The Bride's Guide: Where to Elope in Moab, Utah
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Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or bougie badass, Moab has the perfect landscape, accommodations, and vendors to make even your most epic matrimony dreams a reality
Image Source: Utah Travel Elopements
Location, Location, Location- Moab has them all
When most people hear "Moab" the first things that usually come to mind are outdoor recreation, dirt roads, camping, and desert tourism. While these are some of the most iconic aspects of Moab, this gorgeous desert oasis has so much more to offer. Not into hiking and camping but still dying for those timeless, flowing, landscape photographs- Moab is DEFINITELY still for you. This post will go over some of the best locations and approaches to eloping in the picturesque desert sands. Here's our top picks:
To keep it short and sweet, we'll end with some key points about the desert tundra of Moab and some obstacles to keep in mind when planning to elope in this world-renounced outdoor playground.
Arches National Park Key Points
Image Source: National Park Service Governement Website
There's a reason Delicate Arch has graced Utah auto license plates for decades. One of the most stunning national parks, Arches is home to a variety of desert plants, animals, and of course, some of the most breathtaking arches and rock formations on earth. That being said, it should come as no surprise that the park can be quite busy. But not to worry- with proper planning your elopement will be stunning and intimate!
One critical component to keep in mind is PERMITS. As with any national park, a special use permit is required to wed within the grounds. Permits tend to be affordable (MUCH more so than an event venue or private outdoor grounds) and acquiring one isn't the most difficult- at Utah Travel Elopements we take care of all of the permitting and logistical requirements to ensure that you and any guests you invite to be a part of your ceremony aren't met with any disappointments or unpleasant surprises. We make sure you have the right permit for your group size, time of day, and season of year.
Canyonlands National Park
Image from: National Park Service
Much like Arches National Park in the sense of needing special use permits, extreme weather changes and concerns, Canyonlands National Park is home to stunning red rock landscapes. Filled with all levels of hiking, paved trails, dog friendly campgrounds, and scenic drives- there's something for everyone in this beautiful and historic playground.
Enjoy scenic stops and iconic locations with ease, or hike miles to your own private nook to enjoy a perfect ceremony. Covering countless miles and nearly as many trails, this national park has something for everyone. Similar in seasons to Arches, with proper planning you can enjoy this gorgeous spot nearly any time of the year that suits your tastes!
La Sal Mountains
Image Source: Utah Travel Elopements
Located within 25 miles of Moab, the La Sal Mountains are part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest and offer endless views and activities while still being in relative proximity to hotels, dining, etc.
Enjoy a scenic drive as you loop through about 60 miles of forest, red rocks, and limitless landscapes. If you have an extra long vehicle or RV the hairpin turns along this road may prove impassable.
Camping, hiking, and photography opportunities are in abundance in the La Sal Mountains. For the Outdoorsman couple- the La Sal's are home to a number of streams, ponds, and small fishing lakes that provide beautiful views and boast-worthy catches.
If you're looking to spend multiple days in the mountain, Utah Travel Elopements can assist in campsite reservations and planning to make sure we get all the shots and all the moments for your matrimony. New to camping but want to make sure you have a good time? We can help you book the right site and make sure you have all your essentials and then some. Trust us, we love camping without suffering and do it all the time!
BLM Land
Image Source: Utah Travel Elopements
BLM Land, or land owned by the federal entity the Bureau of Land Management, offers seemingly limitless potential for unique, one of a kind elopements. While recreating and camping on this federally owned land is perfectly fine and highly encouraged, events and special occasions, such as elopements and weddings, need SRPs- Special Use Permits. These must be applied for 180 days in advance and usually take 30 or less days to be approved/responded to. There are a number of offices throughout the state that can help facilitate/grant use permits. While the process is fairly inexpensive and easy, it can be a little tricky to navigate the timeline and planning. At Utah Travel Elopements, we are accustomed to handling permits and dealing with the managerial oversight required to secure your dream location.
Permits aside, there are a few more things to keep in mind when planning an elopement on BLM land. If you are planning to do your event solo, remember that you will still need a licensed officiant and witnesses (we can help you out here too!). Keep in mind that access to power, water, restrooms etc. are not available. Proper planning can ensure that these small "hurdles" are nothing more than a passing thought on your special day.
Private Properties & Venues
Image Source: Utah Travel Elopements
The rise in small-term rental units has paved the way for Airbnb, VRBO, and other similar service providers to connect users with magical and scenic vacation accommodations. These services offer otherwise unreachable destinations and designs to travelers, and in many cases, to those looking to tie the knot. It is CRITICAL to make your intentions clear at the start of looking into a short-term rental as an elopement or wedding venue. While many Airbnb/VRBO hosts are more than happy for you to host your once in a lifetime experience on their property, some are, understandably, not open to such a proposal. Hosts are typically very responsive and courteous and don't mind you asking. If you ask and someone says no, do NOT pressure the host or continue to pursue the option- there are plenty of other private and public venue options. If you are nervous about reaching out to a host or don't know the right questions to ask, let Utah Travel Elopements help you out.
Luxury Hotels
Image Source: Red Cliffs Lodge
If wining and dining without having to leave your hotel sounds more like your cup of tea- Moab has some of the most beautiful options to host your wedding or elopement. While most hotel venues come at a much higher price-point (think 5K plus without food), some of the views, privacy, and attention to detail cannot easily be matched. Let us help coordinate your perfect venue so that you are only paying for what you need!
Desert...Tundra? Let's Debunk Desert Stereotypes Real Quick!
Image Source: Utah Travel Elopements
For those unfamiliar with the desert, and more importantly the desert tundra, you may believe that Moab and Arches will be hot year round- NOT SO! Don't let the desert get the best of you. While certain times of the year and hours of the day can be dangerously hot, other times often bring snow, monsoons, and extreme weather changes. Emma, our main coordinator and CEO grew up in the 90s version of Moab and can guide you through determining the best time of year and locations to fit your dreams.
Desert Tundra is a very unique and beautiful biome- one of the most fluctuating and extreme, making it both deadly and stunning. Moab Adventure Center summarizes the geography of the region as follows:
"Moab is located just upstream from the confluence of two of the largest rivers in the American West: The Green River and the Colorado River. This is considered part of the Colorado Plateau, a desert region centered within the "Four Corners" of the Southwestern United States consisting of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico."
-Moab Adventure Center Website
Considering this unique geographic position, it should come as no surprise that Moab is home to some of the most beautiful and seasonally diverse landscapes in the Western United States. Being positioned on the edge of North America's largest plateau and one of the 5 largest in world makes Moab, Utah a very special and diverse spot. Flowing rivers and high bluffs surround the area giving way to many beautiful elopement locations should you know where to look. Luckily, at Utah Travel Adventures, we do and would love to guide your desert journey to success.
If the thought of snow-kissed red rock and brisk mornings watching your breath swirl through the air sounds like a dream come true- there's a season in Moab for that! But likewise- if you have a "typical" desert vision with warmth and dry heat- there is an entirely different approach to enjoying Moab to capitalize on all of these moments without getting too toasty. A fan of spring and fall? Moab has some peak times to hit for flower blossoms, camping comfortably under the beauty of the galaxy, and watching the cycle of life through nature.
Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help be a part of your elopement or wedding in beautiful Moab, Utah. Whether you are needing an entire elopement package complete with photography, planning, a wedding photographer, coordinator, or graphic design work- we have your back.
Image Source: Utah Travel Elopements