Moab Elopement Photographer
Photography + planning for couples who want red rock canyons, desert solitude, and a day that's entirely theirs.
Elopements in Moab
Let me guess...
The towering arches. The canyon rims at sunset. The way the desert turns gold and pink and every color in between right before dark.
You don't want a venue. You want a landscape.
But when you started looking into actually making it happen — the permits, the crowds, the heat, the logistics — "simple" stopped feeling so simple.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE.
And you don't have to figure it all out yourself.
Moab elopements are a great fit if you:
- Want dramatic scenery that doesn't require being an athlete
- Love the idea of a longer outdoor season than Colorado's high-altitude peaks
- Are drawn to National Park grandeur — or the total solitude of the wild BLM lands
- Want someone who has navigated every permit & wandered the canyons and creeks this desert has to offer
Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, and beyond
Living in Grand Junction, I'm just 1.5 hours from Moab — which means I know this landscape the way a local does, not the way a visitor does. I've spent years exploring the back roads, flagging the hidden spots, and figuring out when and where the light does something you genuinely can't believe to the colors of these canyons.
What makes Moab special is its range. From the iconic formations of Arches and Canyonlands to the jaw-dropping overlooks at Dead Horse Point, to miles of flexible, permit-friendly BLM land — there is no single "Moab elopement." There are a hundred versions of it, and we'll find yours.
When to Elope in Moab
Spring (March–May) — My personal favorite window. Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and the desert in bloom. Wildflowers, green scrub, and that impossibly blue sky.
Summer (June–August) — Hot during the day, but the light lasts well into the evening. A sunrise ceremony before the heat sets in, or a golden-hour celebration after it breaks — both are spectacular. The colors the red rocks turn at sunset are some of the prettiest in the world. Definitely avoid midday!
Fall (September–November) — Arguably the most comfortable season for a longer elopement (and perfect in general tbh!) Warm afternoons, cool mornings, and the La Sal Mountains and creek bed cottonwoods start to show fall colors.
Winter (December–February) — Ask me why I love Moab in winter. Smaller crowds, snow-dusted red rock, and some of the most dramatic and unexpected images you'll ever see.
If you're totally new to the state or visiting the desert, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the weather as it's pretty unique!
Month | High / Low(°F)
January 44° / 21°
February 53° / 27°
March 64° / 35°
April 73° / 42°
May 83° / 50°
June 95° / 59°
July 100° / 66°
August 97° / 64°
September 89° / 54°
October 75° / 41°
November 58° / 30°
December 46° / 22°
Snow in Moab can happen over the winter, most likely in January and February. Moab gets very mild winters with minimal snow.
March is the beginning of the busy season in Moab as Spring Breaks bring visitors.
Summer in Moab is deadly hot and you should avoid the middle of the day, even for water activities. Bring more water than you think!
Fall colors begin at higher elevations in September, with the town of Moab seeing color in early October and November. November is the most underrated part of the year!
Desert temps are dependent on the sun - before the sun rises and after it sets it is chillier than you'd think! Bring layers.
Flash floods are a real danger in the desert - be aware of the forecasts and avoid canyons if there's a chance of rain anywhere near Moab.
Best Time to Elope in Moab
Weather in Moab
Getting to Moab
Moab is more accessible than people realize. If you're flying in, the closest airports are Canyonlands Field (CNY) in Moab itself, or Grand Junction Regional (GJT) just across the state line — both are smaller regional airports. Salt Lake City (SLC) is about 4 hours by car if you want more flight options.
If you're driving, Moab sits right off US-191 and is an easy, scenic drive from most directions. And if you're already in Colorado, Grand Junction is just 90 minutes away — which also makes it a great alternative base if you want more flexibility. (More on that below.)
Moab Elopement Photography Gallery
Where to Elope in Moab
Another newer option in the Moab glamping space, with luxurious desert tent accommodations and beautiful open views. A great pick if Under Canvas is booked or out of budget, or you want something a little more intimate in scale.
