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How to Elope at Dead Horse Point State Park

Groom standing on a rock above the bride, holding hands under the rising moon at Malboro Point, Moab.

If you’re planning a Dead Horse Point State Park elopement, I’m willing to bet your search started the same way everyone else’s does. You looked into a Moab elopement or best places to elope in Moab, scrolled through photos of Arches National Park, maybe even Canyonlands National Park, and then you stumbled across Dead Horse Point.

What I love most about a Dead Horse Point State Park elopement is how easy it can feel. You’re not spending half your wedding day hiking for miles just to find a ceremony spot. You can soak in some of the best views around Moab without turning your wedding into an endurance event.But here’s where planning usually gets overwhelming. Once you’ve picked the location, you’re asking yourself:

  • Where can you actually have your ceremony?
  • What does the permit process look like?
  • Is it going to be packed with people?
  • Are there ceremony spots that feel more private?
  • How do you build a timeline that actually makes sense?

Those questions are the ones that determine whether your Moab elopement feels relaxed or feels like you’re putting out fires all day. As a Moab elopement photographer, I’d rather you spend your wedding day soaking in the views than stressing over logistics. So I’m walking you through everything you need to know before planning your Dead Horse Point State Park elopement, without making you dig through ten different websites to find the answers.

Elopement couple sharing a quiet kiss with dramatic desert scenery at Marlboro Point in Moab, Utah.

Why I’d Choose a Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement Over Arches National Park

Everyone talks about Arches and I get why. Arches National Park is one of the first places people picture when they start planning a Moab elopement. Truthfully, if you asked where I’d send my own couples, I’d usually recommend BLM land first. You get more freedom, fewer crowds, and the flexibility to create a day that feels like your own instead of one built around park logistics.

That said, if your heart is set on getting married in a park, I’d recommend a Dead Horse Point State Park elopement long before I’d send you into the crowds at Arches. You still get those jaw-dropping canyon views, but planning tends to feel a whole lot easier. It’s an especially great fit if you’re inviting guests, bringing your dog, or simply don’t want to hike miles in wedding clothes just to say your vows.

Here’s what I mean by “easier.”:

  • The permit process is much more straightforward.
  • Less crowded overall (but not empty—we’ll talk about that)
  • Those same big, unreal canyon views without needing a long hike to get to them
  • Multiple ceremony areas that feel more flexible instead of overly restricted
  • More room to build a day that flows instead of feeling like you’re working around park rules all day

Now, I do want to set realistic expectations. Dead Horse Point State park isn’t some hidden secret. I’m not going to pretend you’ll have the park completely to yourselves. Sunrise, sunset, weekends, and peak seasons still bring plenty of visitors. Even so, there’s a big difference between seeing other people and feeling like you’re getting married in the middle of everyone else’s vacation.

Compared to Arches, Dead Horse Point usually feels calmer, less hectic, and much easier to navigate. For many of my couples, that creates a better experience than simply choosing the park with the biggest name.

Dramatic cliffside view at Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah with deep canyon shadows, textured red rock formations, and soft evening light over the Moab desert

Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement Ceremony Locations

Unlike Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point is a state park. The rules are a little more relaxed, but that doesn’t mean you can exchange vows just anywhere. The park has designated ceremony sites, and each one offers a completely different experience.

Instead of asking, “Which spot has the best view?” I’d ask a different question. Which location fits the kind of wedding day you actually want?

As a Moab elopement photographer, that’s how I help my couples narrow it down. Every ceremony site has incredible scenery. The real difference comes down to accessibility, privacy, guest count, and how you want your day to feel.

La Sal Ceremony Site

The canyon stretches out in front of you, and on a clear day, the La Sal Mountains steal the show in the distance. It feels quieter than some of the park’s more popular overlooks, which gives it that “how did we find this place?” feeling.

That said, the ground is uneven and slopes in a few areas. With any Moab elopement, I always recommend wearing shoes you can comfortably walk in instead of worrying about keeping perfectly clean heels. You’ll also want to be ready for whatever the desert decides to throw your way, whether that’s sunshine, wind, or both.

