Best Places to Elope in Moab

So you’ve decided to make it official and elope in Utah—heck yes! But now you’re probably wondering… where are the best places to elope in Moab? This desert gem may be home to less than 10,000 people, but it’s surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. From red rock canyons to sweeping arches, Moab offers endless scenic backdrops for your elopement.

Moab is one of the best places to elope, whether you’re craving adventure or something slower and more intentional. Say your vows in Arches National Park, stargaze under a certified Dark Sky, or enjoy a quiet moment by the Colorado River. With dog-friendly trails, epic views, and cozy desert Airbnbs, Moab is the perfect place to create a day that’s fully your own.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Places to Elope in Moab?

Permits: You’ll need the proper permits depending on your choice of where to elope in Moab. If you’re wondering where to elope in Moab, securing these permits is essential. Discovering the perfect spot to elope in Moab is an exciting journey, but remember to check the permit requirements for each location.

Privacy: How important is it for you to have a private or more secluded ceremony? Moab is a beloved destination, and some popular spots can get crowded during peak seasons or midday. If privacy matters, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Scenery: What kind of backdrop speaks to you? Towering red rocks, vast canyon views, hidden alcoves, and stunning arches. Moab has so much variety.

Accessibility: How much hiking are you comfortable with, or would you rather hop in a Jeep and ride straight to your ceremony spot? Some locations require a bit of a trek, while others are fully drive-up friendly.

Park Entrance Fees: Most locations require an entry fee. Bonus tip: Grab an annual National Parks Pass—it’s worth it, especially if you plan to keep adventuring beyond your wedding day.

Transportation: Some elopement spots have limited parking or require high-clearance vehicles. If you have guests, you’ll want to make a plan to get everyone there smoothly.

Rules & Restrictions: Each location comes with its own set of guidelines, so it’s important to know what’s allowed. Can you bring chairs? Set up an arch? Can you use music, dried or fresh flowers, confetti, or pop champagne? Some spots are more flexible than others.

Why Arches National Park is One of the Best Places to Elope in Moab

Arches National Park is a popular eloping destination in Moab. It is breathtaking, but with the major rise in tourism over the past few years, the park has put strict regulations in place to help protect its fragile landscape. As a result, wedding ceremonies are now heavily monitored and, in some cases, even denied altogether. For that reason, I currently recommend choosing a different ceremony location elsewhere in Moab. But don’t worry, we can still capture stunning portraits inside the park to soak in that iconic red rock magic.

Special Use Permits can be submitted up to one year in advance. I highly recommend applying for your Special Use Permit as early as possible. I help guide my couples through this entire process, so you know what to expect every step of the way.

The application fee for a wedding permit is $185. The standard park entrance fee also applies. I encourage wedding attendees to carpool, as space is limited in some places.

From April through October, Arches requires timed entry reservations, which must be secured on Recreation.gov up to three months in advance. But here’s the good news: if you’re eloping in Arches, you can skip the stress of snagging a timed entry, your Special Use Permit already has you covered. One less thing to worry about!

Arches National Park Elopement Guidelines

• Dried flowers and grasses are not allowed in bouquets(stick with fresh, native, or artificial blooms).
• Releases are not allowed (butterflies, birdseed, and rice).
• No balloons, arches, signs, or other decorations are permitted. A few folding chairs might be allowed, but only with approval.
• Tents, tables, and catering services are not allowed.
• Music must stay at normal speaking volume.
• A park ranger may stop by to make sure the rules are followed. There’s usually a small monitoring fee included in the permit.
• No pets are allowed at this location.
• If you have over 25 guests, a parking plan will be required.

Designated Ceremony Locations in Arches National Park

Wanting to elope in the dreamiest desert in Moab? Timing is everything when it comes to deciding the best places to elope in Moab. I suggest planning your elopement at sunrise or sunset, and if possible, during the quieter off-season months from November to February for even more privacy.

If you’re dreaming of Arches National Park, just keep in mind that ceremonies must take place at one of the park’s designated locations. These spots were chosen to help protect the land while still letting couples celebrate in some seriously stunning places.

