Name: Moab Elopement
Brand: Wedy
Rating: 5 (9 reviews)

Question 1

Do I need a permit to elope in Moab?

Accepted Answer

Yes, permits are required for ceremonies on most public land in the Moab area. At Arches National Park, a Special Use Permit costs $185 (non-refundable application fee) via NPS Form 10-930s — apply at least 30 days in advance, and 6+ months ahead for popular spring and fall weekend dates. At Dead Horse Point State Park, the permit fee is $60 base plus a $200–$300 site fee depending on group size. BLM locations like Corona Arch and Castle Valley require a free Letter of Authorization from the BLM Moab Field Office (no cost). Your Wedy planning team can guide you through the permit process for whichever location you choose.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at a Moab elopement?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits vary by location. Most Arches National Park ceremony spots cap at 25 guests (some viewpoints allow up to 50). Dead Horse Point State Park permits up to 100 guests, with five designated ceremony sites — the La Sal Site fits 25 and Shade Shelter fits 100. BLM locations like Corona Arch and Castle Valley have no hard cap but small groups (under 25) are strongly recommended given trail difficulty and Leave No Trace requirements. Note that your photographer and officiant typically count toward the guest limit at NPS permit locations.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope in Moab?

Accepted Answer

April–May and September–October are the ideal months — comfortable temperatures (55–80°F), spectacular desert light, and manageable crowds. Spring brings occasional wildflowers; fall colors the Colorado River cottonwoods gold. Avoid late June through August if possible — Moab can reach 100–110°F and mid-day ceremonies become genuinely dangerous. Winter (November–February) is uncrowded and offers dramatic snow-dusted red rock scenery, though temperatures drop below freezing at night and some remote BLM roads may require 4WD. Weekday dates (Monday–Thursday) offer dramatically more privacy at Arches even in peak season.

Question 4

What time should I schedule my Moab ceremony for the best photos?

Accepted Answer

Sunrise and late afternoon are the magic hours for Moab photography. In spring, sunrise falls around 6:30–7:00 AM with sunset at 7:30–8:00 PM — afternoon ceremonies starting at 5:00 PM are ideal. In summer, sunrise is as early as 5:45 AM and sunset extends to 8:30–9:00 PM; schedule ceremonies before 8 AM or after 6:30 PM to avoid extreme midday heat. In fall, sunrise is around 6:45–7:15 AM and sunset 6:30–7:00 PM — a 4:00–5:30 PM ceremony window captures the most saturated golden light on the red rock. Winter offers dramatic low-angle light all afternoon, with the best window from 2:00–4:00 PM. Sunrise ceremonies at Double Arch and the Dead Horse Point La Sal Site are particularly recommended for near-solitude even in peak season.

Question 5

How do I get a marriage license for a Moab elopement?

Accepted Answer

You'll get your marriage license from the Grand County Clerk/Auditor's Office at 125 E. Center St., Moab, UT 84532, open Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. The cost is $50 (non-refundable, includes one certified copy). Both parties must appear in person with current government-issued photo ID, and you'll need to provide your ceremony date and officiant's name at the time of application. There is no waiting period — the license is valid immediately and remains valid for 30 days. The officiant must return the signed license to Grand County within 30 days of your ceremony. Get your license before ceremony day to avoid rushing.

Question 6

How much does a Moab elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Moab elopement typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000+ depending on package tier, photographer, and add-ons. Budget for: permit fees ($185 for Arches NPS, $260–$360 for Dead Horse Point State Park, or free for BLM locations), travel and accommodation ($150–$400/night at lodges like Sorrel River Ranch or Under Canvas Moab), and your ceremony package. Wedy offers all-inclusive Moab elopement packages at different price tiers — check the listing for current pricing. General cost factors include photography, officiant, florals, planning coordination, and whether you need hair and makeup services.

Question 7

What's included in a Wedy Moab elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Moab elopement packages typically include professional photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, and florals. Package inclusions and tiers vary, so check the listing for current package details and pricing. Your Wedy team also handles permit coordination, location scouting, and vendor referrals for the Moab area, so you don't have to navigate the NPS and BLM permit systems alone.

Question 8

What should I wear to my Moab elopement?

Accepted Answer

Footwear is the most important decision — sturdy hiking boots or wedge sandals are essential for BLM trail locations (Corona Arch, Fisher Towers, Castle Valley). Block heels or wedges work at more accessible spots like Dead Horse Point and Arches parking-area viewpoints. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics — linen, cotton, and soft chiffon are ideal. Avoid long trains on sandy or rocky trails. Bring layers: desert temperatures drop fast after sunset even in warm months. White and light-colored dresses photograph spectacularly against Moab's red rock — the color contrast is stunning. Both partners should apply sunscreen even in cool months; the high-desert sun is intense at 4,000 feet elevation.