I’d recommend the La Sal Ceremony Site if you want:

  • A ceremony with up to 25 guests.
  • Incredible canyon views.
  • A quieter atmosphere.
  • An easy walk without a long hike.
An intimate elopement at Marlboro Point in Moab, Utah, as golden sunset light washes over the canyon and desert cliffs.

Cliff Side Ceremony Site

The views are dramatic! Being right along the canyon rim makes the whole experience feel a little wilder than the other ceremony locations.

Because of that, it’s also one of the spots where I ask couples to think carefully about their guest list. Uneven terrain and steep drop-offs can make it challenging for young kids, older family members, or anyone with limited mobility.

If your vision is an intimate ceremony that feels removed from the busiest parts of the park, though, this location delivers.

The Cliff Side Ceremony Site is a great fit if you’re planning:

  • An intimate Dead Horse Point State Park elopement.
  • A smaller guest list of up to 20 people.
  • A ceremony that feels adventurous and tucked away.
Black and white portrait capturing emotion on the couple’s faces as they embrace at Malboro Point.

West Bench Ceremony Site

There’s a reason this ceremony site is one of the most popular in the park. It’s easy to reach, the views are incredible, and it’s one of the best options if you’re inviting family or planning a dog-friendly Moab elopement with guests.

Because it’s so accessible, you’ll usually see more visitors walking nearby than you would at some of the other ceremony sites. Even so, it rarely feels as hectic as the busiest areas of Arches. If keeping logistics simple is high on your priority list, this is one of the easiest places to make that happen.

The West Bench Ceremony Site is perfect if you want:

  • A relaxed ceremony with up to 50 guests.
  • The easiest access for guests.
  • Incredible canyon views without a hike.
Bride and groom exchanging vows during their intimate ceremony at Malboro Point in Moab, Utah.

Point Bench Ceremony Site

If your dream wedding is all about keeping things simple, this spot deserves a look. The Point Bench Ceremony Site has that “just us” feeling. It’s quiet, easy to reach, and still gives you those sweeping canyon views that make a Dead Horse Point State Park elopement so memorable.

The biggest thing to know? It’s tiny.

This isn’t the place to squeeze in extra guests or hope no one notices. The space is designed for intimate ceremonies, and that’s exactly where it shines.

I’d recommend the Point Bench Ceremony Site if you want:

  • A ceremony with up to 5 guests.
  • A true “just us” experience.
  • An easy walk to your ceremony.
  • Incredible views without the extra logistics.
Bride and groom kissing, framed by a juniper tree during their Malboro Point elopement portraits in Moab.

Shade Shelter Ceremony Site

This ceremony site is a little different from the rest, and for the right couple, that’s a good thing. If you’re planning a larger Moab elopement or know you’ll have guests who need extra accessibility, the Shade Shelter Ceremony Site is worth considering. It’s ADA accessible, chairs are allowed, and the nearby shade is a huge bonus during warmer months.

That said, this probably wouldn’t be my first choice for a small, adventurous elopement. It feels more like a gathering space than one of the tucked-away ceremony locations overlooking the canyon.

There’s one more thing to keep in mind. This site isn’t available during the busiest months of the year, typically March through June and September through October.

The Shade Shelter Ceremony Site is a great fit if you want:

  • A comfortable option for family-focused celebrations.
  • An accessible ceremony location.
  • Seating for guests.
  • Space for up to 100 guests.

So… Which Dead Horse Point Ceremony Site Should You Choose?

Honestly? Don’t overthink this part. The “best” ceremony location isn’t the one with the biggest view or the one you saw all over Instagram. It’s the one that fits the kind of day you actually want to have. When I’m helping couples plan a Dead Horse Point State Park elopement, I usually start with two questions:

  • How many people are coming and is your dog coming with you?
  • And do you want something easy and accessible, or something a little more quiet and removed?

That’s really all it comes down to.

A larger guest list might make West Bench or Shade Shelter the better fit. A smaller Moab elopement might feel right at Cliff Side or La Sal. And if you’re planning a more intimate day with just the two of you (plus your dog), those quieter ceremony sites can create that feeling of stepping away from everything.

