Moab, Utah elopement + wedding photography

Ready to get married in Moab, Utah? The epic landscape of Moab is located in the southeastern corner of Utah and has so much to offer. For couples looking for a scenic, adventurous, and untraditional place to elope or host a small wedding, Moab might be the perfect spot for you! There are some gorgeous wedding venues and ceremony locations in Moab.

Keep reading for tips on what to do in Moab, where to eat, what National Parks to visit, and where to stay on your trip - you might even find the spot you want to get married!

I help couples remember their adventurous, nontraditional wedding days through candid, warm, romantic photos — all while laughing their asses off + having FUN.

If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re interested in getting married in a super fun way, at an awesome location. YAY - sounds like you’re my kind of people! I’m so glad you’ve found me.

If you’re looking to spend your wedding day with a photographer who thrives on creating genuine smiles + capturing REAL moments — let’s freakin’ do this thing!

Hit the contact button below for info on pricing + availability!

Once you’ve filled out my inquiry form, I’ll respond in 24 hours or less with more information.

what’s so special about moab?

Visitors flock from all over the U.S. (and beyond!) to enjoy the beauty of Moab. In 2020, TripAdvisor named Moab as the #2 selection for Top Trending Destinations in the U.S., second only to Key Largo, Florida. It’s no surprise why - it’s an adventurer’s paradise! Moab is home to two of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks: Arches and Canyonlands.

activities and fun things to do while you’re visiting moab:

If you’re a person who enjoys being outside, there’s no doubt something for you to do while visiting. Moab and the surrounding areas of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park have tons of outdoor adventures available, including (but not limited to!):

Hiking, Studying Dinosaur Tracksites, 4-Wheel Drive Trails, Motorcycle Trails, Scenic Car Rides, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Mountain Biking, Camping, UTV/ATV Trails, horseback riding, and the dark skies are worth staying up for. In 2019, Arches National Park became designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) - in good company with other stunning places like Joshua Tree.

National + State parks in moab, utah

Moab is probably best known for their globally-recognized National Parks, which offer some of the most breathtaking views in the U.S.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located only 5 miles from Moab, is a geological wonderland! Best known for containing the world’s largest concentration of natural arches (there are over 2,300 in total!) the park also has tons of other sights, like Spring wildflowers, vertical balancing rock landforms, and in the winter you’ll have the distinct opportunity to even see the arches covered in snow. Peak tourism season is between March and October. Quite the opposite of massive arches, this park also contains a unique, incredibly small attraction too: Cryptobiotic Soil. It’s important to stay off this crust and to keep to the trails - this crust is super sensitive and is the foundation for desert plant life! Lauren + Brent joined me in Arches National Park for a shoot with Talia Eliana Events - we had an incredible time enjoying so much of what Arches has to offer!

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park, encompassing over 337,000 acres of land brimming with diversity. The Green River and the Colorado River act as a natural division between four regions of the park: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Rivers. Based just about 40 minutes (32 miles) southwest of Moab, Canyonlands is full of panoramic views, ancient rock art (like this spot at Horseshoe Canyon), and unforgettable hikes. Cryptobiotic Soil is here as well - stay on hiking trails or hike in sandy washes/bare rock where trails are not established. A few must-see sights: Hike to Mesa Arch (just half a mile round-trip!) and drive to Grand View Point’s scenic overlook. Canyonlands National Park is a renowned spot for off-roading (even more than Arches!) Bring your own Jeep or off-road vehicle or rent one from Canyonlands Jeep Adventures. This locally-owned rental company has been serving the Moab area in partnership with Moab Adventure Center since the early 2000’s! Of course if you’d rather be in the passenger seat instead of the driver’s seat, you can hop on a guided 4x4 tour of varying intensities + areas with Canyonlands by Night and Day.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park - located just outside Canyonland’s National Park entrance, Dead Horse Point is known for its expansive mountain biking trails, pet-friendly paved trails, and night skies seen from the towering plateaus, 2,000 feet above the Colorado River (recognized by the IDA in 2016). The Intrepid Trail System, completed in 2014, brings 16.6 miles of mountain biking tracks to the park that range in difficulty, scenery, and terrain. Pet owners will find that this state park is more dog-friendly than the nearby National Parks. Although there are areas where pets are still restricted (the mountain biking trails + yurts specifically) Dead Horse Point is happy to have leashed furry friends join their owners on all hiking trails inside the park. If you are traveling with your pet, keep in mind that pets can’t be left inside vehicles, must be leashed in the park, and must be cleaned up after (for their safety, their humans’ safety, and the safety of surrounding wildlife). It gets very hot in southeastern Utah, so bring plenty of water for you + any friends, family, or creatures you’re traveling with!