Best for couples who:
- Want a cozy, boutique glamping experience
- Are looking for lodging and ceremony location in one
- Love that elevated-camping-meets-celebration feeling
- Are eloping in the Needles District area
Photo from their website
A newer addition to the Moab wedding scene, Red Earth offers an open-air wooden platform venue for elopements surrounded by red cliff walls. It's centrally located, easy to find, and a great option if you want some structure to your ceremony space without sacrificing the landscape. There's also a more traditional wedding venue on site if you're having a micro wedding!
Best for couples who:
- Want a defined ceremony space with that dramatic desert backdrop
- Are having a small group of guests and want something a little more venue-like
- Prefer easy logistics over remote adventure
If you want your elopement to feel like a luxury desert retreat, Under Canvas or ULUM Moab is the move. These upscale glamping resorts sit just outside Moab with stunning red rock views, high-end canvas tent accommodations, and a vibe that's equal parts adventure and indulgence.
Best for couples who:
- Want to stay and celebrate in the same stunning location
- Love the idea of glamping-level comfort with a real desert backdrop
- Are bringing a few guests and want a venue that handles the hospitality side
Photo from ULUM website
Some of the most iconic Moab images you've seen — the ones that feel like no one else has ever been there — were taken on Bureau of Land Management land in the surrounding area. More remote, more flexible, and often completely empty.
I hold BLM photography permits for this area, which means we can work here without the restrictions that come with the national parks. If solitude is important to you, this is where we start the conversation.
Best for couples who:
- Want that "we were the only people in the desert" feeling
- Want to camp as part of their day
- Are looking for offbeat adventures with fewer restrictions than the national parks
Dead Horse Point sits on a narrow peninsula of rock above a 2,000-foot canyon, with the Colorado River winding through the canyons below. It's one of the most dramatic overlooks in the entire Southwest — and because it's a state park rather than a national park, the permit process is often a little more flexible.
Best for couples who:
- Want canyon-rim drama with slightly easier logistics than the national parks
- Love that golden-hour glow when the potash ponds and canyon walls turn every shade of orange and pink
- Want a location that photographs beautifully in every season, including winter
If Arches is dramatic, Canyonlands is epic. The scale here is staggering — you're looking out over hundreds of miles of canyon, river, and sky. It's one of those places that makes you feel genuinely small in the best possible way. There's also a few different "districts" of this park - one (Island in the Sky) is most popular and has cliffside views of the canyons below, while the Needles District is ground-level with chances to see a more remote, off-the-beaten-path version of these canyons.
Best for couples who:
- Want sweeping, wide-open canyon views that feel cinematic
- Love the feeling of standing on the edge of something vast
- Are looking for amazing views without the hike (Island in the Sky) or are okay driving to remote views (Needles)
There's a reason Arches is one of the most photographed places on earth. The sandstone formations here are genuinely unlike anything else — and getting married underneath one of them is the kind of thing you don't forget.
The park does require a wedding permit for ceremonies, and it comes with some restrictions on group size and locations. But for a small, intimate elopement? It's absolutely doable, and I carry the necessary permits to make it happen.
Best for couples who:
- Want that iconic, unmistakably Moab backdrop
- Are eloping with just the two of you or a very small group
- Love the idea of a sunrise ceremony before the crowds arrive
Getting Married in Utah: What You Need to Know
Moab is (mostly) in Grand County, Utah, and getting your marriage license here is pretty straightforward — but there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive.
You'll get your license from the Grand County Clerk's Office in Moab. Both of you need to appear in person with a valid photo ID. There's no waiting period, so you can pick it up the day before or even the morning of your elopement if needed. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
One important note for couples coming from Colorado: Utah requires a licensed officiant to legally marry you. There's no self-solemnization option here the way there is across the state line. That means you'll need to book an officiant as part of your day — which is totally doable, and I have great ones to recommend. (See the vendor list below.)
If skipping the officiant requirement sounds appealing, Grand Junction is worth a look — more on that in the "Looking for Something Different?" section below.
Current fees and hours: I always recommend confirming directly with the Grand County Clerk before your trip, as these details can change. You can reach them at the Grand County Courthouse in Moab.
Eloping Responsibly in the Desert
As a Leave No Trace certified photographer, responsible elopements are something I take seriously — not as a buzzkill, but because I want this place to look exactly like this for the couples who come after you.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
- We stay on established trails and slickrock surfaces
- No confetti, rice, flower petals, or anything that doesn't leave with us
- Pack in, pack out — always
- We choose locations and timing that minimize impact on other visitors and wildlife
The good news: following these principles never once gets in the way of incredible images. If anything, it leads us to the spots that are even better.
