The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Arches National Park

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In all my years exploring every type of landscape imaginable, adventuring through mountains, forests, volcanoes, and beaches, there’s still one place that always calls to me the most: the desert. There is something so powerful and lasting about a landscape that has taken Mother Nature millions of years to sculpt, shape, and design, from the deep red sandstone cliffs of Sedona to the vibrant orange hues that paint the deserts of Moab. It’s impossible not to feel in awe when you’re standing in the middle of such vast terrain, which is why I think the desert is truly the perfect place to elope—and one of the locations I love the most is Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. This guide covers all you need to know in order to plan an Arches National Park elopement, from the most striking arches to visit all the way down to the practical stuff regarding permits, accommodations, and more. Fair warning, though: you may fall completely in love with this stunning desert, move there spontaneously, and never want to leave.

Where is Arches National Park?

Arches National Park sits on the border of the Colorado River in southeast Utah, about five miles north of Moab and 22 miles northwest of Castle Valley. With over 2,000 natural stone arches and nearly 77,000 acres of breathtaking desert terrain, this park is easily one of the most picturesque destinations in Utah, if not the entire northwest. If you’re flying into Southern Utah for your elopement, the closest airport is Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY), located a quick and easy drive from all the most popular destinations in the Moab area (including Arches). The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week year-round—including holidays—so you’re free to visit anytime you’d like!

Why Elope in Arches National Park?

I had my best friend come to stay with me in Moab a while back, and she asked me why the heck I felt so called to the desert—and I’ve been thinking a lot about that question ever since. I still don’t know if I have an answer to it, but I know that the way the desert pulls me in; transports me to another time, another world, is unlike any other terrain I’ve experienced. The geologic formations that have become so popular at Arches National Park have been around for 65 million years, making them some of THE coolest places to serve as a backdrop to your elopement.

When I think of the ocean, I think of raw power. When I think of the mountains, I think of regalness. When I think of the forest, I think of calm serenity. But the desert just has a timelessness that can’t be compared to. Every time I drive along the sandstone cliffs of Southern Utah, I just imagine what the landscape might have looked like a million, ten million, twenty million years ago; how much they’ve witnessed throughout their years of existence. The colorful walls, the soaring pinnacles, towers, and arches, are a literal piece of art, sculpted by wind, water, and ice for longer than we can even imagine, and I think that’s what makes it such an awe-inspiring experience for me every time I visit. 

So if you’re like me and feel some sort of pull to the desert, to these ancient rock formations that now gift us with the most magical adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, then you’re going to love eloping in Arches National Park.

See more of the most beautiful desert elopement locations here.

In addition to the colorful and extraordinary landscapes that people travel from all over to witness and photograph, Arches is a fantastic elopement location due to its proximity to other equally beautiful destinations in Southern Utah. Being so close to Moab means that you have easy access to some of the state’s most iconic locations such as Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse State Park, and Castle Valley, all within driving distance from Arches. Your Arches elopement could easily turn into a multi-day adventure through the deserts of Moab, filled with four-wheeling excursions, treks through the sandstone cliffs and towering arches, and drives down backcountry roads—and let’s be real, that sounds like the dream for desert-loving couples. Check out this guide to learn more about eloping in the Moab area as a whole!

Arches National Park Elopement FAQ’s

Let’s move on from my absolute, all-encompassing, undeniable love for the desert for just a minute and answer some important FAQ’s about eloping in Arches National Park.

Can you get married in Arches National Park?

Absolutely you can! Arches has become an incredibly popular elopement and wedding destination in recent years, thanks to its striking landscapes that make for a stunning backdrop for any couple getting married. The park allows for wedding and commitment ceremonies as long as you obtain a Special Use Permit and follow permit rules, which I’ll dive deeper into later in this guide. It’s important that we do our best to minimize our impact on the land as we explore, and protect the park’s natural resources and beauty for future visitors who want to enjoy it just as much.

Where can you get married in Arches National Park?

Arches National Park has a list of specified wedding locations that you can choose from, or you can apply to hold your ceremony elsewhere in the park—knowing that locations outside of the list are considered on a case-by-case basis. The following is a list of the pre-permitted wedding locations in Arches National Park that you can apply for, each with their own maximum capacity:

  • Park Avenue — 15 people
  • La Sal Mountains Viewpoint — 50 people 
  • Double Arch — 25 people
  • The Windows — 25 people
  • Panorama Point — 50 people
  • Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater — 80 people

How much does it cost to get married in Arches National Park?

