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I recently created a killer desert elopement guide, where I dove deep into exactly how to plan the desert elopement of your dreams. While writing it, though, I realized I had absolutely no room left to write about the bajillion locations I wanted to include—there simply wasn’t enough space, so that’s when the idea for this guide to the top desert elopement locations in the world was born.
There are SO MANY incredible desert locations both in and outside of the US; I could probably list 50 different desert locations that are worth eloping in, but in order to keep this guide as concise as possible, I’m going to condense all of the spectacular options into just 23 of the most beautiful desert elopement locations around the world, from Moab to Morocco. These locations were chosen over all of the rest because of their diversity of desert landscapes, natural beauty, and their originality—because let’s be real, there are a handful of lists just like this one already out there on the internet. Get your backpacks ready because by the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to pack up and head out to explore!
Located in eastern Utah, Moab is home to two of Utah’s five national parks, and a state park that isn’t to be overlooked. One of my favorite parts of the desert is the widely varying textures, and Moab has no shortage of them; the red rock cliffs make the perfect background for elopement portraits, and so do the colorful canyons, the layers of mountains out in the distance, and the towering sandstone structures that you’ll find around the area.
For further details on how to plan an epic Moab elopement, head on over to my full Moab Elopement Guide after this.
This luxury hotel is located in southern Utah on 900 acres and has a minimal aesthetic. Predominantly constructed from concrete slabs, Amangiri is the perfect elopement location for those that want to enjoy the beauty of nature without having to sacrifice luxury. Each room has an open view of the surrounding desert landscape with views of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and many of the suites have private on-suite plunge pools. Amangiri is a destination for eloping couples that are ready to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
Romy Oltuski in a Harper’s Bazaar article wrote about Amangiri, “It’s a surreal combination of extreme luxury and rugged wilderness… for people who want the Wild experience but with 1000-thread count.”
Zion is Utah’s first national park, home to towering sandstone cliffs of all different shades of orange, red, and beige, and colorful canyons as far as the eye can see. The steep cliffs along the Virgin River provide spectacular views of the vast canyons, and offer a variety of incredible trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You’ll need as much time in Zion as you can get to admire the slot canyons, watch how the colors change at different times of day, and drive along the Zion Scenic Drive.
The Bonneville Salt Flats are one of those places you just have to see to believe—this 30,000 acre salt pan in northwestern Utah offers otherworldly landscapes that you can’t find anywhere else in the state. You’ve probably (definitely) seen them on your Instagram or TikTok feed before, seeing as though they’re one of the most popular destinations in Utah for visitors and for photography, thanks to the vast scenery and out-of-this-world sunsets. The contrast of the vibrant white salt flats paired with the bright blue Utah skies make for pretty epic photos, especially if there’s a gorgeous couple standing on those salt flats in elopement attire, of course.
While the salt flats are definitely a must-see during your first trip to Utah, there isn’t actually much to see there—so you won’t need too long for that stop on your itinerary. If you want to visit a more unique state park that brings more opportunity for adventure, consider heading to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in southwestern Utah. It’s this super beautiful state park famed for its pink-hued sand dunes that look especially spectacular alongside the red sandstone cliffs that are so iconic in the area. The way the juniper trees stand out amidst the vast, rolling dune landscapes makes for unreal photo opportunities!
Located on the Utah and Arizona border, Lake Powell is the perfect mix of dry desert landscape with clear blue water. The steep sandstone cliffs that drop hundreds of feet into Lake Powell create a striking backdrop for views from both at water level and from on top of the cliffs looking down.
To see some gorgeous real-life elopement inspiration from this area, take a peek at Emily & Ryan’s Epic Two-Day Lake Powell Elopement.
Located in southeastern Arizona just outside of Tucson, this protected slice of the Sonoran Desert is perfect for a desert elopement. Known for the iconic giant cacti that the park is named after, saguaros are a symbol of the American Southwest. Saguaro National Park features a variety of cacti, including the cute cholla cacti and the delicious prickly pear. The area has a rich cultural history with petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. Saguaro National Park is the perfect elopement location for couples that love the desert landscape but also want the creature comforts of a nearby metropolitan area. Don’t forget to schedule in time to check out some of Tucson’s restaurants, as it’s recognized internationally for its incredible culinary scene.
P.S. Did you know that Tucson was the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States? That’s just a fancy way to say that it has really amazing restaurants. Like really, really amazing. During one of the elopements I shot in the area, we watched a pretty epic sunset at Saguaro National Park, then had to head to Tucson to try some Mexican food out for ourselves. Needless to say it did not disappoint, and I’m still dreaming about those nachos.
Most known for its massive red-rock buttes, lush pine desert forests, and towering canyon walls, Sedona is a quintessential desert town near Flagstaff that just had to be a part of this list of the best desert elopement locations in the US. The scenery around Sedona is the definition of majestic, inviting every visitor to explore the expansive desert landscapes whether it be via hike, bike, or simply a scenic drive through the area! And the way the red rocks look beneath the rich blue Arizona skies is absolutely unparalleled, the colors creating an unreal experience out in nature for both locals and tourists alike. Sedona is a must on your next trip to Arizona, and if you’re dreaming of a red rock desert elopement!