Question 9

What decorations or items are NOT allowed at Moab ceremony spots?

Accepted Answer

At Arches National Park, the following are prohibited: chairs, tables, arches, altars, or any structures; amplified music or sound systems; balloons, confetti, rice, birdseed, or any non-native material; drones; catering or food service; tents; and butterfly or dove releases. Dead Horse Point State Park also prohibits confetti, rice, seeds, amplified music, and large decorations — though cut flowers (not pampas grass) are allowed. BLM locations follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out everything you bring in and do not disturb rock surfaces or vegetation. Cryptobiotic soil crust (the dark biological crust on desert soil) is federally protected — guests must stay on rock or established trails at all times.

Question 10

Do I need an officiant for my Moab elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Utah requires an officiant to legally marry you. Online ordination is accepted in Utah — a friend or family member can get ordained through the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries and legally officiate your ceremony. Utah does not require state or county registration of officiants, though Grand County may ask for proof of ordination. Alternatively, the Grand County Clerk can designate any unordained person as a single-ceremony officiant. Wedy's all-inclusive packages include a licensed officiant.

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for my Utah elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Utah requires two witnesses (each 18 years or older) who are present at the ceremony and sign the marriage license. Witnesses must be someone other than the officiant or either member of the couple. Your photographer can serve as one of the two required witnesses. If you're eloping without guests, your photographer and a second person (such as a videographer or Wedy team member) can fill both witness roles.

Question 12

Where should I stay near Moab for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

Moab has excellent lodging for every budget. For a romantic splurge, consider Sorrel River Ranch or Red Cliffs Lodge — both are riverside resorts about 15–18 miles from downtown with suites perfect for getting ready. Under Canvas Moab and ULUM Moab offer upscale glamping near Arches National Park. Downtown Moab has boutique hotels and B&Bs for easy access to restaurants and the Grand County Clerk's office. Castle Valley Inn (B&B in Castle Valley) is a serene option if you're marrying at Castle Valley or Fisher Towers. Book 3–6 months in advance for spring and fall weekend dates — Moab fills up quickly.

Question 13

How do I get to Moab for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

Most couples fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and rent a car — it's a 4-hour scenic drive through Price Canyon or via I-70. A rental car is essential; rideshare services are not available in the Moab area. Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) is 25 minutes from Moab with nonstop service from Phoenix and Denver, though flight options are limited. Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Colorado is about 1 hour 45 minutes away with more airline choices. US-191 through Moab is well-maintained; some remote BLM roads require high clearance in wet weather. Cell service is very limited to nonexistent at most ceremony spots — download offline maps before leaving range.

Question 14

What if it rains or there's bad weather on my Moab elopement day?

Accepted Answer

Moab is generally dry, but July–September brings afternoon monsoon thunderstorms with real flash flood risk in canyon areas. If storms are forecast, your ceremony should be moved to a safer location — never stand in a dry wash or drainage when thunderstorms are possible. In spring and fall, afternoon storms occasionally develop but typically pass quickly. Winter cold and occasional snow rarely cancels ceremonies, though some remote BLM roads may require 4WD after snowfall. Dead Horse Point State Park's Shade Shelter site provides covered protection from light rain and is the best option if weather is uncertain. Your Wedy team can help arrange backup timing or location options when planning your ceremony.

Moab Elopement

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Moab Elopement — Classic

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Arches National Park — Turret Arch (Windows Section)

Arches National Park — Double Arch (Windows Section)

Arches National Park — La Sal Mountains Viewpoint

Arches National Park — Panorama Point

Arches National Park — Turret Arch (Windows Section)

Arches National Park — Double Arch (Windows Section)

Arches National Park — La Sal Mountains Viewpoint

Arches National Park — Panorama Point

Arches National Park — Turret Arch (Windows Section)

Curated VendorsPer Service

Photographer

Hair & Makeup

Videographer

Florist

Officiant

Caterer

Bring your own vendor

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

How It Works

Pick Your Package

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

How ItWorks

Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

Traditional Planningvs Wedy

Enhance YourExperience

Florals

Videography

Luxe Picnic

Hair & Makeup

Cake & Desserts

Catering

FAQs

5

Tracy Cohen

Samuel Hayes

Sophie Redwood

Bethany

Tracy Cohen

Bethany

Reem and Joseph

Tracy Cohen

Bethany

Reem and Joseph

Samuel Hayes

Ashley O.

Maggie

Samuel Hayes

Ashley O.

Maggie

Sophie Redwood

Hayden K.

Clarissa F

Sophie Redwood

Hayden K.

Clarissa F

Curated Vendors
Per Service

How It
Works

Traditional Planning
vs Wedy

Enhance Your
Experience