Moab is a huge hub for outdoor enthusiasts, gaining popularity every year. It stands to reason that couples would seek to get married here, especially if they have a love for the outdoor activities and views of the Moab area. If you’re beginning to plan your Moab wedding, you might be noticing how under-developed the area’s wedding industry is. If you want to elope, there is a fair share of information out there. If you’re wanting to host a wedding in Moab, though, it can be harder to figure out where to get married in Moab and what professionals there are in the area to hire. This blog aims to answer the first question to set you on your way with planning:
Where to Get Married in Moab
Red Earth Venue
Moab’s newer wedding venue, the Red Earth Venue is already a sought-after spot to get married in Moab. The glass venue offers a formal space if you’re looking for a full wedding venue – and there’s also elopement offerings here too for something smaller and more remote. This location can be customized for your event and there is ultimate freedom to get creative with your setup here, and it’s a great secluded area where you’re guaranteed to escape the crowds of tourists and have your own little corner of the desert.
At a Glance:
Cost: $4,000+
Accessibility: Reservation required for this private venue.
Busyness: Private venue
Distance from Moab: 12.5mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Both (larger reception space now open!)
Closest Lodging: Campgrounds nearby, hotels in Moab
Dead Horse Point State Park
If you’re looking for a wedding in one of Moab’s parks, Dead Horse Point is a beautiful park off the beaten path. Being a state park it is less visited than the national parks, and both it and Canyonlands are off the main road far enough that many casual visitors pass them up, making them less busy than Arches. There are sprawling canyon views here that mimic the Grand Canyon and offer a unique view of the area.
At a Glance:
Cost: $60+
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access in the park. Permits are required in most cases.
Busyness: One of the less busy parks in the area, however expect lots of other people around.
Distance from Moab: 33mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Best for Ceremony
Closest Lodging: Camping in park (reservation required) and nearby or hotels in Moab
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is the lesser visited of the two national parks in Moab. The Island in the Sky District is located about 30 minutes outside of Moab and therefore can be overlooked by the casual tourist. It is vastly underrated, though, as its views are simply incredible! There are arches in Canyonlands too, if you want the best of both worlds. If you want to feel like you’re on top of the world in Moab, this park is one of the top spots to do so!
At a Glance:
Cost: $185
Accessibility: Permits required, allow at least 4 weeks to process
Busyness: Less popular of the national parks in the area. Island in the Sky District is the busier district. Expect others in the area, but sunrise and sunset are less busy.
Distance from Moab: Island in the Sky = 32.5mi | Needles = 74.3mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Usually Ceremony Only, could have a small gathering at the campground if you’re all camping
Closest Lodging: Camping in the park (FCFS) and area, or Hotels in Moab
Leave No Trace Guidelines: Permit required in most cases. Keep on trails, road, & durable surfaces, do not step on fragile cryptobiotic soil. Time under arches is limited to 10 minute intervals to allow others enjoyment. Folding chairs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The following are prohibited: Use of rice, birdseed, or any non-native plant seed. Releasing butterflies, doves, or any other wildlife. Conducting a wedding within any cultural resource site. Establishing tents, caterers, sound systems, tables, etc. Use of alcohol. Playing musical instruments. Amplified sound.
Arches National Park
Almost everyone knows about Arches National Park by now. It is a beautiful spot to get an abundance of natural rock arches for your backdrop. With its popularity and location right on the main road into town, it has become one of the most visited national parks in the country. They are currently (2022) operating on a timed-entry/reservation only basis to maintain order and control parking during the busy season. If you’re visiting between April and October, be sure to check their website for more information about park passes and timed entry.
At a Glance:
Cost: $185
Accessibility: Permit required. Most approved sites require some mobility. Allow at least 4 weeks to process permit requests.
Busyness: One of the busiest parks in the country, there will be many others in the area. Sunrise and sunset are the least busy times of day.
Distance from Moab: 5mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Ceremony Only
Closest Lodging: Campground inside park (by reservation) or Hotels in Moab
Leave No Trace Guidelines: Permit required in most cases. Keep on trails, road, & durable surfaces, do not step on fragile cryptobiotic soil. Stay off the arches. You can only be under an arch for 10 minutes to allow for unobstructed viewing and photography by other park visitors. The following are prohibited: Use of rice, birdseed, or any non-native plant seed. Releasing butterflies, doves, or any other wildlife. Conducting a wedding within any cultural resource site. Establishing tents, caterers, sound systems, tables, etc. Use of alcohol. Playing musical instruments. Amplified sound.
