June 26, 2026

How-to Guide: Planning a Dead Horse Point State Park Wedding

Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the best places in Utah to experience the state’s uniquely beautiful landscape. Known for the sheer-drop overlook from which the park gets its name, Dead Horse Point offers expansive desert views and dramatic canyon scenery that will make you feel like you have the world laying at your feet as you say, “I do.”

I have been photographing adventure elopements for over a decade and Dead Horse Point State Park is still one of my favorite spots to shoot in Utah. Not only does it have plenty of options when it comes to ceremony sites, but it also manages to perfectly blend grandeur and intimacy in a way very few places do. It is truly the perfect place for an epic desert wedding and I’m excited to share some of my top tips on how to plan one of your own!

Frequently asked questions about getting married at Dead Horse Point State Park:

How do you get married at Dead Horse Point State Park?  

Accessible year-round, Dead Horse Point is one of Utah’s most popular state parks, thanks to its accessible nature and stunning panoramas of a landscape that once defined the American Southwest. I have photographed tons of elopements in the park and know all the ins and outs of planning one, so here is a general breakdown of what you need to know in order to do it yourself:

  1. Pick Your Ceremony Location

Before doing anything else, you’ll need to pick a site for your ceremony. There are plenty of incredible spots around the park to choose from, but here are the designated ceremony sites listed by the official park website—I’ve also included the guest limits for each one to help you make an informed decision:

  • La Sal: 25-person limit
  • Cliff Side: 20-person limit
  • West Bench: 50-person limit
  • Point Bench: 5-person limit
  • Shade Shelter: 100-person limit

The park does recommend the Shade Shelter site primarily since it’s ADA accessible, offers shade cover, and permits the use of chairs for the ceremony. All of the offered locations are absolutely stunning though, each one providing the spectacular views this park is known for no matter which one you ultimately pick!   

  1. Pick a Date

While there is no official cap on the amount of ceremonies allowed in the park on any given day, permits are in high demand, so I suggest applying for one as soon as you can (I’ve detailed the process in step #3 below). The park is open year-round, but keep in mind that summers can get really hot in this area and crowds are typically smaller during the milder shoulder seasons (spring & fall).

Logistically speaking, the only thing to really consider is that one of the ceremony sites offered (Shade Shelter) is unavailable March through June & September through October, so plan accordingly if you’re interested in that location specifically!

  1. Get Your Marriage License & Permit

For Dead Horse Point State Park, the best place to get your marriage license will be from the Grand County Clerk’s Office. You’ll need to download and fill in the license application from the Grand County Clerk’s Office website (I’ve also linked it here for your convenience!), then bring it to your in-person appointment at the office. Once there, you’ll sign the application, pay the $50 fee, and receive a copy of your license which will be valid for 32 days. Keep in mind that you also need to provide the name of your officiant at your appointment and that person will be responsible for signing and returning your license to the Grand County Clerk’s Office within 30 days of your ceremony!

The County Clerk’s Office website provides a list of local officiants authorized to solemnize marriages here, but if you want to be married by a friend/family member, they can also be designated by the Clerk to perform a single ceremony. All they have to do is fill out this form and bring it with them when they attend the in-person appointment at the Grand County Clerk’s Office with you. 

As for the permit, you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit through the park’s official website (I’ve linked the specific application here for your convenience!). Be sure to complete it 30 days before your ceremony and submit it to Elizabeth Cappa at ecappa@utah.gov, then you’re all good to go!

  1. Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations

One of the best things about the Special Use Permit is that it lets you take photos not only at your chosen site for the ceremony, but also anywhere else in the park before or after! Hiring an experienced elopement photographer who is familiar with the park (like me!) means you’ll have access to some of the most beautiful spots with the most epic views for your portraits. I know where all the hidden gems are and can help you plan your day to make the whole experience as stress-free and memorable as possible!

  1. Get Married!

All that’s left is to say, “I do!” with the entire Utah desert at your feet and enjoy every last second of it!

When’s the best time to visit Dead Horse Point State Park?

The best time to visit Dead Horse Point State Park is during the spring or fall. That’s when you’ll find smaller crowds and milder temperatures, which means you can more comfortably explore the park and enjoy everything it has to offer including its famous mountain biking Intrepid Trail System!

Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends and I strongly suggest visiting at sunrise or sunset. Not only will you find less people in the park at both those times, but you’ll also have the perfect light for your wedding portraits! Trust me, when the sun hits those trademark red rocks and bathes the whole park in a golden light, you’ll lose your breath from the sheer beauty of it.

How do you get to Dead Horse Point State Park?

