Let me just address the elephant in the room. You didn’t end up searching how to elope in Utah by accident.
Somewhere along the way, the idea of planning a huge wedding started feeling more overwhelming than exciting. Too many opinions. Too much pressure. Too many moving parts pulling you away from what this day is actually about in the first place.
A Utah elopement changes that.
Not just because it’s beautiful (although yeah, Utah is unreal), but because a Utah elopement feels different. Slower. More intentional. More like an experience you actually get to live instead of a timeline you’re trying to survive.
Let me just address the elephant in the room. You didn’t end up searching how to elope in Moab by accident.
Somewhere along the way, the idea of planning a huge wedding started feeling more overwhelming than exciting. Too many opinions. Too much pressure. Too many moving parts pulling you away from what this day is actually about in the first place.
A Moab elopement changes that.
Not just because it’s beautiful (although yeah, Moab is unreal), but because a Moab elopement feels different. Slower. More intentional. More like an experience you actually get to live instead of a timeline you’re trying to survive.
Even when you know this feels right, it can still feel overwhelming trying to figure out:
-How to elope in Utah.
-Where to elope in Utah.
-Where is your dog allowed.
-Where you can actually go.
-When crowds are the worst.
-Whether you need permits.
-How to build a timeline that doesn’t feel chaotic.
-How to make this feel intentional without turning it into another overproduced wedding day.
-Slow mornings at your Airbnb with coffee and mountain or desert views
-Sunrise vows surrounded by red rock cliffs, alpine lakes, or wildflowers
-Running around in hiking boots instead of heels
-Off-roading in Southern Utah
-Grabbing a celebratory beers and dinner from a small local spot afterward
-Quiet moments instead of stressing over timelines down to the minute
-Sunset photos at a dog-friendly trail with your pup by your side
-Stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country
states I've visited
20
Couples I've worked with
125
National Parks Visited (So Far)
11
Miles I've Hiked
1,255.3
That means:
-helping you choose Moab elopement locations that fit the kind of experience you actually want
-figuring out whether your day feels more like a sunrise hike, scenic overlook, slow Airbnb morning, or a mix of it all
-creating timelines that feel relaxed, intentional, and never rushed
-sending custom guides with
spots, stays, and experiences I’ve personally explored and genuinely love
-helping you include your dog with recommendations for dog-friendly trails, stays, and alternatives that actually make sense
-building a wedding day that feels meaningful while you’re living it instead of becoming one big blur
You stay present. I'll handle the rest
22
State Parks visited
12
Dog-Friendly Vacations
Your wedding day should feel like an extension of your relationship and the things you genuinely love doing together.
That’s why I take the time to really get to know you, not just your vision for the day, but the kind of experience you actually want to have while you’re here.
Utah is my home away from home, and I’m the type of person who chooses experiences and memories over things every time. I’m also very much the type of person who believes your dog should be part of the adventure whenever it makes sense. I travel for the local food, the views you can’t stop thinking about, the hikes that are worth every step, and the moments you still talk about years later.
My dogs are almost always with me, so I know firsthand what makes travel easy (and what doesn’t) when they’re part of the experience. That’s the perspective I bring into every elopement.
After photographing over 100 weddings, I learned pretty quickly that a lot of wedding days stop feeling like the people actually getting married. Somewhere between expectations, opinions, timelines, traditions, and trying to keep everyone else happy, the experience itself starts getting lost in all the noise.
It’s a huge part of why I fell in love with elopements. Because your wedding day gets to feel like you again.
"On the day of, her energy was exactly what we needed—she is a fantastic cheerleader and made us feel so comfortable. The final photos are breathtaking and captured the true spirit of our wedding, including all the laughs and the beautiful scenery. If you want an stress-free day and photos you’ll cherish forever, Mandie is the one to call!"
"On the day of, her energy was exactly what we needed—she is a fantastic cheerleader and made us feel so comfortable. The final photos are breathtaking and captured the true spirit of our wedding, including all the laughs and the beautiful scenery. If you want an stress-free day and photos you’ll cherish forever, Mandie is the one to call!"
-Madison + Elliott
-Madison + Elliott
"Mandie is the absolute best photographer we have ever worked with! My husband and I have been through many photographers through our relationship and none of them have been as fantastic as Mandie! She amazing at what she does behind the lens. We were SO lucky to have found her just a few months before our wedding and had the honor of having her be our wedding photographer! I will forever be choosing her to photograph any milestones in our family from now on! Nothing but positives to say about Mandie! Much much much love!"
"Mandie is the absolute best photographer we have ever worked with! My husband and I have been through many photographers through our relationship and none of them have been as fantastic as Mandie! She amazing at what she does behind the lens. We were SO lucky to have found her just a few months before our wedding and had the honor of having her be our wedding photographer! I will forever be choosing her to photograph any milestones in our family from now on! Nothing but positives to say about Mandie! Much much much love!"
