So you're thinking about exchanging your vows in Moab and I don't blame you! It's such a beautiful place and honestly feels like you're on another planet with how diverse the landscape is! I've put together a guide filled with all the information you'll need to help make your planning process a little easier...
Obtaining a Marriage License
- You and your partner must visit the Grand County Clerk's office within 30 days of your wedding/ elopement (125 E. Center St.
Moab, UT 84532). - The application fee for your license is $40 and you will also need to provide the name of your officiant (he or she does not need to be present at the clerk's office).
- You can download and fill out the application ahead of time, but do not sign the form until you are at the clerk's office: Marriage License Application
- Here's a list of available officiants in Moab: Grand County Officiants
- Along with an officiant, you will also need two witnesses over the age of 18.
Now that we have the legal details out of the way, it's time to decide where you'll want to have your ceremony...
Arches National Park
- The cost of a wedding permit is $185 and you can apply up to 1 year in advance (the sooner the better!).
- Your permit does not include the $30 entrance fee into the park.
- Group sizes range from 10 to 80 guests, depending on the specific ceremony location.
- The following locations are allowed with your permit: La Sal Mountains Viewpoint (50 guests), The Windows Loop (25 guests), Sand Dune Arch (25 guests), Delicate Arch Viewpoint (25 guests), Pine Tree Arch (25 guests), Landscape Arch (10 guests), Park Avenue Trail (15 guests), Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater (80 guests) and Panorama Point (50 guests).
- Click here for details on the park's rules and the application form.
Canyonlands National Park
- Just like Arches, the total cost of a wedding permit is $185 and you can apply up to 1 year in advance.
- The permit does not include the $30 park entrance fee.
- Applying for the permit unfortunately does not guarantee approval, so it's always a great idea to have a backup location in place.
- Group sizes range from 10-50 guests, depending on the ceremony location.
- Here's a list of approved ceremony sites: Grand View Point (25 guests), Green River Overlook (25 guests), Mesa Arch Trail (25 guests), Shafer Canyon Overlook (10 guests), Pothole Point (10 guests), The Needles Group Campsites (Needles- 50 guests, Wooden Shoe- 25 guests, Split Top- 15 guests).
- Click here for details on the park's rules and the application form.
Dead Horse Point State Park
- This state park is located right outside of Canyonlands National Park and it's absolutely stunning! A lot of people mistake this area for the famous Horseshoe Bend because of how the Colorado River runs through the park. It's such a cool site to see.
- You must apply for your permit at least 30 days in advance.
- The total cost of a wedding permit is $60.
- Group sizes range from 20 to 100 guests.
- Click here to access the application and their list of approved sites with photos.
BLM Land
- Moab has a wide range of BLM land and does not require a wedding permit.
- Vendors such as the photographer, may need to obtain a special use permit ($115 + 3% of their income, your photographer may choose to include this in your package).
- Looking Glass Arch, Wilson Arch and Corona Arch Trail are all amazing options for a ceremony.
- Although a wedding permit is not required, you will still need a letter of acknowledgment from the land management.
- To obtain your letter of acknowledgment, you will need to email the following information to Blm_ut_mb_srp@blm.gov at least one month in advance:
Names of Couple:
Address:
Phone number:
Exact location where you want to hold the wedding/ elopement:
Date:
Time:
Length of time you will be there:
Number of people:
Number of vehicles:
Parking plan:
Use of shuttles:
What you plan to do on-site? (i.e. hold ceremony, set-up chairs, play music- no amplified music is allowed, etc.) If vendors are allowed,(rental companies, caterers, etc.) they would need to have a current BLM Special Recreation Permit to provide services on public lands.
Floral Arrangements: All vegetative materials must be removed from site. No Pampas grass is allowed. Native alternatives can be found locally through Easy Bee Farms & Wild Landscapes
Are you working with a wedding planner and/or professional photographer, caterer or any other business providing fees for their services? If so, please provide their business name(s) as they must have a Special Recreation Permit to operate their commercial business on BLM public lands.
When to Schedule your Wedding/ Elopement Date
- Like most parks, everything is open year-round here!
- The best time to plan your big day in Moab would ideally be in the Spring or Fall months. It can get extremely hot during the summer.
- In the summer, you can expect temps to rise above 100 degrees. If your options are limited to the summer months, don't be discouraged, I just recommend planning to have your ceremony during sunrise. The weather is much more tolerable at that time!
- In general, sunrise is best to avoid crowds. Moab is a very popular area for visitors, especially Arches National Park. Sunset is also a beautiful time, you may just have a few people lurking in the distance.
Moab, UT Vendors
- Hair & Makeup: Atomic Salon, Makeup by Katina and Lesley Lind.
- Florists: Forget Me Knot Flowers, Floral and Fauna Design and if you're coming from Colorado, Compass Rose Floral has the most beautiful faux set ups! My first time working with them, I was actually completely unaware that their florals were fake- you seriously can't tell the difference!
- Custom Cakes: Sweet Serendipity
- Mobile Bar: The Mobile Bison Bar
- Photographer: Hey hey! I'd love to photograph this day for you!
- Videographer: Ashtyn Schae Films
Interested in planning your big day in Moab, UT? Let's chat!