Here are the current approved ceremony locations and group size limits:

• La Sal Mountains Viewpoint – up to 50 people
• Park Avenue – up to 15 people
• Double Arch – up to 25 people
• The Windows Section – up to 25 people
• Panorama Point – up to 50 people
• Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater– up to 80 people

Some of my favorite places in the park for portraits or just a quiet moment in nature are Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Turret Arch, and Balanced Rock.

You can find all the details (permit rules, approved ceremony sites, and timing) on the official Arches National Park website.

Why Dead Horse Point State Park Is One of the Best Places to Elope in Moab

Nestled near Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park is a total gem and one of the best sunrise and sunset spots ever.

One of the best places to elope in Moab, is Tucked about 30 minutes outside of the city. This Utah State Park sits at the end of a mesa, about 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. It’s one of those views that literally takes your breath away. It’s less visited than the big National Parks, which means fewer crowds and a much more peaceful experience, especially during off-season. With that being said, it can still get busy during peak seasons, so plan accordingly when eloping in Moab to avoid the rush.

Bonus? Unlike most National Parks, it’s dog-friendly! That means your dog can tag along for photos and even be part of your ceremony.

Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement Guidelines

• No large décor or setups of any kind.
• No seeds, confetti or rice are allowed to be thrown.
• Real flowers are allowed, but check with your florist to make sure invasive species (pampas grass) are not in your bouquet. 
• Each vehicle (up to 8 people) must pay $20 to enter the state park.
• If you bus in your attendees the park charges $5 per person. 
• No live or amplified music, fire, or artificial lighting is allowed.
• All weddings are required to have a Special Use Permit, and applications will be accepted 1 month to 18 months in advance of the planned date.

Extra Details for Eloping at Dead Horse Point State Park

It’s a Utah State Park, so National Park Passes won’t get you in. Each vehicle (yours and your guests) will require a $20 entrance pass per vehicle.

Permits start at $260, depending on the size of your celebration:

• $60 permit fee ($10 application + $50 event permit)
• $200 site fee for groups up to 50 (first 2 hours)
• $300 site fee for groups 51–100 (first 2 hours)
• $100 for each extra hour
• $50 if you want to reserve the ceremony spot for a rehearsal
• $50 if you want to use one of the picnic shelters

You’ll want to submit your permit at least 30 days in advance, but you can submit it up to 18 months before. Weekdays and off-season months are usually easier to snag. Spring and fall are the most popular and fill up very fast. 

Heads-up: Memorial Day Weekend permits won’t be approved due to high visitation.

Seasonally, weddings are allowed all year long. Daily, weddings are allowed from 6 am-10 pm with the Special Use Permit.

Designated Ceremony Locations in Dead Horse Point State Park

One of the best places to elope in Moab is Dead Horse Point State Park. If you want to elope in Dead Horse State Park, your ceremony must take place at one of the park’s pre-approved locations, which can accommodate groups of 5 to 100 people.

Here are the 5 designated ceremony locations and group size limits:

• La Sal Site – up to 25 people
• Cliff Side – up to 20 people
• West Bench – up to 50 people
• Point Bench – up to 5 people
• Shade Shelter – up to 100 people

Check out more details for Dead Horse Point State Park here.

Why Canyonlands National Park Is One of the Best Places to Elope in Moab

When searching for the best places to elope in Moab, Canyonlands National Park is a breathtaking option, just over an hour from Moab, eloping in the Canyonlands feels like stepping onto another planet. The drive alone is a dream, and once you arrive? You’re surrounded by massive canyons, winding rivers, surreal rock formations, and colors that shift with every hour of sunlight.

Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest national park. The park is divided into different districts, with over 300,000 acres of land: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Green & Colorado Rivers. 

Whether you’re looking for a simple, easy-access ceremony where you can hop out of the car and take in the view of a lifetime, or dream of getting “lost” together on a multi-day adventure—Canyonlands truly has it all.

And one of my favorite parts? It’s so much quieter than Arches. Even well-known spots like Mesa Arch feel more peaceful here. If you’re craving solitude, epic views, and a day that feels like it’s just yours, this might just be your place.

