Arches National Park
Elopement Guide
Let's elope in Arches National Park!
Arches National Park is one of the most iconic, one-of-a-kind national parks in the US, with natural rock formations that are truly like nothing else on earth. It makes sense that Arches is such a sought-after elopement location!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning an Arches elopement, from permitting to location options to activities for before or after your ceremony.
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Howdy! I'm Sam, Your
Arches National Park Elopement Photographer & Planner
I know there are so many options and things to consider when planning an elopement. I absolutely adore helping couples through this process + reducing stress! Arches is one of the many national parks I know like the back of my hand.
Hiring your elopement photographer + planner is the perfect first step in planning your Arches National Park elopement – even if you aren't 100% sure of when or where yet! I’ll help you through every step of the process, from choosing a time of year/date for the perfect weather conditions, to picking a spot with amazing views, to securing any necessary permits, to finding other vendors and planning wedding outfits that are perfect for adventuring.
Hopefully the information below will help you decide if Arches is right for you guys! Let's go over everything you need to know about eloping in Arches National Park.
We're gonna chat about all of this:
Where to Elope in
Arches National Park
Designated Elopement Sites
Arches National Park has six designated spots where you can hold a wedding and elopement ceremony. Applications to hold a ceremony at other locations in the park are considered on a case-by-case basis – but I think the locations below are great options and have some of the neatest views in the park!
Each location has a maximum number of people who can be present at the ceremony, which includes the couple and any vendors, like officiants and photographers (that’s me!).
Double Arch
Location: The Windows Section
Group Size Limit: 25 people
Double Arch is the tallest and second-longest arch in the park, and easily one of the most iconic. The ceremony space here is just off the trail to the arch, with the arch dominating the backdrop.
As one of the most popular arches in Arches National Park, this site is sure to be busy year-round, but a sunrise elopement here would help avoid the crowds – and would be completely gorgeous!
Park Avenue
Location: Courthouse Towers
Group Size Limit: 15 people
The ceremony space at Park Avenue is an overlook over a small canyon, with a backdrop of the classic red rock walls that Arches National Park is known for.
This site has the advantage of being very accessible to the park entrance and parking lot – but on the flip side, it’s the first overlook after entering the park, so it tends to be quite busy. I think this site is best for a small, off-season or weekday elopement!
The Windows
Location: The Windows Section
Group Size Limit: 25 people
The ceremony site at the Windows and Turret Arch is in the middle of a one-mile loop trail, between two of the area’s coolest features: the North Window and Turret Arch.
This makes for some really cool and unique ceremony backdrops – just keep in mind there’s a small hike to reach this site! This spot is also less popular than Double Arch if you’re hoping for a more private ceremony.
Panorama Point
Location: Between the Windows Section and Fiery Furnace
Group Size Limit: 50 people
Panorama Point has a sweeping canyon view in one direction, and red rocks in the other. It's one of the best ceremony options as far as accessibility for those with limited mobility, with paved trails leading from the parking lot to an amphitheater with stone benches.
However, I personally wouldn't recommend this spot to most couples because it has become a very popular picnic site. There are picnic areas that block the view from the seats at the ceremony site, and the other direction faces the road.
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
Location: Courthouse Towers
Group Size Limit: 50 people
The La Sal Mountains Viewpoint has views of the La Sal Mountains, as well as famous rock formations in the Courthouse Towers area. The ceremony space has 360-degree views with a different amazing natural feature in every direction, and the views here are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
The surfaces are uneven slickrock, so this option is a bit less accessible than the paved Park Avenue site, but it still has the advantage of being close to the park entrance.
Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater
Location: Devils Garden
Group Size Limit: 80 people
The amphitheater at Devils Garden Campground has some unique advantages, including its proximity to the campground for a built-in lodging option if you and your loved ones want to camp before or after the ceremony. This spot also seats a lot of people, with nice built-in benches.
However, there is a large screen at the front of the amphitheater that interrupts the red-rock wall backdrop, so this doesn’t have the picturesque views of other locations.
Ceremony Site Permits
In order to have a wedding or elopement ceremony anywhere in Arches National Park, you'll need to secure a special-use permit from the National Park Service.
Permit applications take at least four weeks to process, so you'll want to submit yours in advance. You can request a permit up to one year before your wedding date.
