Arches National park is stunning elopement location. There’s a lot to know about eloping in this park such as the right seasons, when there’s the least crowds, and what locations you’re allowed to have a ceremony at. This elopement guide is going to cover exactly how to elope in Arches National Park, everything you need to know, as well as all of the Arches National Park elopement locations

Where is Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located in Moab, Utah. If you want to read my guide on eloping in Moab, you can find it here! This is the southern region of the state. You can fly into Salt Lake City, which is a three and a half hour drive from Arches National Park. However, if you prefer to fly into a loser airport, you can fly into the Canyonlands Field airport, which is only 18 minutes away!

When to Elope in Arches National Park

The best time to elope in Arches National Park is either early spring, or fall. Of course, there’s a lot of variables that come into play with each season. Be sure to read the pros and cons of each, and make a decision based on your own preferences.

Spring

Spring is lovely in Arches National Park. Things are coming back to life, and you even get greenery and wildflowers. Plus, this is the time of the year where the temps are mild and beautiful. Especially in months like March. It could still be a little chilly some days, but this is before the crowds really starting coming in. April and May get quite a bit busier as everyone is trying to avoid the extreme heat of summer.

Summer

Summer is an intense season in Arches National Park. It’s scorching hot, and hard to even be near the red rock, nonetheless touch it. The heat makes it extremely tough and even dangerous to try and have an all day out door elopement in Arches.

Fall

Fall is a an incredible time to elope in Arches National Park. Crowds begin to die down, especially in November. You’ll have much more space to yourself this time of year, with very nice weather. October is generally still in this 70’s and November is a bit chillier in the high 50’s and sometimes 60’s. Keep in mind, it will still get cold at night

Winter

Winter in the desert is interesting. You can still have some mild days. January stays around the 40’s February around the 50’s and then back to the 60’s in March. (We love March for an elopement in Arches.) That being said, if you don’t mind some cooler weather, this is an incredible time to elope. You will have a ton of space to yourself as crowds have completely died down. On some rare occasion, Arches even gets some snow. It’s a super beautiful sight, and another reason to consider this season!

Arches Wedding Permit

To elope in Arches National Park, you’ll need a special use permit. You can apply for that permit here. The application fee is $185. On this page, you’ll also find a list of rules and restrictions. Keep in mind that all of the locations have a certain amount of guests allowed. Things like bouquets and amplified music are not allowed.

How to Get a Arches National Park Marriage License

Getting a marriage license for an Arches National Park elopement is actually pretty straightforward and easy. You do not need to be a resident of Utah to get a marriage license here. All you need to do is apply through the county that you’re in.The closest in this scenario is Grand County.

You’ll go to their online website and fill out an application with a $50 app fee. Next, you’ll have to both show up in person to finish the marriage license and pick it up. This can happen just before your elopement. But make sure to have your ceremony planned for three days after you receive it, or request to waive the three day waiting period.

How to Elope at Arches National Park

You plan a Arches National Park elopement in similar ways as you’d plan any adventure elopement. There are a few major steps, and you can read about those here on my thorough guide on how to elope. For this Arches National Park elopement guide, I’m going over the major things you’ll need to consider!

1. DECIDE IF YOU’RE HAVING GUESTS

This is an imperative part of the planning process for elopements. This is because some guests won’t have the hiking ability, some might not be able to deal with desert heat and no shade, and certain locations have a cap on the amount of guests you’re allowed to have. Choosing a location will be much easier once you’ve determine who you’re inviting, and how many guests total you’ll have.

2.HIRE YOUR ARCHES NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

This might feel early in the planning process, but bear with me. Elopements don’t have wedding planners. Most elopement photographers have taken it upon themselves to help couples with some of the planning. Many actually help you find your location! And they will think of things you might not have considered, such as: lighting, elevation, difficulty in hiking in a dress, permits, and so much more.

Each elopement photographer offers something different. Personally, I send my couples a customized list of locations based on their preferences, hiking ability, who they want to invite, and what they want to see. I also help them determine lodging options, get permits, get their marriage license, recommend vendors, and create a comprehensive day of timeline, and offer unlimited guidance calls for any questions along the way.

The being said, hiring your Arches National Park elopement photographer early is going to take a massive amount of planning stress off of your shoulders. Wanna chat? Contact me here!

3.DETERMINE WHAT WEATHER YOU WANT TO BE IN

This is going to help you choose a date. Knowing what each seasons provides will help you determine what time of year to get married in. For example, if you don’t like heat, summer is an awful choice, especially in Arches. Research each season keeping in mind what weather you like, and you’ll be able to find the best time of year for your elopement.

