HOW TO: Plan Your Moab Utah Adventure

PLANNING YOUR 2025 MOAB ADVENTURE WEDDING

Oh, wow! Considering eloping in Moab? That’s such an incredible idea! Moab holds a special place in my heart, so forgive me if I gush a bit, but it’s truly a remarkable destination. Picture this: rugged southwest landscapes, vibrant colors painting the scenery with dramatic red rocks, endless blue skies, and meandering desert rivers. It’s a breathtaking setting, perfect for an elopement filled with adventure and romance.

If you have been dreaming of an adventure-filled wedding or elopement in an ethereal desert landscape, it’s time to discover Moab, UT! Moab is a sacred little pocket of the world where red-rock wonders unfold around every corner. She is most enjoyed as an adventure playground, temple for lovers of the Earth, & a beautiful canvas for weddings. Moab’s rugged terrain and captivating sunsets create quite the setting for an unforgettable backdrop for both a love story and an adventure.

In this blog we’ll cover potential locations, accessibility, & basic permit information so you can be equipped for your next experience out here in the desert! If you’re unsure about this process, it’s always a great idea to collaborate with an elopement vendor experienced in Moab adventure weddings. Fortunately, I have curated a selection of top-notch Moab vendors just for you! This resource is nearly as spectacular as the destination itself, so feel free to utilize the links provided below to navigate to your desired section.

Step By Step Adventure Wedding Planning in Moab, Utah

1. Choose season of celebration and length of your trip

2. Send me an inquiry for a FREE pricing guide & adventure photography consultation

3. Hire me to help you plan your epic day — I’ll help guide you through it all, from locations options, vendors and timelines to day-of activities, permits, accommodations and anything in between.

4. Apply for your marriage license

5. We’ll have an adventure in the locations you’ve been dreaming of in & around Moab, Utah, create some epic memories and celebrate the start of a new chapter of your lives together!

WAIT. Why are you even listening to me? Let me share some credentials!

Hi I’m Jessie, your small-town, adventure enthusiast! I’m so glad you’re here!
What started as a fun way to connect with people while spending time outdoors has now become my obsession + full-time career. I’ve had the chance to photograph weddings and elopements all across the country, from the desert landscapes of Zion NP to the sandy beaches of Oahu, & some incredible places in between! I grew up on a farm in a tiny desert town called Kanab, UT. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, and so many other beautiful landmarks are my backyard! The adventures I’m about to share with you are childhood camping sites, Sunday family drives, & high school prom date hikes. I feel extremely lucky to know this area like the back of my hand & there’s no place on Earth I love more than Southern Utah. This truly is home.

First… we need a map!

Here’s the dirt- literally. The exact area we are looking at in this blog is the desert surrounding Moab UT, which is located 45 minutes south of I-70. Hotels, Airbnb’s, venues, restaurants, & anything else you may want to plan for during your travels will most likely be located in Moab, because as you can see there are. no other options! Check out this map to get a good idea of how much wilderness we’re talking about here!

I’m ready if you’re ready! Let’s dive into everything you should consider before we explore this area.

MOAB 101 – WEATHER, SEASONS, & TOURISM

Now, let’s talk about timing. When should you elope in Moab?

Well, the time of day and year are crucial factors to consider. Moab’s sunlight & desert conditions can be intense, especially during clear summer & fall days, so I always recommend planning your ceremony around sunrise or sunset for that magical light and to avoid harsh midday sun.

Summers in Moab can be scorching, with temperatures soaring into the 90s and even 100s. Sunrise elopements are ideal during this season to beat the heat and avoid crowds. Conversely, winter brings cooler temperatures, and if you’re lucky, a dusting of snow, creating a serene and quieter atmosphere in the parks.

My personal favorite times for a Moab elopement are the shoulder seasons of September-November and March-May when temperatures are milder, and crowds are thinner. Just be mindful of avoiding peak times like Jeep Week, which happens the week before Easter, to ensure a more intimate experience. Utah experiences more predictable fall seasons & less predicable spring seasons, occasionally with random snow storms into April! As you map out how you want your adventure celebrations to look & feel, please keep this in mind.

Moab historically experiences its busiest season during the summer months, from June to August, attracting crowds of tourists seeking outdoor adventures in predicable weather conditions. This period often sees higher prices for accommodations and activities due to the high demand. Conversely, winter, especially December – February, is typically the slowest season, offering quieter surroundings and potentially lower costs for travelers. Shoulder seasons, like spring and fall, strike a balance between visitor numbers and affordability, making them ideal times to visit for those looking to avoid crowds and save money on their trip.

I did mention this above, but again- Moab is one of the best places to plan your adventure. So with this fact comes many tourists and other couples who want to celebrate here too. 

So when is the best time to get married in Moab? 

