April 11, 2024

Moab is one of the more well-known areas of Utah outside of Salt Lake City. Home to two of “The Mighty Five” National Parks in the state, along with a large variety of other adventures to be had in the area, it is easy to see what makes Moab a hub of exploration for those visiting the West.

About Moab

Moab is located in eastern Utah and is most famous for its red rock arches. The town has a population of 5-6k, but the number of people in town swells during the area’s busy season. Between the National Parks, a state park, and the national forest, there is a wide array of amazing backdrops to behold and activities to partake in here!

Getting to Moab

Getting to Moab is not as direct as some places in Utah, but there are plenty of resources for your travels.

If you’re flying in to Moab, you’ll want to fly into Salt Lake City International or Denver International. For a closer connecting flight, you can pop over to Grand Junction Regional Airport from Denver, too! We’re about a two hour drive from Moab here in Grand Junction.

PRO-TIP: Moab is a small town and not active on Uber or Lyft – plan on renting a car for your trip!

Driving into Moab from one of those airports, you’ll take Interstate 70 over to Crescent Junction where Highway 191 goes south to Moab.

One cool and unique way of getting to Moab is the new Rocky Mountaineer train ride from Denver to Moab. Sit back and enjoy a fun ride through the mountains and vineyards over to the red rock canyons of Moab.

Climate in Moab

Moab is a unique area because it is considered the “high desert.” There are cacti and red sands, but the area also gets some snow in the winter. Summers are scorching hot, with highs frequently in the triple digits. It’s important to keep track of the weather for your visit and before exploring on a hike to be aware of flash flood potential. The winters as I mentioned are mild but can still get snow. There’s nothing more serene than being one of the only people in one of the parks as the area is draped in snow!

Nancy & Dereck's Elopement at Gateway Canyons

Leave No Trace in Moab

As a Leave No Trace aware photographer, keeping the spaces I work and live safe from overuse, improper use, and folks who just don’t know better, is super important to me. I want you to be able to return to your elopement location on your 5th and 25th anniversary to find it just as you remember! There are some important Leave No Trace principles especially for the Moab area that will limit the impact of our time.

Don’t Bust the Crust!

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Moab, you have probably heard this little saying. What does it mean, though?? In the Moab area (and even here in Grand Junction!) there is something called cryptobiotic soil that is actually a living organism. One step off the trail onto this crust can kill what took thousands of years to develop, and is super damaging to the ecosystem in the area. Walking on trail, on slick rock, or on creek washes is the safest way to enjoy an area without doing any damage to this desert glue.

Arianne & Bennett | Engagement Photos in Moab

Permits in Moab

First things first: when you elope in Moab it’s important to have some background info about the process. Initially, understanding the photography permit requirements in Moab, Utah might seem complex due to the various types of land in the area, from BLM lands, national parks, a state park, and a national forest. Each of these areas comes with their own set of rules and regulations concerning permits for weddings, elopements, and photography. That’s why it’s important to book pros who know their way around working in the area (cough, cough: hello!).

The three basic types of permits for eloping in Moab are: Wedding Special Use Permits for holding a ceremony (required in almost all areas of Moab), Special Recreation Permits (required for vendors working on BLM lands), and Special Use Permits (required for photographers working in state parks in Utah.)

Moab’s National Parks

The next background info is about the National Parks in the area. If you plan to go to more than one park for more than one day, especially if you visit other parks regularly, it’s a good idea to get the America the Beautiful annual pass. The pass is good for a year (12 months, not just what’s left of your calendar year!) and costs $80 (in 2024). Entrance fees can be $30 per car per day otherwise. The Annual Pass for just the area National Parks is $55 too, if you want a happy medium!

Also note that timed entry is currently required for Arches National Park from April through October. You need to visit Recreation.gov three months in advance to secure your visit times.

Pro-Tip: You do not need an additional Timed Entry reservation if you’re eloping in Arches National Park – your Special Use Permit qualifies as your Timed Entry.

Shandra & Cody | Engagement Photos at Arches National Park

Why Choose Moab for Your Elopement?