To apply, you’ll first need to pay the permit fee of $185 through Pay.gov. You can find instructions for paying permit fees on the NPS website. Then, you'll need to submit the Pay.gov confirmation and a
completed Form 10-930s to [email protected].
Permits are written for one hour of ceremony time. Photography at other locations throughout the park is allowed before or after the ceremony – so let’s take some amazing portraits!
Other Rules for Elopements
Can we go hike?
Yes! You can definitely go hiking anywhere in the park on your elopement day. You just need to have your ceremony or vow exchange in a location approved by the National Park Service. Locations other than the six listed above are considered on a case-by-case basis, so it can't hurt to ask!
But don't worry if the Park Service says no to your dream elopement spot – you can always have your ceremony at one of the stunning arches listed above, and then go on a hiking adventure!
Did one of these locations
strike your fancy?
Reach out to me to start planning your ideal Arches National Park elopement!
Adventuring During
Your Arches Elopement
One of the coolest parts of an adventure elopement is that we aren’t tied to a traditional timeline – we can plan a whole day of activities that reflect your passions and priorities.
Arches National Park has so many options, no matter your desired vibe for your day. When you book me as your Arches elopement photographer, I’ll help you weigh options, offer advice, and plan an itinerary that takes into account weather, lighting, and timing your ceremony and activities.
Hiking
There are a whole bunch of hiking trails in Arches National Park – these are just a few of my favorites! They’re organized by length, so you can pick the hike that fits perfectly into your day.
- Double Arch (0.6 mi) is the tallest (and one of the most iconic) arches in the park. Even if you don’t want to hold your ceremony here, this short trail is still a great place to stop off and stretch your legs.
- The Windows (0.7 mi) is an easy but stunning loop hike that offers views of the North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.
- Broken Arch (1.7 mi) is a loop takes you first through deep sand to visit Sand Dune Arch, tucked in a canyon. Then the trail continues across grasslands to view Broken Arch above a small forest of piñon pine and juniper trees.
- Delicate Arch (3.2 mi) is the most recognizable arch in the park by a mile (it's even on Utah license plates), and for good reason! This hike can be strenuous, especially in the summer, and involves a lot of steep slickrock climbing. The arch is visible at the very end of the trail, set over a steep rock bowl. I highly recommend this trail, though I’d start early and bring plenty of water.
- Devil's Garden (7.9 mi) starts as a relatively easy trail leading about 1 mile to Landscape Arch, the longest arch in the park (and all North America). Past Landscape Arch, the trail becomes more challenging but takes you to several additional landmarks in the Devil’s Garden area, including Double O Arch and Dark Angel. Be aware that this trail is steep and narrow in some sections and involves some rock scrambling, but it’s a great way to see multiple iconic Arches sites.
Backpacking
Arches National Park has some stricter rules about backcountry camping, but there are four designated backpacking campsites that you can reserve at the Backcountry Permit Office near Moab. Backpacking permits can be reserved up to seven days in advance and cover up to seven people. I think these rules make Arches a bit less backpacking-friendly than some other parks, but you can stay in some pretty neat backcountry locales if you manage to snag a permit!
- Courthouse Wash (10.8 mi) has three designated campsites: two in Upper Courthouse Wash and one in Lower Courthouse Wash. This trail is pretty challenging and requires navigating the bottom of a wash with dense brush and water crossings.
- Devil's Garden (7.9 mi), one of my favorite longer day trip trails, can also be backpacked and has one designated campsite along the “primitive” part of the trail that leads to Double O Arch. This part of the trail is the most challenging section and involves some heights, but it will definitely get you to a less populated part of Arches National Park.
Stargazing
Arches National Park has very little light pollution and is a perfect location for stargazing – and star photography!
If you’re hoping for an elopement with a starry backdrop, I can help you plan your trip at the perfect time when the Milky Way will be most visible. You can also check sunrise and sunset times and moon phases on Discover Moab.
How to Leave No Trace
While Adventuring in Arches National Park
During any adventure in Arches National Park – and anywhere in nature – it’s our responsibility to respect the beautiful surroundings and follow Leave No Trace guidelines. You can find more info on the Leave No Trace website, but here are the basics!
The seven Leave No Trace principles are:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
During your Arches National Park elopement, here are some specific things we'll want to keep in mind:
01/
Pack out trash and waste.