Since Moab is busy almost year-round, it’s better to think about what season and activities you want to do in Moab during your wedding day. For example, if you’re considering a 10 mile desert hike, July in Moab will probably not be for you. Just like if you’d like to incorporate glamping at Under Canvas, December would not be the best time of year for your Moab celebration because they close due to weather that time of year!

Another tip I have & would heavily recommend is to plan a weekday wedding (avoid holiday weekends) and consider a sunrise or sunset ceremony.

Travel Suggestions – How to Get to Moab

Getting to Moab may require a bit of planning, as it’s a small desert town with limited transportation options. Most visitors fly into Salt Lake City or Grand Junction, Colorado, and rent a car for the scenic drive to Moab.

• 3 hours & 45 minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport -> Moab, Utah
• 1 hour & 45 minute drive from Grand Junction Regional Airport -> Moab, Utah

I am very excited to share that the local Moab airport- Canyonlands Regional Airport, is now providing fairly regular flights through both Contour Airlines & American Airlines for 2024! The rental cars are predicted to be slightly more expensive than a large commercial airport can provide, but if you’re looking to avoid extensive driving, Canyonlands Regional Airport may be the solution for you.

“DO WE NEED A 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE?”

This is my most frequently asked question for all Moab adventures, and my answer is – it depends on where you would like to go. There are many locations in & around Moab that do not require a 4WD high clearance vehicle, so it’s not necessarily a requirement. However, if you’re craving the complete “Moab experience” or have the desire to explore a location off the beaten path, I think it would be wise, & I have never personally had a couple regret their decision to rent or bring their 4WD vehicle! Plus, renting a Jeep or Bronco would make for some epic photo ops 😉

Moab Wedding & Elopement Locations

As for where to exchange your vows, Moab offers a plethora of stunning locations. From the vast expanses of Canyonlands to the iconic arches of Arches National Park, the options are endless. Just remember that permits are often required for ceremonies in these parks, but don’t worry, I can guide you through the process.

To simplify things, we’re going to categorize your options into 5 main sections – venues, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, BLM Public Lands, & Dead Horse Point State Park. While there’s not enough blog space in the world to summarize every location available in & around Moab, I will hit on the most popular options below! If you’re interested in an option that didn’t make this list, just mention it in your contact form & I can hook you up with the hidden gems 😉

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Venues & Lodges

Red Earth Venue

Red Earth Venue feels like renting your own private national park. Most of our 17 acre property is undeveloped with the intent of keeping our footprint small and the views big so you can congregate, celebrate and party in the desert with minimal environmental impact. The accordion glass doors open to outdoor patio areas for an incredible indoor/outdoor event that you and your guests will never forget.

Why do I personally love The Red Earth Venue? The views. The privacy. The freedom to hold your event how you want. A desert party in true desert fashion— dancing, toasting and dining surrounded by cliffs and under the stars.

ULUM Moab

Escape to ULUM Moab, located in the heart of Utah’s canyon country, and discover a haven where nature’s beauty effortlessly blends with upscale comforts and style. A one-of-a-kind destination that unites the expansive red rock landscape with thoughtfully designed spaces, ULUM Moab provides an unparalleled outdoor adventure experience like no other.

Enjoying the outdoors doesn’t need to be at the expense of upscale accommodations or thoughtful design. ULUM Moab’s Suite Tents offer all the comforts of home in a breathtaking desert setting.  

Whispering Oaks Ranch

Whispering Oaks Ranch offers quiet and private vacation rentals in the heart of Utah. Our property also includes a magnificent destination wedding venue surrounded by the serene La Sal Mountains and amazing views of the canyonlands. You will enjoy luxurious lodging, and convenient access to Utah’s Adventure Capital, Moab!

Whispering Oaks Ranch provides wedding celebrations with:

• Outdoor venue space for up to 200 guests (65 overnight), including an 1800 sq ft covered Pavilion with two additional decks. (Click on Venue to see a list of amenities)
• 7 Luxurious Cabins, accommodating 45-65 guests. View all cabin details.
• A 55,000 sq ft lawn on our 50-acre private mountain property offering gorgeous views of the La Sal Mountain Peaks.
• Micro-wedding event space and accommodation odation available at no additional charge with the lodging of our 3 small cabins (Grey Dawn, Wildflower and Sagewood, accommodating 6-10 overnight guests) and the Cedar Bend Lodge Cabin.  The comfortable and spacious Cedar Bend Lodge Cabin, provides a beautiful setting for a micro wedding, accommodates 12-24 overnight guests in 6,000 sq ft of living space, 6 bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, covered porches and open decks.  Our detached deck with spectacular views of the La Sal Mountain Peaks, is ideal for a small wedding ceremonies.