Canyonlands State Park Elopement Guidelines

• Dried plants, including grasses, are prohibited in bouquets.
• No releases of any kind, this includes butterflies, birdseed, rice, confetti, etc.
• No décor—that means no arches, balloons, or any other types of decorations.
• No tents, tables, or furniture. Folding chairs might be okay, but need park approval.
• No food service or catering is allowed at your ceremony site.
• No live or amplified music, fire, or artificial lighting is allowed.
• Carpooling is strongly encouraged and might even be required.
• A ranger may spot-check your ceremony (a small monitoring fee may apply).
• You’ll have one hour total for your ceremony under your permit.
• Ceremonies must take place on certain areas to protect the park’s soil crust and native plant life.

The application fee for a wedding permit is $185. The standard park entrance fee also applies. I encourage wedding attendees to carpool, as space is limited in some places.

Weddings may be scheduled up to a year in advance. The park requests a minimum of four weeks to fully process a basic permit request, but make sure you do not wait until the last minute to apply for your permit.

Designated Ceremony Locations in Canyonlands State Park

If you want to elope in Moab at Canyonlands State Park, your ceremony must take place at one of the park’s pre-approved locations that can accommodate group sizes ranging from 25 and up to 50 people.

Here are the 5 designated ceremony locations and group size limits:

Locations at Island in the Sky

• Shafer Canyon Overlook – up to 25 people
• Green River Overlook – up to 25 people
• Grand View Point – up to 25 people

Locations at The Needles

• Pothole Point – up to 15 people
• Needles Group Campsites – up to 15 to 50 people

Check out the Canyonlands National Park website for more information.

The Best Small Wedding Venues to Elope in Moab

Planning to invite more than 15 guests when eloping in Moab? While I’m all about celebrating with your people, hosting a larger group on public lands can get pretty tricky. Even if the park allows for your guest count, things like limited parking, fragile terrain, accessibility, and permit restrictions can make logistics more stressful. 

Suppose you’re planning to celebrate with more than 15 guests. In that case, I highly recommend looking into a small wedding venue that can comfortably host everyone, and then planning a private adventure just for the two of you, either before or after. That way, you get the best of both worlds: time with your favorite people and space for just the two of you to soak it all in.

Wondering where the best places are to elope in Moab with 15+ guests? Here are a few of my personal faves for elopements or intimate weddings up to 60 guests:

• Red Earth Venue – Nestled right in the desert, this modern space blends seamlessly into the red rock landscape. It’s perfect for couples wanting earthy, minimal, open-air vibes.
  
• Sorrel River Ranch – A gorgeous riverside ranch surrounded by towering cliffs. Great for a full wedding weekend with your people (and yes, it’s super photogenic).
  
• Whispering Oaks Ranch – Tucked into the La Sal Mountains, this one’s for you if you want alpine views, fresh mountain air, and a cozy, tucked-away feel.

As Your Moab Elopement Photographer

I’m Rachel, a Moab elopement photographer who’s absolutely head over hiking boots in love with what I do. Helping couples plan meaningful, intentional elopements that feel like a deep breath and a “just us” kind of experience? That’s where my heart belongs.

The land around Moab is a beautiful blend of national parks, state parks, and privately owned properties. Each area has its own set of regulations when it comes to eloping in Moab, and figuring out what’s allowed (and what’s not) can feel overwhelming. Especially when deciding where the best place to elope in Moab is.

That’s where I come in. As your Moab elopement photographer and guide, I’ll walk you through every step, making sure no detail gets missed. From permits and timelines to what’s allowed at your ceremony (arches, florals, chairs, music, pets—you name it), I’ll help you find a location that fits your vision and stays within the guidelines. I’ll also make sure we account for group size limits, parking logistics, and any vendor requirements.

I’ll help you plan a Moab elopement with no pressure to be anything but yourself, just space to be fully present and soak up every second. If you’re dreaming of a desert day that feels like you and only you, I’d love to help make it happen.

Reach out here or fill out the form below, and let’s start planning your Moab elopement adventure that feels like you!