My Arches National Park elopement packages start at $5,400 for up to 8 hours of photo & video coverage, but I’ve also got packages that go up to two days and even three, if you’re craving an extended adventure! Additional costs you’ll need to account for include your $30-$80 entrance pass, $185 permit application fee, and any additional monitoring fees required by the park.

Do you need a pass to visit Arches National Park?

Yep! Just like all other national parks, you will need an entrance pass to visit Arches National Park. A standard pass for one private vehicle costs $30, and is valid for up to 15 passengers. If you plan to visit the park again, or you’re an avid national park-goer, you may consider an Arches Annual Pass ($55) or an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) to get the most bang for your buck.

Do you need a reservation to visit Arches National Park?

If you’re eloping in Arches National Park between April 1–July 6, or August 28–October 31 2025, you will need a Timed Entry Ticket. Only one ticket is needed per vehicle unless you have separate camping or backcountry permits, and it will allow you to enter the park in a vehicle between 7am-4pm. Timed entry ticket and reservation requirements are always subject to change, so be sure to check the NPS website for up to date information!

Are dogs allowed in Arches National Park?

Pets aren’t allowed on any hiking trails, overlooks, or in visitor centers in Arches National Park; the only places you can take your pets are along established roads, or in parking, picnic, or camping areas. You can learn more about pet regulations in Arches National Park here, as well as get tips on how to keep your four-legged friends safe in the extreme heat of Southern Utah!

Can you drive through Arches National Park?

Yes, you’ll likely end up driving along the scenic drive to stop at viewpoints, overlooks, and trailheads! Make sure you check the Traffic & Travel Tips NPS page to get info on when certain areas are at their busiest, and check parking lot capacities before you head to a certain location for your elopement.

When to Elope in Arches National Park

When is the best time of year to elope in Arches National Park?

Because Arches National Park is part of the Colorado Plateau, it gets HOT here over the summers—like, often higher than 100ºF hot. This high desert region of Southern Utah experiences hot, dry temperatures and very large temperature fluctuations, meaning it could be 100ºF during the day and 60ºF at night. Because of the extreme temperatures in the summer months, the high chance of storms in the late summer, and the cold winter temperatures, I would say that spring & fall are the best times of year to elope in Arches National Park! 

Keep in mind, however, that because spring and fall see the most comfortable temperatures, they’re also the busiest times of year. This means that if you’d like to visit some of the more popular and well-known arches on your elopement day, you’ll likely run into more crowds—but don’t worry, there are still plenty of spots where we can find a bit more seclusion and privacy. Especially if you’re down to hike a bit, and be rewarded with epic views! 

Pro tip: Moab is known for its incredible stargazing opportunities due to its remote location and low light pollution. If you want to take advantage of this Dark Sky Park and go stargazing, or get some epic photos of the two of you under the stars, you’ll want to elope during a new moon (or as close to a new moon as you can get), as this is when the sky is at its darkest and allows for better visibility! Check out a calendar of the moon phases for the Moab area here.

When is the best time of day to elope in Arches National Park?

I’ll always be biased toward sunrise and sunset, personally—you just cannot beat the magic of that golden glow cast over the colors of the desert, as the sun rises above or sets below the horizon, especially if you find a beautiful place to watch it. Delicate Arch is known for its glorious sunrise views thanks to its cliffside location, and there are plenty more overlooks where you can catch the best sunrise + sunset views. For cooler tones and darker skies, consider getting up a little earlier OR staying out a little later to enjoy the soft light of dusk/dawn, and the calming blue + purple hues of blue hour.

Best Arches National Park Elopement Locations

I know what you’re probably thinking: “Sarah, how the heck are we supposed to pick a place to elope when there are literally more than 2,000 arches and hundreds of viewpoints to choose from?”

Don’t fret—I’ve spent many hours exploring Arches, both in my own time and with my couples, so I know all the best spots for elopements at any time of day. You already saw the list of pre-permitted locations that Arches allows ceremonies at, but there are plenty of other spots worthy of visiting whether it’s for your ceremony or simply for elopement portraits. Below is just a quick list of my favorite places to elope in Arches National Park, and I’ve got even more that I save just for my couples. Reach out now about your Arches elopement if you wanna be let in on all my top-secret spots!

