The Ultimate Guide for Eloping in Arches National Park | Arizona Elopement Photographer
Eloping in Arches National park is a dream for couples residing in Utah and all over the world. Over the years we have had couples travel to have their wedding day captured in Utah’s enchanting and unique red rocks. Whether you are looking for a location with arches, mountains, cliffs, an outdoor adventure, or just incredible views, Arches National Park checks all boxes! This guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope at Arches National Park and plan your unique and incredible wedding day, we can not wait to help be a part of that process!
More about Arches National Park, Utah
Arches is known to be one of the most magical locations in Utah. Arches National Park lies north of Moab in the state of Utah. Bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast, it’s known as the site of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, such as the massive, red-hued Delicate Arch in the east. Long, thin Landscape Arch stands in Devils Garden to the north. Other geological formations include Balanced Rock, towering over the desert landscape in the middle of the park. The possibilities for Eloping in Arches National Park are endless. Being an Elopement Photographer has given us the chance to experience Arches National Park many times and it never ceases to take our breath away.
Having visited Arches National Park and experiencing first hand the incredible time you can have here, we have also had a chance to off-road in our Jeep. Being able to access those difficult off-road trails that couples come to love and desire for an epic overlook for photos! Couples are able to do Jeep Tours to access most spots but for a more intimate feel, we always recommend renting your own jeep for the weekend or jumping in the Jeep with us!
Eloping in Arches National Park : What to Wear
Depending on what time of the year you are planning on Eloping in Arches National Park is a major factor to consider! Arches National Park weather varies and depending on the month. You could be changing for your Elopement after a hike in hot weather or bundling up and trudging through snow! We shoot in Utah frequently and have truly seen it all. A few things we recommend to bring, hiking boots, water, an emergency bag, and a flashlight or headlamp if we are exploring a location where it could potentially get dark quickly.
Eloping in Arches National Park : Weather
Arches National Park more often than not has beautiful weather year-round. However, it is Utah so you can expect bipolar weather here and there. Personally, I feel weather changes like a surprise rainstorm can make Elopement photos that much more epic! Typically Spring and Fall are our most popular dates for couples Eloping in Arches National Park. Spring is wonderful and if you are lucky you’ll find gorgeous spring flowers blooming. Fall is equally as charming with the leaves changing color and the cooler weather.
While we still photograph many Elopements during Summer and Winter, they are much less than the latter. Summer in Utah can be tricky as sometimes the temperature can reach above 100 degrees. Summer is also the monsoon season in the Southwest, so random flash floods can make it harder. Winter in Arches National Park can absolutely be a dream. The snow covering the red rocks is one of the most incredible sights to see. It is chilly so we always recommend our couples to bring layers, warm coffee or hot chocolate, and hand warmers!
Eloping in Arches National Park : Locations
One of the best parts about Eloping in Arches National Park is the variety in scenery Moab provides. Breathtaking overlooks, unique red rocks, jaw dropping sunsets and a beautiful view of the stars at night. This makes it the perfect destination for any couple to say “I do”. While we do keep some of our favorite spots a secret to keep our clients’ experience exclusive, we will share a few of our favorite spots below!
Delicate Arch
The hike to Delicate Arch is three miles long, part of the trail does have has a steep summit with elevation gains of 613 feet total, so we generally recommend this hike for our couples looking for a big adventure and with wiggle room on their amount of coverage. An added bonus: this trail is open year-round. Because of its epic views, Delicate Arch is the most crowded trail to hike. We recommend doing a sunrise elopement if possible to beat the crowds if you are set on Delicate Arch for your Arches National Park Elopement location!
Sand Dune Arch
For couples Eloping in Arches National Park wanting a unique but easily accessible location Sand Dune Arch is a no brainer! Perfect for a ceremony at any time of day, the easy .3-mile out-and-back trail is a good option for couples who do not want a long hike or need an easily accessible location for family members who can not hike.
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
This area gives you the opposite view of the trail from Delicate Arch in a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 23 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people on your adventure but is another great option for couples who do not want a long hike but want to experience the beauty of eloping in Arches National Park!