The Colorado River

Water sports enthusiasts rejoice! Moab offers a wide range of whitewater trips varying in difficulty and length. For a milder outing, opt for rafting on the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado (you can camp here too!) or take up paddle boarding for the afternoon. For those more experienced seeking a thrill, there are whitewater trips in Cataract or Westwater Canyons. See outfitters in Moab here for equipment rentals and guides!

As if these attractions weren’t enough, Moab has also been the backdrop to some of the United States’ most well-known movies. The Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission has been working in partnership with film, commercial, and TV companies for almost 70 years. You may recognize Moab in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Lone Ranger, Thelma and Louise, and the American cowboy epitomized: John Wayne’s Rio Grande.

Note: While you’re visiting, Moab’s Sustainable Tourism Board urges you to “Do it Like A Local.” In short, respect the beautiful + fragile environment by following the 7 principles of Leave No Trace and leave the areas you visit better than how you found them.

where to stay in Moab:

Ideas for hotels and LODGING for Getting Ready, elopement Ceremony, or wedding Reception in moab, utah

I was surprised when I first searched for Airbnbs in Moab, Utah. Turns out - they’re few and far between! There are a few things to consider when deciding between a hotel and Airbnb.

How many folks are you traveling with? Depening on the size of your group, you may feel more comfortable in an Airbnb - especially one with access to a kitchen to plan and cook out meals for while you’re spending days inside National Parks!

How many days will you be spending in Moab? If you’re only visiting for a day or two, I recommend staying inside Moab, where you’ll have easier access and shorter commute times to Arches and Canyonlands, as well as walking to restaurants + shops. There are some vacation rentals closer to Moab, but often these are located south of town in suburbs of Southeastern Utah meaning you’ll experience longer commute times and less convenience + walkability during your stay to grocery stores, restaurants, etc.

For hotels in Moab you’ll find a range of accommodations, ranging from The Charming Moab Springs Ranch Resort to the modern Hyatt Hotel near Arches, to the delightfully un-fancy but highly convenient River Canyon Lodge.

For more lodging options in Moab see DiscoverMoab’s listings here:

Campgrounds
Bed & Breakfasts

the best time to visit Moab

Moab sees a huge surge in visitors from March - October, with top counts typically taking place in the weeks surrounding Easter (partially due to the phenomenon known as Easter Jeep Safari!), Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Utah School Fall Break in October. Annual totals average 1.5 million visitors in Arches, and about half that in the nearby Canyonlands Park.

Both parks are open year round, but temperatures are most comfortable in Spring and Fall. As part of the Colorado Plateau, temperatures can fluctuate over 40 degrees in a single day! Summers can be super hot,often reaching over 100. Sunscreen, shade, and light clothes are key June-August! On the opposite end of the spectrum, Winter may shock some visitors with cold temps: lows average from 0-20 degrees but typical daytime temperatures are closer to 30-50 degrees.

Winter is actually a great time to visit, because of the cooler days and fewer crowds. Plus, in winter you may experience Moab in a way few people do: snow may cover portions of the park!