Corona Arch

Corona Arch is ideal for couples who would like to incorporate a short hike into their elopement day, but don’t want anything too crazy. It’s a 3-mile round trip hike to get to Corona Arch, labeled as “moderately strenuous” with just over 400 feet of elevation gain. This out and back hike will reward you with drool-worthy views of some of Moab’s best arches, made even better by the fact that the trail is often less busy than other popular hikes in the area!

Delicate Arch

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Arches National Park (maybe on your default desktop screensaver), it was very likely a photo of Delicate Arch—the largest free-standing arch in the park. This iconic destination is known for its spectacular views of Southern Utah’s desert, as well as the way the light shines through to create striking shadows, gorgeous contrast, and vibrant colors! The hike to Delicate Arch is approximately 3 miles round trip with just over 500 feet of elevation gain, and is definitely one to avoid in the midday summer heat, as it climbs up a steep slope without much shade. Alternatively, you can simply park near the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, walk a little bit, and see the arch from a mile away, or head to the Upper Viewpoint.

Double Arch

While Delicate Arch is the largest overall arch in the park, Double Arch is the tallest at 112 feet, consisting of not one, but two arches that share the same foundation. It’s such a cool sight to see up close, accessible by a quick 0.6 mile round trip trail that takes barely any effort! Double Arch is a must-see during your elopement simply because of how easy it is to get to, as long as you’re prepared for a crowded parking lot and a busy trail.

The Windows

The Windows Section of Arches National Park is an absolutely gorgeous area to explore, with a variety of arches and towering pinnacles + buttes spanning the terrain. It’s home to Double Arch as well as other popular destinations such as Turret Arch, North Window, and South Window—all of which boast phenomenal scenery and breathtaking desert expanses that you won’t want to miss.

Panorama Point

Located atop a hill in Arches National Park, Panorama Point is the perfect place to check out if you want wide-open views of the surrounding desert landscapes, including the La Sal Mountains, the Fiery Furnace, and Devils Garden. Whether you park in the parking area and walk to a viewpoint, or stay in your car and enjoy the scenery from the road, it’s so worth checking out—plus, it’s a great place to stargaze!

Arches National Park Wedding & Elopement Permits

As mentioned earlier in this guide, weddings of any kind in Arches National Park require a Special Use Permit. You can apply for your date up to one year, and shouldn’t apply any later than four weeks in advance—but I absolutely recommend applying as early as possible to ensure the park has ample time to process your permit. Especially if you’re looking at a popular date, a busy weekend, or a holiday for your ceremony! It’s important to note that you can’t have one of your vendors apply for your permit; it must be the two of you (but don’t worry, I can still help you throughout the process!).

A few key things to note about the conditions of this permit:

  • Permits are written for one hour
  • You’ll need to create a parking plan if your group has more than 25 people
  • Dried plants are prohibited in bouquets
  • Decorations are prohibited
  • Ceremonies can only take place on slickrock, dry washes, and other maintained areas in order to protect the biological soil crust and plant life
  • Pets are not allowed at ceremony sites

To get your permit, you’ll need to fill out this application form, pay your $185 application fee via Pay.gov, and submit your form + payment confirmation to seug_commercialservices@nps.gov. The application form will ask you to include details such as any vehicles you’ll be bringing along, the number of participants you plan to have, equipment you plan to bring, and your preferred time, date, and location. Again, this is something I can absolutely help you with as your Arches elopement photographer, as I know it can get a little confusing at times! 

Best Places to Stay for Your Arches National Park Elopement

Moab is the ultimate destination for outdoor lovers, and if you’re planning an elopement, why not elevate your experience with a luxurious glamping stay? Sure, you could opt for a traditional Airbnb or a rustic campground, but Moab’s glamping options are truly next level. From the stargazing magic of Under Canvas to the resort-style luxury of ULUM, you’ll find unique accommodations that blend nature with comfort. Below, I’ve highlighted some of the top glamping spots in Moab to make your stay unforgettable!

Hiring Your Arches National Park Elopement Photographer

Dreaming of what your elopement could look like at Arches National Park? Same. Fill out my contact form here and let’s talk about how we can make your dream Arches elopement come to life, whether it involves stargazing under a new moon, hiking through the red rocks, finding an epic climbing route, or all of the above. Can’t wait to help you plan your best adventure yet!

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