August 8, 2026

Your Guide to the Perfect Moab Elopement

Situated along the Colorado River and surrounded by some of Utah’s most incredible national parks, Moab is a hub for activity and adventure. Its towering red-rock formations, uniquely striking arches, and vast trail network are only a few examples of the city’s allure—each site inviting you to explore just a little more of all that Moab has to offer. 

As an elopement photographer with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing adventure elopements all around the world, and I can honestly say that Moab is still one of my favorite places to take couples! A Moab elopement can be as epic or as intimate as you want, so here is a breakdown of what you’ll need to know in order to plan one of your own! 

Frequently asked questions about eloping in Moab:

What makes Moab a great place to elope? 

Whenever couples tell me they want to elope somewhere that blends adventure with desert beauty, Moab is high on my list of recommendations!

Whether you’re exploring Arches National Park, hiking through the canyons, or floating down the Colorado River, you are guaranteed to find unparalleled views of the striking landscapes Utah is known for. Moab is a place that still manages to feel undiscovered, combining rugged beauty with easy access to create a setting that guarantees your elopement will feel special.

How do you get to Moab?

You can find Moab as a destination on common navigation apps! Located at 38°34’23.8″N 109°33’02.8″W, with US-191 running right through the center of town, Moab is just south of Arches National Park.

If you’re coming from out of state, the easiest place to fly into with the most options would be Salt Lake City, which is about a 4-hour drive from Moab. Grand Junction on the Colorado side is a solid second choice if you want to shave about 2 hours off your drive time, but flights might be harder to find or a little pricier depending on where you’re coming from.

When’s the best time to visit Moab? 

The best time to visit Moab is either during the spring or fall. Since summer is considered the peak season for tourism, visiting during the shoulder seasons means you’re less likely to find large crowds, especially if you visit during a weekday morning rather than a weekend. Plus, temperatures tend to be milder, allowing you to more comfortably enjoy Moab and engage in all the activities it has to offer, from exploring the many nearby national parks to hiking any of the amazing trails that surround the town!

Moab Fall Elopement

Two women in white dresses stand facing each other on a rocky ledge with dramatic red rock formations and deep canyons in the background, illuminated by warm, golden sunlight.

If you want to elope somewhere that is super striking in its beauty, then Moab is the place for you! While its dramatic desert landscapes make it an epic place to visit year-round, the golden autumn light and its cooler temperatures bring Moab to life. During the fall months tourism slows down and the locals come out to explore all of their favorite spots around the area. Shorter days also mean you can potentially catch both sunrise and sunset on the rocks.

Best places to elope in Moab:

Home to some of the two of Utah’s five stunning national parks, beautiful state parks, and great sites outside of any park boundaries, Moab offers countless options when it comes to gorgeous elopement destinations. Every single one is unique and effortlessly blends the rugged beauty of Utah’s natural desert landscape with the timeless aura of the American Southwest.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Note: These breakdowns include Utah marriage license fees, but you can change those if you’re signing the paperwork in a different state!

  • Dead Horse Point State Park
    • Cost: $230–$280 (cost varies depending on guest count and length of site rental)
      • Utah Marriage License: $50
      • Special Use Permit: $60
      • Entrance Fee: $20
      • Site Fee: $100/hour for 50 people or less or $150/hour for 51–100 people
    • Permit: To elope at Dead Horse Point State Park, you’ll need a Special Use Permit. You can apply for one through the park’s official website here—just be sure to complete it 30 days before your ceremony and submit it to Elizabeth Capp at ecappa@utah.gov. 
  • Castle Valley
    • Cost: $180
      • Utah Marriage License: $50
      • Special Recreation Permit: $130
    • Permit: Since the valley is located on public Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, you’ll need to obtain a Special Recreation Permit. To do that, just head to the official BLM Special Recreation Permit webpage and follow the instructions listed! 

Best wedding venues in Moab: 

Whether you’re looking for something intimate and rustic or more all-inclusive and luxurious, you’ll have plenty of venues to choose from in Moab! A venue is especially helpful if you’re expecting more than 30 guests and can definitely make your life easier when it comes to organizing everything.