Every location gives you those incredible canyon views. The difference is how you want to experience them.

Couple leaning on a red Jeep during their Moab Utah elopement surrounded by red rock canyon scenery

What You Want Your Dead Horse Point Elopement Day to Feel Like

This is the part where your Dead Horse Point State Park elopement actually starts becoming yours. Your elopement does not need to be a perfectly timed production where you rush from one thing to the next just because that’s what weddings are “supposed” to look like.

That is literally the reason you chose eloping in Moab in the first place. You wanted something different, slower, and more you.

When I help couples plan their Moab elopement, I don’t start with, “What are we supposed to do?” I start with: What would make this day feel the most like you? From there, we build a day around the things you actually love. Not a copy-and-paste timeline from someone else’s wedding.

Slow & Intentional Dead Horse Point Elopement Timeline Ideas

  • Start the morning slow with coffee from Mas Cafe or donuts from Doughbird
  • Get ready together or separately — whatever feels more like you
  • Write in a journal or read love letters to each other
  • Have a picnic somewhere with a view
  • Play a guitar or just hang out and soak it all in
  • Explore parts of Dead Horse Point at your own pace without rushing or check out another park
  • Walk around Moab, grab a drink, or just take in the desert town vibe
  • Watch the sunset without feeling like you have to be anywhere else
  • Grab some food from Moab’s Food Truck Park, sip on an ice cold beer from Proper Brewery or burgers from Milts to celebrate (keep it fun and easy)
  • Sit by a fire at the end of the night
  • Stargaze and just being together after everything settles

If you want those “this actually feels like a wedding” moments:

Not every couple wants a traditional wedding, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip those little moments that make the day feel special.

  • Share a small cake or dessert together (nothing formal, just something sweet to celebrate)
  • Pop champagne or sparkling water and taking a minute to soak it all in
  • Have a private first dance out in the desert at sunset — no crowd, no pressure, just you two
  • Incorporate a handfasting ceremony if you want something symbolic and meaningful woven into your vows
  • Bring in small family ties, like wearing or carrying something meaningful, reading a letter from family, or including a small heirloom

Adventure Add-Ons for Your Moab Elopement Near Dead Horse Point

Your ceremony can be one part of the day not the whole thing. Some of the moments couples remember most happen after they leave the ceremony spot. The adventure, the quiet moments, and the random stops along the way are what make your day feel like yours.

You could:

  • Drive out along Potash Road for those desert river views and pull-off spots that feel completely different from the park
  • Stop by Potash Ponds (those bright blue pools you’ve probably seen) for something visually wild and unique. You can see these from Potash Road or from Chicken Corners. Keep in mind that the ponds are on private property but you can see them from a distance.
  • Head out on Chicken Corners Trail if you want that off-road, middle-of-nowhere kind of experience. This is an off roading trail and a 4-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle is a must.
  • Or if you’re really leaning into it—rope swings, base jumping, or sky diving is a thing out here (not for everyone, but it exists and it’s very Moab energy)

Your Dead Horse Point Elopement Is More Than Just the Ceremony

Your elopement doesn’t have to be “ceremony → photos → done.”

Here’s what couples remember most. It’s not just the views (even though they’re unreal), but how the day felt while they were in it. The in-between moments. The drive with the windows down. Sitting on the edge of the canyon not saying much. Grabbing food after and realizing “we’re married.”

You’re not fitting your day into a timeline. You’re building a day that moves with you. When you give yourself that kind of space, it stops feeling like a schedule you’re trying to keep up with and starts feeling like something you actually got to live through together.

Elopement couple sitting together on red rocks in Moab, Utah, sharing an intimate, quiet moment during their desert adventure.

The Best Time to Elope at Dead Horse Point State Park

Choosing the best time for your Dead Horse Point State Park elopement isn’t just about finding the prettiest light. Yes, the sunrise and sunsets are incredible. The best time for your day depends on so much more than a photo. You want to think about how you want the experience to feel.