The top reason people choose Moab for their elopement is this: Adventure. There’s just so much to do while you’re here! From hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, to base jumping, area history, dark sky stargazing, and more – there is no shortage of ways to spend your visit to the area, both during and around your elopement day. Many people opt to elope in Moab as a destination that doubles as a Honeymoon trip for this reason!

Moab has incredible views that are unparalleled even in the other “Mighty Five” parks. Sprawling canyons, mind-bogglingly big arches, intense Milky Way views at night… it’s so easy to feel small here (in a good way!)

If you feel most connected and alive in nature, enjoy relaxation and recreation, want to spend your day taking in natural beauty, or just love to check off a new National Park (or two!) from your National Park Passport, Moab might be the best location to choose for your elopement.

Leslie & James | Picnic Elopement in Moab

Top Locations to Elope in Moab

How to Elope in Arches National Park

Currently, Arches National Park is not very welcoming to weddings and elopements (or any portrait photography) in the park. The overwhelming flood of people the park has seen in the past four years has forced them to put into place some pretty limiting policies to protect the park from the harm of people. If you are certain you want to elope at Arches, apply for your Special Use Permit early in case you are denied. Permits can be applied for up to one year in advance.

The basics for eloping in Arches National Park are that your ceremony can be held in the following places in the park:

Location Group Size
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint 50
The Windows Section 25
Sand Dune Arch 25
Pine Tree Arch 25
Park Avenue 15
Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater 80
Panorama Point 50

 

The Special Use application fee is $185 – click here to view the parks website. Your ceremony will be overseen by a park ranger and you are only allowed to be under an arch for 10 minutes. Before or after your ceremony, we can explore the rest of the park wherever the public is allowed for portraits! The ranger does not tag along to that excursion. Click here to view my full guide to getting married in Arches National Park!

How to Elope in Canyonlands National Park

When people talk about “Canyonlands” for elopements, they are referring to the Island in the Sky district, which sits around 30 minutes outside Moab. The park offers insane views of the canyons below (hence the name, ha!) that I swear almost rival the Grand Canyon in terms of jaw-dropping ability.

The Special Use permit fee here is $185 and will take ten business days to process – the earlier you apply the better. The park accepts permits up to one year in advance.

A park ranger will oversee your ceremony, which is allowed to take around 10 minutes. Park policies request that:

No alcohol is allowed (want to “pop champagne”? Bring some cider!)

No live or amplified music (sometimes a small bluetooth speaker is allowed – just ask the rangers!)

No rice, birdseed or non-native plant seed. You’re allowed to bring in live flowers but they request no invasive plants like Pampas etc. Ask your florist to be sure you’re bringing safe flowers in, or go for alternative flower options like wood or silks.

Ceremony locations include Shafer Overlook, the Green River Overlook or Grand View Point, but you’re allowed to explore anywhere the public is allowed in the park before/after that!

Click here to learn more about wedding rules/regulations on the park website.

Julie & Bobby | Moab Elopement at Dead Horse Point

How to Elope in Dead Horse State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is located near Canyonlands, again around 30 minutes outside of Moab. This is a much lesser known and visited park in the area, so there’s not as many crowds as the National Parks have. That is not to say that the park is not busy during peak season and hours, though – plan accordingly!

One of the best parts of Dead Horse is that, unlike the National Parks, it is dog friendly! Your pup can join us for photos in many areas of the park, which is awesome.

Bear in mind, Dead Horse is a Utah State Park – National Parks Passes will not get you entrance here. Each vehicle you and your guests bring are required to get the Utah State Park pass for $20/vehicle as well.

The Special Use Permit costs varies depending on the size of the event. Your fees will start at $260 as follows:

• Permit Fee: $60 ($10 application fee and $50 permit fee)

• Site Fee (parties up to 50 people): $200 for the first 2 hours ($100 for each additional hour)

• Site Fee (parties 51-100 people): $300 for the first 2 hours ($100 for each additional hour)

• Ceremony rehearsal reservation: $50

• Picnic Shelter reservation: $50

The day of the wedding, park entrance will cost $20 per vehicle (this covers up to 8 people in each vehicle), or if you bus in your attendees the park charges $5 per person. These fees can be paid in advance of the event.