Here are some of the venue options in the Moab area:

  • The Red Earth Venue
    • Cost: Starting at $2,500 (varies depending on your date and selected site—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
      • Glass Venue (weekday): $4,000
      • Glass Venue (weekend): $6,000
      • Remote Desert Platform: $2,500
      • Remote Desert Platform (as an add-on to the Glass Venue): $1,500 
    • Guest Count: 120 max
  • Whispering Oaks Ranch
    • Cost: $1,598–$3,500 (cost varies depending on your venue and guest count—you can contact the venue for an exact quote here!)
      • The Cedar Bend Lodge Cabin: $1,598
      • Covered Pavilion and Great Lawn: $3,500
    • Guest Count: 10–200 (depends on selected venue)
      • The Cedar Bend Lodge Cabin: 10–35
      • Covered Pavilion and Great Lawn: 40–200 
  • Red Cliffs Lodge
    • Cost: $7,000–$8,000 (depends on the date)
      • April–October: $8,000
      • November–March: $7,000
    • Guest Count: 20–150
  • Under Canvas Moab
    • Cost: Starting at $1,000 (cost varies depending on the guest count with a large wedding requiring a full-camp buyout—you can contact the venue for an exact quote here!)
      • Small Wedding: $1,000
      • Large Wedding: $9,000
    • Guest Count: 250 max (varies depending on the guest count)
      • Small Wedding : 30 max
      • Large Wedding: 31–250

This information is accurate as of the writing of this guide in 2026, but I suggest double checking with the venue for confirmation before you book anything. I’m happy to share more recommendations and work with you to find the perfect wedding venue when we work together!

How much does it cost to elope in Moab? 

If you choose to have a small ceremony, then there are plenty of stunning spots in Moab that are completely free, which means the cost of eloping can be as low as $50—the cost of a Utah marriage license. Even if you were to have a larger guest count for your ceremony, the cost for these same locations would increase by only about a couple hundred dollars to account for permits or entrance fees, which still gives you a ton of affordable options in the area.

Beyond that, the total cost of your elopement will vary depending on your guest count, vendors, travel costs, etc. Most of the couples who hire me prioritize having an adventurous experience in an epic location, which is why they typically invest a lot of their budget in photography to ensure every moment of it is captured.

The beauty of Moab is that, no matter what your budget is, there are a wide range of venues and destinations to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that feels completely you.

If you want to know more, feel free to check out my full cost of eloping guide here!

Activities to do during Moab elopements:

Moab is surrounded by countless national parks, state parks, and trails, offering plenty of activities to enjoy during your visit.

Here are just some of my favorite ones in the Moab area:

  • Riding in a hot air balloon (this is the only way to see an aerial view of Arches! I talk more about this in my story about Rachael & Emily below)
  • Visiting Arches National Park
  • Exploring Dead Horse Point State Park
  • Taking a scenic drive down the La Sal Mountain Loop Road
  • Visiting the waterfall on the Mary Jane Canyon Trail
  • Night hiking in the canyons
  • Biking on the Moab Canyon Pathway
  • Floating the Colorado River
  • Paddleboarding on Ken’s Lake

Including an activity in your elopement can make the entire experience even more exciting and memorable, and Moab has great options to make sure your wedding day feels completely out of the ordinary from your regular life. Whether you want to take advantage of the nearby river, admire Moab from the skies, or explore any one of the stunning national parks around the city, you will have no shortage of choices when it comes to deciding how to spend your time and make memories that you will never forget!

Are dogs allowed in Moab?

Yes, Moab is super dog-friendly with plenty of options for lodgings and restaurants when it comes to places you can bring your pup! As for the trails, the rules are a bit more specific: while most of the nearby national parks won’t allow dogs on their land, you can bring them to most of the BLM-managed parks and areas, as long as they’re on a leash. Always double check for specific trail info or campground rules before you head out. 

Moab Elopement & Wedding Photos

Rachael & Emily’s Moab Fall Elopement Vow Renewal

Rachael & Emily are very dear friends of mine, and I’ve been adventuring with these two for well over a decade. Back in the day, Rachael & Emily would go out on what they called “Adventure Tuesdays” where they picked a fun brand new thing to go do on Rachael’s day off—and I got to tag along for quite a few of those experiences!

I photographed their original elopement in the Dolomites back in 2017, and around 5 years later, they were starting to look into doing a vow renewal in a new cool destination. Naturally, I flooded our group chat with tons of ideas.

I’d been wanting to take a couple up in a hot air balloon in the desert forever by that point, and Rachael & Emily were excited about the idea! They told me they’d always wanted to do something like it, but never felt like they had a “good enough” reason to go for it. But we all agreed this was exactly the occasion to do it. 