4.PICK YOUR ARCHES NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT LOCATION

Once you’ve decided on how much you’d like to hike, how many guests are coming, your ideal weather, and the landscapes you want, you’re ready to deep dive into researching Arches National Park elopement locations. Finding the perfect spot will be a lot simpler after considering all of your needs and logistics.

This is information I collect from my couples through a questionnaire, and then use to make a customized list of Arches National Park elopement location options for them.

5.HIRE VENDORS

Once you have your location, it’s time to consider if there’s anything you need vendors for. Do you need any event rentals? Do you want a friend or family to officiate, or do you want to hire an officiant? Will you go out to eat, or do you want something catered, like a meal at an Airbnb from a private chef?

Figure out what extra services you may want, and hire your vendors in advance!

6.GET YOUR PERMITS

You will need to get the correct permits for your elopement. These are usually “special use” permits that you apply for on the National Parks website, or National Forest/BLM website.

Personally, I get all permit information for my eloping couples that hire me. With that, all you need to do is fill out the application when it’s sent to you and pay the fee. Fee’s vary, but are usually around $150 or less.

7.CHOOSE ADDITIONAL ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES

Activities are such a fun part of an elopement. When you choose to elope, you’re opening yourself up to having a wedding day celebration that feels unique and resonates with you. Incorporate things that will elevate your elopement day experience. Here’s just a few ideas to get you brainstorming:

• Going on a hike
• Having a bonfire
• Having a picnic in the desert
• Star-gazing or astrophotography
• Visiting waterfalls
• Camping
• Glamping
• Hiring a private chef
• Hot air balloon ride
• Sightseeing
• Scenic driving with time to stop for pictures
• Exchanging gifts
• Reading letters from friends or family

8. MAKE A DAY-OF TIMELINE

Making a timeline is an important part of any elopement. It strings together all of your locations, activities, and lets guests know where to be and when. Creating a well thought out timeline will help you feel relaxed during the day, instead of stressed or rush. Make sure to include drive times as well as buffer times between each “event.”

Here are the things I include in the timelines I make for my couples:

• All addresses
• Sunrise time
• Sunset time
• Drive times
• A linke to Accuweather
• A list of all names for group shots
• Vendor info
• Emergency contact info
• A packing list

Lodging in Arches National Park

Lodging is important when it comes to elopements. A lot of couples incorporate their lodging into aspects of their wedding day. For example, getting ready + getting ready photos, a first like, an intimate reception with friends, a dinner made by a private chef, etc. Once you’ve decided what you’ll incorporate in your day, pick a location that will allow everything you want to include.

If you want to host an intimate reception, I highly recommend a vacation rental such as a cabin or an Airbnb. You can also stay at hotels, resorts, chalets, campgrounds, etc. Here are some amazing lodging options near Arches National Park:

• Whispering Oaks
• List of Cabins near Arches
• Under Canvas Moab
• Castle Valley
• Red Cliffs Lodge
• List of Airbnb’s near Arches

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Arches National Park

With a special use permit, entry fees, and your marriage license, it costs $260.00 to elope in Arches National Park. That being said, most couples spend an average of $5000-$20,000 on their elopement. This includes flights, lodging, permits, vendors, wedding attire, meals, and anything extra a couple might want.

Arches National Park Elopement Locations

When eloping in Arches National Park, you will have to choose from pre-determined locations within the park, no matter your group size. However, this is just for the actual act of getting married and have your ceremony. That being said, you can explore the park and still get photos and enjoy your wedding day wherever you’d like. There are rules such as not being allowed to be under an Arch for more than ten minutes (this is fine as there’s SO many arches to explore.)

Here is the list of all of the Arches National Park elopement locations:

Park Avenue

Double Arch

La Sal Mountains View Point

The Windows

Panorama Point

Devils Garden Campground and Amphitheater

Arches National Park Elopement Packages

Elopement photography by Emilee Setting Photo, and everything included in my packages:

• Explore anywhere within Utah, all travel fees included in the price!
• Packages from half day elopements to multi-day elopements
• Receive a customized location list
• Help finding lodging that suits your needs if you’re having an intimate reception
• Included comprehensive timeline design
• Help obtaining your permits
• Help obtaining your marriage license
• A planning checklist
• Unlimited planning and guidance calls 
• All of your stunning photos delivered under three months
• Day of polaroid sneak peeks

Arches National Park elopement packages starting at $6800. Want more information on my pricing and what’s included? Click here

Ready to Elope in Arches National Park?

This Arches National Park elopement guide is a way to get you excited about all the possibilities of what your day could look like. Although, this amount of information can be overwhelming. I’m here to help. I can answer any and all questions you have on a complimentary low pressure consultation call. If you then choose you’d like to work together, I’ll do all of this planning right by your said to alleviate any stress, and bring your Utah elopement vision to life. We can chat here!