Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab Utah

So excited to finally share this Dead Horse Point State Park Elopement! Alexia and Richie truly made their adventure elopement THEM, in so many fun little ways! They incorporated tons of personal touches into their intentional day, seriously such an inspiration!

They chose to elope in Dead Horse State Park – a place I know well! Located in Moab, this area is a hot spot destination for weddings and elopements. With so many stunning hikes and accessible overlooks, this desert location is so stunning! Weddings/elopements are allowed via the Special Use Permit process by the State Parks dept. They even have a “Get Hitched” guide to the park and information on all of the locations you can utilize in the area! Be sure and reach out ASAP to get the process started. If you book me I can help you out on the permitting process.

For more info on Dead Horse Point – head over to the State Parks site and get to know the area! And then for tips on How to Elope in Moab – Check out my elopement guide here!

Dead Horse Point Elopement

Alexia + Richie’s Dead Horse Point elopement was special in so many ways. Road trips in a camper van were part of their greatest adventures as a couple, so it was only fitting for them to rent one for their journey throughout the desert! It made the perfect getting-ready spot after they parked it at Kayenta Campground, just minutes from their ceremony site! The attention to detail they put into each and every part of their day was so unique. From their suit and dress to even their vow books! Crystals were also important to their relationship, so they carved out time to pick some up in Moab for their elopement.

We then ventured to their ceremony site and picked the perfect spot for them to read their vows. They gave each other one big hug, soaked in the scenery, and began to read their vows to each other. Alexia turned her vow book into a tiny scrapbook, so after they exchanged rings and sealed their love with a kiss, they sat down so she could show Richie every part of her book. It was so sweet how much thought she put into creating not only her vows, but the photos and even a four-leaf clover (which was also a part of their story).

Moab, Utah Half-Day Elopement

After their intimate ceremony at the overlook, we headed for dinner and stopped along the way to grab a few blue-hour photos! Afterwards we sat down for a relaxing dinner at a food truck called Moab Kitchen. The food was amazing and they even got to enjoy a small fire to end the night. I seriously love seeing how couples fill their elopement day with activities. It doesn’t have to be anything too crazy or exhausting, but leaving room to enjoy the entirety of your wedding day can be SO FUN!

There are so many little and big ways you can make your elopement meaningful and personal to you as a couple. By omitting the traditional wedding day, you really do get so much more freedom to focus on what matters most to you – and not your guests! Additionally, you are not constrained to a certain amount of time on your day. Here are a few ideas on how to get creative with you elopement:

How to make your elopement more you

1. Personalize your ceremony. Write your own vows, separately or together. Get custom vow books, and keep them (or scrapbook them like Alexia did!) You can have a friend or family member officiate, play your favorite song, anything you want! It can be as short or as long as you want. Oh yeah, and WEAR WHATEVER YOU WANT! Just look at Alexia’s epic colorful wedding dress!
2. Do what you enjoy TOGETHER. Pick activities or experiences that you have done in the past (like renting a van.) OR try new things that sound fun to both of you. Enjoy making breakfast in the mornings together? Do it! Have any quirky couples things you cherish – let’s incorporate them into your day!
3. Pick a unique location. Choose an area or a landscape that suits your personality! Love the water? Head to the lake, or the coast, or a waterfall! Love the desert – you will LOVE eloping in Moab! Whether it’s a place you’ve been before or its on your bucket list – go crazy!
4. Choose the right vendors. Especially your photographer/videographer – the ones who spend the day alongside you. Find someone who is comfortable shooting in the area you want, and also get to know them and make sure you all vibe well together!
5. Lastly, take your time. This is important – and something I’m super passionate about. Don’t rush through your elopement day! You most likely aren’t tied to a specific timeline like at a larger wedding. Leave room to rest AND room to play! Don’t try and cram everything into a quick 2-hour elopement. Spread it out ad enjoy your time together without feeling rushed!

Moab, Utah Elopement Photographer