Don't Bust the Crust!
Elopement Planning Services
I include comprehensive elopement planning support -
because your day should feel as good as it looks.
Your Moab Elopement, Handled. Planning support is included in all my elopement photography packages — and available as a standalone service if you've already booked a photographer.
Eloping in Moab is incredible. It's also a place with real logistics — permits, crowd windows, summer heat, remote locations, and vendors who don't always show up in a Google search. After years of helping couples navigate all of it, I've built a planning process that takes that weight completely off your plate.
Here's what's included:
Location Scouting
So you can stop googling, posting to forums, and wasting your time trying to find the perfect spot. I've spent countless hours driving the back roads or with my nose in a map (you should see how many spots I've flagged) to help you narrow down and find the best spot for you to spend your day.
Timeline Planning
So we're in the best places at the best times - cuz this is probably your first elopement, right? Whether you’re planning activities for your elopement or just need help with timing the perfect sunset ceremony, I love to help my couples with creating the perfect timeline for the day. I’ll create an agenda, with as much specific or general timing as we want, and what spots and activities we’ll be doing there.
Permit Guidance
Eloping in the West means navigating permits and other legal requirements. OOF right? You can rest easy, though. I know alllll the requirements and what we need to do. Plus I always carry the necessary photography permits for our areas!
Activity Ideas
Whether you're envisioning a picnic, a vineyard toast, a hot springs soak, or just beautiful photos with minimal effort — I'll help you design a day that sounds fun to you. Not what's trendy. What's actually your thing.
Vendor Recommendations
Small desert towns like Moab can be hard to find vendors at all, let alone ones who show up in an online search. Having helped couples elope in Moab for over ten years now, I’ve gotten to know all the pros to recommend to help bring your visions to life.
Group Photo List Creation
If you’re having guests along for the day, I will help create a formals list so that we have a list of groups to make sure we’re not missing any combos on the day-of.
Elopement Guide
You’ll receive access to my 140 page elopement guide full of everything you could ever have questions about for how to elope! From marriage license navigation, to emergency kit checklists, to advice for what to wear, to choosing your lodging, and so much more – this guide is your new best friend
What's it like to Work with me?
Here's What People are Saying...
"Made us feel comfortable"
"Put us at ease"
"Incredibly organized & helpful"
"Made everything run really smoothly"
"Went above and beyond"
"The best decision we made"
"We never had to stress about photos"
"An effortless and fun experience"
"Made us feel so natural and relaxed"
moab elopement officiants
Moab Florists
Moab Wedding Cakes
Ruth Lowe
Beth Logan
Sweet Serendipity
Blue Sky Baking
Sweet Cravings Moab
Farm Yard Moab
Tellurian Events
Manna Floral Design
Tangled Sage
Desserted Goods
Eloping in Moab
Doesn't need to be intimidating
I get it. You decided to elope and you already know you want to explore Moab for your big day, but how do you manage the permits and crowds that come with eloping in Moab?
Lucky for you, you've found your way here! As a Moab elopement photographer I help couples like you find solitude and maneuver the logistics of eloping in the Moab area.
Resources
How to Elope in MOab
How to get married at Arches
50 elopement activity ideas
"Amanda’s work is incredible. She shares thoughtful, helpful tips throughout the months leading up to your special day and has a fantastic vendor list to guide you. She is professional, thorough, and navigates the day seamlessly, quietly, and always present without ever interfering. She even helps with those last minute touches like putting on your cuff links or assisting with your boutonnières. She captured so many great moments and we couldn’t be happier!"
- John & James
Since starting my business in 2012 and moving here in 2015, I've been helping couples navigate the beautiful chaos of planning and photographing elopements across Colorado's Western Slope, San Juan Mountains, and Moab, Utah.
I believe your wedding day should feel as beautiful as it looks—which means comfortable, stress-free, and entirely true to who you are.
Whether you need comprehensive planning support, photography that captures the story and scenery of your day, or both—I'm here to make sure the experience is exactly what you hoped for.