Dead Horse Point State Park is about a 45-minute drive from Moab and located at the end of UT-313 W. Coming from Moab, you’ll take US-191 N until you hit UT-313 W. Then, turn left and keep going for about 15 miles until you come to an intersection where you can either turn left again to continue on UT-313 or keep going straight toward Canyonlands National Park—turn left. After about 4 miles, you’ll find the entrance to Dead Horse Point State Park marked by a sign at 38°31’13.8″N 109°43’55.2″W and the Entrance Station just 0.3 miles further down the same road.

Depending on what you want to visit or do, there are plenty of parking options! The main one that gives you direct access to popular attractions like Dead Horse Point or the East and West Rim Loop, is located at 38°28’13.1″N 109°44’22.7″W, which is basically the end of UT-313. That’s also where you’ll find the Visitor Center and restrooms!

How much does it cost to get married at Dead Horse Point State Park?  

The total cost of getting married at Dead Horse Point State Park varies depending on your guest count and how long you need to rent your selected ceremony site. No matter what, the total will include the Special Use Permit fee ($60), the marriage license ($50), and the park entrance fee for one vehicle ($20 or $5/person if there are more than 8 people in the vehicle), but the Site Fee varies based on group size ($100/hour for 50 people or less and $150/hour for 51–100 people). Assuming you’d like the space for an hour, your total could come out to about $230–$280 or $330–$430 for two hours!

Beyond those considerations, your total elopement/wedding budget can be whatever you want! It typically depends on what vendors you choose, travel costs, etc. The real focus with an elopement like this is the experience. Usually, the couples who hire me prioritize having an adventurous experience in an epic spot like Dead Horse Point State Park and capturing every second of it, which is why they spend a lot of their budget on photography. If you’d like more details, you can find my full cost of eloping guide here!

Are dogs allowed at Dead Horse Point State Park? 

Yes, leashed dogs are allowed at Dead Horse Point State Park, except for on the Intrepid Mountain Biking Trail System. Just be sure to pick up after your pup and practice Leave No Trace so the area remains as beautiful for future generations as it is for you! 

Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement & Wedding Photos

Kelly & Kody’s Dead Horse Point State Park Fall Wedding

Kelly & Kody had an intimate wedding at Dead Horse Point State Park that involved portraits of just them at two different scenic overlooks (including one of my favorite off-the-beaten-path spots 🤫), and a beautiful ceremony with family & friends inside of the park!

They said their vows at sunset, officiated by one of their people, and the rocks lit up so perfectly behind them. It’s part of what I love so much about this area—at the right times of day, everything literally glows. And because they got married here in the fall it was a comfortable temperature for all of their guests. 

And I mean, taking your wedding portraits overlooking layers and layers of striated colorful rock and wide canyons… it’d be pretty hard to beat that with any venue. 

They snuck away for a few more portraits with just the two of them just as sunset was hitting its most golden, most colorful hours.This is also when the shimmer on Kelly’s dress really got to stand out and sparkle. They stayed out until the full moon popped up behind them and Kelly had to steal Kody’s jacket to ward off the desert chill. 

Dead Horse Point State Park is a really great choice for intimate weddings like Kelly & Kody’s. This is a great way to access a combination of really striking features along with roads and paths that are easily accessible for guests.