To reduce the amount of eager bystanders at your intimate park wedding ceremony, consider having it around early morning/sunrise, or plan it for sunset when many people have already left. (This advice is good year-round, but even more important during peak tourism season!)

where to eat + drink in Moab, Utah:

Moab’s downtown strip is a “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” kind of area - but that only adds to the charm! Most visitors to Moab aren’t seeking fine dining; odds are if you’re headed to this beautiful corner of Southeastern Utah you’re looking for epic vistas, legendary hikes at the National Parks, and unforgettable stargazing. Nevertheless there are some delicious options in Moab for dinner + drinks after a day in Canyonlands or Arches. Thai food may not be the first thing you think of, but Arches Thai was amazing! They had great Pad Thai and Satay. The smells wafting over from Antica Forma have definitely earned this Italian restaurant a spot on my list for my next Moab trip - as with Josie Wyatt’s (a steakhouse with a great patio and cocktails!)

If you’re ready to spend many hours out exploring the National Parks, I recommend heading over to the local grocery store on Main Street, City Market, for all the essentials you’ll need to fill your cooler and backpacks!

Moab wedding venues

Here are some of my favorite moab wedding Venues

Of course the National and State Parks are epic locations for small, private, intimate wedding ceremonies or day-after shoots, but if you’re looking for a wedding package that’s better suited to a group, you may want to check out these venues instead. While absolutely gorgeous, the National and State Parks are visited by millions of visitors each year. A permit is necessary in either location in order to take photos, but that doesn’t guarantee you privacy - you’ll likely lack some of the privacy you may envision on your wedding day, so it’s important to consider other options too.

Under Canvas Moab - Convenient to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and downtown Moab, this wedding venue is the dreamiest Moab wedding glamping campground experience. Under Canvas, founded in 2014, is situated on 40 acres in southeastern Utah with epic views of the La Sal Mountains. Under Canvas Moab has wedding packages (for up to 115 guests) and elopement packages (for groups with less than 30 guests). Some of the perks about this venue (beyond the once-in-a-lifetime glaming experience) is that they’re pet-friendly, kid-friendly, and host eco/green events. They also have onsite restrooms, a changing suite, and parking - and they allow couples to bring in their own vendors rather than choosing from a list of required vendors.

Having a wedding ceremony here would be so peaceful and intimate - and you’d still be able to sneak over to Arches, Canyonlands, or Dead Horse Point for a first look or portraits. The best of both worlds! Under Canvas is closed November-March.

Even if you’re not having a wedding, Under Canvas may have an adventure up your alley! Check out their luxury safari-style adventure packages in Moab, Zion, Lake Powell - Grand Staircase, Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Acadia, Yellowstone, and Glacier.

nightlife IN moab:

As far as nightlife in Moab goes, it’s pretty wild. Literally!

You’re much more likely to spend the night enjoying outdoor dining or stargazing than crowded clubs. Canyonlands by Night and Day hosts an evening of storytelling on the Colorado River. Eat an authentic cowboy-style Dutch Oven dinner + float six miles by jet boat, ending with a light show illuminates the canyon walls with stories of the history of Moab. As International Dark Sky locations, Arches + Canyonlands both have immense stargazing opportunities - you can go it alone or reserve a tour with Moab Astronomy Tours.

You’ll also be able to find live music at local bars like The Blu Pig, or spend the evening at one of the locals’ favorites: Moab Brewery!

click the images below see more of my work as a destination wedding + elopement photographer here:

So you’re running off to elope? i did the same thing!

See more here

photos by Vic Bonvinci

Before shifting my business’ focus away from larger, traditional weddings and instead towards intimate weddings and elopements - and then expanding as a photography educator -  my husband and I eloped! In January 2018, my husband and I eloped in Joshua Tree National Park. The unconventional process of eloping was incredibly insightful (and at times, difficult) but the intimate experience of promising our lives to each other - unheard by a single other person on earth - was one of the most profound, defining moments of my life. Now I love getting to help other couples in navigating the process with way less stress!