Your permit should be applied for at least 30 days in advance to be safe! Weekdays and off-season dates are easier to obtain a permit.

There are 5 designated ceremony sites to choose from: https://stateparks.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/02/DHP-wedding-site-location-map.pdf

While the park allows real flowers, please don’t bring in invasive species such as pampas grass. Consult your local florist to be sure you’re doing no harm with your bouquet selections!

Other key rules include:

No seeds, confetti or rice are allowed to be thrown

No amplified music or large decorations allowed.

How to Elope on Moab BLM Lands

At least 1.8 million acres of land is overseen by the Moab BLM office. Some of the best locations around Moab fall under this jurisdiction. Because they are not the main parks, these areas are more secluded – though equally beautiful! You can find red rock towers, rugged canyons, hidden waterfalls, daring cliffs, lesser-known arches, and so much more.

Logistically, the BLM is the most complicated process for eloping in Moab (due to having widespread fragile lands to protect.) Every vendor working on site for an event on BLM land need to have a Special Recreation Permit. These aren’t one-off permits, though. They open for application twice a year, but good news – I have mine! When you elope on BLM lands with me (or another permitted photographer) we will submit a “notice of intent” explaining our plan (must be sent by the couple, but I’ll help you through it!), and we’ll receive a Letter of Agreement back that acts as our “permit” for that specific event.

Ciara & Kyle | Winter Engagement Photos at Dead Horse Point

When to Elope in Moab

Busiest Times in Moab

It’s easy to feel like every season in Moab is busy season, but there are definitely peak times of year that are more crowded. The first is March: this month is Spring Break for many families with school-aged children or college kids looking for an adventure. Because the Timed Entry system isn’t in place in March yet, entrance into Arches National Park can be nearly impossible between 8am-4pm. It’s even more important to submit permit applications early and plan for sunrise or sunset to escape the crowds and have a stress-free experience in March!

Summer is obviously tourist season, despite the crazy heat, and the parks advise that you avoid midday for both avoiding crowds and avoiding heat stroke. Sunrise is my favorite in the summer, as it’s usually the coolest part of the day!

September/October in Moab is another busy time because the weather is milder than during the summer, and many schools have fall break. It’s still not as busy as summer, though, and a good sunrise or sunset schedule can avoid a lot of the busyness!

Weather in Moab to Consider

Spring in the desert brings strong winds to the area. If you’re concerned about how your hair blows in the wind, having your veil blowing around too much, or are planning a location that has steep cliff sides that would be scary in the wind, consider how much you really want to elope in the spring.

Snow is always possible in winter, most commonly in January or early February. If you love the red rocks draped in white, this could be a good thing! Plus there are hardly ever big crowds that time of year.

The worst weather in Moab in my opinion is the 100+ degrees in summer. It’s so important to aim for sunrise or sunset this time of year for your safety and enjoyment!

Late fall is probably the most enjoyable weather of the year, with mild warmth and fewer winds than the spring.

Julie & Bobby | Moab Elopement at Dead Horse Point

Festivals to Avoid in Moab

When you plan your elopement in Moab, be aware of local festivals that might bring more people to the area. This can make finding lodging harder, travel take longer, and overall complicate your plans. It’s one thing if you’re coming specifically to participate in the festivals, but if you weren’t aware beforehand it can be a tough surprise! To keep you in the know, the busiest Moab festivals in the area are:

Jeep Safari

Taking place typically around Easter in the spring, Jeep Safari brings thousands of enthusiasts to Moab. The event is even one of the largest events in the four wheeling world!

Moab Folk Festival

With outdoor stages around town, the Folk Festival brings thousands of extra people to the Moab area each November to enjoy the outdoor performances, arts, crafts, and food vendors. It’s a whole vibe, and can be fun to enjoy while you’re here if you know about it going in!

Moab Music Festival

Another major Moab festival is the Music Festival which takes place over Labor Day Weekend, with multiple days of performances across the Moab area.