Rachael + Anthony
Rachael + Anthony
We originally booked Mandie for engagement photos before we knew a wedding date and fell in LOVE with her skills in photography!! So much so, I immediately booked her as soon as we knew our wedding date and venue. Mandie is also a huge animal lover which was amazing because we wanted our dog, Duke, to be apart of our wedding journey. Mandie has such an amazing personality and makes taking photos such a fun and natural experience. She is truly on board for any fun ideas or photo ops that are on your mind for your photos! I truly highly recommend booking with Mandie!!
We originally booked Mandie for engagement photos before we knew a wedding date and fell in LOVE with her skills in photography!! So much so, I immediately booked her as soon as we knew our wedding date and venue. Mandie is also a huge animal lover which was amazing because we wanted our dog, Duke, to be apart of our wedding journey. Mandie has such an amazing personality and makes taking photos such a fun and natural experience. She is truly on board for any fun ideas or photo ops that are on your mind for your photos! I truly highly recommend booking with Mandie!!
"Not to pick favorites, but Mandie was one of our favorite vendors for our wedding!!"
"Not to pick favorites, but Mandie was one of our favorite vendors for our wedding!!"
Ana + Trey
Ana +
Trey
Moab | Dead Horse Point State Park | La Sal Mountains | Capitol Reef NP |
Bryce Canyon NP | Valley of the Gods | Zion NP | Wasatch–Cache National Forest |
High Uinta Mountains | Kanab | Goblin Valley State Park | Bonneville Salt Flats |
Moab
Dead Horse Point State Park
La Sal Mountains
Capitol Reef NP
Bryce Canyon NP
Valley of the Gods
Zion NP
Wasatch–Cache National Forest
High Uinta Mountains
Kanab
Goblin Valley State Park
Bonneville Salt Flats
This is time to actually be present with each other, take in the views, grab a beer, eat pizza, and enjoy the day instead of rushing from one moment to the next.
This is time to actually be present with each other, take in the views, grab a beer, eat pizza, and enjoy the day instead of rushing from one moment to the next.
05.
Straightforward help with permits, logistics, and planning without sending you into a Google rabbit hole trying to figure it all out yourself.
Straightforward help with permits, logistics, and planning without sending you into a Google rabbit hole trying to figure it all out yourself.
04.
Part of what I do as a Moab elopement photographer is getting out there ahead of time to check views, lighting, trails, crowds, and conditions and making sure backup locations and trails are ready if needed.
Part of what I do as a Moab elopement photographer is getting out there ahead of time to check views, lighting, trails, crowds, and conditions and making sure backup locations and trails are ready if needed.
03.
I'll build timelines that work for both people and pups while recommending dog-friendly stays, trails, food spots, and locations where your dog can actually be part of the experience.
I'll build timelines that work for both people and pups while recommending dog-friendly stays, trails, food spots, and locations where your dog can actually be part of the experience.
02.
From sunrise hikes and ATV rides to scenic overlooks, horseback rides, brewery stops, or simply slowing down and taking it all in together, we’ll plan a day that feels true to you from start to finish.
From sunrise hikes and ATV rides to scenic overlooks, horseback rides, brewery stops, or simply slowing down and taking it all in together, we’ll plan a day that feels true to you from start to finish.
01.
I'm not just showing up with a camera.
I'm co-creating an experience that's rooted in what actually matters.
What that looks like for you:
Now add your dog stealing the show and photos in your hands faster than you can say “treat.” That’s all part of the experience too.
We have been talking about crafting a day that feels like you + your life. And your dog is a huge part of it. That means we’ll find the perfect dog-friendly trail and one that fits their abilities.
We will even make room for moments with just the two of you (while your pup takes a break and sniffs everything in sight). You get the adventure and the breathing room.
Because I’m just as excited as you are! You’ve just had one of the best days of your life and I know the wait to relive it through photos feels like forever. Your sneak peeks are delivered within 48 hours, while your dog’s still snoozing from the big day and your head’s still replaying every moment.
Whether you want to send them to your parents, post them on Instagram, or just stare at them on your camera roll 37 times in a row—I got you.
>>My travel is included. Wherever your adventure takes us, I’ll be there.
>>Sneak peeks in 48 hours. Get a glimpse of your day fast.
>>Tailored location ideas + custom location guides. Stunning spots picked just for you (and your pup, of course).
>>Permit help. I guide you through the process so you don’t have to stress.
>>Chill, stress-free timeline planning. Your day flows naturally, no chaos.