Make sure that anything you bring with you leaves with you! Be considerate of food wrappers, and make sure you dispose of any trash in the trash cans at trailheads and picnic areas. Don't throw anything like flower petals, rice, or birdseed – just because something is biodegradable doesn’t mean you can leave it all over the trail.
02/
Stay on established trails.
The Arches National Park rangers work hard to keep hiking trails and wedding ceremony sites maintained and safe. These areas are designated to make sure visitors don’t accidentally damage the nature around them, so it’s important not to wander off to try to get a better view. In Arches, some trails cross areas of slickrock that are not as well marked, so make sure to look out for cairns and other trail markers, and don't disturb (or attempt to create your own) trail markers.
03/
Plan ahead for weather conditions.
Arches can get very hot and very cold depending on the time of year, and there’s little water in the park at all. Especially in the summer, it’s critical to pack sufficient water. I’ll help you consider what to pack, from clothing to snacks to hard warmers, to make sure we have a fun and safe experience!
04/
Educate yourself on biocrust!
Southern Utah has the coolest things, and biocrust is one of them. It's a living soil that creates a crust over the landscape. It helps control erosion, retains water, and fixes nitrogen into the soil from the air. If stepped on, it may never recover. Please learn to recognize it and admire it from afar while exploring this area. Learn more from the NPS here!
The Best Time to Elope in
Arches National Park
There’s no wrong time for an Arches National Park elopement – it just depends what you’re looking for! Southern Utah is part of the Colorado Plateau, a high desert area that can experience wide temperature fluctuations, even within a single day.
Fall
Fall (mid-September through October) is my personal favorite season in the desert, with similar daytime highs (60-80 degrees) and lows (30-50 degrees) to spring. The temperate climate makes all-day adventuring possible, starting with a sunrise hike and ending with sunset portraits against a canyon backdrop.
Keep in mind that fall is a busier season, however, as other hikers also seek out good weather in the park. A sunrise Arches elopement could be magical in the fall, followed by daytime hiking and adventuring.
winter
Large snowfalls are uncommon in Arches National Park, but dustings of snow can coat the rocks in a gorgeous contrast of red and white. Average highs are between 30 and 50 degrees, with lows between 0 and 20 degrees.
Keep in mind that snow, even small amounts, can make roads and trails impassable. With that in mind, winter can be an ideal choice for a daytime Arches elopement if you’re seeking privacy and snow-capped mountain views.
Spring
SSpring (April and May) is one of the more temperate seasons in Arches National Park. Daytime highs average between 60 and 80 degrees, with lows between 30 and 50 degrees – which is ideal hiking and camping weather!
Weather can still be unpredictable, but packing layers and good outdoor clothing should keep us prepared for whatever nature throws at us during your Arches National Park elopement.
Summer
Because Arches National Park is in the desert, summers can be hot and brutal, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees, and lows in the 60s. In the late summer, monsoons can cause flash floods in canyons.
A summer elopement in Arches is still doable – but I’d recommend a sunrise or sunset ceremony when temperatures are lower, and starting any planned hikes early in the day. You’ll want to make sure to bring tons of water, avoid strenuous exercise at the hottest parts of the day, and take it easy in the shade. When it gets dark and cools off, though, we can do some amazing astrophotography thanks to the limited light pollution in the park!
Timing isn't just about the season. Consider weekdays and sunrises for more privacy on your elopement day.
No matter the season, you can beat the crowds by choosing the right day and time for your Arches National Park elopement.
Weekdays are always less busy than weekends – and one significant advantage to eloping is that it’s usually not any more inconvenient to pick a weekday (unlike with a large wedding where lots of guests have to travel). If you’re planning to spend a few days in the park before or after your elopement, why not get married on a Tuesday?
Finally, the time of day you choose for your elopement makes a big difference in how crowded the most popular overlooks and vistas will be. Sunrise and sunset are the most picturesque times of day in terms of lighting, but sunrises are always less busy – so if you don’t mind an early morning, you can plan an intimate ceremony first thing in the morning and enjoy the whole rest of your day being newly married.
Got a season in mind
for your elopement?
I'd love to chat about all the pros and cons and help you pick the perfect time of year for your Arches National Park elopement!