Whispering Oaks Ranch
If you want a wedding with mountain vibes in Moab, Whispering Oaks might be the perfect setting for you. Surrounded by the La Sal mountains about 20 miles outside Moab, this venue is more remote and quiet, and offers lodging on site.
At a Glance:
Cost: $2000+
Accessibility: Private venue, must book your date. Most vehicles can access the ranch, though the road in is windy and narrow at times
Busyness: Private venue in a relatively secluded part of the area
Distance from Moab: 23mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Both
Closest Lodging: On site
Sorrel River Ranch
This Moab wedding venue is located along the Colorado River, with stunning riverside views of the water and red rocks. As their site states, “Sorrel River Ranch has everything you need for the big day (or weekend!) — from an on-site restaurant perfect for a rehearsal dinner, to a variety of activities to entertain your guests, and our Ranch House Estate which can house your wedding party or close family members. Our ranch wedding venue is available all year round, whether you’re looking for a unique winter wedding venue in Utah, or an outdoor celebration in summer.”
At a Glance:
Cost: $500-$10,000
Accessibility: Easily accessed by most vehicles, Private venue – booking required
Busyness: Private venue in less-trafficked area
Distance from Moab: 20mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Both
Closest Lodging: On site
The Hoodoo Moab by Hilton
Located in the heart of Moab, this hotel is a popular destination for wedding receptions and getting ready for outdoor weddings in the area’s parks and public lands. There is, of course, lodging on site if you want to keep the whole day in one location too.
At a Glance:
Cost: $500-$1500+
Accessibility: Three available spaces to rent, located right in town
Busyness: Popular new hotel in town, so usually books up fast
Distance from Moab: 0mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Reception
Closest Lodging: On site
Canyonlands by Night and Day
According to their website, “Canyonlands by Night and Day offers one of the largest rental facilities in Moab. Our excellent chef will make delightful, delicious meals for you and guests. We can accommodate up to 280 people with dining service, or more if you choose a less-formal reception.” Get married along the Colorado, or aboard the deck of one of their boats! Both options involve the water of the Colorado River and the amazing valley of Moab.
At a Glance:
Cost: $1500+
Accessibility: Easily accessed by vehicle, private venues require booking
Busyness: Not as common of a venue as the parks or Red Earth, but it is a unique wedding opportunity so still somewhat popular
Distance from Moab: 0 mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Both (but ceremony, in my opinion)
Closest Lodging: Hotels in Moab or nearby camping in the area
Photo from Glamping Canyonlands Website
Glamping Canyonlands
These glamping tents at Glamping Canyonlands are a dreamy backdrop for an intimate wedding or elopement in Moab. You could even use them as a central hub for an outdoor ceremony at Canyonlands Needles District or other outdoor favorites.
At a Glance:
Cost: $2500
Accessibility: Reservations required, easily accessed
Busyness: Secluded area near the Needles District of Canyonlands
Distance from Moab: 40mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Both
Closest Lodging: Glamping on site, hotels in Blanding or Moab
Leave No Trace Guidelines: Keep on trails, road, & durable surfaces, do not step on fragile cryptobiotic soil, stay off other private property
BLM Land
There are 1.8 Million acres of BLM land overseen by the Moab office. Covering popular areas like Castle Valley and Fisher Towers, to more remote areas of the wilderness, BLM land is often much less populated than the national parks. While they are public lands, they are very delicate ecosystems and therefore heavily regulated for events. If you plan on having guests, there are limited spaces that are allowed for these events, and if you wish to go outside those areas you will need approval from the BLM office.
At a Glance:
Cost: Varies
Accessibility: All vendors must carry permits from the BLM and have activity approved in advance. Minimize vehicles on BLM land – carpool where possible. Most locations require a certain degree of mobility and sometimes hiking. You will need a Letter of Authorization for your wedding.
Busyness: These locations are lesser known than the parks and therefore typically less busy.
Distance from Moab: Varies
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Ceremony or w/ Reception in a Campground
Closest Lodging: Campgrounds around area, hotels in Moab
Photo from Moab Under Canvas website
Moab Under Canvas
Another glamping site in Moab, Under Canvas offers a great space for smaller weddings. Like Glamping Canyonlands, Under Canvas is a great option for intimate weddings or elopements, and can be a great spot for getting ready before a ceremony in the outdoors around Moab.
At a Glance:
Cost: Custom based, inquire for details
Accessibility: Required special event booking with Under Canvas
Busyness: It is a more well-known glamping option nationwide
Distance from Moab: 14.6mi
Best for Ceremony or Reception?: Both
Closest Lodging: On site