  • Do you want fewer people around?
  • Do you want comfortable weather?
  • Do you have guests joining you?
  • Are you planning a dog-friendly Moab elopement?

The season you choose and the time of day you plan around can completely change your experience at Dead Horse Point. A comfortable temperature, fewer crowds, and a timeline that flows naturally can be the difference between feeling relaxed and feeling like you’re constantly adjusting.

Sunrise vs. Sunset for Your Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement

Okay, let’s talk about the big question everyone asks, “Sunrise or sunset?” The answer? It depends on what kind of experience you want. Both are beautiful. You really can’t go wrong here.

Sunrise: The “Just Us” Kind of Morning

If you want your Dead Horse Point State Park elopement to feel quiet, intentional, and like you stepped away from the rest of the world, sunrise is hard to beat.

You get:

  • Way fewer people around.
  • Softer desert light.
  • Cooler temperatures especially if you are limited to eloping in Moab in the summer months.
  • Less stress finding parking or navigating crowds.
  • More space to actually take in the moment.

This is my favorite option for couples who want their Dead Horse Point State Park elopement to feel a little more private and intentional. If the idea of having a bunch of people watching you exchange vows makes you uncomfortable, sunrise is usually the direction I lean. You get a quieter park, fewer people wandering around, and more space to actually be present with each other.

It’s also one of my favorite choices for a dog-friendly Moab elopement. If your pup gets overwhelmed by crowds, distractions, or lots of people walking by, starting your day early can make the entire experience feel calmer and easier for them too.

If you’re planning your elopement during those warmer Moab months, sunrise gives you another huge advantage: cooler temperatures. Your pup can explore with you and you can take your time soaking in the views. You don’t have to worry as much about the desert heat turning your adventure into something stressful.

Sunset: The Classic Moab Elopement Moment

Now, I totally understand why sunset is so popular. There’s something pretty magical about watching the canyon walls light up as the sun drops lower. It gives you that iconic desert feeling people imagine when they picture eloping in Moab.

The tradeoff? You won’t be the only ones there.

Sunset usually means:

  • More visitors.
  • More movement around the overlooks.
  • More people stopping for the same view.
  • A little less control over your surroundings.

That doesn’t mean sunset isn’t worth it. It absolutely is. It just means you need to decide what matters more to you.

  • Do you want the quiet, slower feeling of sunrise?
  • Or do you want that warm, glowing desert evening?

Neither is wrong. The best choice is the one that matches the kind of day you want to remember. For some couples, the extra people and activity don’t bother them at all. They love the energy, the glowing light, and the feeling of ending the day with one big desert moment. But if you’re reading this thinking, “The views are amazing.I just don’t really want an audience,” I get it.

This is usually when I start looking beyond the parks with my couples. Moab has some incredible BLM land locations where you can experience those same dramatic canyon desert views at sunset with a little more breathing room.

If having those views without all the extra people sounds more like your style, we’ll talk through those options when we plan your Moab elopement together.

Dramatic overhead shot of groom hugging bride from behind with shadows cast along the rocks at Malboro Point, Moab.

The Best Season for Your Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement

Let me give you my opinion when it comes to choosing your Dead Horse Point State Park elopement date: November wins.

Could you have an incredible day in another season? Absolutely. Moab is beautiful no matter when you visit, but each season brings a different experience.

The reason November stands out to me is because it gives you the experience I think so many couples are actually hoping for when they decide to elope in Moab.

  • Less chaos.
  • More breathing room.
  • Comfortable temperatures.
  • The ability to actually slow down and enjoy where you are.

Spring and early fall are also great options, especially April through May and late September through October.

Summer can still work, but planning becomes much more intentional. The heat can be intense, especially if your plans include hiking, spending hours outside, or bringing your dog for a dog-friendly Moab elopement.

Winter is another season I don’t want you to overlook. The quieter atmosphere can be amazing if privacy is your biggest priority.

Still, if you asked where I would send my couples for that perfect balance of comfort and fewer crowds? I’m sending you to Moab in November.

