How to Plan Your Arches National Park Elopement: Updated for 2025

It may be said that I overuse the word “magic” when describing the otherworldly places I have the privilege of working in. But if I had to pick one place to use that word- it would be Arches National Park. It truly is like setting foot into another planet, full of sandstone portals and vast open skies, with the La Sal Mountains towering in the distance- it makes total sense to me why you would want to know more about planning an Arches National Park elopement. It’s a place that just speaks to you, ya know?

It’s a (here’s that word!) magical place- but there are some specific park logistics to consider, so I’m here to give you the true facts of how to plan the best elopement possible in this completely incredible landscape. I’ve photographed over 30 elopements in Moab alone so I’m here to give you the absolute lived experience of eloping in this wondrous place 🙂

Three Reasons to Elope in Arches

1. Epic Scenery Unlike Anywhere Else

Truly. Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your elopement. Imagine hiking up to Delicate Arch at sunrise, standing beneath the massive Double Arch under the stars, or framing your ceremony with the sweeping desert views at La Sal Mountains Viewpoint. Every corner of the park offers a jaw-dropping setting that makes your wedding day feel cinematic (there’s a reason they filmed Indiana Jones and Thelma + Louise here!)

2. An Intimate and Meaningful Experience

If the thought of a big wedding doesn’t feel like you, an elopement in Arches lets you focus on what truly matters: your love and commitment. Instead of juggling a guest list and seating charts, you get to experience the magic of your wedding day with just your partner (and maybe a handful of your closest people). Whether it’s a sunrise vow exchange with no one else around or sipping hot cocoa under the Milky Way, your day is completely about the two of you.

3. Adventure at Every Turn

For couples who love exploring, hiking, and soaking up the beauty of the natural world, an elopement in Arches National Park is a real life dream come true. Your wedding day can be more than just a ceremony—it can be an experience. An adventure! A true Peak Existence day. You can hike to a secluded arch, take a scenic drive through the park, or even plan an off-roading adventure nearby. Every moment of your elopement day can be filled with adventure, making it all the more unforgettable.

When to Elope in Arches

Most Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall

The most popular time to elope in Arches National Park is during the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). These seasons offer the most comfortable temperatures, ranging from the 60s to 80s, and the light is absolutely stunning. Spring brings vibrant desert blooms, while fall offers golden hues and crisp air.

This also means this is the absolute most popular time in the park. Privacy is extremely hard to come by, and parking lots are full. In the spring and fall it’s best to pair Arches with another area of Moab so you can experience the solitude of the desert, AND the iconic views in Arches.

Summer Considerations

Honestly? Don’t elope in Arches in the summer. People do, it is technically possible… but Summer elopements in Arches can be challenging due to the extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F.

The True Winner: Winter Magic

Winter is the least popular time for visitors, making it perfect for a peaceful, crowd-free elopement. While it can get chilly (with occasional snow dusting the arches), the cooler temps and quiet atmosphere can make for an incredibly unique and beautiful experience. The park is quiet and relaxed, the scenery looks mostly the same as other times of year (because it’s the desert! Unless there’s snow… which honestly makes it more magical), and you have more freedom to explore.

Time of Day: Sunrise vs Sunset

Sunrise is ideal because it’s when crowds will be at their lowest. Sunset has super gorgeous light. Night time can also be magical because- star photos. Arches is one of the best places around to take astro-elopement photos!

Day of the Week Matters

I pretty much universally recommend having your elopement on a non-holiday weekday. The only exception to this is off season (think the first couple weeks of December or the last two weeks in January, plus all of February)… but still always recommend a weekday elopement. Why? Way less crowds, easier time for you to move from point A to Point B.

Where You Are Allowed to Have a Ceremony in Arches

While Arches National Park is open for weddings and elopements, there are specific designated locations where ceremonies are allowed and each have a guest count limit. You can find all the park’s official information here. These locations are chosen to minimize environmental impact while still providing stunning views. Note that the list of approved ceremony locations has changed every year since 2020- and a lot of previously allowed ceremony spots (Sand Dune Arch, Delicate Arch) are no longer allowed:

• La Sal Mountains Viewpoint 
• The Windows Section 
• Park Avenue 
• Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater 
• Panorama Point 
• Double Arch

To have a legal ceremony in Arches, you’ll need to apply for a special use permit ($185) from the National Park Service. Be sure to apply well in advance, as permits can take up to four weeks to process. Also note that you will have to have a ranger present during your ceremony.