When I'm not helping couples, you can find me with a chai latte, binge-watching Gilmore Girls & Grey's Anatomy - again.
Hey there, I'm Amanda
she/her
Western Colorado & Moab Elopement Specialist
Couples I've worked with
350+
States I've visited
27
(and counting!)
Moose I've seen
8
Episodes of Gilmore Girls binged
100%
What do we DO all day?
Elopement Timeline Example
4:30am - GETTING READY
Getting ready at your vacation rental, glampsite, or at the trailhead. You help each other get ready, put on a pot of coffee, pack up, and take your time as you begin to prepare for your elopement day.
6:00 - HIKE/JEEP TO CEREMONY
You head out to the ceremony spot you've chosen before sunrise and take a short hike to where you'll exchange vows, rings, a unity ceremony and sign the papers to make things official as the sun comes up. Share a toast (or make some more coffee!) to celebrate.
6:30 - COUPLES PHOTOS
Spend some time taking photos with this beautiful place you've made this next step in your adventure together. Those images you'll hang on your walls and put on the holiday cards.
8:00 - BREAKFAST
Head back to town to grab breakfast at a diner or make coffee & breakfast at the trailhead on your camp stove! It's important to fuel yourself for the day ahead!
9:30 - EXPLORE A NEARBY CREEK & CANYON
Before the heat of the day gets too hot, walk some creek beds, dip your toes in the water, enjoy the shade of the canyon and marvel at how the rising sun's light changes the colors of the rock walls around you.
10:30am - BREAK
7:00pm - SUNSET
Enjoy the day however you want, no camera pressure around (or take a nap, you got up early!) through the heat of the day. We'll meet back up for sunset pictures somewhere totally different from the morning to get the best of both views Moab has to offer!
It's not really about "What do we do all day??" -- it's more like "What CAN we do all day?" You should plan a day that sounds like the most fun you can imagine: whatever that looks like to you. Star gazing? Coffee and brunch? A trip to a book store? ATVing? Overlooking a cool new park? Get excited about the possibilities!
Activities for Eloping in Moab
Hiking - From creek beds between towering canyon walls to daring cliffside hikes with views for miles and miles, hiking is a fun addition to your day (tho I personally recommend keeping it short. It's your wedding day!)
Sightseeing - Stop and check out petroglyphs, see the many dinosaur trackways, take the scenic route, hop on a helicopter tour, or enjoy a relaxing boat tour on the river.
Jump off a cliff - Now I won't be joining you on this one but you can jump the Rope Swing or do a tandem Base Jump to get your adrenaline fix - I'll take pics from safety!
Camp - Many couples choose to have a camping wedding in Moab as a way to stay immersed in the beauty of nature around the area.
Hop in the river - Cool off with a dip in the river!
Canyoneering - For more adventurous couples than I, canyoneering is an amazing way to explore the depths of these amazing canyon lands and find ultimate privacy.
Picnic - Enjoy a light meal in the desert surrounded by world class views.
You don't need to be hardcore adventurers.
Moab offers epic scenery without extreme effort — accessible overlooks, drive-up ceremonies, gentle walks to breathtaking backdrops. If a 10-mile summit is your thing, I can recommend a good photographer for you! If a canyon rim at sunset with a glass of wine is more your speed, I'm your gal.
Your elopement should feel good — not like a workout.
Weather in Moab is wild, from flash floods to dangerous summer heat. Here's how I handle it:
I book one event per day so we have the flexibility to shift our timing around the forecast. Most storms blow through in under an hour — and honestly, wild weather makes for a better story. I keep clear umbrellas on hand just in case, and we'll never shoot in genuinely dangerous conditions. In summer? You can split my 8 hour coverage between sunrise and sunset to get multiple of these amazing locations and beat the heat of the day.
Eloping should feel as good as it looks.
What about the weather?
I hear this constantly.
And after spending the day in the desert together, couples always tell me how natural and easy it felt.
"We're awkward in Photos"
Here's the thing about Moab: when you're genuinely somewhere that takes your breath away, you forget to be self-conscious.
You're too busy actually feeling something. My job is to be there when that happens — not to pose you into something that doesn't feel like you, but to document the day as it actually unfolds.
