It’s my job to tell your story and capture your love in its truest form. It doesn’t matter if you're a model or are super shy in front of a camera, I’m here to make you feel comfortable throughout the process. I’ll provide as much guidance as necessary to capture those raw and authentic photos that you’ve always dreamed of!

I'm a Moab-based wedding and elopement photographer with a passion for the outdoors and this industry. I love the entire process! From my first call with the couple to hearing their reactions after delivering a final gallery. Every day I feel grateful that I get to do this for a living.

Hey, I'm Matt

How to Elope in Moab

couple stands on cliff edge at Dead Horse Point engagement

Top Engagement Photo Tips for a Dead Horse Point Moab Adventure

Adventure

When couples arrive in Moab for an engagement photo session, they are coming from many different directions. Not only locationally, but also in their outdoor adventure experience. I want to make sure that you travel here as fully prepared as possible, even if this is your very first Moab adventure. These are my top engagement photo tips for how to get ready for your Moab photos.

engagement ring sits on red rock beside hat

couple kisses while showing off engagement ring

couple kisses at Dead Horse Point Moab engagement

Top Engagement Photo Tips #1: Consider Dead Horse Point State Park

When most visitors picture Moab, they think of the famous arches in Arches National Park or the sweeping views of Canyonlands National Park. While there are many awesome locations in Moab, the first of my engagement photos tips is to consider a lesser-known spot.

Dead Horse Point State Park is pretty hard to beat. It is an underrated state park that is often overlooked while visiting its neighboring national parks. Located at only a 40-minute drive from downtown Moab, it is easily accessible from area Moab lodging. As a state park, Dead Horse also allows dogs (the national parks do not) which is always a great addition to any type of session.

couple kisses with dog at Dead Horse Point

couple poses with dog at Dead Horse Point

Dead Horse Point is an amazing park for both getting married and for capturing your Moab engagement photos! If your wedding is also taking place in Moab, The Red Earth Venue is the closest venue to the park at a 30-minute drive. It’s easy to sneak away for bridal portraits on the day (expect a total of two hours) or opt for a day-before or day-after session.

couple embraces on ledge at Dead Horse Point Moab

couple kisses on ledge at Dead Horse Point Moab

The cliff lines face both east and west providing views of the La Sal Mountains, the Colorado River and Canyonlands. The views overlooking these sweeping canyons make it the perfect choice for either sunrise or sunset photography. Apart from the canyons, there are also a variety of insane rock formations to capture. No matter where we turn or what sort of lighting the sky gives us, it’s going to be epic!

man spins woman on rocky ledge at Dead Horse Point

These are more of my favorite features of Dead Horse Point State Park:

I’ll say it again: you can bring your dogs!
The entry fee is lower than the national parks and it is charged per vehicle.
Significantly smaller crowds than national parks during most of the year. Even if the park is a bit busy, it’s never hard to find areas of the cliff line that have few to zero people present.

I hold an annual permit for commercial photography at this park which comes at no cost to you! Outside of portraits, you will need to acquire a permit if you choose also to elope in the park.
All the epic viewpoints are only a few minutes walk from your car and there are always bathrooms nearby!

Top Engagement Photo Tips #2: Engagement Shoot Outfits

The first of my engagement photos tips regarding what to wear in your engagement photos is about the color palette. My best piece of advice on color is to avoid the natural desert tones so you don’t blend in with your surroundings! Stay away from shades of brown, flat reds and blues. Bright colors are always great and white is my favorite to photograph on the ladies!

couple standing on rocky ledge overlooking Dead Horse Point

couple walking and holding hands along rocky path

woman kisses man's shoulder on rocky ledge at Dead Horse Point

Close-up of two pairs of sneakers and dogs paws in red dirt

Heels are a no-go here due to the terrain as a lot of these overlooks are a bit dangerous (this bride-to-be brought along heels to switch into for a specific shot!). Good walking shoes are very important to wear during this destination engagement session. Also, depending upon how much time you book for the shoot, there may be space for a quick outfit change halfway through it!

couple kissing on rocky ledge overlooking Dead Horse Point

couple embracing at Dead Horse Point engagement

Top Engagement Photo Tips #3: Know Before You Go

couple holding hands on rocky ledge at Dead Horse Point

Even though I always say that Moab is for everyone, there are a few things to note when choosing Dead Horse Point as your selected Utah destination:

couple kissing on rocky ledge at Dead Horse Point

If you have a fear of heights, this place is not for you.
It’s not awesome for young children as there are very dangerous cliffs everywhere we will go.
Since this is a Utah state park, the National Park Annual Pass does not apply here.

Did I mention that the views are insane? If an adventure engagement photoshoot at Dead Horse Point appeals to you then come see it for yourself! Make all of your friends super jealous that they didn’t think of this location first!