The big advantage for doing a hot air balloon in Moab is that it’s actually the only legal way you can see Arches National Park from above. No drones or helicopters allowed. And the view was so worth it. The pilot was able to get the balloon up-close-and-personal with some of the most famous rocks in the park. Rachael & Emily were totally speechless. 

Rachael & Emily’s 2-day timeline including 4X4 driving, a ceremony during peak alpenglow, some time playing music together, a sunset watching session, dancing in the moon alpenglow (super rare & exciting), and, of course, the hot air balloon tour. Because this was a vow renewal, their goal for their days was just spending time together soaking up the landscape and each other’s company. 

I wrote a full blog post about their vow renewal here that you can check out!

Two women in flowing white dresses dance together on a rocky, red desert landscape with a tall mesa in the background. The sky is overcast, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
Two arrangements of beige and white roses with greenery sit on a wooden table; one is in a dark bowl, the other in a glass French press. The background is softly lit and out of focus.
Two pairs of boots, one black and one gray with fur lining, are placed on a wooden table next to floral arrangements featuring peach and yellow roses, greenery, and eucalyptus in glass jars.
Two women sit on a couch; one gently tends to the other's ear with a cotton pad. Both appear focused, and a large abstract painting hangs on the wall behind them. Warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
Two women sit close together on a couch, smiling and laughing warmly. One woman is gently holding a small object, possibly a candy or pill, near the other’s mouth, suggesting a playful or caring interaction.
Two women in white wedding dresses stand hand in hand on a rocky cliff at sunset, overlooking a dramatic desert canyon landscape with red rock formations and a wide sky.
Two women in white dresses stand on rocky terrain, holding hands and smiling at each other during an outdoor wedding ceremony. A floral arrangement lies at their feet. The image is in black and white.
Close-up in black and white of two people holding hands, one wearing a ring and the other with a tattoo on their arm, symbolizing connection or affection.
Two brides in white dresses stand on a rocky cliff at sunset, surrounded by dramatic canyon scenery. One bride kisses the other on the cheek, and a bouquet of flowers lies beside them.
Two brides in white dresses stand together on a rocky cliff at sunset, embracing and gazing into the distance. The sky is clear with visible contrails and the moon, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
Two brides in flowing white dresses embrace and smile on a rocky ledge with dramatic red rock formations and cliffs in the background, under warm sunlight.
Two women in white dresses dance together on a rocky cliff with dramatic red rock formations in the background, under a clear sky, creating a joyful and romantic scene in a scenic desert landscape.
Two women in white dresses stand on a rocky cliff edge, one with her dress billowing in the wind. The background features expansive canyon walls under a hazy sky, creating a dramatic and serene scene.
Two brides in white dresses stand together on a rocky cliff overlooking a vast canyon landscape, holding hands and smiling at each other, with sunlight illuminating the dramatic scenery behind them.
Two women in white dresses embrace and kiss on a cliffside, with a vast, rocky desert landscape blurred in the background.
Two women in white dresses stand with arms outstretched, facing each other and smiling, with a rocky canyon landscape in the background. The image is intentionally blurred, creating a dreamy effect.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a dramatic red rock cliff overlooking a vast canyon landscape, with rugged formations and distant mesas under a clear sky.
A dramatic desert landscape with reddish-brown rock formations and mesas under a partly cloudy sky, featuring steep cliffs and layered canyons stretching into the distance.
Two women in flowing white dresses walk along rocky cliffs in a dramatic, mountainous landscape. The scene is in black and white, creating a timeless, ethereal atmosphere.
Two women in elegant dresses sit closely together on a couch. One plays an acoustic guitar while the other gazes at her, holding her hands, both sharing an intimate, joyful moment.
A woman in a white dress sits in soft, warm light, playing an acoustic guitar. Shadows and sunlight create a dramatic contrast across the room and her figure.
Two women in white dresses sit on a tan couch, smiling at each other. One plays an acoustic guitar while the other listens, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
Red rock formations and arches rise from a desert landscape under an overcast sky at Canyonlands National Park, Utah. Sparse vegetation dots the sandy terrain.
Two women in flowing white dresses walk along a red, rocky hill with a large, towering mesa in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Two women in flowing white dresses dance joyfully on a red desert hill, with a towering rock formation rising behind them under a blue sky.
Two people in flowing white dresses walk on a red rocky hill with a large butte in the background under a blue sky.