You don't have to be extreme athletes. You don't have to hike ten miles. You don't have to look a certain way or perform anything for the camera.
Come as you are. You're welcome here.
“When we got the photos, my husband said, 'She made us look like models!' She really did.”
-Rachel & Loren
The secret?
Looking for Something Different?
Consider Grand Junction as Your Moab Alternative
Moab is incredible — but it's also one of the most visited destinations in the Southwest, and that comes with crowds, permit restrictions, and Utah's officiant requirement. If any of those feel like friction points for you, Grand Junction is worth a serious look.
Just 90 minutes across the state line, Grand Junction offers that same dramatic desert landscape — red rock canyons, towering mesas, wide open BLM land — with a few meaningful differences:
More solitude. With 70% of Mesa County being BLM land, there are endless locations that see a fraction of Moab's foot traffic. You're not competing with tour buses at Arches. You're just... out there.
More flexibility. BLM land in the Grand Junction area is abundant and largely permit-free for small elopements. Colorado National Monument offers a full canyon experience with a much more manageable permitting process than Utah's national parks.
No officiant required. This is the big one. Colorado is one of a small number of states that allows self-solemnization — meaning you can legally marry yourselves, with no officiant, no witness, and no one else involved if you don't want them. You sign your own license and you're married. For couples who want the most private, independent elopement possible, this is a genuine game-changer.
And I'm local there. Grand Junction is home — I know every canyon, every golden-hour window, and every hidden BLM road in that valley. If Moab feels like too much and you want something quieter without sacrificing the scenery, reach out and let's talk.
Moab Elopement Pricing
Moab elopement packages range from $4-10k.
No matter the package, you always get:
Access to my Locations Database - see the best spots I've accumulated over the years, in a personalized guide to fit your needs
Timeline & Group Photo List collaboration - you probably haven't made dozens of these per year like I have, so let me help you with that!
The final digital files in an online gallery, unlimited downloads, and online access for at least 1 year. Plus free websize downloads for loved ones!
My travel included - I work in the places I know best, and I'll meet you there!
Award-winning & Hand Retouched Photography - As a recognized artist in the industry, I strive to deliver beautiful artwork from your day, hand edited by me.
-Megan & Jordan
Amanda was the best decision we made for our wedding day! The photos are exceptional and perfectly capture the scenery and vibe we were going for, but that’s only a portion of what Amanda provided. She helped give us planning guidance, organization, and reassurance throughout, which alleviated all the worries we had about eloping in a place we’d never been before.
"the best decision we made"
-Allison & Ethan
Amanda is the perfect wedding photographer. The photos perfectly captured the whole day and I feel like I can easily relive it just by looking back at the photos. I highly recommend Amanda.
"The Perfect Wedding Photographer"
-Beth & Dustin
We used Amanda for our wedding and she is the BEST! Our photos turned out amazing and she captured the feel of our night perfectly. She’s also really fun to hang with. We didn’t want her to leave at the end of the night!
"She captured the feel of our night perfectly."
- Kylie & Murat
Amanda did an amazing job on our elopement photos! She was incredibly organized during all the planning and sent incredibly helpful tips and ideas in the months leading up.
"Incredibly organized & helpful"
featured on
We're in... what now?
03
The big day & after
The day is here and you're surprised you're nervous after all this time. I will capture your day in a way that tells the story for you to relive forever. You'll have sneak peaks within 24-48 hours and a full gallery of the whole day within a month or so.
01
Let's Meet
We'll hop on the phone or Google Meet (or grab coffee!) to get to know each other and talk all about your dreams and ideas for the big day, and how I can help make your life easier. When you're ready to book you'll put $1k down as a retainer and I'll get to work!
Planning Journey
From there I'll send you my 140 page Elopement Guide and help with location ideas, scouting, emergency kit info, permits, activity suggestions, vendor recommendations, timeline creation, group photo lists, and so so much more. I will help you craft the most incredible day, with backup plans because life is life. You'll feel like you've never been so excited or prepared for anything before.
02
Ready to save your date?
Let's do this
Thank you!
I'll be in touch within 24-48 hours.
If you don’t hear from me soon, I’m probably in the mountains or desert capturing an adventurous couple.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly:
info@amandamatildaphotography.com
