Beautiful Arches National Park Elopement Photography, including Delicate Arch Hike, and some information on How to Elope in Arches NP.

Shannon & Mike’s beautiful Arches National Park Elopement Photography is definitely the perfect example of how to make the most of a busy national park. When I went to scout out some locations the day before their elopement, I arrived only to be told that the Park was closed. There were already too many people inside! Shannon & Mike had planned a sunset elopement, but the only way to ensure they’d even be allowed in the park was to change it around to sunrise.

For Shannon & Mike, this meant only getting a few hours’ sleep as they were road-tripping to Utah from Florida. Still, when we met up for a few getting ready photos, Shannon was a total ray of sunshine, and we had the loveliest day celebrating their Intimate Moab Wedding.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY | HOW TO ELOPE IN ARCHES NP

Arches National Park Elopement Photography

Of course, my first piece of advice if you’re planning Arches National Park Elopement Photography would be to plan a sunrise session*! When Shannon, Mike & I arrived at the first location, there were already photographers set up for sunrise photos, so you can imagine how busy sunset would be! We were still able to capture some really fun headlamp photos off to the side though, before continuing to move through the park. We were even able to find a big double arch which we had all to ourselves, and were able to take some really special portraits there.

My other suggestion if you’re planning to elope to Arches National Park is really to prepare mentally for the possibility of crowds. Shannon & Mike had their heart set on photos at the Delicate Arch Hike, which is of course one of Arches most famous trails. Because they knew it would be busy though, and that they’d most likely have to spend some time waiting in line for photos, they didn’t mind at all. If you would prefer not to wait in line or have people watching on while you take your wedding portraits though, then let’s do some research and plan to visit some Arches’ less well-known spots. With a 36-mile round-trip road through the park, there are plenty of trails to explore.

*Arches NP is actually introducing a timed entry system, but sunrise will still be best to avoid crowds and to have beautiful soft light!

How to Elope in Arches National Park

If you’re planning to have an official Wedding Ceremony in Arches National Park, you will need to apply for a special use permit. You can do this through the National Park Service website, and you can apply a year before your planned wedding date. The permit itself costs $185, and you and all of your guests will need to pay the standard park entrance fees as well, which vary depending on your vehicle and the amount of people.

 Of course, you’ll also need to apply for a Utah Marriage License and have the marriage solemnized.

That said, if you’re not planning to have an official wedding ceremony, you can simply enter the Park as any other guest would. In Shannon & Mike’s case, for example, they decided to ‘officially’ get married on another day. On their elopement day, they simply shared their vows with each other and took some photos with their just married sign when the moment seemed right. It was a beautiful way to wrap up their Arches National Park Elopement Photography in a way that was intimate and true to them.

Are you planning your own Arches National Park Elopement Photography? I’d love to help you plan and photograph your epic day. Just get in touch to find out more!  

Did you love Shannon & Mike’s Intimate Moab Wedding? Or do you have questions about How to Elope in Arches National Park? Let me know in the comments below.