If you found this blog, chances are you are dreaming of a wedding day, away from the cookie-cutter vibes and more filled with red rock magic and intimate moments, with a backdrop that will take your breath away.

So let’s ditch the banquet hall and plan something extraordinary, your very own adventure elopement.
While you may have chosen where to elope, you’re probably wondering when the desert looks its best, feels its calmest, or glows just right for those once-in-a-lifetime photos. Choosing when to elope in Moab is a huge part of the magic. The good news? Moab delivers that beauty you love in every season, just in its own wild way. Are you ready to start planning your dream elopement in Moab? Click here for packages and pricing to start your adventure today!

Spring (March - May) -
The Most Popular Choice of Season

Fall (September–November) – My Personal Favorite

Winter (December–February) – an unexpected contender

Summer (June–August) – Personally Only Recommended for Sunrise Elopements

Best Time of Day to Elope in Moab
(sunrise vs sunset elopement)

My Favorite Season + Timing Combos

Think you got your perfect combo in mind? But overwhelmed with what to do next? I can fix that!

why i love spring in moab

why i love Fall in moab

why i love winter in moab

why i love Summer in moab

why i don't love Summer in moab

Why i don't love spring in moab

Why i don't love Fall in moab

Why i don't love Winter in moab

My opinion as an elopement photographer:

My opinion as an elopement photographer:

My opinion as an elopement photographer:

My opinion as an elopement photographer:

Sunrise

Sunset

Spring is one of the dreamiest seasons in Moab. It’s that time of year that makes you feel alive. The air starts to turn warm again and gives that kind of bright, crisp mornings that are perfect for exploring.

Spring brings comfortable temperatures that historically sit between 60 and 80°F. Daytime temperatures are the most ideal and give easier hiking conditions. But, the reason spring is the best, in my opinion, is that the sunsets seem to last forever this time of year.

Fall has a way of feeling magical no matter where you are, but in Moab? It’s on a whole different level. The red rock glows with this warm, golden light that makes every moment feel cinematic. Temperatures are comfortable, the summer rush starts to fade after Labor Day, and the desert takes on this peaceful, cozy energy that’s perfect for an intimate elopement. Fall still has the ideal weather for hiking and photos, and has fewer crowds compared to spring. The sunrises continue to be stunning and happen later in the morning, helping you get more rest and more time to get ready!

Winter in Moab is truly the desert’s best-kept secret. If you’re lucky enough to catch snow dusting the red rock, it feels like something out of a dream, an experience most visitors never get to witness. It’s by far the quietest season here, which means peaceful overlooks, wide-open spaces, and a level of privacy that’s hard to find during the busier months. The light stays soft and dreamy all day long, and the cool temperatures make hiking feel refreshing instead of exhausting. Yes, it’s chilly, but if you’re craving total solitude, beautiful winter scenery, and a little extra magic, Moab in the winter is an incredible time to elope

Summer in Moab brings long, sun-filled days and some of the brightest, boldest colors you’ll ever see in the desert. It’s no surprise that the heat is intense, but that warmth also means dreamy sunrise temperatures and cozy evenings under the moonlight. There’s nothing quite like watching those famous Moab arches glow in the soft light after sunset.Stargazing is absolutely unreal in the summer, with the Milky Way stretching brilliantly across the sky. Sunrise elopements are the sweet spot this season. They help you avoid the crowds and take advantage of the stunning early-morning light.

Summer in Moab can be extremely intense, with dangerously high temperatures that often hit triple digits by midday. Once the clock passes 10 a.m., the heat becomes brutal, making hiking, exploring, and sunset ceremonies uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe. Because it’s a popular travel season, crowd levels are also at their highest. On top of that, summer is also peak flash flood season. Intense thunderstorms are most likely in July, August, and September, though the season can start as early as late June. These sudden storms can create dangerous conditions in canyons and washes, so planning and flexibility are key. It’s a season that requires extra caution and planning, but with the right timing (hello, sunrise!), it can still be a beautiful experience.

Sunrise in Moab feels like the desert is coming to life just for you. The colorful skies and cool air are perfect for your ceremony on the glowing red rocks. Sunrises give the most private, peaceful experience of the day making it ideal for summer elopements. It’s especially magical in iconic spots like Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands, and many of the arches in Arches National Park, where the soft morning light turns every moment into something unforgettable.

Sunset brings that golden, romantic glow that turns canyons a fiery red making everything around you feel soft and cinematic. Temperatures are often more comfortable during this time of day, making it ideal in most seasons. Sunsets are incredibly popular, so depending on your location, you might encounter a few fellow visitors, but it's worth it for the dreamy light alone. Just keep in mind how much daylight you’ll have after your ceremony if you want to capture those magical sunset portraits with your new spouse.