Sorrel River Ranch

Sorrel River Ranch, nestled amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Moab, Utah, spans 240 acres of majestic landscapes featuring iconic arches, winding canyons, and stunning red-rock mesas.

Here, you can seize every moment with boundless adventure, embark on exciting discoveries, or simply bask in tranquil relaxation. These Moab resort accommodations not only provide the expected comforts but also offer delightful surprises, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience awaits you.

Under Canvas Moab

Under Canvas Moab lies just seven miles north of Moab near Utah’s famed Canyonlands and Arches national parks. Ideally situated among some of the best climbing, mountain biking, and hiking destinations in the world, Under Canvas’ desert glamping accommodations are a perfect gateway to the towering plateaus, sandstone cliffs, and naturally occurring geologic wonders of Utah’s Canyon Country.

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Arches National Park

Arches National Park – nature’s gallery, carved in stone.

Arches National Park is first on the list because there’s no other place comparable! This is an easily accessible national park that boasts both a versatile landscape and an experience for all ranges of adventurers. Does a 5 mile hike on your wedding day to a stunning arch sound appealing? That’s an option in this park! On the same hand, if you’re much more inclined to a small road trip & views from the car, we can also get that here.

In these photos you’ll see some of the best views & amazing trails to explore in Arches National Park!

Permits in Arches National Park are not something you want to mess around with, and if you plan to have a ceremony inside of Arches, you need a permit. Below I’ll link the national park website, who walks you step by step on how to have a ceremony inside of the park!

During your planning, you do also need to be aware of the reservations system Arches has had to implement within the last few years. Because of the increase in tourism & overwhelming amount of visitors this park has received, they require a reservation to be made in advance between specific hours & seasons of the year. Please check the link below for the current reservation conditions!

Arches Designated Elopement Ceremony Options

• La Sal Mountains Viewpoint | Guest count under 50
• The Windows Section | Guest count under 25
• Park Avenue | Guest count under 15
• Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater | Guest count under 80
• Panorama Point | Guest count under 50

Both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park are managed by the same office, so the rules are very comparable. More info can be found here, and I always recommend confirming any information through their site, because there are many blogs with contradicting information. Ceremony length is typically limited to 10 minutes and it’s very common for national park rangers to be present to monitor your ceremony.

Here are the Arches National Park Permit Conditions as stated by the National Park Service. A permit does not grant exclusive use of the area and the area will remain open to the visiting public. Permittees may not ask the public to alter their visitation in any way. Additional permit conditions are imposed as follows:

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Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park – sculpting dreams in stone & sky.

Canyonlands offers a distinct contrast to Arches National Park. While Arches is renowned for its iconic arches, Canyonlands boasts expansive plateaus and canyons that seem to stretch endlessly. Rarely people understand how vast this park is! The park is divided into three main regions: The Needles, The Maze, and Island in the Sky.

As your elopement photographer, I’ll craft a seamless timeline to ensure you capture all the breathtaking moments without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The Needles, located approximately an hour and a half from Moab, is the park’s second most remote area. Characterized by its towering spires of cedar mesa sandstone, this section of Canyonlands is ideal for hiking and off-roading enthusiasts.

The Maze stands out as the most secluded part of Canyonlands, nestled in the heart of nowhere. While it lacks marked trails, it appeals to experienced backpackers and those seeking unparalleled solitude.

Island in the Sky, just 40 minutes from Moab, is the closest and most accessible section. Famous for landmarks like Mesa Arch and Upheaval Dome, this area offers approved ceremony locations.

There are 3 approved Island In The Sky venues.  Shafter Canyon Overlook, Green River Overlook, and Grand View Point — with space for 25 people. However, it’s worth noting that exploring other parts of the park on your wedding day is also an option.

In these photos you’ll see some of the best views & amazing trails to explore in Canyonlands National Park!

Permits in Canyonlands National Park are not something you want to mess around with, and if you plan to have a ceremony inside of Canyonlands, you need a permit. Below I’ll link the national park website, who walks you step by step on how to have a ceremony inside of the park!

Canyonlands Designated Elopement Ceremony Options

• Shafer Canyon Overlook | Guest count under 25
• Green River Overlook | Guest count under 25
• Grand View Point | Guest count under 25
• Pothole Point | Guest count under 15
• Needles Group Campsites
  • Dutch Oven Group Site | Guest count under 50
  • Wooden Shoe Group Site | Guest count under 25
  • Split Top Group Site | Guest count under 15

Both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park are managed by the same office, so the rules are very comparable. More info can be found here, and I always recommend confirming any information through their site, because there are many blogs with contradicting information. Ceremony length is typically limited to 10 minutes and it’s very common for national park rangers to be present to monitor your ceremony.

