married WHERE?!"

I've been camping cliffside, off-roading to spots you won't find on Google, and hiking through these magical lands for years now. The red dirt is permanently in my veins at this point. When you're with me, you're with someone who knows this place like the back of her hand—the secret spots, the perfect light, and how to make your day feel effortless in the desert.

When to Elope in Moab (Timing is Everything!)

Let's be real about the weather here—it matters. A LOT.

Early Spring (April-May) and Late Fall (October) are your absolute best bets. Don't even think about summer unless you love sweating through your wedding attire (it regularly hits 100+ degrees). Trust me on this one! Summer is a huge no-go for an enjoyable, perfect elopement day.

Spring brings desert wildflowers, while fall offers slightly cooler temps and that gorgeous golden light. Both seasons provide that perfect Moab glow without the scorching summer heat or winter chill.

So What’s the Best Way to Get to Moab?

Getting to Moab is part of the fun! Here's the scoop:

Flying: The closest major airports are:

Grand Junction, Colorado (about 1.5 hours away)
Salt Lake City (about 4 hours drive)

The Dream Road Trip: My personal fave? Make the 5-ish hour drive from Denver & have a little road trip experience! Stop in Glenwood Springs to soak in the natural hot springs midway through your journey.

You can also invest in absolutely gorgeous lodging (more on that below!), make the trip in one go and spend more time enjoying your dreamy desert home base.

Where to Stay: Elevated Desert Vibes

Your accommodations set the tone for your entire elopement experience. Here are some of our absolute favorites that match those elevated, refined vibes we're going for:

For the Ultimate Desert Experience:

This stunning cliffside lodge with panoramic views and high-end finishes
The Pinterest-worthy desert oasis with stucco architecture, chic interior, & ample natural light for getting ready photos (can you tell it’s our fav??)
This modern red rock retreat with a hot tub overlooking the mesas

For the Ultra-Refined Experience:

Amangiri in Southern Utah - it's a bit of a drive from Moab but the ultimate in desert luxury that will make your jaw drop

Just imagine: waking up on your wedding day, coffee in hand, watching the sunrise turn those red rocks into gold from your private deck... yeah, that's the vibe we're here to create.

How to Make It Legal || The Paperwork Part

To get married in Moab, you'll need your marriage license from any Utah county clerk's office (about $40), and don't forget that Utah requires an officiant and two witnesses—you can't self-solemnize here like in Colorado. Depending on your exact ceremony location, you might also need photography and special use permits, as each park has slightly different permitting rules. Permits don't include park entrance fees, so budget for those separately.

Pro tip: Many couples sign their legal paperwork before or after in their hometown, then have their meaningful, symbolic ceremony in Moab with zero stress about the legal stuff. This is especially handy if you're planning a just-us elopement without witnesses! For symbolic ceremonies too, you can often skip the more complex permits entirely.

The good news? If you're working with us for your Moab elopement, you don't have to worry about figuring all this out on your own. We've got you covered when it comes to all the boring permit stuff. Our team knows exactly which paperwork you'll need for each location, and we'll walk you through it step by step. That's what we're here for!

Where to Say "I Do"

Moab offers endless ceremony location options, but here's where our insider knowledge comes in handy:

BLM & Public Lands

Moab is surrounded by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) public lands, which means endless hidden spots most tourists will never find. These areas do require permits for ceremonies (which we'll help you navigate - that's what we're here for!), but it's 100% worth it for the total privacy and those "are we even on Earth right now?!" views. While the tourists crowd into the parks, we'll be living our best lives in these incredible landscapes that feel like they're all yours. Think total privacy and views that'll make your heart skip a beat.

Dead Horse Point State Park

This state park is known for its jaw-dropping overlooks of the Colorado River, and standing on the edge gives you views of Canyonlands National Park! The sheer cliffs and the rugged terrain create a dramatic setting for your day. The park has designated ceremony sites that must be reserved.

Canyonlands National Park

Experience massive cliffs that span as far as your eyes can see. The textures and colors in Canyonlands National Park are like non-other. There’s many scenic viewpoints that offer panoramic views, making it an insane backdrop to exchange vows.

Arches National Park

Home of the most popular arches and red rock formations — and for good reason! If you choose to elope in Arches National Park, we’d recommend we go for sunrise exclusively to avoid crowds for a more secluded experience. Like most National Parks, you’ll need to obtain a permit to get married in Arches.