Canyonlands Half Marathon

Canyonland’s half-marathon attracts nearly 4,000 participants each March. Known locally as the Moab Half Marathon, this race doesn’t usually actually take place in Canyonlands National Park as the name might suggest. Running along the Colorado River, some of the less typically busy parts of Moab can become harder to access during this time.

Arianne & Bennett | Engagement Photos in Moab

What Time of Day is Best to Elope in Moab

Choosing the best time of day to elope in Moab is important for having the most optimal experience. The best times will almost always be at or near sunrise or sunset, depending on your location and time of year. This will typically be the best weather, the cooler part of the day, and not many tourists are still out and about for these times of day.

Pro Tip: Avoid midday around 9am-3pm as this is the busiest time of day the parks get!

Example Moab Elopement Timelines:

Sunrise and Sunset – Full Day Elopement (8 Hours)

6am: Meet at trailhead to drive or hike to the view point

6:30am: Sunrise photos, enjoy some donuts and coffee

8:00am: Back to campsite for full breakfast around the stove or campfire

9:30am: Head to Moab Rope Swing for photos as you jump and swing

11:00am: Break for lunch and a nap

7:30pm: Meet at Canyonlands for sunset views, official ceremony, and signing the papers

10:00pm: Star photos as the dark sky sets in

10:30pm: End of coverage

Half Day Elopement (6 Hours)

3:00pm: Meet at Sand Dune Arch for ceremony

3:15pm: Sign the papers

3:30pm: Photos around Sand Dune Arch

4:30pm: Head to Devil’s Garden

5:00pm: Devil’s Garden picnic area for some picnic dinner

5:45pm: Explore the arches of Devil’s Garden area

7:30pm: Head to the Windows Section for sunset

8:00pm: Photos with the arches of the Windows Section as the sun sets

9:00pm: End coverage

Short & Sweet (4 Hours)

4:30pm: Gather at Dead Horse and hit the Rim Trail for couple’s photos

5:45pm: Head to Canyonlands for photos at Grand View

6:15pm: Photos at Grand View

7:15pm: Head to Green River Overlook

7:40pm:  Photos at Green River Overlook w/ sunset

8:00pm: Ceremony as the sun sets, sign the papers

8:15pm: Blue hour photos as the canyon turns pink and purple

8:30pm: End Coverage

Ciara & Kyle | Winter Engagement Photos at Dead Horse Point

Activity Ideas for Moab Elopements

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular activities for a Moab Elopement as there are so many trails to choose from of all types of difficulty levels. Some of the top hikes in the area are:

Devil’s Garden at Arches National Park

Delicate Arch at Arches National Park (this is “the license plate” arch!)

Hidden Valley

Dead Horse Point Rim Trails

Grandstaff Canyon

Check out AllTrails for more places to explore in the area!

Jeeping/Off-Roading

Another huge attraction to Moab for people looking for an adventure is the off roading. Jeeps, trucks, side-by-sides and more litter the off-road trails during the busy season. Some popular routes in Moab include:

Shafter Trail

White Rim

Gemini Bridges

Gateway Air Tours Proposal | amanda.matilda.photography

Helicopter Tours

There are a number of companies that provide helicopter tours of Moab if seeing the area from above is something on your to-do list! Choose from Moab Heli X, Pinnacle Helicopters, Redtail Air Adventures, or Moab Canyon Tours – just to name a few!

Dinosaur Sight Seeing

If dinosaurs are your lifelong obsession, then the Moab area has some cool attractions for you to include on your elopement day! There are dozens of trackways (dinosaur footprints) around the area outside of town that you can walk with the giants and explore. There’s also a fun dinosaur museum outside town that is fun and informative, especially if you have little ones along.

Mallory & Chris | Married on a Boat in Moab

Floating the river

There are many ways to include a float down the Colorado River in your elopement plans. Take a jet boat tour, whitewater rafting tour, or a relaxing boat tour with Canyonlands by Night & Day to see a unique part of the area not everyone gets to witness!

