Name: Arches National Park Elopement
Brand: Wedy
Rating: 5 (8 reviews)

Question 1

Do you need a permit to get married at Arches National Park?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a National Park Service Special Use Permit is required for all weddings and elopements at Arches National Park. The permit costs $185 (non-refundable application fee) plus a cost recovery fee for ranger monitoring. You apply using NPS Form 10-930s via Pay.gov and submit it to the Arches NP permit coordinator. The NPS allows only one wedding per day per location, so apply at least 30 days in advance — and 6+ months ahead for popular spring and fall weekend dates. Commercial photographers also need a separate Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). Your Wedy planning team can guide you through the permit process.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at an Arches National Park elopement?

Accepted Answer

Most ceremony locations in Arches National Park have a hard limit of 25 guests, though La Sal Mountains Viewpoint and Panorama Point can accommodate up to 50. Note that Park Avenue has a lower limit of 15 guests. For larger groups (26–50 guests), La Sal Mountains Viewpoint or Panorama Point are your best options within the park. Your permit grants an exclusive ceremony slot but NOT exclusive park access — other visitors will still be present at the location. For more privacy with larger groups, consider Dead Horse Point State Park nearby, which accommodates up to 100 guests at its Shade Shelter site.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope at Arches National Park?

Accepted Answer

April–May and September–October are the best months for an Arches elopement — ideal temperatures (55–80°F), spectacular light on the red rock, and manageable crowds compared to peak summer. Avoid mid-summer (June–August) if possible, as Moab regularly hits 100–110°F and afternoon monsoon thunderstorms are possible July–September. Winter (November–February) is uncrowded with dramatic low-angle light and potential snow on the La Sal Mountains, but daytime highs drop to 40–55°F. For the best balance of weather and privacy, book a weekday in April, October, or early November.

Question 4

How do I get a Utah marriage license for an Arches National Park wedding?

Accepted Answer

You'll get your marriage license from the Grand County Clerk/Auditor's Office at 125 E. Center St., Moab, UT 84532 (phone: 435-259-1321). The cost is $50 (non-refundable, includes one certified copy). Both partners must appear in person with a current government-issued photo ID. There is no waiting period — the license is valid immediately and good for 30 days throughout the entire state of Utah. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, so plan to get your license the day before or morning of your trip to the park. The officiant must return the signed license to the Grand County Clerk within 30 days of your ceremony.

Question 5

How much does an Arches National Park elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

The NPS permit alone costs $185 plus cost recovery fees. Beyond the permit, a Moab elopement typically involves accommodation ($150–$500/night), photographer, officiant, florals, and travel expenses — which add up quickly if you're flying in. Wedy's all-inclusive packages bundle photography, officiant, planning coordination, and florals into a single price, removing the logistical guesswork. Check this listing for current package pricing. Your Wedy planning team also assists with permit coordination, which is included in the planning process.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Arches National Park elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Arches elopement packages typically include professional photography, a licensed officiant, pre-ceremony planning coordination, and florals. Specific inclusions and tiers vary, so check this listing for current package details and what's available in each tier. Your Wedy planning coordinator will help you select the right ceremony spot in the Moab area, guide you through the NPS permit process, and ensure every detail is handled ahead of your wedding day.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Arches National Park elopement?

Accepted Answer

Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics — linen, cotton, or soft chiffon work beautifully and photograph wonderfully in the desert wind. White and light-colored dresses create a stunning contrast against the red rock. Footwear is critical: if your ceremony is at Double Arch, Turret Arch, or Park Avenue, you'll need sturdy sandals or low hiking boots since the terrain involves sandy trails and some slickrock. At more accessible spots like Panorama Point or Dead Horse Point, wedge sandals or block heels can work. Always layer — desert temperatures drop fast after sunset — and bring sunscreen, as the high-altitude Utah sun is intense year-round.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Arches National Park ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Sunrise is strongly recommended for most Arches ceremony spots, especially Double Arch and Turret Arch. In spring, sunrise is around 6:30–7:00 AM with golden light painting the sandstone red by 7:15 AM. In summer, sunrise is ~5:45–6:15 AM — the only bearable time of day given 100°F+ afternoon heat. In fall (the best season), sunrise is ~6:45–7:15 AM with warm saturated light; ceremony windows of 4:00–5:30 PM are also spectacular as the arches glow orange. In winter, sunrise is ~7:30–8:00 AM with dramatic low-angle light all afternoon; 2:00–4:00 PM is ideal. Sunset ceremonies are possible and beautiful, but busier at peak season spots.

