Eloping in Moab can be a challenge. Here is just a small idea of experiences, places and things to do that can make your day FEEL the way you want it to!

If you’re looking to scrap the traditions that don’t mean a thing to you and your spouse, then you’re in the right place! If you’re a self-proclaimed “desert rat” and would rather spend your wedding day eloping in the desert, chasing gorgeous sunlight, eating at the best restaurant in Moab, and seeing all the best sites it has to offer, then consider these tips to help make the day even more like the two of you. 

1. Getting Ready

Just because you’re getting married in the desert doesn’t mean you can’t go full glam (if you’re into that!) Since eloping in Moab can be challenging due to it’s remote nature – which just so happens to also be the reason eloping in Moab is the BEST, I’m here to tell you some awesome ideas to bypass this while getting ready. 

• if you plan to razr, 4 wheel, horseback ride, or hike to your ceremony spot, do your hair and makeup at your campsite or hotel beforehand and bring your dress and tux in a backpack with your shoes! Once we all make it to the site, (I can help you pick that spot!), we can have you both get fully dressed and do a first look together!
• Hire a hair and makeup artist to get you ready! For some people, doing your own hair and makeup can be a chore and on your wedding day – YOU DESERVE TO BE STRESS-FREE AND HAPPY. Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still look and feel your best. There are tons of people in Grand Junction, CO willing to travel, and also a lot of talented hair and makeup artists in Moab, itself!
• Getting ready BEFORE the elopement: Make sure your photographer is aware of all the permits needed to shoot at certain locales (pick me, pick me!) You don’t want to end up trespassing or harming any of the delicate ecosystems that make eloping in Moab so attractive in the first place. This means staying on trails, choosing sustainable flowers and not leaving behind waste. I have vendors I can connect you with to accommodate this, and also know some off the grid places that are equally as gorgeous where you don’t even need a permit! Some of my favorite florists combine silks with dried florals like Reed & Rye. Seriously, these are to die for! My friend Brenda over at Designs by Brenda created my personal wedding bouquet out of silks, dried florals, feathers, and pampas grass, and I’m in love with them!
• When you pick your dress, don’t just treat the occasion like something “sorta special, but you’ve always been a no fuss kinda girl so you don’t need anything too nice!” TREAT YOURSELF. Where you’re saving so much money in not having guests (or lowering the amount of guests you have,) consider a gorgeous dress! Here are some brands I love! Reclamation makes unique dresses out of vintage tablecloths, tulle, sparkly fabric, etc and they are so versatile. Rue de Seine is the golden standard for boho bridal dresses. Stevie Nicks vibes with fringe, lace and intricate details.

2. Making the Experience Unforgettable

My favorite thing about elopements is that you can scrap any traditions that don’t hold value to you, and replace them with something that will mean more to you. Here are some ideas:

• scrap a large ceremony and trade it for a vow exchange. All you need is an officiant and the two of you, with your vows ready to go. Exchange your vows in the open desert with nobody else around.
• Musically inclined? Bring your guitar and serenade your lover. Along these lines, you can also hire a local musician to serenade the two of you while you sip champagne (or whiskey sours like me!) under the sunset.
• Have a picnic. Bring a small cake, cupcakes, or donut holes and feed each other some sweets while enjoying the scenery. I love this twist on an old classic, tradition!
• Wake up at sunrise and do a sunrise session with me so you can spend the rest of the day MARRIED. There’s just something romantic about having the entire day to celebrate. I know, sunset is early. But Deadhorse Point is unparalleled at sunrise! Sunset is also amazing, but the way that light hits in the morning will definitely get you two feeling romantic.
• Have yourself a romantic ride on a boat down the Colorado River, with your favorite drink and a few close family members or friends to celebrate.
• Horseback ride up to a gorgeous airbnb, tucked away in the desert (ask me for recommendations – I am HAPPY to help!)
  While I have so many other ideas to make your day eloping in Moab full of fun and adventure, I want to save them for my couples to have a dream day with me. Please feel free to check out my portfolio or read a little more about me! If you feel like you’re ready to send an inquiry, then click here! I’d love to get to connect and help you plan a day adventuring in Moab for the two of you!