If you ask me when I’d choose to have a fall Moab elopement, I’m not picking September or October. I’m picking November.

Everyone talks about September and October when they talk about eloping in Moab. And sure, they’re beautiful. I’m not going to pretend they aren’t. But I think November gets overlooked.

The temperatures are cooler. The crowds aren’t quite as intense. You can spend more of your day outside without sweating through your clothes. And you don’t have to feel like you’re racing from one spot to the next before the heat, crowds, or both ruin the vibe.

That’s a pretty big deal when you’re planning a Moab elopement. If you’re planning a dog-friendly Moab elopement? Even better. Your dog can actually enjoy being outside with you instead of spending the day trying to find shade and wondering why you brought them to the desert.

As a Moab elopement photographer, November is the month I’d choose for my own elopement. It’s quieter, cooler, and just feels easier. Not because November magically makes everything perfect.

I believe it gives you more of what I think an elopement should actually be about: space, adventure, and time to enjoy the day you planned.

• Why I Prefer Late Fall Over Early Fall in Moab
• What Is Moab Like in November?
• Is Late Fall Good for a Dog-Friendly Moab Elopement?
• What Does a November Moab Elopement Actually Look Like?
• What to Do During a Late Fall Moab Elopement
• What Should You Wear for a Late Fall Moab Elopement?
• The Realities of a Late Fall Moab Elopement
• Planning Your Late Fall Moab Elopement
• Book Your Moab Elopement

Why I Prefer Late Fall Over Early Fall in Moab

For me, the biggest difference between early and late fall comes down to the temperatures.

September and October can still feel pretty warm in Moab. You aren’t dealing with the peak summer heat, but warmer afternoons can still affect how much you want to do outside.

That matters for your fall Moab elopement beyond just the ceremony. If you want to hike, explore, take a scenic drive, or spend most of the day outside, November temperatures make those plans much more comfortable. You can actually enjoy the adventure instead of constantly thinking about how hot you are.

In my opinion, late fall hits a really nice sweet spot for a Moab elopement. The temperatures make it easier to spend the entire day outside and actually enjoy everything you planned. That’s the part I care about most.

Your elopement shouldn’t just look good in photos. You should actually want to be out there experiencing it!

What Is Moab Like in November?

November in Moab isn’t quite fall and isn’t quite winter. That’s exactly why I like it.

You get cooler days without jumping straight into the colder conditions that come later in winter. You also get a quieter side of Moab without everything feeling completely shut down.

If you’re planning a November Moab elopement, here’s what I’d actually expect.

Moab Weather in November

November weather in Moab can vary quite a bit depending on when you visit.

• Early November: Mornings can start in the 40s, with afternoons reaching the mid-60s to low 70s.
• Late November: Mornings can dip into the 30s, while afternoons tend to land in the mid-50s to low 60s.

So yes, you can get a pretty big temperature swing throughout the day. That’s something to keep in mind when planning your fall Moab elopement. You aren’t going to dress for one temperature and call it good.

If you’re starting before sunrise, you’ll probably want a few layers. Bring a jacket you can take off once the sun comes up. You might be very happy to have it in the morning and completely forget about it by the afternoon.

I love these temperatures for an adventure-heavy Moab elopement.

Hiking is more comfortable. Exploring doesn’t feel like a battle against the heat. You can spend more of your day outside without constantly thinking about how hot you’re getting.

You still need to pay attention to the forecast, though. November weather isn’t guaranteed to be perfect. Moab can see cold snaps, snow, and icy conditions, and those can affect trails and roads.

That’s part of planning a November fall Moab elopement. You want a plan, but you also want enough flexibility to change it if the weather decides to do its own thing.

What Moab Crowds Actually Look Like in November

Let’s clear up one thing first. November does not mean you get Moab completely to yourself.

People still visit. Popular trails and viewpoints can still have other people around. That’s especially true on weekends and around holidays.

November falls outside the main busy season for Arches National Park, which runs from March through October. You’ll also find many areas outside Canyonlands National Park and the national parks feel a little quieter this time of year.

That’s a big reason I prefer it.

During the busier months, you spend more time thinking about when to arrive, where you’re going to park, and how many people you’ll run into at popular locations. Arches even warns about congestion and full parking areas during its busiest periods.

November doesn’t magically make those things disappear. It just gives you a little more breathing room. When you’re eloping in Moab, I’d much rather build your day around what you actually want to do than spend your entire timeline figuring out how to work around everyone else.

You may still see other people. You just don’t have to let them dictate your day.

Is Late Fall Good for a Dog-Friendly Moab Elopement?

If you’re hoping to bring your dog along for your entire Moab elopement, November is one of my favorite times to do it.

Narrowing that down even further, I think early November might be one of the best options.