Two people in flowing white dresses walk along a sunlit, rocky path. The focus is on their lower bodies as the dresses billow in the breeze against a backdrop of reddish hills.
Two women in flowing white dresses hold hands and walk toward a large red rock formation under a clear sky, with the focus on the dramatic landscape and their movement.
Two people in white clothing gently holding hands, with only their arms and torsos visible, standing in front of red rock formations at sunset with a soft, dusky sky in the background.
Two women in flowing white dresses dance together on a rocky, red desert landscape with a tall mesa in the background. The sky is overcast, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
A colorful hot air balloon floats above a rugged, rocky desert landscape with layered hills and mountains in the distance under a clear sky.
A colorful hot air balloon floats above a vast, rocky desert landscape under a cloudy sky, with layered mesas and distant horizons visible in the background.
Two women in white dresses walk hand in hand on a sandy landscape, with a colorful hot air balloon in the background under a pale sky.
Two women in white dresses hold hands and smile at each other while walking on a dirt field, with a colorful hot air balloon in the background against a sunset sky.
Two smiling women, slightly out of focus, stand outdoors at sunset. In the background, a colorful hot air balloon rises over a desert landscape with rocky hills.
View from below of a colorful hot air balloon canopy, with bright, concentric rainbow patterns and a visible flame shooting upward toward the center to heat the air inside.
A colorful hot air balloon seen from below, with another similar balloon floating in the distance against a pale sky. The perspective shows the pattern and colors on the balloon's underside.
Two women in wedding attire embrace tenderly in a hot air balloon basket above a rocky, desert landscape, gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes with soft expressions, just before sharing a kiss.
Two brides embrace closely and share an intimate moment in a hot air balloon over a desert landscape, with red rock formations visible in the background.
Two women in white dresses embrace while standing in a hot air balloon, overlooking a vast desert landscape at sunset. One woman is pointing toward the horizon, and both appear to be enjoying the scenic view.
Two women in white dresses embrace and smile while standing in a hot air balloon basket, overlooking a vast, rocky desert landscape under a cloudy sky.
Two women embrace and smile while standing in a hot air balloon basket, overlooking a scenic, rocky desert landscape at sunset. The mood is joyful and intimate.
Two women in white dresses hold hands and smile at each other while standing in a hot air balloon basket above a desert landscape, with canyons and distant mesas visible in the background.
Two women in white dresses hold hands in a hot air balloon basket, overlooking a vast desert landscape with red rock formations; another hot air balloon floats in the distant sky.
Two women in white dresses hold hands in a hot air balloon, overlooking a vast desert landscape with rocky formations and a distant balloon in the sky.
Two women in white dresses hold hands and walk toward a deflating, colorful hot air balloon on a dry, open field under an overcast sky.
Two women in white dresses hold hands and smile, standing on dry grass in front of a deflated hot air balloon with a colorful rainbow pattern. The sky is overcast, and the scene is joyful and vibrant.
Two women in white dresses hold hands and smile while walking in front of a partially deflated, colorful rainbow hot air balloon on a dry, grassy landscape under a cloudy sky.
Two women in white dresses hold hands and smile at each other, walking outdoors in front of a colorful, deflated hot air balloon lying on the ground. The scene is joyful and set against a cloudy sky.
Red rock formations and mesas rise from a rugged, sunlit desert landscape under a partly cloudy sky, showcasing layered textures and dramatic shadows in a southwestern scene.
Two women in wedding dresses sit on the ground at night, tenderly touching foreheads in front of a Jeep with headlights on, with a mountainous landscape in the background.
Two women in flowing white dresses twirl hand in hand on a dusty path at night, illuminated by car headlights with mountains silhouetted in the background.
Silhouette of a rocky hill with two prominent spires under a starry night sky, with faint clouds and a subtle gradient from dark to light near the horizon.
A rugged, rocky mesa and two spires rise dramatically under a clear night sky filled with stars. The landscape is dimly lit, revealing textured layers of the desert terrain.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Moab Elopement Photographer

I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements around the world for over a decade, so if you’re looking for someone with years of experience, then you’re in the right place! I can help you navigate the logistics of planning a destination elopement and make sure it’s as stress-free as possible so you have the wedding you always wanted.

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.

Moab Elopement Packages

To check my availability, just contact me here for a free planning consultation and we can get started!

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

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
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