Wide canyon overlook at Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, Utah with layered red rock cliffs and the Colorado River winding through the desert landscape

How to Get Your Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement Permit

One of the things I love about a Dead Horse Point State Park elopement is that the permit process feels much more straightforward than many couples expect. You still need permission to hold a ceremony here, but it isn’t a complicated process where you’re trying to piece together a million different requirements. To have a ceremony at Dead Horse Point State Park, you’ll need a Special Use Permit through Utah State Parks.

This is where I want to be clear: The cost is not just one flat fee.

There are a few different pieces that come together depending on what you’re planning for your day.

Here’s how it breaks down:

  • $60 permit fee → this is your base application
  • Site fee ($100–$150) → depends on which ceremony location you choose
  • Rehearsal fee: $100 (if you want one)
  • Picnic shelter fee: $50 (if you plan to use one)

So overall, most couples land somewhere in that $160–$210 range for the actual ceremony, depending on the site.

What the Permit Process Looks Like

The good news? This part doesn’t need to feel overwhelming.

  • Apply through Utah State Parks
  • Choose your ceremony site + date
  • Pay the permit + site fee
  • Wait for approval

That’s it. Compared to some national parks, you aren’t dealing with the same level of complexity or trying to navigate extremely limited ceremony locations.

A Few Rules to Know Before Your Dead Horse Point Elopement

The rules are pretty simple, but knowing them ahead of time helps your day go smoothly.

Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind:

  • No arches, structures, or big setups- you don’t need these anyway
  • Leave No Trace always
  • Stay on designated areas
  • No blocking viewpoints or trails
  • Most sites have limited or no wheelchair accessibility due to natural terrain
  • The park is always open to the public—your ceremony doesn’t close it off or make it private
  • Live or cut flowers are allowed, but pampas grass and similar plants are strongly discouraged because they can become invasive
  • No amplified music, artificial lighting, or open flames are permitted

None of these rules are meant to take away from your experience. They’re there to help protect the landscape that makes eloping in Moab so special in the first place. My opinion? Your Dead Horse Point State Park elopement doesn’t need a bunch of decorations or a complicated setup. You’re already standing somewhere incredible. The goal is to enjoy the moment, respect the space, and create a day that feels like yours.

ouple sitting together on a Jeep in Moab, Utah, enjoying a relaxed moment during their intimate desert elopement.

Dead Horse Point State Park Entry Fees, Parking & Logistics Explained

I know. Entry fees and parking aren’t the most exciting parts of planning your Dead Horse Point State Park elopement. But these are the little details that can make your day feel effortless instead of stressful.

The last thing you want is to arrive ready to get married and suddenly be worrying about payment, parking spots, or where everyone needs to go. A little planning ahead makes a huge difference.

Dead Horse Point State Park Entry Fees

Here’s what you can expect:

  • $20 per vehicle (covers up to 8 people per vehicle)
  • $5 per person if guests arrive by shuttle or bus

My advice? Handle this ahead of time if you can. Taking care of the small logistics before your Moab elopement means you get to show up and focus on the actual reason you’re there instead of troubleshooting little things.

Parking at Dead Horse Point State Park

All vehicles need to be parked in designated parking areas. You won’t be able to just pull off wherever or create your own setup.

If you’re bringing guests, this is one of those details that’s worth thinking through ahead of time so no one is stressed or wandering around trying to figure out where to go.

I’d also recommend carpooling where you can. It keeps things simpler, cuts down on the number of cars at your ceremony site, and makes the whole experience feel a lot more smooth getting everyone in and settled.

Don’t overlook entry, parking, and timing. Having those pieces dialed in ahead of time is what keeps your day from turning into a series of little problems to solve.

When that’s handled, everything just flows. And that’s the goal. You should be focused on getting married, not navigating crowds, figuring out parking, or trying to get everyone through the gate.

Bathrooms & Guest Comfort

The little logistics are what keep your day from feeling stressful. Bathrooms are available near the main visitor areas, but once you start moving farther out toward some of the ceremony locations, options become much more limited.