Camping

A popular way to explore the Moab area on an elopement trip is by saving money on lodging and camping. There are glamping options, campgrounds in the parks, and more remote camping opportunities outside of those options depending on how wild you wish to be. The darkness of the Moab area makes a great night sky to sleep under!

Star Watching

Speaking of the night sky, Moab is home to three different Dark Sky Parks. What does that mean? “An International Dark-Sky Park (IDSP) is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment, and that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, and/or cultural heritage resource, and/or for public enjoyment.”

Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse are all designated areas that work to keep the light pollution low and the stargazing at a max! If you love watching the stars, astrophotography, or want photos with the Milky Way, Moab is one of the best places with an insane amount of space available for seeing some of the most stars you’ve ever witnessed.

Rachel & Mark | Camping Wedding in Moab

Moab Adventure Center

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Moab Adventure Center, which is your passport to a crazy amount of activities in the Moab area. You don’t need to be an expert in anything to find ways to get amongst it with the folks here. Some adventures you can choose at the Moab Adventure Center include:

Horseback Riding

Mountain Biking

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Air Tours of Moab

Moab Zip Line

Just to name a few! Give em a look to see if any of their offers stand out to you!

Giant Rope Swing

An iconic but lesser known activity in Moab is the Rope Swing: a giant rope swing that allows users to jump off a cliff (safely!) and swing among the towering red rocks for an ultimate shot of adrenaline. While I’m not gutsy enough to jump with you, if you want someone to document your jump I’d be happy to do that! Be aware that they do close down April, May, and part of June for local wildlife conflicts – so check their schedule before saving your date if you want to include this.

Skydiving

Another adrenaline junkie’s dream in the Moab area is its skydiving opportunities. This is another adventure I won’t be joining you on (kudos to those out there willing!) but it can be a total blast for you to include on your big day.

Where to Stay for your Moab Elopement

The good news about Moab is that while it is a fairly small town, they are aware of the influx of people during the busy season and have PLENTY of lodging options for your visit! There are unique ways to stay in the area that make a fun backdrop and story for your elopement, traditional hotels with Moab’s southwestern twist, and some sweet Bed and Breakfast options too.

Unique Lodging:

Sorrel Ranch

The Sorrel 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.” From cabins to room suites, this ranch is located near Fisher Towers and Castleton, an incredibly beautiful part of Moab.

ULUM Moab

As the ULUM website says, “Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, just steps away from Looking Glass Arch, ULUM Moab offers upscale accommodations tucked into an expansive, secluded desert setting south of Moab, Utah, with views across Canyonlands National Park. Immerse yourself in the outdoors with world-class exploration just beyond your tent.”

Red Cliffs Lodge

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, with tons of amenities right on site, Red Cliffs Lodge might be the spot for you. “Home to the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage and Moab’s Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo Experience, Red Cliffs Lodge is the region’s quintessential destination, honoring the wild landscape and serving as a home base for local adventures. Activities on the property include massages, guided yoga and meditation classes, tennis courts, and horseback riding.”

Under Canvas Moab

This Moab branch of a nationwide glamping experience, Under Canvas is open for booking from March to October, so plan your dates accordingly if you plan to stay here for your elopement. As they say on their website, “These safari-inspired accommodations are next-level camping.

Moab Under Canvas

Photo from Moab Under Canvas website

The Domes

A luxury glamping area with unique geodesic domes to stay in, The Canyonland Dome Resort is certainly a one-of-a-kind way to stay in Moab.

The Caves

Another unique lodging opportunity is The Caves – “The Caves are built into the towering redrock formations near the Colorado River. This is a popup, only be available for a limited time, so book fast!”

Glamping Canyonlands

While it has Canyonlands in the name, this glamping campground is actually south of Moab near another branch of the national park – the Needles District. It offers safari-style tents and many commodities for your comfort, and you can explore a much less-populated part of the Moab area!

The Hoodoo Moab by Hilton

Hotels

Hoodoo Moab

The Hoodoo Moab is a Hilton property, with interior design that “pays homage to the surrounding Western landscape.” Located in the heart of Moab, it’s a nice central hub spot for your adventure.