Other Amazing Places to Elope in Utah
If you’ve read through this guide and aren’t sure if Arches National Park is right for you, no worries! There are so many amazing places around southern Utah that might be a better fit for you. You can reach out to me at any stage in the planning process – including if you’re not set on a location yet – and I can help you find your perfect location.
Moab
Moab is such a fun, centrally located town, between several national parks and monuments and with all the amenities you could want if you’re not quite sold on a camping elopement.
Canyonlands National Park
Another great option in the Moab area, Canyonlands also has several ceremony spots and stunning red rock canyons.
Zion, Bryce, & Capitol Reef
If you have your heart set on a National Park wedding, I highly consider checking out all of the parks in Southern Utah! Compare, contrast, and you might find yourself in love with a less popular park than Arches.
BLM Land
The Bureau of Land Management controls a lot of the land around Arches National Park, and has just as beautiful views! There are 26 BLM campgrounds near Moab, and tons of places for dry camping and backpacking. I hold an annual Moab BLM commercial photography permit, so I've got you covered!
There's also plenty of BLM Land outside of the Moab area! The entirety of Southern Utah has incredible red rock, canyons, arches, and overlooks. The middle of nowhere is insane. Want privacy? The hidden gems are the way to go.
If you want to escape the crowds without sacrificing the unmatched views of Arches, reach out to me and I can recommend some lesser-known locations for a unique, intimate elopement backdrop.
Other Unique Utah Locations
If nothing has struck your fancy so far, no worries! I have the rundown on all the beautiful places in Utah, some more “secret” than others, that are perfect for your elopement day.
When you hire me as your elopement photographer, you’ll receive a comprehensive location guide full of location and activity ideas customized to you.
how to Plan Your
Arches National Park Elopement
If this guide has convinced you that an Arches National Park elopement might be right for you, but you’re not quite sure where to start and feeling overwhelmed by the options, don’t panic! I’ll break down the steps to planning your dream elopement and do my best to make the process as stress-free as possible for you and your partner.
Step One:
Contact Me
First things first, fill out my contact form! No worries if you don’t have all the details figured out yet – reach out to me with your ideas, and I can help walk you through the rest of the steps from inquiry to elopement day. I pride myself on being not just an elopement photographer, but also a local expert, planner, and my couples’ best friend and support as they navigate the elopement planning process.
Step two:
Pick a Spot & Secure Permits
Our first task will be choosing a location! If one of the options above caught your eye, that’s fantastic – but there are even more hidden gems all over the area to suit your priorities, and my first step as your photographer will be to create a custom location guide to help you select the best fit for you. I’m super familiar with the permitting process for national parks, so I can help you navigate the application and nail down a date.
Step three:
Book Lodging
Once we know the ceremony location, I’ll help you sort through the best places to stay, whether you’re seeking ultimate comfort or a night under the stars. I can help secure campground reservations, scour AirBnb for the perfect house, or find an off-roading trail for dispersed camping or backpacking.
Step four:
Find Other Vendors & Nail Down Timeline
Once we have a location and place to stay, we can start building out the timeline for your elopement day, including hiring any other vendors you may need to make your dream elopement a reality. This might include florals, hair and makeup, reservations for elopement day activities or rentals, formalwear, and food. I have established relationships with several local vendors and can provide recommendations to help you pick the right professionals to execute your vision!
Step five:
Get Your Marriage License
One key detail for planning an Arches National Park elopement is getting a Utah marriage license. Both you and your partner will need to appear in person at the Grand County clerk's office in Moab with a photo ID and a completed (but not yet signed!) marriage license application. The office doesn't take appointments, so you can walk in to apply for a marriage license any time Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee for an Utah marriage license is $50.
Utah is not a self-solemnization state, meaning an officiant is required to perform a marriage ceremony. If you want to keep your elopement ceremony as private as possible, I am an ordained officiant and I’m happy to conduct your ceremony – I can be as hands-off as you prefer to keep the focus completely on you and your personal, private vows to each other! Alternatively, the county has a list of local officiants, and it’s easy for a friend or family member to become ordained online for free through the Universal Life Church.
Step six:
Elope!
With all the planning out of the way, and me on your team handling any last-minute details, all that’s left to do is marry your person and have the absolute best day ever.
Fill out my contact form below to start chatting, no matter where you are in the planning process!
Let's chat!
