Alyssa + Adam had the ultimate Moab multi-day elopement experience captured by Karen Castor Photography, an Arizona-based elopement photographer.

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The air was crisp as the sun began to rise over the rugged landscape of Moab, Utah. This was our first sign that the day was going to be filled with nothing but love and adventure.

From Sunrise to Starlight: A Moab Multi-Day Elopement Adventure

The day kicked off with a sunrise hike with the sky being filled with pink and orange colors.

The couple changed into their wedding attire. Ready for the day ahead, they shared a sweet first look, capturing the genuine emotions that set the tone for the adventure that lay ahead. As the sun continued to rise above Southern Utah’s red rocks, we explored the area capturing incredible photos.

Underneath the iconic arch, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, surrounded by the natural beauty of their location.

Midday Break Followed by a Jeep Adventure

A brief break followed until sunset!

At their hotel, the couple prepared for the next chapter of their day. Here, they FaceTimed loved ones and chatted about their unique wedding plans. Instead of legally marrying in Utah without family, they chose to have the legal ceremony back home, making sure that their families could still be an important part of their wedding.

Heading out in a Jeep, these two drove to our next breathtaking location.

Even though it looked like a big storm was coming with dark clouds in the sky, it actually made the pictures look really cool. Even when it started raining, we still managed to take awesome pictures of the bride before rushing back into the Jeep to stay dry.

The journey back to town was so much fun as they splashed through muddy puddles and witnessed lightning in the distance.

Day Two at Delicate Arch

The following day, under the stars, we started on an early morning hike to Delicate Arch.

After changing into their attire, they waited for the sun to rise. Even though we were at a crowded location, we snagged precious moments for more bridal photos.

The adventure ended with a book of Polaroids, a memento of their epic elopement in Moab.

Words from the Couple About Their Moab Multi-Day Elopement

Why did you choose to elope?

“We chose to elope because we love intimate and sentimental experiences. We wanted our wedding day to be all about our love without the pressure of anything feeling scripted or performative. The idea of having an adventurous elopement seemed like the perfect way to officially start our lives together since many of our favorite memories have been road trips and hikes. Also, the idea of a big formal reception just wasn’t important to us.”

How was your elopement? 

“Our elopement experience was, in a word, exhausting… but in the BEST possible way. Unlike a traditional wedding morning, the two of us were able to wake up together, make some coffee (how we start every day), and get ready for our adventure together. We hiked to our first location in pitch darkness and were amazed at the scenery as the sun came up; we will never forget that feeling.

The location was nearly entirely ours for the entire time we were there, which was super special. Our second location was an off-roading experience to the edge of a canyon where we saw a rain storm roll in from miles away just before sunset. Our third location was a more popular one, with dozens of people around.  We were careful not to take up too much space, or spend too much time photographing to respect the other hikers. Many people offered “congratulations” and other good wishes, as the respect was reciprocated.”

Do you have any regrets about your elopement? 

“We have no regrets and would make this decision 1000 times over.”

What advice do you have for future couples looking to elope? 

“For future couples, we would suggest a few things:

1.  Don’t bring guests. This allowed us to soak in every moment side by side, to be vulnerable and passionate in our vow exchange, and to feel no pressure of entertaining or catering to anyone else’s needs. You also have so much more freedom and choice in your day and possible locations.
2.  Book Karen!! She is incredibly professional, a true adventurer, and beyond helpful (seriously- we’d probably still be unmarried if we didn’t find her), and she was the best third wheel for our elopement. 
3.  If interested in the desert, don’t stalk the weather forecast until the night before; apparently, it changes A LOT and you will cause yourself unnecessary stress.
4.  Remember that you are on a beautiful and delicate land that is not a wedding venue.”   

Review from the Couple

“WOW. Karen is a top-notch professional. She went above and beyond what we would have expected when booking a photographer. Karen truly made our entire elopement happen by helping to choose locations, creating a timeline, and keeping our stress levels near zero. We are so blessed to have found Karen. The photos she made happen are out of this world and truly do capture the beauty of our adventure and our love.”

Their Moab Multi-Day Elopement Timeline

Day One: Sunrise

6:00 am Meet at Trailhead

6:30 am Arrive at Arch

7:00 am First Look

7:10 am Bridals

7:35 am Vows + Rings

8:00 am Leave Arch to TH

8:30 am Arrive at TH

End Photos

Day One: Sunset

4:00 pm Getting Ready Photos

Meet at the hotel, detail photos

5:00 pm Leave Element for Off-road adventure

6:00 pm Arrive at view

6:30 pm Sunset Bridals

7:00 pm Picnic

8:00 pm Leave view

9:00 pm End Photos

Day Two: Sunrise

5:00 am Meet at Delicate TH | Start hike

6:30 am Arrive at Delicate Arch *estimated arrival

6:45 am Delicate Arch Portraits

8:00 am Head back to TH

8:45 am Approx arrival at TH | End photos

Wedding Vendors

Jeep Rental: Canyonland Jeep Rentals

INTERESTED IN BOOKING KAREN CASTOR PHOTOGRAPHY FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT?