11 Best Locations for a Desert Elopement

Does the idea of a desert elopement just light you up? If so, that makes two of us! As an adventure elopement photographer who is based out of Arizona, the desert is quite literally where I call home. So, if you’re planning an elopement in the desert with me as your photographer, it’s safe to say that you’re in good hands. Some people think deserts are flat and don’t have much to look at, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Deserts make up some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country! So, I’ve gathered 11 of the best desert elopement locations in the U.S. that you simply HAVE to check out! I’m also sharing tips about each one as well as 8 steps to take when eloping in the desert. 

8 Steps to Plan Your Desert Elopement 

Step One: Pick Your Favorite Desert Elopement Region

There are three states with desert landscapes that I am sharing in this blog post – Arizona, Utah, and California. Each state has various desert regions within them, all offering something something totally unique. I recommend first choosing a state or general region that you want to elope in, then narrowing down your options further throughout the planning process. 

Step Two: Book Your Desert Elopement Photographer

You’ve picked your desert elopement region, now it’s time to book a photographer! When choosing someone to photograph your wedding day, you want to consider more than just the photos (although those are *very* important!). Hiring someone who specializes in adventure elopements and desert locations (::waves::) will ensure you have an expert who can help answer your questions and guide you through the planning process. This will help your elopement day run way smoother and allow you to better enjoy the entire process! 

Step Three: Consider the Time of Year

One of the best things about eloping in the desert is you can visit these areas during times of the year when other locations are typically closed. In general, fall through springtime are some of the best months to plan a desert elopement as the weather is a bit cooler this time of year. 

When it comes to eloping in nature, I *highly* recommend couples elope on a weekday. Outdoor locations can become very busy on the weekends and don’t allow for as much privacy as weekdays. I believe that when it comes to your elopement day, your experience is the top priority!

Step Four: Choose Your Guest List (if any)

Choosing whether or not to invite guests to your elopement is a personal choice. Some couples want to elope with just the two of them and their photographer, while others want to invite their closest loved ones to help them celebrate. Other couples might not be sure what they want and that’s ok too. When deciding whether or not to invite guests, just know you have options. Your photographer can help with this step by taking into account everything that is important to you and helping you come up with a customized elopement timeline that fits your vision.

Step Five: Pick a Specific Date, Time, and Ceremony Location

Once you’ve booked your photographer, it’s time to start ironing out the rest of the details. At this point you’ll want to decide on a date, time, and ceremony location for your elopement in the desert. While I am sharing some of my favorite desert elopement regions in this post, I have a wholeeee list of additional locations that I can share with you when we begin the planning process. 

Step Six: Secure any Necessary Desert Elopement Permits

Not all desert elopement locations will require a permit to get married, but some will. If you are eloping in a national park or on government land, these locations often have some type of fee involved whether it’s an elopement permit or simply an entrance or parking permit. It is *very* important not to skip this step as if you hold your ceremony without the proper permits, you may get kicked out and NO ONE wants to have that experience on their wedding day! Once you’ve decided on a location, I recommend applying for your elopement permit right away as the process can take several weeks. 

Step Seven: Plan for Legalities

One of the most important steps in planning your desert elopement is obtaining your marriage license so you can make your marriage official! Fun fact- I am ordained and can legally sign off on your marriage license if you would like.

If dealing with the paperwork on your wedding day doesn’t sound ideal, some couples choose to complete it at their local courthouse before or after their wedding. 

Step Eight: Have the Freaking Time of Your Life (and Follow Leave No Trace)

Now comes the easy (and totally worth it in every sense of the word) part. All that’s left for you to do is show up and have the freaking best time of your life in a jaw-dropping location. You are marrying your PERSON afterall- so don’t hold back celebrating!

One of the most important things you can do while adventuring around on your elopement day is follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Leave No Trace (LNT) are guiding rules and ethics to help maintain and protect the wild places and wildlife that call those places home. You can learn more about Leave No Trace and some of the ways we practice it in the desert by clicking on the link below.

11 Best Desert Elopement Locations in the U.S. 

Arizona Desert Elopement Locations

Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona is home to some of the state’s most iconic landscapes- Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and, oh yeah, the Grand Canyon. These are just a few of the ::chef’s kiss:: locations you can visit and, while I definitely recommend visiting these places at least once in your life, I’ve got some lesser-known trails that offer just as incredible views, but without the crowds. 

Nearest Major Airport:

The two major airports in Northern Arizona are Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Depending on the area you are traveling to, it’s about a 2-hour drive from these airports to most locations. However, you can shorten your drive time by flying into the Page Municipal Airport.

When is the Best Time to Elope in Northern Arizona?

September – November or December – February* (sometimes even into March)

*Northern Arizona is one of the only places in the state that gets a decent amount of snow, and there is *nothing* like seeing red rock desert dusted with a layer of white snow. 

Activity Ideas for Your Northern Arizona Elopement

• Hiking the slot canyons (or seriously ANY) of the amazing trails
• Stargazing

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Couples looking for a private elopement experience or want to experience more remote locations.

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Couples looking for a location with lots of amenities, vendors, and “city activities”. 

Sedona, Arizona

Located in central Arizona, Sedona is our state’s Red Rock Country. While this area has some amazing adventure locations, it’s become a bit of a tourist destination in recent year. If you love the look of Sedona but want to avoid the crowds, I recommend choosing a location in Southern Utah or Northern Arizona for a more private elopement experience. 

Nearest Major Airport: 

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is technically the closest airport to Sedona, but if you want to save a little bit of money, you can fly into Pheonix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and make the two-hour drive into Sedona. 

When is the Best Time to Elope in Sedona, Arizona?

Early spring and late fall. Winter is also a great time to elope in Sedona and, if you’re lucky, you may even get a dusting of snow.

PRO TIP- If you choose to elope in the Spring, try to avoid ASU and U of A’s Spring Break as the city can get extra crowded! 

Activity Ideas for Your Sedona, Arizona Elopement

• Drive the switchbacks through 89A
• Hiking
• Swimming 
• Horseback riding
• Shopping

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Couples who want easy access to hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. 

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Couples who want a more private elopement experience

More Sedona, Arizona Elopement Inspiration

Looking for some other amazing Arizona elopement locations in or near the desert? Check out my recommendations for the top 6 places to elope in Arizona

Utah Desert Elopement Locations

Moab, Utah

Don’t tell the others, but Moab, Utah just *might* be my favorite desert location ever! This desert gem is home to not just one but TWO national parks- Arches and Canyonlands. If red rock arches and vast, wide-open canyons speak to your heart, then you NEED to check out this location. 

Nearest Major Airport:

The two major airports near Moab are Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Grand Junction Regional Airport. While Moab does have a local airport, it is prone to delays and cancelations, so I recommend choosing one of the other airport options.

When is the Best Time to Elope in Moab?

March – early May or September – October (aka shoulder season)  

Activity Ideas for Your Moab Elopement

• Off-roading
• Hiking
• Canyoneering
• Base-jumping
• Rock climbing 
• Sky diving 
• Star gazing 

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Adventurous couples who love wild landscapes. If you want stunning views with easy access (and don’t mind occasionally sharing the space with other folks), this is the location for you! And if privacy is majorly important, don’t fret. There are TONS of more private places, they just take a little bit of work (ie: off roading or hiking) to get to!

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Folks who want a bit of green with their desert- Moab is super Mars like (and oh-so-stunning).

More Moab Elopement Inspiration

Kanab

Snuggled between Zion National Park and Lake Powell, Kanab is home to some unique hidden gems. (Think sand dunes, slot canyons, lava flow fields, forests, and state parks with off-roading adventure opportunities galore!)

Nearest Major Airport:

It is about a 3 hour drive from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)…aka Las Vegas to Kanab. If you want to shorten your drive time, you can fly into the Page Municipal Airport.

When is the Best Time to Elope in Kanab?

February – early May or late October – November 

Activity Ideas for Your Kanab Elopement

• Hiking
• Camping
• Sandboarding
• Off-roading (seriously, SO. MUCH. off-roading!)

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Folks wanting some variation in their desert setting and adventure at some off-the-beaten-path locations

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Folks who want famous and iconic views or spots that are super easy to access.

More Kanab Elopement Inspiration

Zion National Park

With its sandstone walls, beautiful winding river, and gorgeous overlooks all throughout the park, it’s easy to see why Zion is the third most visited national park in the country. This national park is a nature lover’s dream and is quite literally one of THE BEST desert elopement locations in the country! 

Nearest Major Airport:

It is about a two and a half hour drive to Zion from the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)…aka Las Vegas.

When is the Best Time to Elope in Zion National Park? 

February – early May or late October – November 

Activity Ideas for Your Zion National Park Elopement

• Hiking
• Exploring canyons
• Wading in rivers

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Folks who want that desert/greenery combo.

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Folks who really want privacy. Zion is extremely busy May-October and navigating the shuttle season (even in the off-season) can be a nuisance.

More Zion National Park Elopement Inspiration

Bryce Canyon National Park

With funky hoodoos (rock structures formed by the constant freeze/thaw of the area) and epic overlooks, you might be surprised to learn that Bryce Canyon is actually one of Utah’s more under-the-radar desert elopement locations. One of the things I love about this park (aside from the hoodoos, of course) is that because it is in a higher elevation area, this area is accessible during the summer months (something uncommon for most desert elopement locations).

Nearest Major Airport:

This park requires a bit of a drive to get to and either the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)…aka Las Vegas or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) will take about four hours by car.

When is the Best Time to Elope in Bryce Canyon National Park?

July – September

Activity Ideas for Your Bryce Canyon National Park Elopement

• Hiking
• Camping

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Couples who want a funky desert vibe and don’t mind a little bit of hiking or couples who want to elope in the desert during the summertime.

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Folks who want to avoid sunrise, or couples who want multiple choices for their ceremony location.

Looking for some other amazing Utah elopement locations in or near the desert? Check out my recommendations for 8 epic places to elope in Utah

California Desert Elopement Locations

Death Valley National Park

Don’t let its name scare you away- Death Valley is a truly otherworldly and gorgeous desert elopement location! From massive sand dunes to painted canyons to beautiful overlooks (and even an Oasis with palm trees in the middle of the park), Death Valley is another underrated desert elopement location. 

Nearest Major Airport:

It will take about two hours to drive from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)…aka Las Vegas to Death Valley.

When is the Best Time to Elope in Death Valley National Park?

Summertime (HA- kidding!). Fun fact- Death Valley still holds the record for the hottest recorded temperatures on Earth. 

Late fall, winter, and early spring are your best bets for planning a Death Valley National Park elopement. 

Activity Ideas for Your Death Valley National Park Elopement

• Hiking
• Exploring
• Camping
• Sandboarding

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Folks who want a unique elopement experience in a lesser-populated location. 

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Couples who want to elope in summertime or want access to local amenities. 

Joshua Tree National Park

With its Dr. Seuss-like trees and boulder hills all throughout the park, Joshua Tree is one of the coolest desert elopement locations. It’s the perfect place for adventure and funk, not to mention being so close to downtown Palm Springs, you’ll have all the amenities you need for your elopement in the desert.

Nearest Major Airport:

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the closest, but you can also fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and drive two hours into the park. 

When is the Best Time to Elope in Joshua Tree National Park?

February – March or October – November (and even December)

Activity Ideas for Your Joshua Tree National Park Elopement

• Hiking
• Star gazing
• Rock climbing
• Camping

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Couples who want a relaxed day with easy-to-access spots with room for low-key exploration.

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Folks who want a super private elopement.

More Joshua Tree National Park Elopement Inspiration

Sand Dunes

Eloping in the sand dunes is like venturing around one giant sandbox! And who doesn’t want to feel like a little kid on their elopement day? If you are thinking about planning a sand dunes elopement, I’ve got tons of locations I can share with you. The major ones to note though are White Sands National Park in New Mexico, Death Valley National Park, and there are even some dunes north of Joshua Tree.

Nearest Major Airport:

TBD depending on which sand dune location you choose 

When is the Best Time to Elope at the Sand Dunes?

While the exact time of year will depend on the location you choose, it’s usually safe to say that late fall through early spring are good times to visit most sand dune locations. 

Activity Ideas for Your Sand Dunes Elopement

• Running down the dunes (duh!)
• Sandboarding

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Folks who want to have FUN and bring out their inner child. 

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Couples who don’t want to deal with sand in their hair, eyes, clothes (iykyk),

Sonoran Desert

Imagine a classic Arizona desert with its painted skies and cactus-dotted plains, and that’s the Sonoran desert! While this desert is primarily located in Mexico, it also touches two U.S. states-  Arizona and California. One of the most unique facts about this desert is that it’s rainy season occurs TWO times per year! Both July – August and the winter months receive rainfall which means the plant life receives more water throughout the year than most other deserts. 

Nearest Major Airport:

TBD depending on which part of the Sonoran Desert you want to visit

When is the Best Time to Elope in the Sonoran Desert?

Spring and fall. Not only do these months bring cooler temperatures, but because of the recent rainfall, you’ll get to witness more blooming cacti. 

Activity Ideas for Your Sonoran Desert Elopement

• Hiking
• Exploring
• Horseback riding

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Couples who want traditional ​​saguro cacti vibes or those who a more accessible elopement location.

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Couples unprepared for hot days or cold desert nights.

Looking for some other amazing California elopement locations in or near the desert? Check out my recommendations for the most epic places to elope in California

BONUS Desert Elopement Location

Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona has some of the *best* views and hidden gem locations in the state! From the Sonoran Desert to the Colorado River to even mountains and forests, this part of Arizona boasts so much variety. Oh, and did I mention the sunsets? If you’ve never seen an Arizona sunset, you are in for a TREAT!

Nearest Major Airport:

Tucson International Airport (TUS) or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) depending on where you want to visit. 

When is the Best Time to Elope in Southern Arizona?

Spring and fall. Not only will you experience milder weather, but you’ll also get to witness the vibrant desert blooms.

Activity Ideas for Your Southern Arizona Elopement

• Hiking 
• Exploring

This Desert Elopement Location is Perfect for:

Couples wanting iconic cactus-filled scenery with a mix of rugged mountains.

It May Not Be a Great Fit for:

Couples unprepared for hot desert climate and terrain challenges.

---

Desert Elopement Packages

Now that we’ve covered all the best places to elope in the desert, let’s talk photographer pricing. I’m a huge fan of being super transparent about these things, so as long as you are booking an elopement in the lower 48, this is what you can expect:

• All packages include traditional photographer travel expenses. This means, as long as I can get there via commercial airline or in my Subaru, travel costs are covered.
• Unlimited assistance (from me, your desert elopement photographer!) with planning and logistics. Think location scouting, timeline creation, location informational, packing lists, vendor recommendations… whatever you need guidance on, I’m here for you.
• Online gallery of high-res images and full printing rights (and your sneak peeks within 48 hrs!)

Four hours start at: $5900 | Eight Hours: $7900 | One 8-hr day + 4 hr day: $11,000

---

Ready to start planning your desert elopement?