If you are the type of couple always looking for your next great adventure, Moab is your ideal place. Located in the midst of the Utah wilderness, this city brings you everything, including the towering iconic arches and the vivid red canyons. As an adventure elopement photographer, I adore working with couples to give them their dream celebrations. If you have been considering your Moab elopement, here’s everything you need to know!
Your Guide To Everything You Need For A Magical Moab Elopement
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Moab Elopement!
When You Should Elope in Moab & How to Pick Your Date
The very first thing you need to keep in mind when you are planning your Moab wedding is that most of the town is located in the midst of the desert. That means that during the summer, it gets hot. I’m not saying you shouldn’t plan your wedding during this season, but I am telling you to be prepared for some pretty brutal weather. Think light clothing, early morning celebrations, and lots and lots of water. The other issue with this season is that it tends to get pretty busy. This is a bucket list destination for a lot of people, so when the summer season starts, people head out to explore. If you do want to try for a summer wedding, I would encourage a weekday wedding during the sunrise. Not only will you avoid the crowds and the heat, but you’ll also get some pretty gorgeous views of the sun coming up.
The Seasons Of Moab
Outside of summer, here’s what you can expect through every season.
- Autumn: If you ask me, fall is a magical season for a Moab wedding. The crowds are starting to thin, and the weather is far milder. I always suggest late October or November if you are looking for a date that escapes the swell of tourists.
- Winter: While Moab tends to be a little warmer than most places in the states during the winter months, it can still get pretty chilly! Most days, the highs are in the 30s or 40s. It’s also not rare to see some snow during this season, which can make for some gorgeous pictures. If you do decide to get married during this season, be sure to have lots of layers so you can stay warm.
- Spring: Once the area thaws, it becomes downright beautiful. Springtime brings highs that range from the 60s to the 80s, with heavier winds happening in March and early April. Because Moab receives very little rain, you don’t have to worry about sudden inclement weather. Just a heads up: Moab hosts an annual Jeep Week around mid-April, and it can get a little wild. I would highly suggest avoiding this event unless you are a Jeep person!
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Moab Elopement!
Moab Elopement Locations
With Moab, the National Parks tend to be a favorite spot for elopements. Both Canyonlands and the Arches are located here, giving you a number of locations to choose from. Here are a few spots to consider:
- Under Canvas: This unique glamping site is located just outside of the Arches. In addition to providing you with cozy lodging, they also offer accommodations for your perfect wedding day. Oh, and the views aren’t half bad, either!
- Arches National Park: As long as you have the proper permits, the NPS welcomes you to come and exchange vows within the grounds. They even have a number of spots designated for ceremonies, including La Sal Mountains, The Windows, Double Arch, and Park Avenue.
- Canyonlands: Just like The Arches, Canyonlands offers several designated spots, including The Needles, Mesa Arch, and Green River Overlook.
- Dead Horse State Park: If you love the views of Canyonlands but want to skip the crowds, Dead Horse gives you a nearby location with a backdrop you’ll have to see to believe!
- Bureau of Land Management: The BLM owns 2 million acres of land across the Moab area that you can use for your celebration. Again, it tends to give you the same jaw-dropping views of the National Parks while letting you avoid the massive crowds.
How to Get a Moab License
Now, let’s talk about the paperwork! In order to get married in Moab, you will need to get your marriage license. They require that you do this in person with your partner at any County Clerk’s office within Utah. If you are looking for one within Moab, you can use the Grand County, Utah, county clerk’s office. There is no waiting period, so you can get your license the week of your wedding. During your appointment, you will need to fill out some paperwork and pay a $50 fee. You will need an officiant to solemnize your wedding as well as a witness over the age of 18.
One other thing to keep in mind is where you are hosting your wedding. Many places–especially those within the National Parks–will require a permit. Be sure to look up your location of choice ahead of time so you can know for sure!
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Moab Elopement!
What to Wear to Your Moab Elopement
Next comes the fun part: what will you wear? With elopements, you typically have a lot of freedom to really dive into your fashionable side and wear whatever the heck you want! Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- How will it photograph? – There are just some pieces that look much better in your elopement pictures. I’m always partial to flowy boho options made with materials like lace or satin. They look especially lovely when the spring winds start to blow!
- Will you be comfortable? – Not only will you have to move around a lot, but you also want to be sure your outfit is ready for the Moab weather. For warmer weddings, I would recommend loose-fitting options made from lighter materials. For winter weddings, bring layers. A faux fur capelet is always a classic!
- Is it practical? – If you are doing a National Parks ceremony, there’s a good chance you won’t want to hike several miles in stilettos. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear them, but I would put them in your backpack and change out of hiking shoes at the site. Otherwise, you’ll be spending your wedding night icing an ankle!
How Much Does a Moab Elopement Cost?
With elopements, you have a lot of freedom when it comes to your budget. In fact, the average price of a Moab elopement ranges from $3,000-$15,000. That’s a lot of wiggle room! This price will include travel and accommodations, outfits, flowers, venue, entertainment, food, permits and licenses, and, of course, your photographer.
Photo Credit: Unsplash. Let’s replace these photographs with your own Moab Elopement!
Hiring a Moab Elopement Photographer
Speaking of photographers, this is going to be one of the biggest decisions you make throughout your elopement. No, really. When you plan an intimate wedding, you are really signing up for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Do you really want to get home and realize you have just a few pictures that don’t actually tell your story? As an adventure elopement photographer, I take a photojournalistic approach to my work, documenting all the details so you can have portraits that actually capture the spirit of your day. I can also work with you to figure out some of the logistics so you can have the perfect weekend. It’s not just an investment in good photos; you are signing up for someone ready to make this journey extra magical!
Your Dream Moab Elopement Is As Easy As Pie
Hopefully, this guide helps you as you start to plan out all your Moab elopement details. And if you do want to learn more about booking my services, let’s chat about it! Send me a message today to find out more!