What to Do on Your Elopement Day

Your elopement isn't just a ceremony—it's a full day experience! Here are some of our favorite Moab elopement activities for a perfect elopement day!

Sunrise ceremony followed by a champagne picnic
Helicopter or airplane tour over the red rock landscape (Moab Air Tours is incredible!)
Off-roading to a secluded spot for sunset photos (Extreme 4x4 Tours is the best for off-roading adventures)
Private chef dinner under the stars at your Airbnb
Stargazing: Moab has some of the darkest skies you'll ever see

Where to Eat & Celebrate

After all that adventuring, you'll want some amazing food!

Antica Forma - The BEST wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Perfect for that casual-but-amazing post-elopement meal. Crispy crust, melty cheese... do I need to say more? This is always our first stop when I hit town!
Desert Bistro - For a more elevated dining experience in a charming converted house. They serve up adventurous Southwestern cuisine in an intimate setting with a wine cellar that'll make you want to try everything. Perfect for your "we just got married!" dinner.
Moab Brewery - Casual vibes with great local beers. Great for a relaxed post-adventure meal with your closest people.
Sabaku Sushi - The best sushi around! Their rolls are super creative with that perfect balance of flavors. After a day in the heat, nothing beats sitting in their cool space with a cold sake and fresh fish.
98 Center - Their menu has tons of plant-based and gluten-free options that actually taste incredible. The cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for a low-key celebration dinner. This gem is always a recommendation for couples with dietary preferences.
Moab Garage Co. - Indoor coffee shop with a cool vibe! Perfect for your wedding day morning caffeine fix. They've got breakfast, ice creams, and plenty of coffee options to fuel your adventure.

The JLP Experience - How We'll Make This Happen

When you book with us for your Moab elopement, you're getting way more than just a photography team. Our team becomes your bff’s throughout the entire elopement planning process. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Browse our portfolio

Stalk our blog posts to get an in-depth view of our work & the all-inclusive experience we provide to our couples.

Step 2: Inquire & let's connect

Fill out our contact form, and we'll send over details + a link to book a call so we can dive into your vision together.

Step 3: Lock in your date

Once we’ve discovered if we're the perfect fit, you'll complete a custom proposal (contract + deposit). Then, you're officially on our books!

Step 4: Plan with ease

Gain exclusive access to our planning guides + preferred vendor list—we handle the details so you can focus on the experience.

Step 5: Say "I Do" & Soak it all in

Your day unfolds effortlessly while we capture the magic, from getting ready to intimate vows to a candlelit dinner al fresco.

Step 6: Relive every moment

Sneak peeks in 48 hours, your fully edited gallery in 6 weeks + album creation so you can hold onto your memories forever.

What Makes Us Different

We're not just taking pretty pictures—we're your planning partners, your location scouts, your timeline creators, and your cheerleaders. Our team brings years of experience in the Moab area to make your day feel effortless.

When you book with us, you'll receive:

Planning Guide: expert advice, creative ways to spend your day, all the inspiration you need

Location Guides: Specific to Moab featuring ceremony spots, elevated lodging options (with exclusive discounts!), and our refined preferred vendor list

Planning Portal: A beautifully organized planning portal to keep all confirmed details, custom timeline, vendor contacts and day logistics in one place

Vendor Coordination: Once your vendors are locked in, simply hand off contact and let us do the heavy lifting

Our approach is documentary-style with an authentic storytelling approach. We focus on your day as it unfolds naturally—that's why proper planning with a local expert is so important! The key to receiving a gallery you LOVE is quality time shared together by maximizing your day in a way that feels right for you.

Ready to Make Magic Together?

Let's create an unforgettable elopement experience in one of the most stunning landscapes on earth. Your Moab adventure awaits! Get in touch here or fill out the form below to start planning your dream desert elopement. For more details on Moab elopements, head to our Moab Elopement Photography page.

Want more desert elopement inspo? Check out our Pinterest for endless ideas.

Tell Us Your Wedding Vision—watch us Make It Happen

We can’t wait to hear all that you’ve been dreaming up! Our couples invest an average of $8,000 in a seamless, all-in-one photography and planning experience. Fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch within 48 business hours to start planning!

Moab Elopement Guide || Desert Magic Awaits