When couples think of Moab, they picture sweeping red rock canyons, the arches that make the region famous, and that undeniable desert glow at sunrise and sunset. It’s no wonder Moab has become one of the most sought-after destinations for adventurous elopements. But here’s the thing: your Moab elopement can be more than a quick ceremony followed by a few portraits. This place is bursting with unique experiences, and your wedding day (or wedding weekend) can double as an unforgettable adventure.
If you’re searching for Moab elopement ideas that go beyond exchanging vows on a cliffside, this guide will give you 10 incredible activities to make your day—or days—one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re adrenaline junkies, stargazers, or just want a laid-back adventure, Moab has something magical for every couple.
1. Jeep Tours Through the Red Rocks
Moab is world-famous for its off-roading trails, and what better way to kick off your wedding day than bouncing along iconic routes in a Jeep? Trails like Hell’s Revenge or Fins and Things offer jaw-dropping views and thrilling climbs. You can drive yourselves if you’re comfortable, or book a guided tour so you can focus on soaking up the scenery. Imagine pausing at the top of a sandstone fin for a private vow exchange with panoramic desert views around you—epic doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Pro Tip: Bring along champagne or your favorite drink to toast at a scenic overlook after your ride. Just be sure to coordinate timing with your photographer so you capture the golden-hour glow.
2. Stargazing in a Dark Sky Park
Moab sits next to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, both certified International Dark Sky Parks. That means your elopement night sky is guaranteed to sparkle with more stars than you could ever count. Plan some downtime after your ceremony to spread out a blanket, cuddle under the Milky Way, and maybe even capture a few night portraits. For couples who want a quieter, more intimate experience, this might end up being the highlight of your day.
Pro Tip: Plan your elopement date around a new moon for maximum star visibility.
3. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert
Want to start your day literally on a high note? Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Moab’s canyons and mesas. Floating above the desert as the sun paints the rocks in shades of gold and orange is pure magic. It’s also a surprisingly peaceful experience—just you, the wind, and endless desert horizons. You can ride together before your ceremony, or make it the big finale the morning after your vows.
Pro Tip: Many hot air balloon companies will provide champagne at landing—instant mini celebration!
4. Hike a Slot Canyon
Moab’s sandstone landscape hides some spectacular slot canyons that make for both thrilling adventures and jaw-dropping photo ops. Whether it’s a short, easy walk through winding red walls or a technical slot that requires rappelling, you can choose a canyon that fits your comfort level. These hikes are intimate, quiet, and filled with natural beauty—perfect for a private vow exchange.
Pro Tip: Always check the weather forecast. Flash floods can make slot canyons dangerous if rain is expected.
5. Sunrise or Sunset Hike to an Arch
Nothing says “Moab” quite like its iconic arches. Imagine starting your day with a sunrise hike to Delicate Arch (the most famous), or heading to lesser-known gems like Corona Arch or Landscape Arch for more privacy. Watching the sun rise or set behind a sandstone arch while you exchange vows is the stuff adventure elopement dreams are made of.
Pro Tip: Delicate Arch is stunning but very popular. If you want a quieter experience, choose one of the lesser-known arches for your ceremony.
6. Go Rock Climbing Together
If scaling cliffs together sounds like your idea of romance, Moab is basically paradise. With world-class climbing routes, you can incorporate a half-day climb into your elopement adventure. Whether it’s a short climb to an epic view or tackling a bigger route, climbing together is a symbolic way to start your marriage—trust, teamwork, and lots of cheering each other on.
Pro Tip: Hire a local climbing guide if you’re not familiar with Moab’s routes or conditions.
7. River Rafting on the Colorado
For water lovers, a rafting trip down the Colorado River adds a splash (literally) of excitement to your elopement day. Choose a scenic float for a relaxing vibe, or go full adventure mode with whitewater rapids. Either way, drifting between the towering canyon walls makes for incredible photos and a wedding story unlike any other.
Pro Tip: If you’d rather stay dry, consider a riverside picnic or a kayak adventure instead.
8. Camp or Glamp Under the Stars
Moab is surrounded by beautiful campgrounds and luxury glamping options. If your dream day includes a cozy campfire, s’mores, and waking up to red rock views, this is the way to go. Some couples bring family and friends for a group camping weekend, while others choose a secluded spot for just the two of them. Either way, it adds that quintessential adventure vibe to your elopement experience.
Pro Tip: Check out luxury tents and yurts at spots like Under Canvas Moab for the perfect mix of comfort and adventure.
9. Scenic Flight Over the Canyons
If hot air balloons aren’t your thing but you still want sky-high views, book a small plane or helicopter ride over Canyonlands and Arches. Seeing the scale of the desert from above gives you a whole new appreciation for the landscape. This can be a quick activity to add between your ceremony and celebration or a day-after adventure.
Pro Tip: A helicopter landing tour gives you the chance to step out on remote cliffs that are otherwise inaccessible—epic photo alert!
10. Capture Your Day with an Adventure Session
Of course, one of the best ways to elevate your Moab elopement is to capture the full story with photography. Consider planning an additional adventure session—maybe a day before or after your elopement—where you explore another part of Moab in your wedding attire. Whether it’s running through sand dunes, hiking a new trail, or just wandering through town with ice cream cones, this extra session allows for even more creativity and memories.
Pro Tip: This is especially great if you want photos in a different setting (say, both Canyonlands and Arches) without rushing everything into one day.
Putting It All Together: Crafting Your Adventure Elopement
The beauty of eloping in Moab is that you get to make the rules. Want to start your morning in a hot air balloon, hike to an arch for your vows, and end the day stargazing? You can. Prefer a slower pace with a scenic drive, picnic by the river, and a campfire under the stars? That works too. Your wedding day can be an adventure that reflects who you are as a couple.
If you’re dreaming of a Moab elopement filled with not just beautiful photos but unforgettable experiences, these activities can help you create a celebration that’s completely your own.
Ready to Plan Your Moab Elopement?
I specialize in helping couples plan adventurous, one-of-a-kind wedding days in Moab, Utah. From scouting the best locations to capturing every candid moment, I’ll be there to guide you through it all. Whether you’re envisioning a sunrise hike, a Jeep tour, or a cozy stargazing session, let’s dream up your perfect day together.
Check out my complete Moab Elopement Guide here
See some of my favorite Moab elopement locations
Contact me to start planning your Moab elopement adventure
