Top Picks for Epic Arches National Park Photos

Arches National Park is just one of those places. People fly from halfway around the world just to visit this iconic Moab site. It’s the destination that generally comes to mind when couples think of Moab and usually the first one that they suggest. The park has easily earned its fame, and I’m always happy to return for more Arches National Park photos!

When the Choice is Just Too Obvious for Your Moab Photography

Most couples already know and love those popular wedding photos taken underneath the beautiful arches. Whether you opt for a full Moab elopement day in the park or a wedding portrait session–we can capture so much beauty.

Many couples select a day-before or day-after adventure session in the park to add an elopement experience even to their traditional wedding day. My top two wedding photography packages have flexible wedding day hours which can include this pre or post-wedding session.

Most couples will elect to see the main locations such as Turret Arch, North Window, Double Arch or Delicate Arch. When we have at least two hours for your bridal photography session, I will start by taking you to one of these main spots.

We will start at sunrise to capture those iconic photos you’ve seen on Instagram. We’ll then save the last 30 minutes of the shoot to visit a lesser-known location such as Devils Garden or Balanced Rock. There are tons of hidden and unique spots inside of Arches National Park.

Best Time of Day & Year to Capture Arches National Park Photos

My primary tip is to photograph an Arches National Park sunrise! Otherwise, only certain months of the year slow tourism down enough to allow for an arches sunset session. We would never do mid-day, and while sunset is incredibly beautiful, it’s difficult to get the shots without people in the background.

Spring and fall are the best months for Moab Utah weather, and the park is beautiful, but it’s also peak tourism. Starting at sunrise is the best way to combat this, but it can still be busy at that time of day. Being comfortable with tourists watching while we do your session is essential to getting through these busier times.

Alternatively, the summer can be brutally hot with temperatures upwards of 110°F at times. Temperatures range during the winter in Moab but are often below freezing. While I have never personally been rained out of a photoshoot, I have experienced light sprinkles. We decided to press on and get the shots anyway! After all, it is supposed to be an adventure!

How to Plan an Arches National Park Wedding

While Arches does not require a permit for a bridal photography session, weddings DO require a permit. Also, timed entry permit reservations are required April 1 – July 6 and August 28 – October 31 (7am-4pm). We will generally enter the park before sunrise which means this timed entry shouldn’t apply. 

Keeping in line with Arches’ Leave No Trace policies, we must be considerate of the land and other sightseers usually traveling far for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Getting married in a Moab Utah national park doesn’t entitle a bride and groom to hog any given location. As your Moab elopement photographer and guide, I’ll make sure we are respectful while still getting those Moab bangers!

Quick Arches National Park Facts

• The entrance to Arches is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Moab, making it very accessible from all area hotels.
• There are no pets allowed in the park except for service animals. Check out some alternatives with these pet-friendly locations in Moab. 
• There is no rain plan. If it starts downpouring we can only wait it out in our cars and hope it passes. Otherwise, it’s watching the weather prior to arrival and rescheduling to a different day when possible if heavy rain is predicted.

Inspiration for Your Arches National Park Photos

Jason and Emily

Jason and Emily’s wedding was hosted at The Red Earth Venue followed by an adventure in the park two days later. Shooting at Delicate Arch was very important to them so it was their only location since it’s over an hour walk roundtrip.

It is by far the busiest place in the park so we went for sunrise. I made the bold choice of capturing their session on Labor Day. I figured there was a chance it would be empty after most tourists had already visited over the four-day weekend. The couple agreed to take the risk!

We peeked around the top to check Delicate Arch a few minutes before the sun started to rise and there were zero people present! Typically, there is a queue for taking photos underneath the arch so I usually only use five or 10 minutes there. We had 20 minutes to play around in the most iconic arch (which is quite unheard of) before others started trickling in. My theory worked!

Sophie and Ryan

Sophie and Ryan also got married at The Red Earth Venue followed by a shoot two days later. We started with sunrise at Turret Arch followed by a five-minute walk to the North Window. I noticed that very few people were present there so we took advantage of it! We then drove 15 minutes further into the park and shot at Sand Dune Arch.

Sophie and Ryan are both skilled surfers from Southern California who live most of their daily life barefoot. Ryan spent the entire morning sans shoes while Sophie was mostly barefoot apart from wearing flip flops to protect her on the rocks. I thought this was pretty cute!

Sophie was very charismatic and loved being photographed while her new husband, Ryan, was a little stiff at first. We eventually got him to loosen up and have some fun as he leaned into the photos.

Ready to start planning your own Arches adventure? Check out my Moab Elopement Planning Guide.

Wedding Vendors

Location | Arches National Park
Photographer | Matt Davidson Photography

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