I hike with my two dogs all the time, and honestly, this is the kind of weather I’d love to have for them year-round. It’s cool enough that I’m not constantly thinking about whether the ground is getting too hot for their paws, but it’s not so cold that we’re all bundled up and miserable either.

That makes a huge difference when you want your dog with you for more than just a few photos.

Your Dog Doesn’t Have to Be a Morning-Only Adventure Buddy

This is probably my favorite part of a November dog-friendly Moab elopement.

During the hotter months, you have to be much more strategic about when your dog joins you. Early mornings and evenings can make the most sense, while the middle of the day can get uncomfortable quickly.

November gives you a lot more freedom for your dog to hike with you, come along for an off-roading adventure, tag along for a scenic drive, or just hang out with you while you explore.

You aren’t limited to those cooler morning and evening hours.

For couples who want their dog with them for most or even the entire day, I think that’s one of the biggest perks of a dog-friendly Moab elopement in November.

Just Remember That Not Every Moab Location Allows Dogs

Cooler temperatures and a slower tourist season don’t suddenly make every Moab location dog-friendly. If you’re looking at the national parks, you still have to follow their rules. Arches and Canyonlands’ pet regulations don’t allow dogs on hiking trails or at overlooks.

So if having your dog with you for most of the day is important, I recommend looking outside of Moab’s national parks. There are pet-friendly options on public lands around Moab, and places like Dead Horse Point State Park can offer different possibilities.

The rules can also vary from one location to another, so this is something I want us to figure out before we build your entire day around a location.

Consider Hiring a Dog Wedding Attendant

If your dog is coming along for most of your dog-friendly Moab elopement, I highly recommend hiring a dog wedding attendant. Not because you can’t handle your own dog but because you’re getting married!

You shouldn’t have to spend the entire day holding a leash, carrying a bag of dog stuff, and keeping an eye on what your dog is trying to eat.

There are also going to be times when I want the two of you to have a few minutes together without your dog attached to your hand.

• Want photos of just the two of you? Someone can take the leash.
• Still want to go to Arches or Canyonlands? They take your pup back to your Airbnb.
• Need your dog to take a break? They’ve got it covered.

I absolutely want your dog there and, trust me, I’m not trying to convince you to leave them behind. I just don’t think bringing your dog should mean your dog becomes your responsibility every second of the day.

A dog wedding attendant gives you the best of both worlds. Your pup gets to come along for the adventure, and you still get time to focus on each other. That’s a win in my book.

What Does a November Moab Elopement Actually Look Like?

Want to know what a November Moab elopement can actually look like? Let me show you.

I photographed L + H’s dog-friendly Moab elopement in early November that started in the middle of the afternoon. Yes you heard that right and that exactly why I love November.

We had temperatures in the mid-60s, so they didn’t have to get up at the crack of dawn just to avoid the heat. They could take their time getting ready at The Caves at Moab, which is a pretty freaking cool place to start an elopement.

Once they were ready, we did their first look right on the property with their pup. Then we hung out for a bit. L+H could actually be outside in their wedding clothes without roasting. Their dog could be with them and nobody was rushing to get back inside.

From there, we headed to a private overlook with a similar feel to Dead Horse Point State Park. (If you like this kind of location for your own Moab elopement, make sure you mention it when you reach out.)

We spent golden hour taking photos and saying their vows, with their pup right beside them. Then we stuck around for the stars.

Since the sun sets earlier in November, we didn’t have to wait until late at night for it to get dark enough to stargaze. And the temperature was still comfortable, so we could actually hang out and enjoy it.

We ended the night with a first dance in the headlights of their Jeep before spending a little more time under the stars.

What to Do During a Late Fall Moab Elopement

November doesn’t mean your late fall Moab elopement has to be a slow day with nothing to do. Especially in early November, you can still build plenty of adventure into your day. The cooler temperatures just make it a lot more comfortable to actually enjoy it. Moab has no shortage of ways to get outside, from hiking and off-roading to exploring the national parks.

Here are a few things I’d consider for a late fall Moab elopement:

• Go skydiving: If jumping out of a plane together sounds like your idea of a good wedding day, I’m not going to talk you out of it. Moab offers tandem skydiving and other skydiving experiences.
• Book an off-roading tour: Get in a Jeep, hit the trails, and explore some of Moab’s incredible backcountry. You can book a guided tour or explore with your own vehicle.
• Try the Moab Rope Swing: If you’re looking for something a little more extreme, the Moab Rope Swing is definitely an option.
• Go hiking: Cooler November temperatures are perfect for getting out on the trails. You can hike in the national parks or look at trails on public lands outside the parks.
• Explore the national parks: Spend part of your Moab elopement exploring Arches or Canyonlands. You can hike, drive through the parks, and stop at overlooks along the way.
• Take a scenic drive: Head toward the La Sal Mountains and take in the fall colors. The higher elevations around Moab can still have those gorgeous reds, yellows, and oranges in the fall.

