Moab is known for its amazing beauty and for attracting those with an active lifestyle. Weddings these days are beginning to veer away from the traditional, and steering more towards shared passions and experiences. Unconventional weddings are quickly becoming the new norm, and Moab is the perfect destination for adventurous couples.
When couples think of having an outdoor wedding in Moab, all they have to do is simply look around. The backdrops are stunning and Mother Nature is there to help you throw the best party possible.
Plan and book early! Moab is growing as a wedding destination. Plan on booking your venue, caterer, and photographer a year in advance.
Wedding Trends
Moab is a great destination with local professionals who will help you plan your special day. Let the personality of the venue or your favorite activity lead the way. Having your ceremony fit you is what’s important.
Doesn’t floating down the Colorado River among 2,000ft cliffs while saying
“I do” sound amazing? Canyonlands By Night & Day has a large flat-decked boat perfect for this kind of ceremony. 435-259-5261, canyonlandsbynight.com
If you have an idea that involves the river, talk to one of our river companies to help turn your dreams into reality.
Modern weddings tend to focus on togetherness and a shared experience. Outdoor tents, farm-to-table type meals, and games that involve everyone make the wedding festivities enjoyable for all.
Catering can be as casual and unique as a local food truck. Several restaurants in town offer catering or can package up food to go.
Venue Ideas
Moab venues can offer something for everyone. Locations for your special day don’t have to be limited. You can choose to stand under a wedding arch that is truly an arch. The national parks, including Arches, allow weddings, but with limitations, so you need to be very prepared and have a permit. The same rules apply for Canyonlands. Read up on all the regulations at nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/weddings.htm.
Weddings and elopement ceremonies at Dead Horse Point State Park are allowed via the special use permit process. Multiple site options for groups of various sizes are potentially available.
Go to stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/weddings to get all the details and permits.
Red Cliffs Lodge specializes in destination weddings. Call them for details and pricing, 435-259-2002, or visit redcliffslodge.com.
Plan with the Pros
If done well, destination weddings can be exceptional, and local vendors can give you the inside scoop on the best places for your event. You will benefit from using Moab-based vendors with experience and existing relationships to help with your wedding planning and execution.
The desert can be tricky and protecting the environment is always the first thing to consider. Local vendors know how to plan an event that will also preserve the integrity of the area.
Angela Hays Photography will document engagements, couple sessions, elopements, weddings, and families in canyon country. angelahaysphotography.com.
Do you want to simply elope? High Desert Elopements specializes in amazing elopement packages in the nearby Moab parks and area.
Their services are not limited to the Moab area. They also offer elopements in the Capitol Reef, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, and the Grand Canyon and can assist you with any elopement planning in the Southwest. highdesertelopements.com.
For all of your destination wedding needs, contact Wedding Moab. They help couples connect with local vendors and create Moab-style weddings that work with their budgets. If you want your wedding day to be stress free, they offer wedding day coordination so couples can enjoy their special day.
Wedding Moab also has access to private Moab locations that are not listed on the internet. weddingmoab.com.
For event rentals, party tents, mobile event trailers, farm tables, wedding chairs, PA systems, and generators, contact Moab Event Services. They have the knowledge and experience in setting up outdoor backcountry weddings and events. moabeventservices.com