
If you’re dreaming about eloping in Moab in 2026 and feeling a little overwhelmed by permits, you’re not alone. Searching for Moab elopement permits can quickly feel confusing, especially when different locations follow different rules.
I promise this is one of those things that sounds complicated but becomes very simple once you understand your options. We guide couples through Moab elopement permits every year, and my goal is always the same: help you choose the path of least resistance without sacrificing the experience you actually want.
Let’s break down Moab elopement permits for 2026 in a very real, no-fluff way.
If we had to choose the easiest Moab elopement permit for 2026, it would hands-down be Dead Horse Point State Park.
This is one of the most popular places to elope near Moab, and for good reason. The permit process is simple, the park staff is incredibly friendly, and multiple wedding permits are allowed per day. Unlike National Parks, you are not competing for a single ceremony slot.
This flexibility makes Dead Horse Point ideal for couples who want breathtaking canyon views without complicated logistics or long wait times.
If you’re planning on a shorter timeline or want the smoothest possible experience, this is often my top recommendation for Moab elopements.
Special Use & Wedding Permits – Utah State Parks (Dead Horse Point)
BLM land is another incredible option for couples planning a small Moab elopement.
As of recent updates, elopements with 11 people or fewer do not require a traditional wedding permit on BLM land. However, you do need a letter of agreement from the Bureau of Land Management outlining your ceremony details.
BLM elopements offer more privacy, more flexibility, and a slightly more adventurous feel than state or national parks. This is often the perfect option for couples who want something intimate, quiet, and deeply connected to the landscape.
Our team handles all BLM communication for our couples, which makes this option incredibly stress-free from start to finish.
If your heart is set on a National Park elopement in Moab, both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park require official wedding permits.
Here’s the most important thing to know about National Park wedding permits:
Each park allows only one wedding ceremony per day for the entire park. Once you choose a date, you should apply immediately; popular dates fill quickly.
Wedding permits typically cost around $185, and your photographer or documentation team will need a separate commercial use permit. Rangers may be present during your ceremony, but they’re respectful and unobtrusive. Their role is simply to protect the land.
Ceremonies are only allowed at designated locations within each park. Requests for iconic spots like Delicate Arch are almost always denied, and permit fees are non-refundable.
A better approach?
Have your ceremony at an approved location, then plan a first look, portraits, or adventure hike afterward, which does not require a wedding permit.
Canyonlands National Park – Weddings & Special Use Permits
Arches National Park – Weddings & Special Use Permits
No matter where you choose to elope in Moab, Leave No Trace principles apply, and that includes florals.
This means:
Protecting these landscapes is how Moab remains wild, beautiful, and accessible for future couples. There are plenty of eco-friendly floral alternatives that still feel elevated and photograph beautifully.
Moab elopement permits don’t have to be intimidating. With the right plan, they’re simply another step toward an unforgettable experience, not a roadblock.
Whether you’re deciding between Dead Horse Point, BLM land, or a National Park, understanding the permit process allows you to plan with confidence and intention.
If you want help navigating Moab elopement permits, timelines, and locations for your 2026 Moab elopement, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Our role is to handle the logistics so you can stay present, connected, and fully immersed in your day.
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