Gonzo Inn

Locally owned since 1998, this “one-of-a-kind condo-style boutique hotel” offers a quirk aesthetic you’d expect from Moab, but still with all the amenities you’d expect of a traditional hotel stay.

Springhill Suites & Fairfield Inn

Located right along the highway into town, these standard hotels are a quick jaunt up the road to any adventure you can imagine.

Moab Springs Ranch

This historic staple of lodging in Moab is a quaint and lovely place for your stay. As their website states, “We offer two types of accommodations: our stand-alone luxury bungalows with studio style living and our large one, two & three bedroom townhouses. Both types of accommodations include access to our resort amenities.”

Bed & Breakfast

There are quite a few cute bed and breakfast opportunities for staying in the Moab area if you’re into that type of lodging as well! With around a dozen to choose from, including Desert Hills B&B and Castle Valley Inn, these bed and breakfasts offer a more traditional way to stay with all the support of a local host.

Canyonlands Moab Elopement - Park Ranger signs marriage certificate

How to Legally Get Married in Moab

If you’re eloping in Moab, you’ll need to know the legalities of actually getting married here! Kinda important right?

Utah Marriage License & Laws

Actually getting married in Utah requires you to be 18 years of age. Minors from 15-17 can apply for marriage with certain additional requirements.

Unlike its neighbor Colorado, Utah does not allow for self-solemnization. You’ll need someone who can legally solemnize your marriage, like an officiant, ordained minister, etc. You will also need two witnesses. If it’s just the two of you and you’re at Arches or Canyonlands, myself and the Park Ranger can often be the witness for you. If we are somewhere without a Park Ranger available, lots of couples will ask a nearby hiker to witness for them which makes a fun experience and story to look back on!

Leslie & James | Picnic Elopement in Moab

A few quick facts:

  • A marriage license issued in Grand County is valid throughout the State of Utah. You shouldn’t need to do anything in your home state for your marriage, but if you’re worried double check with your local county clerk’s office.
  • The person solemnizing the marriage must sign, date, and return the license to the Grand County Clerk/Auditor’s Office within 30 days of your marriage.
  • The non-refundable $50 fee includes one certified copy of your license. Additional copies may be obtained upon request, and you should definitely get some if you plan to change your name.

Moab Officiants

There are a number of local officiants listed on the Grand County website. A few of my favorites to work with so far are Ruth Lowe, Beth Logan, and Jenn Wilde.

What to Wear & Pack for Your Moab Elopement

When you elope in Moab it’s important to be well prepared with your attire and what you bring so that you have the best experience! Unless you’re getting married at a traditional venue, you’ll want to consider the following for your attire:

Elopement Attire

Hiking Boots

You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking/hiking around the areas you’ve selected to spend your elopement day. Unless you’re prepared to be in your dress shoes to do all that, you may really want to consider bringing hiking boots at least for getting around. Honestly a lot of couples I work with just wear their boots or Chacos the whole time!

To Veil or Not to Veil?

If you’re eloping in Moab in the spring, it’s quite likely going to be windy. If you want to wear a veil be prepared for that! A great option I’ve been seeing lately is the new cape-style veil that attaches to the shoulders of your dress. This allows for a veil type of look but with more security on its attachment!

Hat, Sunglasses, Light Layers

Eloping in Moab in the heat of the year (which lasts into October!) means you should be prepared for brutal sunshine, heat and sweating. To alleviate a lot of that, you might consider adding a hat to your ensemble, wearing sunglasses if you need/want to, and choosing lighter layers and fabric when you put together your attire.

A Light Jacket

It can almost seem contradictory to my last point, but even in summer you may consider bringing a light jacket. As soon as the sun sets, or before it rises if you’re eloping at sunrise, the temperature cools off quite drastically. It will usually be a welcome relief but you might find yourself a little bit chilly!

Leggings and Coats for Winter

Being high desert, Moab in winter is still quite cold. Plan to include a coat, shawl, or other warm layer for your attire in the winter months, even if you just have it between photos. You might consider wearing leggings or thermal layers under your attire if it is going to be extra cold that day.