A couple sits on the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking towering red rock formations and deep canyons under a bright sky in a desert landscape.
A bride in a white dress stands on a rocky cliff edge, holding a bouquet and gazing at dramatic red rock formations and canyons under a partly cloudy sky.
A photographer in a blue suit takes a picture of a bride in a white dress standing on a rocky ledge overlooking a vast desert canyon landscape under a cloudy sky.
A bride in a white dress stands on a rocky cliff edge holding a bouquet, while a photographer crouches nearby. Dramatic red canyon cliffs and rock spires stretch out in the background.
A person in a suit takes a photo of another person in a white dress standing on a rocky cliff, with dramatic canyon scenery and mesas in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom stand on the edge of a dramatic red rock cliff overlooking a vast canyon, with layered rock formations and distant plateaus under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky cliff edge, surrounded by a canyon landscape. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet, while the groom wears a dark suit. They gaze at each other, sharing an intimate moment.
A bride and groom stand together on the edge of a dramatic red rock cliff, with vast canyon walls and layered rock formations stretching out in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A couple in wedding attire stands on the edge of a high red rock cliff, overlooking a vast canyon landscape with dramatic rock formations under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom stand on the edge of a rocky cliff, embracing and facing each other. The bride holds a bouquet, and dramatic canyon scenery stretches out in the background under soft sunlight.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking a vast canyon landscape under a bright sky, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers.
A bride and groom embrace and kiss on the edge of a rocky cliff with a vast canyon landscape in the background, under natural sunlight.
A bride and groom hold hands on a rocky cliff with red canyon walls and mountains in the background. The bride wears a lace gown and holds a bouquet; the groom wears a teal suit. The scene is outdoors under a cloudy sky.
A couple in wedding attire sits on a rocky ledge overlooking a vast red canyon, with mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom sit on the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking dramatic red rock formations and deep canyons under a clear sky. The landscape is vast and majestic, emphasizing a sense of adventure and romance.
A couple sits on the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking towering red rock formations and deep canyons under a bright sky in a desert landscape.
A bride and groom sit closely together on the edge of a large red rock cliff, overlooking a canyon with steep rocky walls and a bouquet nearby. The scene is sunlit and dramatic.
A couple sits on a rocky ledge overlooking a vast canyon landscape, with red rock formations under a partly cloudy sky. The woman wears a sparkling dress, and the man is in a blue suit, both facing away from the camera.
A bride and groom sit on the edge of a rocky cliff with dramatic red rock formations and canyons in the background, embracing in wedding attire under natural sunlight.
A couple sits closely together with their backs to the camera. The woman wears a beaded, backless dress and has her arm around the man in a suit. They appear to be outdoors, sharing an intimate moment.
Red rock formations and mesas rise from a vast desert landscape, with a rugged mountain range in the distance under a partly cloudy sky. The scene is layered with deep shadows and sunlit ridges.
A bride and groom sit on a rocky ledge, sharing a kiss. The groom wears a teal suit, and the bride wears a white lace dress. Behind them are dramatic canyon cliffs under soft sunlight.
A bride and groom embrace outdoors, gazing into each other’s eyes and smiling, with sunlight highlighting their faces. The background shows rocky, desert-like terrain and blurred mountains.
A bride in a beaded white dress and a groom in a teal suit hold hands and smile lovingly at each other outdoors, with sunlight highlighting their faces and a rocky landscape in the background.
A bride and groom smile and hold hands, touching foreheads in an intimate, joyful moment outdoors. The black-and-white photo captures their happiness and love on their wedding day.
A man in a suit kisses a smiling woman with long blonde hair on the forehead. She embraces him with her left hand, showing off an engagement ring. The couple appears joyful and affectionate in natural sunlight.
A bride and groom embrace closely outdoors on a rocky landscape, looking happy and content. The photo is in black and white, with sunlight highlighting their faces and hair.
A groom in a blue suit dips and kisses his bride, who holds a bouquet and wears a lace dress, on a rocky cliff with dramatic canyon formations and mesas in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A woman in a white lace wedding dress stands on rocky terrain overlooking a canyon landscape, holding a bouquet and gazing toward the cliffs under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride in a white lace gown stands on a rocky cliff, holding a bouquet, with dramatic red rock formations and canyons in the background under a bright sky.
A man in a blue suit stands on a rocky cliff overlooking a vast canyon landscape with mesas and buttes under a partly cloudy sky.
Distant snow-capped mountains partially covered by clouds, with rocky desert terrain and sparse green vegetation in the foreground under a blue sky.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands while standing on a rocky cliff edge, surrounded by a vast canyon landscape under a clear blue sky.
A bride and groom hold hands and walk along a rocky cliff edge, with dramatic canyon walls and a bright sky in the background. The groom carries a bouquet and both are dressed in wedding attire.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a rocky cliff edge, with the bride’s dress flowing in the wind. The dramatic canyon landscape and a clear sky serve as their backdrop.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a dark suit hold hands while walking along a rocky cliff edge, with a dramatic canyon landscape in the background. The bride’s dress flows behind her.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky ledge, with the bride holding a bouquet; both wear formal wedding attire. The image is in black and white, with a blurred, mountainous background.
A bride and groom share a romantic dip kiss on a rocky ledge overlooking a dramatic canyon landscape under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by red rock formations and sweeping vistas.
A newlywed couple shares a romantic kiss on a rocky cliff edge, with the groom dipping the bride as she holds a bouquet. The dramatic canyon landscape stretches out behind them in soft sunlight.
A bride and groom share a dramatic kiss on a sunlit rocky ledge, with the groom holding a bouquet aloft and canyons in the background. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is in a blue suit.