Question 9

Where should I stay near Arches National Park for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

Moab (downtown) is your home base for an Arches elopement, with accommodation ranging from budget motels to boutique hotels on Main Street. For the most scenic experience, book Under Canvas Moab (upscale glamping 6 miles from Arches entrance), Red Cliffs Lodge (riverside resort ~18 miles from town), Sorrel River Ranch (luxury riverside resort with suites perfect for getting ready), or ULUM Moab (design-forward glamping). For an intimate B&B experience, Castle Valley Inn and Desert Hills B&B are beloved by elopement couples. Book 3–6 months in advance for spring and fall weekends — Moab fills up fast for peak season.

Question 10

Do I need an officiant for my Arches National Park elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Utah requires a licensed officiant to perform your ceremony — Utah is not a self-solemnizing state. However, online ordination IS accepted: a friend or family member can get ordained through the Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, or a similar organization and legally officiate your Utah wedding. Grand County does not require state registration for officiants, though they may ask for proof of ordination. The county clerk can also designate an unordained individual to perform a single specific ceremony if needed. Wedy packages include a professional officiant if you'd prefer not to manage this separately.

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for my Utah elopement at Arches?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Utah law requires two witnesses (each at least 18 years old) to be present at your ceremony and sign the marriage license. If you're eloping with just the two of you plus a photographer and officiant, you'll need to arrange at least two additional people (family, friends, or hired witnesses) to satisfy Utah's requirement. Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate witness logistics.

Question 12

What decorations are not allowed at Arches National Park?

Accepted Answer

Arches National Park has strict Leave No Trace rules for ceremonies. The following are NOT allowed: chairs, tables, arches, altars, or any structures; amplified music or sound systems; balloons, confetti, rice, birdseed, or any non-native material dropped on the ground; drones; catering or food service; tents; pets (in most areas); butterfly or dove releases; and anything that obstructs trails or parking areas. You also cannot claim exclusive use of any ceremony area — other park visitors will be present. Ceremonies are standing-only at most locations. Keep your ceremony intimate and minimalist — the landscape IS the decoration.

Question 13

How do I get to Arches National Park from the nearest airport?

Accepted Answer

Most couples fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and drive ~4 hours south on US-191 — SLC has the best flight selection and rental car availability. Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) in Moab is only 25 minutes from the park entrance and has direct flights from Phoenix and Denver via American Airlines/Contour, but schedules are limited. Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Colorado is a ~1 hour 45 minute drive and offers more airline options than CNY. A rental car is essential — there's no rideshare service in Moab. The Arches entrance station is 5 miles north of downtown Moab on US-191.

Question 14

What if it rains during my Arches National Park elopement?

Accepted Answer

Rain is uncommon in Moab but not impossible, and the biggest weather risk in summer is afternoon monsoon thunderstorms (July–September) which can trigger dangerous flash floods in canyon areas. If storms are forecast, your ceremony spot can be adjusted to a higher-elevation or more sheltered location like Panorama Point or Dead Horse Point's Shade Shelter (the only covered ceremony structure in the region). Moab's high desert climate means most weather passes quickly. Your Wedy planning team monitors conditions and communicates contingency options in advance — having a weather-flexible plan is standard practice for all Moab elopements.

Arches National Park Elopement

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Ceremony & Reception Locations

Arches National Park — Turret Arch (Windows Section)

Arches National Park — Double Arch (Windows Section)

Arches National Park — La Sal Mountains Viewpoint

Arches National Park — Panorama Point

Arches National Park — Turret Arch (Windows Section)

Arches National Park — Double Arch (Windows Section)

Arches National Park — La Sal Mountains Viewpoint

Arches National Park — Panorama Point

Arches National Park — Turret Arch (Windows Section)

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Seaside Ceremony

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Videography

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5

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Elena Hawthorne

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Curated Vendors
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Traditional Planning
vs Wedy

Enhance Your
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