Your Moab Photographer

HEY HEY! I’M MANDIE!

With 7 years of traditional wedding experience, I’ve seen a few things. Traditional weddings and elopements are different animals, but both bring unexpected twists that need quick thinking and solid backup plans. That’s where I come in.

I’m more than just your hype woman. I come prepared with backup plans A through Z, know which trails are dog-friendly, and can guide you to both epic overlooks and the best tacos in town. My job? To make your desert elopement easy, fun, and unforgettable—no matter what the day throws our way.

You’ve decided on Moab. Best. Decision. Ever.

That excited buzz is running through you because you can already picture it: saying “I do” under the desert sky, with red rock arches and cliffs towering all around.

But then reality hits—how the hell do you actually start planning this thing?

Here’s the truth: planning a wedding in the desert sounds intimidating, but Moab makes it easy. This place is pure magic—the kind of backdrop where simplicity and natural beauty do all the heavy lifting. With iconic arches, endless canyons, and that golden desert light, Moab is basically built for couples who crave adventure, intimacy, and zero wedding-day bullshit.

As a Moab elopement photographer, I help couples with everything from snagging permits to finding secret overlooks, and I promise—your desert wedding can be stress-free, intentional, and completely unforgettable.

Here’s how to make it happen.

• Meet Your Moab Elopement Photographer
• Intro
• Choose Your Location Early
• Hire a Photographer Who Knows the Area
• Best Times to Elope
• Make It Legal
• Guest List
• Pack Smart
• Celebrate Your Choice!

Choose Your Location Early

From Arches National Park to Canyonlands to the endless stretches of BLM land, Moab is stacked with jaw-dropping overlooks and out-of-this-world scenery. The key? Locking in a location that actually fits your vision early on. Each spot comes with its own quirks—whether it’s permits, crowds, or accessibility—and knowing those details ahead of time makes the whole planning process a hell of a lot smoother.

Arches National Park Elopement: 

• Arches National Park can be quite busy.
• Don’t sleep on your permits!!! Permits are required and can be submitted up to a year in advance.
• Arches has specific locations for wedding ceremonies. Before you hit submit, double-check that your dream location (and a solid backup) are actually available.
• Ceremony sites stay open to the public, so be ready for a few hikers wandering by. Your ceremony time is capped at one hour.
• Standard park entrance fees still apply. Carpooling is highly encouraged!
• Good news: if you’ve got a Special Use Permit, you can skip the timed entry ticket!
• Not dog friendly

Canyonlands National Park Elopement: 

• Canyonlands National Park can be busy but is quieter compared to Arches.
• Don’t sleep on your permits!!! Permits are required and can be submitted up to a year in advance.
• Canyonlands has specific locations for wedding ceremonies. Before you hit submit, double-check that your dream location (and a solid backup) are actually available.
• Ceremony sites stay open to the public, so be ready for a few hikers wandering by. Your ceremony time is capped at one hour.
• Standard park entrance fees still apply. Carpooling is highly encouraged!
• Not dog friendly

Dead Horse Point State Park

• Plenty of ceremony sites to choose from—perfect if you’re bringing family along for your elopement.
• Spring and Fall are peak seasons (and fill up FAST), so snag your date early.
• Don’t sleep on permits!!! You can apply up to 18 months in advance.
• Dog friendly! Yep, your pup can totally be part of the adventure. 🐾
• The permit is a two-parter: $60 for the permit itself + an additional site fee.
• $20 per vehicle to enter the park.
• Ceremony sites stay open to the public, so be ready for a few hikers wandering by.

Tip: Weekdays = fewer tourists. Pair that with a sunrise vow exchange and you’ll have epic photos without the chaos.

Hire a Photographer Who Knows the Area

Your photographer (yep, that’s me!) isn’t just there to click a camera. I’m your hype-person, your stress-buster, and your personal desert guide—all in one. I’ll help you pick jaw-dropping spots (and avoid the crowds), point you toward activities you’ll actually enjoy, and wrangle the timeline so you don’t have to worry about a single thing. Basically, I make sure your day is effortless, fun, and full of moments you’ll actually remember—not just Instagram photos.