Vermilion Cliffs is undoubtedly one of the most unique elopement locations in Arizona, boasting these crazy beautiful geologic formations painted in pinks, reds, oranges, and shades of cream that honestly look like they’ve come straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. With nearly 300,000 acres to explore, this monument in Coconino County is just south of the Utah state line, so if you’re eloping in southern Utah, this is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!
White Pocket is my personal favorite spot among the cliffs, one of the most visited sites in the monument after the iconic Wave in the Coyote Buttes area. Its name comes from the fact that it’s somewhat of a “pocket” of differing geological elements than the rest of the monument, featuring white and gray rocks in contrast to the vibrant red of the rest of the rocks. It’s an incredible spot to explore, with all sorts of swirling colors, eye-catching textures, and beautiful patterns everywhere you look.
It wouldn’t be right to create a list of desert elopement locations without including one of the most iconic desert destinations in the US, Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park. Spanning nearly 300 miles along the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is home to millions of years of fascinating geological history, all of which have led to the formation of gorgeous red rock canyons, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most photographed desert landscapes in the country. The sunrises and sunsets at the Grand Canyon are to die for and absolutely need to be a part of your elopement timeline, as should visits to popular viewpoints such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Bright Angel Point.
Death Valley is one of the top US national parks to elope in (check out this blog post to see which other national parks made the cut!). Located in central California, this park is totally underrated in my opinion, not getting quite as much love as some of the other parks in California—but honestly it deserves the same, if not more! The landscapes are incredibly diverse, offering slot canyons, salt flats, sand dunes, mountain views, hot springs, and hiking trails galore. It’s the hottest, driest, and lowest national park, so be prepared for warm temperatures even in the winter.
California is literally filled to the brim with amazing national parks, but Joshua Tree has to be one of my favorites of them all—plus, it holds an extra special place in my heart since it’s where I met my partner! It’s only two hours away from Los Angeles, making it easily accessible if you want to also spend time exploring the big city, and only an hour from Palm Springs. You’ll probably recognize the namesake of this park, the unique Joshua trees that fill the desert landscapes and surround the iconic rock formations (which also happen to offer some of the best climbing in the world). Joshua Tree is a dream come true for couples who are into climbing, wide-open desert landscapes, unique and luxurious Airbnbs, and eclectic little desert towns.
You can probably already tell from the name that this Nevada state park is bursting with fiery color, boasting towering sandstone formations painted in those bright shades of red and oranges you’re probably envisioning for your elopement. It’s a true desert wonderland in the Mojave Desert of Nevada, encompassing 46,000 acres of expansive desert landscapes, with rolling sand dunes formed a whopping 150 million years ago. Throughout the park you’ll not only find eye-catching cliffs and colorful sandstone, but also ancient trees, petrified wood, Native American art, and a multitude of natural arches. This is another park that doesn’t get as much love as it should with how absolutely stunning & historically rich every single nook and cranny is!
Marfa is a super cute little artist’s community in West Texas that I’ll bet you haven’t heard of—which is why I was excited to include it on this list. Just an hour and a half from Big Bend National Park, this arts hub is home to a variety of unique art installations, ballrooms, theaters, and sculptures galore. It’s the most fun place to visit if you’re into the art scene, a stop at the Prada Marfa art installation is a must! And, of course, being so close to the breathtaking Big Bend National Park, you absolutely have to take a trip to the park to see the massive limestone cliffs, pictographs, hot springs, and all the natural beauty that southwest Texas has to offer.
We’ve already talked about a lot of amazing places on this list that feature gorgeous sand dunes, but what about a park that entirely revolves around sand dunes? Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a gem of Colorado, offering a hugely diverse array of landscapes ranging from sand dunes to mountains to wetlands. Great for a 4WD adventure, these sand dunes can reach up to 750 feet tall and look simply breathtaking against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This park is also an International Dark Sky Park, meaning you’ve got a great opportunity to go stargazing & see the Milky Way thanks to the lack of light pollution!
Namibia is located in the Southern part of Africa, and is what desert dreams are made of. It’s the second least densely populated country on earth, which means you get huge swaths of absolutely jaw-dropping desert all to yourself.
If you’re thinking about eloping in Namibia, I recommend making it into a multi-day elopement adventure. A must visit is the world famous Deadvlei with its thousand year old fossilized trees dwarfed beneath some of the largest sand dunes in the world. But did you know you can do a doors-off helicopter tour of the Skeleton Coast? Earning its name from the smattering of whale bones and shipwrecks that litter its beaches, the Skeleton Coast is definitely worth a visit. Kolmanstop is another stop worth making if you’re a desert lover on your Namibian elopement. This once thriving diamond mine turned ghost town is slowly being taken back by the desert… and it looks super eerie and cool.
Honestly, could you imagine exchanging your vows in Namibia? Can you picture how incredible the memories would be and how gorgeous the photos would turn out? What. A. Dream.
