A beautiful desert elopement featuring Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

The epic desert landscapes of Utah are tough to beat. The expansive area has so many options for privacy, incredible vistas, and hike lengths for any comfort level. If you’re up for extreme adventures, you can even rent a Jeep or other off-road vehicles to really get a space all to yourself.

This Moab elopement was a perfect example of how you can keep traditional wedding elements that you like and ditch those you don’t. These two opted to bring their immediate family along to stay with them in a lodge in the mountains with them. After getting ready with the help of their loved ones, we went on a hiking adventure with just the two of them. Next was a simple ceremony officiated by their best friend with a view overlooking the canyon. They wrapped up the day with a small reception at their gorgeous vacation rental.

Vendors:

Photographer: Venturing Vows

Venue/Vacation Rental: Whispering Oaks Ranch

Florals: Farm Yard Moab

Catering: Spitfire Smokehouse

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Getting Ready Photos at Whispering Oaks Ranch

Getting ready photos are the perfect start to your elopement experience. It’s a low key way to get used to your photographer being around and telling the complete story of your elopement day. All the anticipation, excitement, and work that goes into preparing for such a special day. It’s small details like this that you’ll eventually forget and you’ll still have the photos to remember those moments.

It’s even more precious when you have guests present. You can include them in helping you get dressed, doing your hair in the mirror together, having breakfast with them, and more. They get space in your day without sacrificing time with your soon-to-be spouse.

Vows and First Look

If you’re going to invite guests along, there’s a lot of ways to ensure you still have a private experience. One way this couple did that was by opting to exchange vows privately instead of during their ceremony with loved ones. Check out this blog post for more ways to include your family while balancing privacy for your own experience!

Portraits in Canyonlands National Park

These two opted for October for their elopement to avoid the summer heat and tourists. Fall and spring gives you more comfortable temperatures while the weather is still great. You can see more about Moab’s annual climate data here to help you pick the right time of year for you!

Ceremony at Dead Horse Point State Park

Ceremonies and/or portraits in this park requires a permit! It’s very important to obtain the proper permits both for the future of elopements in the park and your experience day of. They make sure only one ceremony is going on per ceremony location and they can ask you to leave the park if you do not have proper permits for your photos. An experienced elopement photographer can help you with the permitting process so you don’t get overwhelmed! This website covers more about DHPSP permits.

Portraits at Dead Horse Point State Park

Reception at Whispering Oaks Ranch

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Does this intimate wedding look like your dream wedding? Check out these other resources!

How to Schedule a Full Day Elopement

10 Reasons to Elope

How to Tell Your Loved Ones You’re Eloping