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Massive red sandstone arch framing the desert landscape at Corona Arch near Moab, Utah

Red Rock & BLM Land Elopements

Moab Elopement Photographer

plan your moab elopement

Quick answer: no, eloping at Corona Arch and most of Moab's BLM land doesn't require an NPS-style permit at all for a small ceremony; only a ceremony inside Arches National Park itself needs the park's $185 Special Use Permit. Here's how the two options compare.

Moab is where a lot of Utah elopement dreams start. Towering red rock, sandstone arches, the La Sal Mountains in the distance: it's dramatic in a way that photographs itself. What most couples don't realize is that a lot of Moab's most iconic scenery, including Corona Arch, sits on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land rather than inside Arches National Park itself, which changes the entire planning process in your favor.

I've spent the last several summers exploring this exact stretch of Utah with couples just like you, and I know which trails hold up in the afternoon heat, where the light does something worth waiting for, and how to plan a day that feels like an adventure instead of a logistics project.

Permits & Logistics for Your Moab Elopement

BLM land (Corona Arch and similar spots): there's no NPS-style permit process at all. That's a strong selling point: it means faster planning, no permit fee, and no weeks of lead time before you can lock in a date.

Arches National Park (Double Arch and similar spots): if you want your ceremony inside the park itself, the NPS requires a Special Use Permit. Photography alone, with no ceremony, doesn't need a permit in public areas of the park. During peak season (roughly April–October) the park has also required a timed entry reservation in past years, so that's worth checking before you build a whole day around it.

Marriage license: issued statewide by any Utah county clerk: you can grab yours in Salt Lake City on the way down or right in Moab. No waiting period, and it's valid for 32 days once issued.

Whichever route you choose, I coordinate the permit details on my end so you're not the one on hold with the BLM or NPS the week of your elopement.

Moab Elopement Photos

Couple sharing a romantic moment on the Corona Arch hiking trail near Moab, Utah Couple walking hand in hand away from Corona Arch, Moab, at sunset Couple at Double Arch in Arches National Park, red sandstone formations behind them Couple embracing before Double Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, on a sunny day Couple embracing at golden hour in the red rock canyon near Corona Arch, Moab Couple embracing at Double Arch in Arches National Park, surrounded by red sandstone formations

Some of the photos above are from proposals rather than ceremonies, but they're shot at the exact locations I recommend for a Moab elopement, and they show you how the light and the landscape look there. If you want the full story behind either shoot, read about the Corona Arch proposal near Moab or a red rock proposal inside Arches National Park.

A wedding photographer in a stylish green jumpsuit relaxes on a black leather couch against a light gray wall.

Your Moab elopement photographer

I've spent plenty of time exploring Moab's trails, arches, and canyon overlooks: not just the postcard spots, but the timing, the parking, and the way the light moves across the rock through the day. When you book with me, that local knowledge comes with you, along with a candid, adventure-forward shooting style built for two people who'd rather hike than pose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moab Elopements

Do I need a permit to elope in Moab?

For a small elopement (just the two of you, your officiant, and me), BLM land like Corona Arch still doesn't require the NPS-style permit process. Where it changes: the Moab Field Office has started requiring a Special Recreation Permit once your group grows past a small handful of people, and that kind of permit can take months to process, so if you're picturing a bigger group ceremony on BLM land, tell me early and we'll get the paperwork moving well ahead of your date. If you want your ceremony inside Arches National Park itself instead, that's a different, faster-to-quantify process: a $185 NPS Special Use Permit.

Can we elope inside Arches National Park instead of on BLM land?

Yes. Spots like Double Arch are stunning and very doable: you'll just need a $185 NPS Special Use Permit for the ceremony itself, applied for through NPS Form 10-930 and Pay.gov, ideally as early as you can since more involved requests take longer to process. Timed entry isn't in effect for 2026, so you won't need a separate reservation just to get into the park this year, though that's worth double-checking again as your date approaches since it's changed from year to year. I handle the permit coordination so you're not stuck untangling NPS paperwork.

Where's the best spot for a Moab elopement ceremony?

Corona Arch is my go-to recommendation for most couples: it's a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike on BLM land, the arch itself is massive and dramatic, and there's no permit process to slow you down. If you want the specific look of Arches National Park's red rock windows, Double Arch is a beautiful (if more logistically involved) alternative.

How do we get a marriage license for a Moab elopement?

Utah marriage licenses are issued statewide by any county clerk, so you can pick one up in Salt Lake City on your way down or right in Moab at the Grand County Clerk's office. There's no waiting period (it's valid the moment it's in your hands), and it's good for 32 days, so time it close to your ceremony date. Bring valid photo ID for both of you, and budget $30-50 for the license fee itself, which varies a little by county.

What's the best time of year to elope in Moab?

Spring and fall are the sweet spot: mild temperatures, golden light, and (outside of peak weekends) manageable crowds. Summer in Moab regularly tops 95°F, so if you're set on a summer date I'd steer you toward a sunrise ceremony. Winter is quiet and dramatic if you don't mind the cold.

Do we need to be experienced hikers to elope at Corona Arch?

Not experienced, just reasonably comfortable on your feet: the trail includes some slickrock and one section with cable handholds. It's a hike, not a stroll, so I'd steer away from heels and toward a boot, sandal, or flat you can move in.

Ready to Plan Your Moab Elopement?

Let's talk through Corona Arch, Arches National Park, and everything in between.

start planning your moab elopement