Dead Horse Point State Park is one of Utah’s most spectacular state parks, offering dramatic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. If you’re eloping in Moab and have done any visual research, you’ve probably seen photos taken here at Dead Horse! Here’s everything you need to know about eloping at this stunning location.
About Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park got its name from its historical use as a natural corral for wild mustangs in the late 1800s, where legend says some horses were left trapped at the point and died of thirst despite being surrounded by the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. While an unfortunate history and name may give this area its title, there’s nothing unfortunate about the views!
Located just 32 miles from Moab, Utah, this state park is renowned for its dramatic overlook where visitors can witness one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world – a gooseneck bend in the Colorado River set against a backdrop of red rock canyons and mesas. The park sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet and offers a unique vantage point where visitors can see both the La Sal Mountains and canyons of Canyonlands National Park, making it particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset when the desert landscape is bathed in that dramatic golden light!
When to Elope at Dead Horse Point State Park
Best Time of Year to Visit Dead Horse
The best times of year to visit Dead Horse and the Moab area are fall through spring. The temperatures begin to cool off in September, and October/November are the ideal months to visit and elope in Dead Horse Point and Moab. The winter offers a unique view of white snow draping the red rock canyons and pillars, and much fewer people than the rest of the year! I’ll never forget being the only person (aside from rangers) in the park one snowy sunset afternoon, and the silence and awe I felt! Spring of course warms up again in March and April with May beginning to get hot. Springtime does bring winds to the area, so be prepared for that though.
When to Avoid Dead Horse Point
Summer is scorching hot at Dead Horse Point State Park and the whole Moab area. The heat of the desert in summer is no joke! It should be avoided, but if you can’t avoid it, it’s essential to only go out at sunrise and sunset to avoid the heat of the day (and plan to have plenty of water and snacks!)
Legal Requirements for Eloping in Dead Horse Point State Park
Getting a Permit for Your Dead Horse Point Wedding
You’ll need to secure a Special Use Permit for your wedding or elopement ceremony at Dead Horse Point State Park. As of 2025, your photographer is also required to hold a permit with the state park to operate there as well. The photographer’s permit is $160 ($10 app fee, $50 permit fee, and $100 for a 5-time-use day-use punch card.) They may apply for a second punch card if they work in the park more than five times a year, for a fee.
The couples’ Special Use Permit fees vary depending on the size of your event. Elopements are obviously less footprint and cost than a larger wedding. The fees are as follows: • Permit Fee: $60 ($10 application fee and $50 permit fee) • Site Fee (parties up to 50 people): $100 per hour • Site Fee (parties 51-100 people): $150 per hour • Ceremony rehearsal reservation: $100 • Picnic Shelter reservation: $50
Bear in mind that the day of the wedding will cost $20 per vehicle (this covers up to 8 people in each vehicle), or if you bus in your attendees you’ll be charged $5 per person. These fees can be paid in advance of the event.
Be sure to contact that park at LEAST 30 days before your elopement at Dead Horse Point to get the permit process going!
Leave No Trace at Dead Horse Point
Just like other desert environments, Dead Horse Point requires careful attention to preservation. Understanding and following Leave No Trace principles is essential for protecting this unique landscape. Be sure to stay on trail and durable surfaces like slick rock in accessing your ceremony site and while taking portraits!
Cryptobiotic soil is something in the Moab area that may look like sand and dirt to the average Joe but is actually a living organism and incredibly delicate (and also takes hundreds of years to regrow if stepped on!) Be aware of your surroundings and the trails of the park.
Along those lines, the park has rules for weddings and elopements in the park to keep us following LNT principles.
Rules & Logistics for Weddings & Elopements in Dead Horse Point State Park
Most sites do not have wheelchair accessibility, except under the shade shelter at Dead Horse Point.
All sites are open to the public and you will not have exclusive use of the area.
Live or cut flowers are not allowed to be brought into the Park. Plan to use artificial flowers instead.
Seeds, confetti, rice, or any other type of object are not allowed to be thrown within the Park.
Only domestic dogs are allowed at the wedding locations and all park regulations for dogs apply.
Drone use is prohibited between March and October. November through February, drones may be used by a special use permit holder (this is a separate permit from the permit for the ceremony itself). For more information on drone use visit: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/drone-regulations/
Existing trails must be used to access the wedding location.
Cars must be parked in the agreed upon parking area(s).
All fees must be paid in advance of the wedding or immediately following.
Amplified music, lighting, and decorations are not allowed in the Park.