Here are the Canyonlands National Park Permit Conditions as stated by the National Park Service. A permit does not grant exclusive use of the area and the area will remain open to the visiting public. Permittees may not ask the public to alter their visitation in any way. Additional permit conditions are imposed as follows:

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BLM Public Lands

Moab boasts an extensive amount of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) territory— weighing in at approximately 1.8 million acres! These vast expanses are adorned with cacti, sandstone arches, and stretches of canyons as far as the eye can see. BLM land essentially serves as public land, open for recreational use as long as visitors adhere to Leave No Trace principles. It’s crucial to obtain approval from the BLM for the specific location you intend to elope in. Additionally, your photographer (a.k.a ME right?? 😉 will need to possess a Special Recreation Permit to shoot your elopement on BLM land. Be sure to discuss these details with them to ensure they have all the necessary permits to conduct business on the land.

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Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse State Park – where views know no limits.

Dead Horse State Park is my personal favorite location for micro weddings & elopements- you get absolutely KILLER views of the goosenecks in the Colorado River with relatively easy access. There are a total of 5 designated ceremony site overlooks- which means you get the most amazing views & lighting no matter time of day.

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Moab Lodging

Whether you choose a luxury resort like Sorrel River Ranch, a hybrid of luxury and adventure at Under Canvas, or a cozy Airbnb, Moab has accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

There are so many places to stay in Moab! From glamping spots to unique Airbnbs around the area. You’ll want to think about if you’re staying overnight just the two of you, or if you’re bringing along any friends and family to stay with you too.

Check out some of our favorite places to stay:

• Under Canvas
• Sorrel River Ranch
• Entrada at Moab
• Moab Springs Ranch
• Hyatt Place Moab Casita
• The Wander Camp – Stay in a Cave

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Adventures to Consider Incorporating Into Your Wedding or Elopement

And let’s not forget about the adventure! Your elopement day is more than just a photo shoot; it’s an opportunity to experience the wonders of Moab together. Whether it’s hiking, rock climbing, or simply soaking in the stunning vistas, the options for adventure are endless. Refer to this list & let your imagination run wild!

• Canyoneering
• Mountain biking
• Dancing
• Sightseeing
• Floating the Colorado River
• Taking a motorcycle ride
• Horseback riding
• Paragliding
• Hiking
• Rappelling
• Rock Climbing
• Skydiving
• Base Jumping
• Slack-lining
• Discovering Canyons
• Jeep Adventures
• Picnics

So, if you’re ready for an epic Moab elopement filled with love, adventure, and breathtaking scenery, I’m here to help you make it happen. Let’s create memories that will last a lifetime in this truly magical destination.

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Adventure Wedding & Elopement Full Galleries

I’ve curated a collection of stunning galleries showcasing real elopements in Moab, brimming with inspiration and storytelling. From intimate ceremonies framed by towering red rock formations to epic adventures in the heart of the desert, these galleries capture the essence of Moab’s enchanting landscapes. So grab a cup of coffee, cozy up, and immerse yourselves in these love stories. Let them ignite your imagination and set the stage for your own Moab elopement adventure. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with love, laughter, and breathtaking scenery! Click on the links below to dive into the magic of Moab.

I consider Moab to be my third home (just behind Kanab, Utah & Salt Lake City, Utah), and because of this, I do not charge any additional travel fees or add any hidden fees to any Moab wedding or elopement photography packages, which I will list pricing for below! Here’s what you can expect working together in Moab could look like:

• Personalized attention & planning advice
• An experience-based adventure… what does that even mean? I’m going to romanticize your relationship & everything about our adventures together. This may look like hiking with you to a mountain top, helping to plan your epic glamping elopement, or going with you to get pizza after your engagement session. You deserve someone to hype you up and capture all of your not-so-typical moments.
• Customized photo coverage designed for your specific day
• professional & creative day-of attention from a second photographer AND myself
• A full digital gallery of beautiful high-res images and complete printing rights
• In addition to all of that gold:
  • ☾ a mix of authentic prompts & documentary-style interaction
  • ☾ golden hour kisses
  • ☾ unofficial local guide experience
  • ☾ a legal & trustworthy booking process
  • ☾ 100+ photo sneak peek gallery delivered within 48 hours
  • ☾ customizable wedding & elopement packages
  • ☾ emphasis on breathtaking landscape photos
  • ☾ 40+ page PDF Moab welcome guide 
  • ☾ 1 on 1 consultations- i’m all yours
  • ☾ teammate & friend- I got your back 
  • ☾ all travel costs covered

My role as your photographer is never to put pressure on you or stress you out, but it is the worst feeling when a dream couple (like yourselves) send in an inquiry & I have to turn you away because I’m already booked for your date. I’ve attached my contact form below for your convenience!

Contact Jess for Moab Adventure Photography