>>Local recommendations. Where to stay, grab snacks, and sip something special.
>>Full online gallery delivered in 8 weeks. High-res photos ready to download and share.
>>Real smiles + lasting memories. And a photographer who’s basically your (and your dog’s) new BFF.
"I had never had professional photos taken before and Mandie made everything seamless."
"I had never had professional photos taken before and Mandie made everything seamless."
"Mandie was absolutely my favorite vendor for the big day! I appreciated how easy she made being photographed feel and they came out beautifully, a true artist! Mandi also graciously agreed to do my wedding on short notice (we booked probably about a month out). You can tell she loves her job and she creates truly beautiful photos!"
"Mandie was absolutely my favorite vendor for the big day! I appreciated how easy she made being photographed feel and they came out beautifully, a true artist! Mandi also graciously agreed to do my wedding on short notice (we booked probably about a month out). You can tell she loves her job and she creates truly beautiful photos!"
-Stef + Steve
For the couples who...
want to keep it simple and meaningful with just a touch of adventure.
Still built around your vision, this 4-hour package works best for a single, easy-access spot or a chill hike. We’ll focus on the highlights so you can spend the rest of the day soaking it all in, your way.
If you’re bringing your dog, we’ll choose a pup-friendly location that’s easy to reach like Moab’s beautiful Bureau of Land Management land or viewpoints at Dead Horse Point State Park. We’ll plan around desert weather and keep the pace relaxed so your furry sidekick can enjoy the adventure too.
For the couples who...
want a relaxed, meaningful day with room to explore.
This package gives you the freedom to hike into epic locations, exchange vows in golden hour light, and soak in the magic without feeling rushed. Perfect for two-person elopements or intimate groups of 10 or less, it’s designed to capture the most meaningful parts of your day—like getting ready, your ceremony, and those dreamy portraits—with time to breathe and just be together.
You’ve got options here: split your day between a spot just for you two and a pup-friendly location, or choose two dog-approved spots if you want your best dog or dog of honor along for the full adventure.
For couples who...
want every part of their day to feel like an adventure without compromise.
This is for you if one location isn’t enough, if you want to share your vows and paddle a kayak, or if you want to include your pup and your closest people while still making space to be alone together. With sunrise and sunset coverage, there’s time to do it all without ever feeling rushed. If you’re dreaming about places like Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, or Dead Horse Point State Park, having an elopement photographer who knows the area makes it so much easier to turn those ideas into a real, relaxed day. And if you want to stretch it into two days to keep the vibes chill, we can do that too.
Click here and tell me all about the two of you and what you're dreaming up. The more details, the better!
We’ll jump on Zoom or FaceTime — just a relaxed convo to talk through ideas and get to know each other better.
Once we’ve talked and you’re ready to move forward, a signed contract + retainer officially gets you on my calendar!
From location ideas to timeline magic, this is where your ideas turn into plans—laid-back, intentional, adventure-filled, and maybe a few happy tail wags- just like you pictured.
Yes — but keep in mind national parks and nearby BLM land do have guest limits. Most spots work best for 10 or fewer people, so everyone can actually enjoy the day without stressing.
Desert locations (Moab, southern Utah):
Best in spring, fall, and winter. Winter can be quiet and beautiful with softer light, just colder temps.
Bonneville Salt Flats: Best in spring and summer. Spring sometimes brings shallow water for reflective conditions, while summer gives you that bright white, open landscape (with heat to consider).
Mountain areas (Wasatch + Uinta Mountains): Best in summer and early fall, typically July–September, when trails are accessible and alpine lakes are thawed.
Weekdays in peak seasons are always your best bet for fewer crowds and more privacy.
Honestly… we roll with it. Weather is one of those things you can’t control, but it also tends to create some of the most memorable, emotional, and you moments of the day. Fog rolling in, wind in your hair, a little rain—it can make everything feel even more intentional and alive.
That said, I’m not just showing up and hoping for the best. I’m always keeping an eye on forecasts leading up to your day and we’ll have a flexible plan in place. That might mean adjusting timing, shifting locations, or building in backup options if needed.
Immediately yes! Most national parks are not dog friendly, but Moab BLM land + Utah State Parks + Forests are totally dog-friendly! If you want your four-legged bestie to be part of your day, I’ll help you find the perfect spots for your ceremony, photos, or both—so no one misses out on the adventure.
Totally especially if you book MUAs and stylists like ones from Wild Brides Backcountry—these amazing humans go on the adventure with you, offering touch-ups along the way and making sure you look (and feel) amazing from first step to last kiss. No matter the trail, wind, or desert dust, they’ve got your back.
I can't wait to hear from you! If you don't hear from me within 48 hours, email me at alpineandarches@gmail.com
xo,
mandie
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