Pine Tree Arch
Pine Tree Arch does not have easily seen path marks and can get quite a bit of traffic because of this but is definitely worth the foot traffic for this epic view! This trail is pretty quick and painless with a 1-mile trail leading up to the arch.
The Windows Section
The Windows Section, is considered by some to be the beating heart of Arches National Park. The area contains a large concentration of arches and is one of the most scenic locations in the park. North Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are just a few of the awe-inspiring expanses you’ll find in just over two square miles. Other named features in this area include Garden of Eden, Elephant Butte and Parade of Elephants. This section of the park offers both beauty and variety—hiking, sightseeing, stargazing, photography, and enjoyment for the whole family. If you are eloping in Arches National Park, this is a must see!
Landscape Arch
Landscape Arch is a 1.9-mile out-and-back trail near Moab, Utah. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. In the spring couples can enjoy wildflowers and beautiful scenery all around. For couples eloping in Arches National Park this is a perfect adventure for those looking for a light amount of effort with jaw dropping views.
Panorama Point
Panorama Point offers wide-open views of Arches and the surrounding area. Located at the top of a hill, you can enjoy views of the La Sal Mountains, the Fiery Furnace, and even Devils Garden from your vehicle or at viewpoints along the parking area. Panorama Point is also an excellent place to stargaze and take in the night sky when you are eloping in Arches National Park.
Park Avenue
The Park Avenue Trail is one of the first major attractions within Arches National Park. It is a one-mile trail that follows the bottom of a canyon at the feet of some of the park’s gigantic and well-known monoliths. The lower trailhead is located on the Arches Entrance Road, 2.5 miles north of the visitors center, off to the north side of the road. The parking lot has a paved walkway that heads 320 feet to a Viewpoint. IF you are eloping in Arches National Park and are craving a stargazing adventure or a perfect place for a mid day picnic with a view, Park Ave is perfection!
Devils Garden Amphitheater
YES, you can camp in Arches National Park! This spot is the absolute perfect place to plan your elopement if your heart is set on a camping adventure. Devils Garden offers breathtaking views, camping, backpacking, stargazing, and hiking of all skill levels. There is truly something for everyone in this popular area of the park. Devils Garden Campground is available by reservation from March through October and first-come, first-served in the winter months.
Eloping in Arches National Park : Planning Your Elopement Activities
Our absolute favorite thing about eloping is that you decide how your day looks! Your day is about more than just having a ceremony or a quick photo session with epic photos – it should be a once in a lifetime experience! Here are some ideas of local activities you can plan for if you are eloping in Arches National Park.
Eloping in Arches National Park : Let’s Talk Permits
First things first, make sure you’re 18 years or older or meet these requirements and restrictions to get married in Grand County, Utah.
Permits and licenses are a must and can sometimes be overwhelming to navigate. If you are eloping in Arches National Park, you need to cover all bases. For those concerned about eloping without living in Utah, you do not have have to be a resident of Utah to get a marriage license in Utah. Once you have received your license, you have 30 days to get married. Here’s everything you’ll need to know about getting a marriage license in Grand County, Utah, and here’s the marriage application you’ll need to take with you to the Grand County Clerk. Arches National Park requires a permit for any wedding ceremony that takes place in the park no matter how big or small. Make sure to apply for your permit early as possible to ensure your application is processed in time. You can find the permit application on NPS.gov.
Eloping in Arches National Park : Acommodations
If you are eloping in Arches National Park you will want a rad place to stay as well. Whether you are having an elopement big or small the accommodation you will be staying at is a key part to your wedding experience. When you are not out adventuring in the red rocks your airbnb or hotel will be your second home during your trip. I always tell our couples to stay somewhere unique to really give themselves a true Arches National Park experience. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay : Under Canvas, The Domes or Moab Springs Ranch.
Ready to kick start planning your Arches National Park Elopement?
We believe that every couple deserves to have the elopement day of their dreams. From the permit research, specific location scouting and mapping out, vendor recommendations local to your region and of course photography and videography, we are here to help! Reach out to us here to help get you started on planning the most epic elopement day!
Check out our 10-step-guide on how to elope here!