Kylie & Murat | Arches National Park Elopement

Your “Oh Shit Kit” to Elope in Moab

This is what one hilarious bride I worked with years ago called her emergency prep kit and it’s what I’ve encouraged everyone I know to call it ever since lol! Having an emergency kit with us will make sure we’re prepared and able to have the best time. I bring my own emergency kit with plenty of “just in case” items, but here is what you should consider packing yourself:

Water!!

I can’t say this enough. No matter what time of year it is, bring more water than you think you need. It is DRY in Moab, and can be very hot a lot of the year. As we’re exploring the area you need to stay hydrated!

Sunscreen

Did I mention it’s hot and sunny yet? Ha! Sunscreen is a must to keep you safe from the 300+ days of sunshine in the area so you don’t turn into a lobster because of your elopement adventure.

More water

Seriously, don’t forget this one!

Snacks

Hear me out – a lot of the places you’re likely going to be exploring for your elopement in Moab are far out from town. We’re talking 30-45 minutes driving each way. Be sure you have enough gas and some snacks or meal plans before you go!

Some other good ideas include:

Lotion

Chapstick

Phone Charger (bonus points if it’s solar powered!)

Sewing kit

Safety pins

Towel for wiping water off the bouquet

Kylie & Murat stand beneath Sand Dune Arch | Arches National Park Elopement

Accessibility, Disability and Moab

Moab should be enjoyed by people of all abilities! While there’s always room for improvement with accessibility and outdoor recreation, there are a number of low- or no-barrier entry activities and sights to see.

Arches National Park

These areas are accessible to wheelchairs. All toilets in the park are accessible. Some trails are considered barrier free, which may contain minor obstacles, steeper grades, temporary washouts, and may require assistance. Rain and snow may cause ruts or other obstacles on the trail. From discovermoab.com:

Arches National Park trails with at least partially accessible trails and toilets (flat, well-packed, wide, benches available, etc.) include: “Park Avenue Viewpoint, Balanced Rock, Balanced Rock Picnic Area, The Windows Trail, Double Arch Trail, Panorama Point, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater, and Devils Garden.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands – Island in the Sky offers these overlooks that are accessible for people using a wheelchair:

Buck Canyon Overlook

Green River Overlook

Grand View Point Overlook

And all toilets at Island in the Sky are accessible.

“Canyonlands National Park has several areas that are accessible for people with physical or mobility disabilities. The road at Island in the Sky passes many accessible viewpoints and facilities. Canyonlands – Island in the Sky Campground has one accessible campsite and nearby pit toilet. The campsite is reserved at all times for people with disabilities only. The campsite is paved with the exception of the tent pad, which is dirt. Paths to the toilet and campsite payment station are paved.” –discovermoab.com

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park offers the following accommodations:

Wheelchair Accessible Restrooms

Wheelchair Accessible Visitor Center/Gift Shop with Elevator for Access to All Floors

Designated Wheelchair Accessible Parking Spaces

Wheelchair Accessible Pathways at Scenic Vistas Around Park

Wheelchair Accessible Viewpoint at Dead Horse Point

Designated Wheelchair Accessible Reservable Campsite

Wheelchair Accessible Day Use Pavilions

Wheelchair Accessible Yurt

Braille Astronomy Materials for Star Party and Dark Sky Program Attendees

The Moab area also offers guided tours for wheelchair users to assist in enjoying the sights and adventures Moab has to offer!

Kayton & Amanda | Moab Elopement at Arches National Park

Your Moab Elopement Photographer

Serving the area for 8 years, I love to help couples create their perfect day of exploring this beautiful area. I live in Grand Junction, just right over the border into Colorado, and spend most of the non-summer months coming to Moab to explore! This is my full time job — I specialize in capturing the story and scenery of your best day ever to help you relive every moment and take in the area’s beauty every time you look back at your photos. Excited to learn more about how to elope in Moab with me? Click here for more elopement info or click here to contact me to get started!

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