Making the cut for one of the most beautiful desert elopement locations in the world is another African country, but this one in the Northwestern region of the continent. Morocco is so rich in culture and beauty, with a multitude of ancient cities featuring gorgeous Islamic architecture, an abundance of unique arched doorways, picturesque domed buildings, and ornate geometric designs. And with the Sahara Desert nearby, eloping in Morocco is a no-brainer. Honestly, there is so much beauty in this country. If and when I ever elope, it’ll probably be in Morocco.
Peru is located in South America and most famously known for the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. But did you know that Peru has some pretty incredible desert locations in addition to its striking Andes mountains and its own slice of Amazonian rain forest?
Huacachina, Peru is the cutest little desert oasis surrounded by miles of sand dunes and is the perfect desert elopement location for the adrenaline chaser. Riding 4-wheel-drive dune buggies over the sand dunes feels like you’re on a literal roller coaster. And if that doesn’t sound like enough to entice you, imagine sandboarding down the dunes (like snowboarding, but, you know, with sand instead of snow) and then ending the day holding your elopement ceremony on a secluded sand dune as the sun sets behind you and the clouds turn a cotton candy pink. If you like to dance, head to the after hours salsa club in Huacachina for some pisco sours and Bad Bunny tunes.
Ancient architecture, endless desert views, historic temples and tombs, 2,000-year-old amphitheaters. . . Jordan is without a doubt one of the most fascinating places to elope if you’re a history buff, love Star Wars, or just want to explore an incredibly epic desert. I mention Star Wars because the picturesque Wadi Rum desert was actually a film location for multiple movies from the franchise, so if you recognize the red sand landscapes, that may be why! In addition to exploring this wildly breathtaking desert, Jordan also provides unique opportunities to visit Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (also a Seven Wonder of the World) and float in the Dead Sea—the lowest point on Earth. You’ll need as much time as you can get to experience the ancient architecture and unforgettable desert adventures that Jordan has to offer.
Have you ever seen those incredibly beautiful photos of hundreds of hot air balloons just chilling in the sky, hovering over gorgeous hills against a colorful sunset? Chances are that if you have, those were photos of Cappadocia, a historic region of central Turkey.
One of the most unique aspects of Cappadocia are what’s called “fairy chimneys,” which are essentially these towering pillars that stand up to 130 feet tall, formed by many years of erosion after volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. You absolutely have to see these magical geological phenomena during your time in the area! The city is also known for its one-of-a-kind cave hotels, many of which have beautiful roof terraces furnished with ornate Turkish rugs and cushions. You get to enjoy a rooftop breakfast overlooking the hundreds of hot air balloons that take flight every morning (complete with hookah if you want the full Turkish experience); it’s a seriously surreal thing to see.
Did you know that Bolivia is home to the world’s largest salt flat? Sure, the one in Salt Lake is beautiful—but this one is beyond words. Salar de Uyuni covers just over 4,000 square miles of southwest Bolivia, at the foothills of the Andes mountain range. The desolate landscape is extraordinary to witness in person, the salt creating these super cool polygonal patterns as far as the eye can see. The salt flats are epic at any time of year, but if you visit during the rainy season, it essentially becomes a giant mirror, which makes for some pretty cool reflections of the sky. Tours of Salar de Uyuni are accessible from Uyuni in Bolivia, San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, or Tupiza in Bolivia.
Every single location on this list is what desert elopement dreams are made of, but I may have saved one of the best for last. Australia is known for many things: The Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, and world class surf breaks to name a few. But did you know that there is red desert sand that meets some of the bluest ocean water in the world?
Western Australia should be on every travel bucket list. If a desert elopement is your dream but you don’t love the idea of being landlocked, Western Australia is the perfect place for you. Where sand dunes meet the ocean and easy access to Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia’s version of the Great Barrier Reef), you can spend the morning of your elopement day scuba diving or swimming with whale sharks before heading to the sand for a beautiful sunset elopement ceremony.
A cool and unique idea to potentially incorporate into your Australia elopement is a “Welcome to Country” ceremony, performed by local Aboriginals (the indigenous population of Australia) to acknowledge and give consent to events taking place on their traditional lands. There’s obviously a balance between honoring the native land owners and doing it in a performative way, so make sure to do research on this ceremony and think through it intentionally beforehand!
We’ve made it to the end! But don’t count this one out just because it’s the last on the list—Egypt is known for its iconic landmarks, winding river valleys, and all-encompassing desert environment. Home to the iconic pyramids of Giza, Egypt offers an array of opportunities for unparalleled desert adventure, from exploring the Nile River to seeing the Sphinx to hiking on the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt’s landscapes are also made up of stunning beaches, the clear waters of the Red Sea, and cities filled with incredible architecture.
You’ve made it through the list! I know it was lengthy, but I hope you now have a better idea of where you may want to go for your desert elopement. Be sure to check out my Full Desert Elopement Guide next for all my best planning advice, including how to get permits, what to wear, safety tips, and more.
And when you’re ready to hire a desert elopement photographer to document your adventure, be it through the sandy dunes of Colorado or the expansive desert landscapes of Jordan, I’d be honored to be there for you. Inquire with me now, and we’ll get started planning your once-in-a-lifetime desert adventure!