If you’re bringing guests, this is something I would think about when choosing your ceremony site. Some locations are a better fit if having easier bathroom access is important for your group. If you’re bringing family, older guests, kids, or anyone who may need a little more convenience, choosing a site closer to these areas can make the entire experience feel smoother.

If your dream ceremony location is farther out, that’s totally okay. Just make sure everyone knows what to expect ahead of time. A quick bathroom stop before heading to your ceremony spot can save everyone from having to think about it later.

These details might not be the things you’re dreaming about when you picture your Dead Horse Point State Park elopement, but they’re what help everyone relax and enjoy the day. The goal is simple: less managing logistics, more soaking in the moment you came here for.

Close-up of a dog being pet by their owners after their Moab elopement ceremony showing a quiet, emotional moment together

Other Things to Know Before Your Dead Horse Point Elopement

Choosing a Dead Horse Point State Park elopement means choosing an experience that feels completely different from a traditional wedding day. You’re stepping into the desert, standing along canyon edges, and spending your day somewhere that feels a little wild and untamed.

That’s a huge part of why couples love eloping in Moab. It’s also why a little preparation goes a long way. These aren’t things meant to scare you away from a desert adventure. They’re simply the details I want you to know ahead of time so you can spend your day soaking it all in instead of wishing you packed one more thing.

Wind is real here

One thing you’ll quickly learn at Dead Horse Point? The wind has a mind of its own. Being up along the canyon rim means some days are perfectly calm, while others bring those strong desert gusts that show up right when you’re trying to say your vows.

Instead of fighting it, we plan for it. That might look like:

  • Choosing a hairstyle that moves naturally instead of trying to stay perfectly still
  • Wearing a dress that flows beautifully instead of needing constant adjustments
  • Embracing the fact that your day might feel a little wild (in the best possible way)

A good glam team makes a big difference too. For this kind of environment, I always recommend Wild Bride Backcountry Hair + Makeup. They understand that a desert elopement isn’t happening in a controlled setting. Wind, dust, hiking, and adventure are all part of the day. They create bridal looks that can withstand any adventure (even skydiving!)

Sun, Shade & Desert Exposure

The desert does really well is trick you. A cool breeze and comfortable temperatures can make you forget how strong the sun actually is. Most ceremony locations have very little natural shade, which means you’ll want to plan for exposure even on days that don’t feel overly hot.

A few things I consider non-negotiable:

  • Sunglasses you actually enjoy wearing
  • Sunscreen you can reapply
  • Lip balm with SPF

Those little things can be the difference between enjoying your adventure and spending the afternoon trying to push through discomfort.

What I Recommend Bringing for Your Moab Elopement

Packing for a desert adventure doesn’t mean bringing everything you own. It means bringing the few things that make the day easier.

Hydration

More water is always better. Reusable bottles, hydration packs, or a CamelBak are great options. Electrolytes are also a smart addition if you’ll be hiking or spending several hours outside.

Layers

Moab temperatures can shift quickly. Early mornings may feel cold, while afternoons warm up fast. Having layers you can add or remove keeps you comfortable throughout the day.

Sun protection

Sunscreen matters even when the sky is cloudy. The dry desert wind can also sneak up on you, so SPF lip balm is something I always recommend.

A few extras that make the day easier:

  • Snacks that travel well (nuts, granola bars, fruit)
  • A small blanket or towel for sitting, picnics, or cake cutting
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes (because bathrooms aren’t always nearby)
  • A pen for signing your marriage license

You don’t need to pack your entire life into a backpack. You just need enough to make the day comfortable. A little preparation goes a long way. It means you aren’t worrying about dry lips, being thirsty, or wishing you brought one more layer when you should be soaking in the fact that you’re standing in one of the most incredible places on earth getting married.

Couple loving on their dog during portraits after their Malboro Point elopement ceremony in Moab.

Dog-Friendly Elopements at Dead Horse Point State Park

Let’s talk about the thing I know a lot of dog parents are wondering: “Can my dog actually come with us?” For a dog-friendly Moab elopement, this is one of the first things you should think about. Bringing your dog along sounds simple, but the desert is a different environment than your everyday walks around the neighborhood.