You can pick one thing you really want to do and build the rest of your Moab elopement around it. Or you can string a few adventures together and make a full day out of it.

Your late fall Moab elopement can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you want! Pick the things you actually want to do. Then let’s build your day around them.

What Should You Wear for a Late Fall Moab Elopement?

If you’re planning a late fall Moab elopement, don’t assume November means you’ll need to bundle up all day.

You could be starting your morning in the 30s and enjoying an afternoon in the 50s or 60s. Moab’s high desert weather can change a lot throughout the day. You might be cold when you start your day and peeling off layers by the afternoon.

So, what should you actually wear when eloping in Moab in November?

Layers Are Your Best Friend

Honestly, just bring layers. For a late fall Moab elopement, I’d want:

• A jacket for the morning and evening.
• A sweater or fleece for when you get chilly.
• A warmer jacket or layer for stargazing.

Don’t forget about the wind. You might be perfectly comfortable at 50 or 60 degrees until we end up standing on an exposed overlook. Then you’ll be very happy you brought the jacket.

If you’re freezing, you’re not going to enjoy your day. I’d much rather have you comfortable, moving around, exploring, and actually enjoying your Moab elopement than trying to tough it out because you thought you were supposed to look a certain way.

Don’t Forget the Desert Basics

Cooler weather doesn’t mean you can skip the things you’d normally pack for a day outside.

• Bring water.
• Bring sunscreen.
• Bring hiking shoes if we’re hiking.
• Bring comfortable shoes to change into

I know it sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget about sunscreen when you’re not sweating through your clothes. You’re still spending hours outside at elevation and in the desert.

If we’re hiking, please don’t wear shoes that are only cute in photos. I want you to be able to actually walk, climb, scramble, and explore without thinking about your feet the entire time.

The Realities of a Late Fall Moab Elopement

I’m obviously a fan of a November Moab elopement, but I’m not going to tell you November is perfect for everyone.

If I were planning my own fall Moab elopement and wanted comfortable temperatures, I’d pick early November. You can still get cooler mornings and evenings without the afternoon temperatures getting too cold. That’s pretty much my sweet spot.

You also get the benefit of fewer people around than you would during the busier fall months.

Late November Is a Little Different

Late November is where things start feeling more like winter. The average November high in Moab is around 56°F, with an average low around 30°F. You can also get snow and freezing conditions, so you’ll want some flexibility in your plans.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing late fall Moab elopement. It just means you need to be a little more willing to roll with the weather.

You can still hike, explore, off-road, visit the parks, and build a full day outside. You just might need to change the plan if snow or icy conditions show up.

So, Is November Right for You?

If you love cooler temperatures and want a little more privacy, November is high on my list.

If the idea of a 30-degree morning makes you want to crawl back under the blankets, I’d probably look at September or October instead. Same goes if you think 50-degree weather is absolutely freezing.

You don’t have to force yourself into November just because I love it. That’s the whole point. Your fall Moab elopement should fit what you actually enjoy.

Planning Your Fall Moab Elopement

Once you’ve decided that a fall Moab elopement sounds like your kind of day, the next step is figuring out the details. I won’t lie to you, there’s still a lot to figure out:

• Where you’re staying.
• When you want to start.
• What you want to do.
• Whether your dog is coming.
• How much hiking you actually want to do.

The good news? You don’t have to figure all of that out by yourself. I’ve already written a few guides to help you get started:

• Eloping in Moab Made Simple — Start here if you want the big picture without getting completely overwhelmed.
• Skip the Hotel: Where I’d Actually Stay for Your Moab Elopement — Because where you stay can make a bigger difference to your timeline than you might think.
• How to Plan a Moab Elopement Your Pup Can Enjoy Too — If your dog is coming, let’s make sure they’re actually part of the day instead of just along for a few photos.
• Best Times to Elope in Moab — If you’re still deciding when to go, this will help you compare the seasons.
• You Don’t Need to Hike for an Epic Moab Elopement — Because an adventure elopement doesn’t automatically mean hiking for six hours.

Book Your Moab Elopement Photographer

If you’re still reading, I’m guessing a late fall Moab elopement might be sounding pretty good right about now. And honestly, I get it.

• Cooler temperatures.
• Fewer people.
• More time outside.
• Plenty of ways to make the day actually feel like yours.

Personally, I’d pick early November for the best balance of comfortable afternoons, cooler mornings, and fewer people. But late November can still be a great option if you’re okay with colder temperatures and a little more flexibility with the weather.

The bigger thing is finding the time of year that works for you. I don’t want you to plan a late fall Moab elopement that sounds good on paper but leaves you freezing and questioning your choices. I want you to have a day you actually have fun with.

If you’re ready to start planning your late fall Moab elopement, reach out and tell me what you’re dreaming up. You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t even need to know exactly where you want to go yet.

Bring me the ideas. I’ll help you turn them into an actual day.