As an elopement photographer, I am here to help take the stress out of planning your elopement in Moab. I give assistance in location planning, permit requirements, timeline assistance, and activity ideas that fit your unique vibe. All my clients have unlimited communication with me. I am here for the unlimited brainstorming, questions, and concerns. Never need to hesitate to reach out! I will be there every step of the way. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Plan ahead.
Decide which season feels most like “you.” Are you obsessed with fall vibes? Dreaming of catching snowflakes in your dress? There’s no wrong choice here! Keep in mind how much time you need to reserve ceremony sites, campsites, lodging, and timed entries. You can start reserving your ceremony site a year before your desired date, all the way up to a month before. If your date is coming up fast and you need to get in without a timed entry reservation, visit the park before 7 am or after 4 pm, as reservations are not required during those times. The gates are open at the national parks 24/7 unless all the parking lots are full.

Handle permits early.
If you want to get married inside a national park, you’ll need a permit, which can take a bit of time. Give yourself a cushion of time to handle all the legal details.

Choose your location wisely.
Think about whether you want to hike, where the sun is positioned during your ceremony’s time of day, how many guests you’re bringing, and whether you want the structure of a national park or the freedom of BLM land.
No matter when you choose to elope in Moab, one thing is certain: your elopement will be unique (just like you and your partner!).

Feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions? Totally normal! Click the link below to learn how I can take the stress out of planning and create a day that feels effortlessly you.

If you’re looking for my expert advice, these are the top season-and-light combos in Moab.

Late September to mid-October at sunset
Fall sunsets bring warm and golden lighting with comfortable temperatures and lighter crowd levels creating the perfect evening glow.

Early Spring at sunrise
Spring mornings bring soft, flattering light with quieter trails. Giving you a peaceful start during one of Moab’s busier seasons..

Winter midday
In the winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, creating gentle, even lighting all day long without the need to chase sunrises or sunsets for beautiful photos.

Summer sunrise
Cool temperatures, minimal crowds, and early vibrant lighting makes sunrise the most stunning and safest window during Moab’s hottest season.

Winter definitely brings colder temperatures compared to the other seasons. One thing to be aware of is potential closures during the winter season. Most hiking trails stay open year-round, however, some popular trails like Delicate Arch and Devils Garden become slippery and unsafe due to snow and ice. Snow can cover trial makers that make trails harder to follow. Roads are also an unpredictable element to winter. After a snowstorm, the park road may be closed for several hours for plowing purposes. Flexibility is key this time of year. You’ll have unpredictable weather and shorter days to work with. Making a timeline can feel a bit tighter for outdoor activities. You will need to utilize the daytime, I would recommend starting your day at sunrise for this reason.

Overall, winter in Moab is a magical and breathtaking option for couples who want solitude, a slower pace, and don't mind Jack Frost crashing your wedding day. While colder temperatures, shorter days, and the possibility of icy conditions require a bit more flexibility, the reward is a unique red rock wonderland basically to yourselves.

Overall, summer in Moab is a season of star filled skies and unforgettable sunrise magic. It is a great choice for couples willing to work with the early hours to avoid intense heat and high crowds. Careful planning and a sunrise focused timeline can transform summer into a breathtaking and memorable elopement experience.

Early fall in Moab can still feel a bit like summer, with temps climbing into the low 90s. On the flip side, late fall can surprise you with chilly mornings and cooler daytime weather. The days start getting shorter too, which means earlier sunsets and a little less daylight for exploring.

Overall, fall in Moab is an incredible choice for couples who want stunning scenery wrapped in a quieter, more serene red rock playground. While the daylight will fade faster than spring or summer, the trade off is cooler, more comfortable temperatures with the same unforgettable desert magic.

Spring is one of the dreamiest seasons in Moab. It’s that time of year that makes you feel alive. The air starts to turn warm again and gives that kind of bright, crisp mornings that are perfect for exploring.

Spring brings comfortable temperatures that historically sit between 60 and 80°F. Daytime temperatures are the most ideal and give easier hiking conditions. But, the reason spring is the best, in my opinion, is that the sunsets seem to last forever this time of year.

Overall, spring is a wonderful option for Moab elopements for those who come prepared. It’s a season filled with undeniable beauty, but it does ask for a bit more planning and flexibility. With growing crowds and weather that can shift quickly, spring rewards couples who embrace both its magic and its unpredictability.