Where to Elope at Dead Horse Point
The park offers several stunning ceremony locations, including:
Cliff Side Site
Pros: More isolated – Very scenic – Can accommodate 20 people
Cons: Uneven surface – Exposure
West Bench Site
Pros: Easy access – Very scenic – Can accommodate 50 people
Cons: Favorite view area for visitors (aka BUSY) – Uneven surface
Point Bench Site
Pros: Very scenic – Easy access
Cons: Uneven surface – Can only accommodate 5 people
La Sal Site
Pros: Very scenic – Can accommodate 25 people Cons: Uneven surface – Sloping grade
Shade Shelter Site
Pros: ADA accessible – Chairs permitted – Shade cover nearby – Can accommodate 100 people
Cons: Favorite view area for visitors (heavy traffic)
Picnic Shelters
You can host a “reception” for elopements with only a few guests in the park at one of the six picnic shelter sites. The sites range from one shelter/table to one shelter with 3 tables, or 4 shelters with 4 tables if you’ve got more people. They aren’t much but if you’re looking to extend your stay in the park and eat a little picnic potluck or something, this can be a nice add-on option.
Getting to Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is located 32 miles from Moab, Utah. Here’s how to get there:
Driving From Moab:
Head north on US-191 N for about 11 miles, where you’ll turn left onto UT-313 W (Signs for Dead Horse Point State Park/Island in the Sky). Follow UT-313 W for approximately 21 miles to reach the park entrance.
Driving From Grand Junction, CO:
Take I-70 W towards Utah. Take exit 182 for US-191 S towards Moab for approximately 30 miles. There you’ll turn right onto UT-313 W and continue on UT-313 W for 21 miles to the park entrance.
Flying into Dead Horse Point
You can fly into Moab, however this airport is a tiny little regional airport and is not a common option for most people. More often, people will fly into Grand Junction (GJT) and drive or fly into Salt Lake (SLC) and drive from there.
Important Notes:
The drive from Moab takes approximately 30-45 minutes – while it’s “nearby” on the map the canyons in the area make it a long drive!
The road is paved and accessible to most vehicles. There is a fee station at the park entrance, and they take cards as well as cash.
A National Parks pass does not gain you entrance to this State Park!
Cell service can be spotty, so download offline maps before traveling
Where to Stay When Visiting Dead Horse Point
Camping & Glamping
Dead Horse Point State Park offers several camping options for visitors looking to stay within the park:
Kayenta Campground
This is the main campground featuring:
- 21 sites suitable for RVs and tents
- Modern restrooms with hot showers
- Electric hookups at each site
- Covered picnic tables and fire rings
- Reservations required and can be made up to 4 months in advance
Wingate Campground
A newer campground offering:
- 31 total campsites (20 RV sites, 11 tent-only sites)
- Full hookups for RV sites (water, electric, sewer)
- Modern restrooms and showers
- Covered picnic tables at each site
- Amazing canyon views
Yurt Rentals
For those seeking a glamping experience, the park offers:
- 3 heated/air-conditioned yurts
- Each yurt sleeps up to 6 people
- Furnished with bunk beds and futon
- Outdoor picnic table and fire ring
- Access to campground amenities
All camping facilities require advance reservations, especially during peak season (March-October). Reservations can be made through the Utah State Parks reservation system.
Photo by Bret Edge Photography on the State Park website
Hotels & Resorts
Moab offers diverse lodging options, from well-known hotel chains to charming local establishments that capture the area’s unique character. The Hoodoo Moab, a Hilton Curio Collection property, stands out with its contemporary desert-inspired design. For a more immersive experience, Red Cliffs Lodge provides luxury accommodations along the Colorado River, complete with extensive on-site amenities. Sorrel River Ranch offers an exclusive retreat away from town, perfect for those seeking a more secluded desert experience.
Vacation Rentals
The Moab area features an extensive selection of vacation rentals catering to various preferences and group sizes. Local rental companies like Arches Vacation Rentals and Moab Springs Ranch offer well-maintained properties, while platforms such as VRBO and Airbnb provide additional options ranging from cozy desert cottages to luxury homes.
Vendors for Eloping at Dead Horse Point
If you’re eloping in Dead Horse Point State Park, there are some standard vendors you’ll want for your wedding day. Beyond just a photographer to capture the moment, you’ll need someone to marry you as Utah requires an officiant of some kind to oversee your ceremony. You may also want a videographer, some kind of dessert and/or picnic to pack in and pack out with you, and you’ll want to look into some great fake flowers since the park doesn’t allow live flowers!
Your Dead Horse Point Elopement Photographer
Hi! I’m Amanda, your Dead Horse Point elopement photographer. I live under 2 hours away in Grand Junction, and frequently work (and play!) in Moab and the surrounding area. I hold a permit for the area BLM lands, Dead Horse, and know and keep up-to-date with the parks regulations in town too. When you book me, you’re booking more than just a photographer who takes pretty pictures – you’re booking a planner partner who is on your side and in the trenches with you as we bring your vision to life! Having been at this for 12 years now, I’m your go-to for help getting married in Moab. Contact me to start planning your Moab adventure!
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