Getting married in Arches National Park provides a breathtaking, unique setting for couples who want to tie the knot in the great outdoors. The park is known, and named, for the stunning natural arches that dot its landscape, along with the red rock formations and vast desert scenery that provides a dramatic, stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony. If you want to plan an Arches National Park elopement, this guide will tell you how!
Getting to Arches National Park
Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah, just north of Moab. This entire area is renowned for its unique outdoor adventures, like rock climbing, canyoneering, base jumping, slacklining, and so much more – so Arches National Park is a truly incredible place to tie the knot for couples who love getting outside!
To get here, if you need to fly, the nearest major airport is the Salt Lake City International Airport, but there’s also the small Canyonlands Field Airport located just 18 miles from Moab. A car is the best way to get around the park, so if you’re flying in, I recommend renting a car at the airport. It’s about four hours from Salt Lake City, and the park entrance is about five miles north of Moab, along US-191.
The Best Time to Get Married in Arches National Park
Arches National Park is in the desert, but it’s considered the high desert, which means that temperatures fluctuate a lot, and winters get pretty cold! Big snowstorms are rare, but the desert can get a dusting of snow occasionally, which makes for a pretty unique experience, but can also lead to road and trail closures. Winters are cold, with temperatures in the 40s during the day, and dipping down far below freezing at night.
On the other hand, summers are very hot, and with the temperatures in the 90s or even in triple digits, it’s not ideal for hiking or for being outdoors for long periods of time.
Spring and fall are the best times to elope in Arches National Park, as the weather is perfect for being outdoors and exploring the park. However, these are also the busiest times of year. The park has recently started implementing timed entry tickets from April 1st to October 31st (though exact dates can depend on the year), which you won’t need to get if you have a permit, but outside of this range, the park gates can close due to limited parking, so you might end up waiting to get in.
There are a few things you can do to avoid the crowds and to make sure you can get in the park! First, I always recommend that couples elope on a weekday. Weekends are always busier, so tying the knot during the week (just make sure to avoid holidays and three day weekends) can help a lot.
Next, one of the best ways to ensure that you’re able to have more privacy for your ceremony, and that you’re able to get into the park without waiting in line, is to get there close to sunrise! Few people want to wake up that early, so no matter where you go, it’ll be less busy.
The Best Places to Elope in Arches National Park
There are a few pre approved locations that you can have a ceremony at when you elope at Arches National Park. These locations are:
- Park Avenue (maximum 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)
If you’re having a small elopement, you can apply for other locations around the park, and these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you want to do that, make sure to apply for your permit early, as it takes more time!
However, you will be allowed to take photos anywhere in the park – these limited locations are only for the ceremony, so you can exchange vows, tie the knot, and then go explore the trails and viewpoints around the park for more photos.
Arches National Park Wedding Permit
To elope at Arches National Park, you will need to get a Special Use Permit. You can apply up to a year in advance, and a minimum of four weeks before your elopement date. However, if you’re applying for a location that isn’t on the pre approved list, it can take longer to process the permit application, as these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis! Regardless, it’s best to apply for your permit as early as you can, to give the park plenty of time to process and to reduce stress for you.
You can find the permit application here, along with instructions for paying the application fee, which is $185.
The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the park knows what you have planned, and that you know the rules of getting married at Arches National Park – which include not setting up decorations and not blocking off any areas of the park. This is public land, so getting a permit isn’t the same as reserving an area – it will still be open to the public, so make sure to be respectful and mindful of how your elopement affects other visitors.
Keep in mind that even with a permit, you still need to pay the entrance fee to get into the park. This costs $30 per car, but if you visit national parks often, you can get an America the Beautiful Pass, which gets you into any national park in the country for a year, and costs $80.
Arches National Park Elopement Packages
Are you ready to plan the adventure of a lifetime, and say “I do” surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Arches National Park? Picture exchanging your vows with the iconic Delicate Arch as your backdrop, or under the awe-inspiring Double Arch, with the red rock formations surrounding you.
As an elopement photographer, I specialize in creating intimate and adventurous elopements that reflect who you are as a couple. Whether you dream of hiking to a secluded spot, or celebrating with a handful of your closest loved ones, I’m here to help you make your dream day become a reality!
Together, we’ll plan every detail to ensure your day is seamless and stress-free. From helping you choose the perfect location and securing necessary permits to capturing every moment, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to start planning your unforgettable adventure? Contact me to learn more about Arches National Park elopement packages!