PRO TIP/INSIDER INFO: La Sal Mountain View Point is my favorite spot on this list, especially at sunrise. Also importantly… there are only two arches on this list and they are *extremely* busy mid-March-October. If it’s important to you to get married under an arch, I recommend eloping sometime November-March or somewhere *not* in Arches National Park. There are other arches around Moab, and they can be perfect when it comes to a ceremony under an arch (the Arch right below this section)!

My main advice is this: have your ceremony in a different area of Moab and take portraits here in Arches. That way you can have an epic ceremony location without having to worry about the park restrictions, but still be able to adventure around Arches for portraits 🙂

Arches National Park Elopement Guidelines

Because you’re eloping on public land, there are a few rules the park sets forth that’s very important to follow- both for the safety of you, other park goers, and to help preserve and protect the natural beauty of the park. Because I’m a fan of knowing exactly what to expect, The rules are as follows:

Stay on Trail
Stay on rock or sand—Moab is home to cryptobiotic soil- a living crust that holds the desert together and is also very fragile. If you step on it, you kill it. This is why sticking to trails, sandstone and rock, and sandy washes is so important!

Bouquets & Decor
Dried florals, petals, and animal releases are prohibited. Also there can’t be any arch, signs, or decor setups of any kind. The only exception to this is any guests who are unable to stand may utilize folding chairs.

(A note on this: You may see photos online of folks with arches, set ups, and lots of decor in National Parks or having ceremonies in places that they are not allowed. I know this can be super confusing especially as you do research for your elopement. There are folks who may not know about the rules, or the photos may have been taken from a time when it *was* allowed, but the rules have since changed. This happens so commonly in public spaces, so it’s important you know and trust that you have a photographer that’s current on what’s allowed and where. )

Sound & Music
No loud of amplified music.

Parking & Pets
Only park in designated parking areas. Pets are only allowed on paved surfaces (pro-tip! If you want to bring your four legged bestie to your elopement, there are other areas of Moab where pets are allowed!)

Drones & Food
Drones and catering services are prohibited.

Activities for Your Arches National Park Elopement

Sunrise Hike to an Arch

Start your elopement day with a sunrise hike to one of the park’s iconic arches. The early morning light paints the red rock in golden hues, and you’ll have the trails mostly to yourself. Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are two of the most popular hikes for sunrise.

Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic and enjoy a post-ceremony meal at one of the park’s scenic spots. Whether it’s a simple charcuterie board or a catered meal from a local restaurant, dining with a view of the red rock desert makes for a memorable experience.

Stargazing and Night Photography

Arches National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has some of the best stargazing in the country- I’ve photographed sooo many couples under the stars in Arches. It’s such a magical way to end (or start!) your day.

Exploring Nearby Adventures

Extend your elopement adventure by exploring nearby natural wonders. Canyonlands National Park is just a short drive away, offering even more dramatic landscapes. You can also go white-water rafting on the Colorado River, take a hot air balloon ride over the desert, or explore the endless acres of public land Moab has to offer.

Arches National Park Elopement Packages

I’m based in the southwest I’m in Southern Utah super, super often (both for elopements and also for fun- I truly do love it there) and cumulative wind up spending about 1-2 months out of the year in Moab. This means there are no hidden costs or travel feels for your Moab elopement- just the base price (listed below). Here’s whats included in all my elopement packages:

• An 84 page elopement planning guide exclusively for Aimee Flynn Photo couples
• Unlimited planning assistance through you’re entire elopement planning process. This includes (but is not limited to) providing customized location guides for the Moab area, giving local vendor referrals from industry folks I have worked with before and trust, creating a perfect elopement timeline, building elopement packing list just for you, and letting you know of local gems and recommendations to check out (both wedding related and fun related).
• A full, shareable gallery of beautiful high-res images and full printing rights
• All packages include photographer travel expenses 

Four Hour Package: $6400 | Eight Hour Package: $8400 | Two Day Package (One 8-hr day + 4 hr day): $11,500