Western-Style Micro Wedding in the La Sal Mountain Range

Some couples choose to get married somewhere they’ve never been before, making that first adventure part of their story. Others, like E + M, choose a place that’s already incredibly meaningful and make it even MORE special. For these two, that meant having their wedding in the La Sal Mountains outside of Moab, and honestly, their location couldn’t have been a more perfect fit.

For years, they’d been making the trip all the way from Pennsylvania to ride ATVs through the mountains and desert, so when it came time to plan their wedding, there was nowhere else they wanted to be. They spent part of the day adventuring together before celebrating with all of their favorite people, and I seriously LOVE that combination! It gave them the chance to soak in the quiet, just-married moments while also celebrating with the people they love most. Truly the best of both worlds.

Keep reading to see more from their La Sal Mountains wedding and why Moab is so much more than just its iconic red rock landscapes. 

Why E + M Chose a Nontraditional Wedding in the La Sal Mountains

From day one, E + M knew a more traditional wedding just wasn’t their vibe, and once they told me why, it all made perfect sense.

First, they wanted to get married in one of their absolute FAVORITE places in the world. Their wedding ceremony took place at a spot in the La Sal Mountains that already held so many memories for them, which I absolutely loved.

The second reason ran a little deeper. E’s dad had passed away from cancer a few years earlier, and she wanted their wedding day to feel joyful while still honoring his memory. Being surrounded by nature gave her a way to feel close to him without the day becoming heavy or centered on his absence.

I thought that was such a beautiful way to approach their wedding day. There are so many expectations around what a wedding is “supposed” to look like, especially when it comes to family traditions and the moments we’re told we should include. But you get to decide what feels meaningful to you. You get to honor the people you love, make space for the emotions that come with this day, and still create a celebration that feels joyful, honest, and completely yours.

E + M’s Adventure-Packed Wedding Day

OK, first things first… I just need to tell you HOW MUCH FUN E + M were. Not just to photograph, but to spend the day with. We hit it off right away, and they fully embraced EVERY part of their wedding day. They were up for every adventure, laughed through it all, and completely leaned into the experience. Honestly, that’s one of my favorite kinds of couples to photograph because you can just FEEL how much fun they’re having! They were so present, so down to experience the day as it unfolded, and so genuinely excited to be there together. That kind of energy is contagious, and it made the entire day ridiculously fun to be a part of.

Sunrise Offroading Adventure

E + M’s wedding day started at one of my ALL-TIME favorite places. Getting there is part of the adventure, because it requires a little off-roading to access! I hopped into the back of their dually truck (fun fact: it’s a pickup with four rear wheels, for a grand total of SIX), and we were off!

One of my favorite parts of the drive was watching the two of them work together. M was behind the wheel while E had her head out the window, calling out directions and helping guide him through the trail. You could tell they were completely in their element, and getting to witness that little glimpse of their relationship was SO fun.

We made it to the overlook before dawn, which meant we got treated to some jaw-dropping star photos. I don’t usually recommend planning star photos that early in the day, but for E + M’s timeline, it made perfect sense, especially since they had a whole wedding celebration waiting for them later that afternoon in the La Sal Mountains.

Then the sun started to rise, lighting up the canyon and desert in the PRETTIEST golden glow. It was such an epic way to kick off their wedding day. After soaking it all in, we headed back to get ready for part two of the adventure!

Ceremony with Family in La Sal Mountains

After a little break, E + M made their way to their wedding location at a remote lake in the La Sal Mountains. And OH MY GOD it was STUNNING. They got married in the fall, just as the aspens were starting to turn, and the pops of golden yellow against the mountains were completely unreal. Honestly, I don’t think enough people realize just how incredible the La Sal Mountains are.

First up was their incredibly sweet ceremony, surrounded by all of their favorite people and their dog. One of the most meaningful parts of the day was how they honored E’s dad by including his hat and rings, making him feel like such a special part of the day.

Afterwards, we spent some time exploring the area for portraits of E + M together, along with photos with their family and friends. The whole experience had such a fun western vibe (their engagement session theme was actually “moody western,” which is SO them), and I loved how they fully leaned into it.

One of my favorite little memories was when someone found an animal bone in the meadow. E loves bones, so we worked them into a few photos. It was a small moment, but it encapsulated her personality perfectly. I also loved how collaborative they were throughout the day. We were constantly bouncing ideas off each other, which made the whole experience feel even more fun and creative.

They wrapped everything up with great food, drinks, and time spent celebrating with everyone they love. It was the perfect ending to a day that felt SO true to who they are.

The Diversity of Moab

I could talk about Moab all. day. long. It’s one of my favorite places in the world, and a huge reason why is just how incredibly diverse it is. No matter what kind of adventure you’re dreaming up, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find it here.

Tons of Different Landscapes

When most people think of Moab, they picture the iconic red rock desert and Arches National Park. And yes, you’ll absolutely find plenty of that. But that’s honestly just the beginning. 

You’ve also got massive canyons that plunge thousands of feet below you, towering buttes and rock spires that seem to come out of nowhere, the lush green banks of the Colorado River, and the La Sal Mountains, where the scenery completely transforms into high alpine forests with peaks reaching nearly 13,000 feet. It still blows my mind that all of this exists in one place.

All Kinds of Outdoor Activities

The number of outdoor adventures you can have in Moab is honestly kind of ridiculous. If you’re looking for something more laid-back, you can spend your day on easy hikes, floating down the river, or even taking a hot air balloon ride over the desert. But if you’re craving something a little more adventurous, you’ve got mountain biking, whitewater rafting, off-roading, and even things like BASE jumping or rope swinging into a canyon. No matter your level of adventure, Moab’s got something for you. 

An Experience for Everyone

One of my favorite things about Moab is that it really can be whatever you want it to be. If you’re dreaming of a more luxurious experience, you’ll find beautiful hotels, amazing restaurants, and fun little boutiques around town.

If your style is a little more adventurous, there are so many fun options too, like glamping at Under Canvas or staying in an Airstream. Or, if you’re happiest dirtbagging it, Moab has tons of established campgrounds and dispersed camping. However you picture your perfect wedding weekend, there’s a really good chance Moab can make it happen.

If you’re thinking about planning your own adventure here, I put together a full guide on how to elope in Moab that walks you through everything you need to know!

Kind Words From E+M About their Wedding in the La Sal Mountains

E + M shared the sweetest words about their La Sal Mountains wedding and their experience working with me. You can read what they had to say below. 

E + M’s wedding in the La Sal Mountains was special for so many reasons. From watching the sunrise together at Marlboro Point to celebrating with all of their favorite people up in the mountains, every part of the day felt so intentional. 

But I think what I’ll remember most is how they fully embraced something that had already been such a huge part of their lives. Moab and off-roading weren’t just the backdrop for their wedding, those elements were already a part of their story. And I absolutely love when couples choose to celebrate in a way that feels so true to who they are.

If you’re thinking about eloping or getting married somewhere in Utah, I have a whole guide sharing some of my favorite locations across the state! And when you’re ready to start planning your own adventure, I’d love to be in your corner, helping you dream it up, cheering you on, and documenting every incredible moment along the way.