The good news? Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the easier options if you want your dog included. You just need to plan for the reality of being outside in the desert.

Dogs are:

  • Allowed in the park and around overlooks and paved areas
  • Required to stay on leash
  • Not allowed to be left unattended anywhere in the park or vehicles
  • Not allowed inside Wingate Yurts

The vehicle rule is especially important. A quick “we’ll only be gone for a few minutes” can turn dangerous quickly in the desert heat. Your dog needs to either be with you or have someone dedicated to watching them, like a dog wedding attendant.

Planning Your Dead Horse Point Elopement With Your Dog

The biggest mistake I see couples make is treating their dog like an add-on. Your dog affects your timeline, location choices, and your pace for the day. That’s a good thing. They make you slow down.

The best dog-friendly Dead Horse Point State Park elopements aren’t the ones where your dog is forced into every single moment. They’re the ones where you think through:

  • Whether someone should help if they get tired
  • How much hiking your dog wants to do
  • When they’ll need water breaks
  • When they’ll need a quiet moment

Your dog doesn’t need to hike every trail or be in every photo. They just need a day where they’re comfortable, safe, and included.

If you’re still figuring out how to make that happen, I put together a full guide on how to plan a dog-friendly Moab elopement where I go deeper into timelines, locations, packing lists, and all the little things that make bringing your dog easier. A little planning ahead means you don’t spend your day worrying. You get to explore, celebrate, and have your best adventure buddy right there with you.

Elopement couple celebrating with a champagne pop at Marlboro Point in Moab, while their dog steals the moment with the best reaction during their desert wedding adventure.

Still Planning Your Moab Elopement? Start Here

Planning an elopement can feel like a lot of little decisions stacked on top of each other.

  • Where should you go?
  • When should you plan it?
  • What does the day actually look like?
  • How do you make sure it feels like your wedding instead of just another checklist?

That’s exactly why I created these guides. Each one helps you figure out a different piece of your Moab elopement planning process:

Eloping in Moab Made Simple
A starting point for figuring out locations, logistics, permits, and what to expect when you’re planning your adventure.

Best Times to Elope in Moab
Not sure when to visit? This breaks down seasons, weather, crowds, and what I personally recommend.

How to Plan a Moab Elopement Your Pup Can Enjoy Too
Bringing your dog along? This walks through timelines, what to pack, and how to make your dog-friendly Moab elopement actually enjoyable for everyone.

Vendor Feature: Wild Bride Backcountry | Elopement Hair & Makeup for the Adventurous Bride
Desert conditions are different and having vendors who understand adventure elopements matters.

Skip the Hotels: Where I’d Stay for Your Moab Elopement
Finding a place to stay is part of the experience. These are the areas I’d look at when planning your trip. Yes these recommendations are all dog friendly!

Stop Using a Normal Timeline for Your Dog-Friendly Moab Elopement
The second you add your dog to your Moab elopement, your timeline needs to change. This guide walks through how to create an intentional day that actually works for you, your pup, and the adventure you’re planning.

Take your time, explore what feels helpful, and start building the kind of Moab elopement that feels like you.

Groom standing on a rock above the bride, holding hands under the rising moon at Malboro Point, Moab.

Book Your Moab Elopement Photographer

Dead Horse Point State Park is proof that your elopement doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible. You don’t need a packed schedule or to spend the day checking off a list. What you do need is space to slow down and actually experience the beginning of this next chapter together.

That’s what I love about a Dead Horse Point State Park elopement. It gives you the freedom to create a day that feels less like a production and more like an adventure you’ll always remember. If you’re wondering where to go from here, that’s where I come in!

You don’t have to show up with everything planned out. Bring me the ideas, the questions, and even the “we have no idea what we’re doing” thoughts. We’ll figure it out together. From locations and timelines to all the little details that make the day feel like yours, I’ll help you create a Moab elopement that feels intentional, relaxed, and actually enjoyable.

Ready to do this? I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.

Utah Elopements

April 18, 2026

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