All The Things

Written By Katelyn Murphy

Contents

  1. Why Moab? (aka: Red rocks, big sky, soul magic)

  2. When to Elope: Weather, lighting & why sunrise is your best friend

  3. Where to Elope: Epic locations & secret favorites

  4. What to Bring: The practical + the sentimental

  5. Permits & Legal Stuff: Let’s keep it official

  6. Pro Tips from Kate: Your photographer + hype crew

  7. The Vibe Check: This is YOUR day. Let’s make it feel that way.

1. Why Moab?

Moab is a feeling.
The way the cliffs glow pink at sunset. The silence of the canyons. The way time slows when you’re standing in the middle of nowhere with your person, just being. It’s desert magic, and it’s why couples come from all over the world to say “I do” here.

Also? There are a million backdrops, and not a single one involves a hotel ballroom.

2. When to Elope in Moab

🌸 Spring (March–May): Wildflowers, waterfalls, and cool temps. Slightly busy, but worth it.

🍂 Fall (September–October): Golden trees in the La Sals, dreamy lighting, and fewer crowds.

❄️ Winter (November–February): Quiet. Peaceful. Dusting of snow on red rock = chef’s kiss.

🔥 Summer (June–August): Hot. Like surface-of-the-sun hot. If you do summer, make it sunrise or bust.

☀️ SUNRISE VS SUNSET: The Drama Showdown

Sunrise Pros:

  • Total privacy (like... just us privacy)

  • Coolest temps of the day

  • Soft, glowy light that makes your photos sparkle

  • You get the rest of the day to celebrate!

Sunset Pros:

  • Warm, golden, romantic light

  • Slower start to your day

  • Potential for unreal skies if the weather plays nice

Both are magical. We'll talk about your priorities and plan the time that works best for your location, mood, and vision.

3. Where to Elope in Moab

Your elopement can be red rock, alpine, riverside, or even Mars-looking. Here's a mix of famous, hidden, and absolutely stunning:

💍 National + State Parks:

  • The Windows & Turret Arch (Arches NP) – Iconic, dramatic, accessible

  • Sand Dune Arch (Arches NP) – Soft light, secluded feeling

  • Grand View Point & Green River Overlook (Canyonlands NP) – Epic canyon drop-offs

  • Mesa Arch (Canyonlands NP) – Sunrise lovers only

  • Dead Horse Point SP – Massive views, drama, easier logistics

🏜️ Off-the-Grid + BLM Gems:

  • Looking Glass Rock – Arch + cliff views, feels like Mars

  • Fisher Towers – Spindly red towers, trailhead romance

  • Onion Creek – Winding roads + wild formations

  • Castle Valley – Castleton Tower & wide open western skies

  • La Sal Mountains – Perfect for fall color or snow-dusted scenes

Each location has its own vibe — and rules! That brings us to…

4. What to Bring

The Essentials:
✔️ Marriage license
✔️ Rings
✔️ Vows (extra points for handwritten)
✔️ Good shoes
✔️ Layers — it gets chilly fast, even in the desert
✔️ Snacks + water (seriously)
✔️ Champagne or bubbly water for a post-ceremony toast
✔️ Permits (don’t worry, I’ll help here!)

The Fun Stuff:
✨ A donut tower (no, really)
✨ Adventure gear: hiking boots, bike, climbing shoes
✨ A cute blanket or picnic setup
✨ A speaker for a first dance on a cliff

5. Permits & Legal Stuff

Let’s keep it beautiful and above-board.

📜 Marriage License

  • Grab it from any Utah county (Grand County is easiest if you’re local)

  • No waiting period, no residency requirements

  • Valid for 30 days

  • $40–50

  • You’ll need an officiant + 2 witnesses
    (I can help with this! Yes, even if it’s just you two.)

🏞️ Permits – Here’s the Breakdown:

  • National Parks (Arches & Canyonlands):
    – You’ll need a Special Use Permit (usually $185–$200)
    – Apply at least 4 weeks in advance
    – Ceremony locations are limited but beautiful

  • Dead Horse Point State Park:
    – Requires a permit/reservation for ceremony areas
    – More flexibility and a little less red tape

  • BLM Land (Looking Glass, Onion Creek, Fisher Towers):
    – May require a filming/photography permit, depending on location and group size
    – I’ll help you check what's needed and walk you through the process

Don’t worry — this stuff sounds intimidating, but I’ve done it before and I’ll help make it seamless.

6. Kate’s Pro Tips (aka: Your Built-In Elopement Bestie)

  • Your dress will get dusty. Let it. It means you lived in it.

  • Don’t stress the wind — it’s nature’s hair fan.

  • Vows hit different when you’re standing on a cliff.

  • Bring more snacks than you think. (Eloping makes you hungry!)

  • Trust the quiet moments. That’s where the magic happens.

  • Also... donuts. Always.

7. The Vibe Check

You’re not running away — you’re running toward something.
Toward joy. Intention. Connection. Simplicity. And maybe even a cactus or two.

Whether you want to read vows barefoot at sunrise, dance under the stars, or pop champagne with no one else around — I’m here to help you make it happen.

We’ll laugh. Maybe cry. Definitely eat snacks. And at the end of the day, you’ll have a heart full of memories and a gallery full of wild, windswept, joyful photos to relive it all.

Let’s create something unforgettable. You bring the love, I’ll bring the camera — and snacks.

Let me know if you'd like me to turn this into:

  • A designed client guide PDF (with your photos & branding)

  • A version for your website as a dedicated page

  • A short & sweet email version to send post-inquiry

I'm ready when you are 💌

Katelyn Murphy
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