A smiling couple dressed in formal attire sits inside a car. The man, wearing a white shirt and black tie, holds a plate with a pastry and a slice of butter, while the woman in a sparkly dress looks on happily.
A smiling bride and groom sit together in a car, laughing and sharing a pastry on a plate. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is dressed in a white shirt and black tie. Sunlight fills the car interior.
A wide view of a winding river cutting through a dramatic, red rock canyon landscape under a partly cloudy sky, with layered mesas and cliffs in the distance.
A person in a sparkling white dress walks on reddish rocks, wearing a white sneaker on one foot and a glittery pointed shoe on the other.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands during an outdoor ceremony on a rocky ledge, with an officiant standing between them. The background features sunlit cliffs and natural scenery.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress laughs joyfully while holding hands with the groom, who is wearing a teal suit, during an outdoor ceremony under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride in a beaded, backless wedding dress and a groom in a teal suit with a boutonniere stand outdoors, facing each other, during their wedding ceremony. The sky is clear and the setting is natural.
A bride and groom exchange rings during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with an officiant standing behind them. The scene is in black and white, and the couple gazes at each other lovingly.
A bride in a lace gown and a groom in a dark suit embrace and smile on a rocky cliff at sunset with a scenic canyon in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors on sunlit, sandy terrain, surrounded by floating bubbles. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a white dress; the groom is in a dark suit.
A bride and groom stand outdoors on sandy terrain, smiling and gazing at each other lovingly. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers, and bubbles float around them in the sunlight.
Close-up of a couple standing side by side; one person wears green pants and black shoes, the other wears a sparkly silver dress and matching glittery high heels, holding a bouquet.
A person in a sparkling gown stands on a dirt surface, wearing white sneakers. Silver high-heeled shoes are placed nearby on the ground.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky cliff at sunset, overlooking a vast canyon landscape. The sunlight creates a warm, golden glow around them, highlighting the bride's lace dress.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky cliff at sunset. The bride wears a lace gown and holds a bouquet, while the groom is dressed in a teal suit. Dramatic canyon cliffs and warm sunlight provide a stunning backdrop.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge at sunset. The bride, in a white gown and holding a bouquet, spreads her arms wide while the groom stands behind her, both smiling against a clear sky and desert landscape.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky cliff at sunset, with dramatic canyon walls in the background. The bride wears a lace gown and the groom is in a suit, both smiling in the soft golden light.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky cliff at sunset, with a canyon landscape in the background. The golden sunlight creates a warm, romantic glow around the couple.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky cliff at sunset, overlooking a vast canyon landscape with distant plateaus and warm sunlight illuminating the scene.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky cliff at sunset, with golden sunlight glowing behind them and a scenic canyon landscape in the background. Blurred branches frame the romantic scene.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky cliff, overlooking a vast canyon landscape at sunset. The bride wears a white gown with a train, and the groom is in a dark suit. The sun sets behind distant red rock formations.
A bride in a white lace gown and a groom in a teal suit stand smiling together on rocky terrain at sunset, with the bride leaning happily on the groom's arm.
A bride and groom stand together on a rocky cliff at sunset, with dramatic red canyon walls and layered rock formations stretching out in the background.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a rocky cliff at sunset, with dramatic red canyon walls and winding trails stretching out in the background.
A smiling couple embraces outdoors at sunset. The woman, in a sequined wedding dress, holds a bouquet of white and peach flowers. The man, in a teal suit, stands behind her, both looking joyful against a blurred rocky landscape.
A couple sits closely together on the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking a vast canyon at sunset. The dramatic landscape features layered red rock formations and deep valleys under a soft, fading sky.
Silhouette of a couple holding hands, with one person leading the other up a hill at sunset. The sky is gradient shades of blue and orange, with trees and shrubs visible in the background.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on a rocky ledge at sunset, with the full moon rising behind them. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a fitted lace gown; the groom wears a dark suit with a bowtie. Trees are visible in the background.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Dead Horse Point State Park Wedding Photographer

If you’re looking for someone with years of elopement photography experience under her belt, then you’re in the right place! For over a decade, I have been designing, planning, & photographing elopements all around the world, so I can help you navigate the logistics of planning one for yourself and make sure it’s the most stress-free experience possible.

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Dead Horse Point State Park Wedding Packages

Contact me here to check my availability and for a free planning consultation—I promise to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!

Always included:

8+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae with relaxed sightseeing & exploring

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in the U.S.A (including Alaska & Hawaii)

$9,800 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

A person with long hair and glasses is sitting on sand, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black lace cardigan over a beige top, with hoop earrings and a necklace. The background is a sandy expanse.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

Reach out & we’ll start planning your dream elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

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Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
A laptop displaying a planning guide and checklist titled "How to Plan Your Elopement" sits next to a plant and mug, setting the scene for an inspired workspace. A smartphone with text rests on the desk, hinting at an adventure instead of tradition.

Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started