Tip: Ask about sunrise versus sunset options. Sunrise photos/ceremonies are quieter and cooler, while sunsets bring that golden desert glow. Can’t decide? Do both! You know you want to.

Time Your Day Around the Desert

Moab’s weather is just as varied as its landscape. Summer brings midday heat and monsoon season, chilly mornings in winter, comfortable temps in fall and spring. Plan your ceremony early in the morning to avoid the high temps and crowds or late in the evening for comfort and the best lighting.

Morning: Cool temperatures, fewer crowds, soft light.

• Spring/Fall: Perfect temps for hiking and exploring; wildflowers and fall colors make the desert even more magical.
• Summer: Mornings are the only comfortable time to be outside; beat the heat and the crowds.
• Winter: Crisp, clear mornings create stunning photos. Snow gives such an awesome contrast with all the red rocks.

Evening: Warm golden light, slightly busier but magical for portraits.

• Spring/Fall: Sunset colors are vibrant and long-lasting; mild temps make evening ceremonies a breeze.
• Summer: Stunning sunsets, but be prepared for lingering heat and possible pop-up thunderstorms. Be prepared!
• Winter: Sun sets early, so plan your ceremony timing carefully; the light is soft and perfect for cozy photos.

Tip: Use midday hours for a celebratory brunch, sipping beers at a local brewery, or relaxing with a picnic!

Make it Legal

Before you can say “I do” in Moab, you’ll need a marriage license from Grand County Clerk’s office in Moab, Utah. If you’re planning to get legally married in Moab instead of your home state, here’s what to know:

• Both of you must go in person to the Grand County Clerk’s Office in Moab.
• Bring a valid photo ID for each of you (passport or driver’s license).
• There’s a non-refundable $50 fee—plan for this in your travel budget.
• You can fill out the application ahead of time, but don’t sign it until you’re with the clerk.
• You’ll get one official marriage license (extra copies available for an additional fee).
• Pick an approved officiant from the Grand County list or bring your own!
• You need two witnesses to sign your marriage certificate.

Tip: Eloping “just us”? No problem—I’m happy to step in as a witness (or both me and another vendor).

Want a fun story? Ask a friendly hiker passing by to help out—it makes for a memorable moment.

Keep Your Guest List Small and Intentional

You can definitely include family in your Moab elopement, but keep in mind that the bigger the group, the more details there are to juggle. Parking, bathrooms, and accessible ceremony spots can all become trickier with extra guests. Both Arches and Canyonlands have strict guest limits that vary by site, so it’s important to know those rules before locking in your plans.

Tip: If you’re hoping to bring along a few more loved ones, Dead Horse Point State Park is a great option—some of their designated ceremony sites can accommodate larger groups without sacrificing those jaw-dropping views.

Pack Smart for Your Desert Adventure

Think of your elopement day like the best hike-meets-celebration ever—you’ll want to be prepared! A few simple essentials go a long way in keeping you comfortable and carefree so you can focus on what really matters: being fully present with your partner and soaking in every jaw-dropping view. If you forget a few things, don’t sweat it! I always have extras!

• A light jacket or wrap (mornings/evenings can be chilly)
• Comfortable shoes for exploring + dress shoes if you want them for photos
• Extra water + electrolyte packets (hydration is everything in the desert)
• Snacks to keep you fueled
• Sunscreen + bug spray (yes, even in the desert!)
• Tissues + wet wipes (trust me, they always come in handy)
• A small daypack to carry the essentials without weighing you down
• Vow Book
• Rings
• Pen

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the choice you just made.

You ditched the ballroom for red rocks, the seating chart for wide-open views, and the stress for something way more intentional. That’s not just brave—it’s badass.

But let’s be honest: eloping in Moab (or any location really) comes with its own unique challenges too. The good news? With the right planning and the right photographer by your side, it doesn’t have to feel stressful. Your day should reflect your story—whether that looks like kicking up dust in a UTV or sharing quiet vows at a Canyonlands overlook.

Curious how to make it all come together? Head over to my Moab elopement page to explore packages, get the details, and connect with me about your vision!