Where to Stay in Moab for Your Desert Wedding: The Best Getting Ready Spaces

Where you stay for your Moab elopement or Utah wedding can set the vibe for your entire experience. This space is where your wedding day starts before the official events actually begin. It’s the spot for capturing your getting ready photos with your future spouse or wedding party, and possibly the gathering space with guests after the ceremony. These are my top picks for where to stay in Moab for your wedding or elopement!

Where to Stay in Moab: The Best Places for Wedding Getting Ready Pictures

When deciding where to stay in Moab for your wedding, it’s also important to consider how you would like your getting-ready wedding photos to look. Places such as ULUM, Under Canvas and the Castle Valley Inn even allow some of these photos to take place outdoors. Others mostly restrict photos to the indoors, but with the beautiful lighting that these locations offer, we will always be able to capture some bangers!

Be sure to pick a space that will accommodate the amount of people you plan to get ready with whether that’s a wedding party, a few family members, or simply the two of you. Too often I find that the chosen space gets easily crowded which makes my job as your wedding photographer a little bit more difficult. There are spaces in the area that will fit every type of getting-ready experience so you just need to plan accordingly.

It’s important to note, that while it is my favorite Moab wedding venue to capture, The Red Earth Venue does not currently offer a getting-ready space. But, all of the options below are great spots as both unique places to stay in Moab and your getting-ready location.

My Top Picks for Where to Stay in Moab

There are great hotel, camping and glamping options for both where to stay in Moab and wedding getting ready photos!

These two locations include Casitas which are located separately from the main hotel property and are similar to private condos. Unlike typical hotel rooms, they usually include multiple rooms, a full kitchen and other amenities such as laundry. Your stay still includes access to hotel amenities such as the pool and hot tub.

1. Hoodoo Moab: This is one of the nicest hotels in Moab with beautiful aesthetics for photos although the rooms are a bit small. The hotel has an awesome spiral staircase in the lobby that I love to use. Their two-story Casitas have much more room and access to a separate pool.

1. Hyatt Place Moab: This is another option that includes Casitas with good lighting and plenty of room for a small group to get ready together. All the Casitas also have a nice view of the pool.

Best Places to Stay & Get Ready in Moab

1. Under Canvas Moab: This unique and outdoorsy place is fit for adventure-minded couples. The beautiful property sits just seven miles north of Moab near Arches and Canyonlands. Your stay is in desert glamping yurts with limited power but they make for gorgeous getting-ready photos. I do not recommend these in the summer as there is no AC, only fans. You can also use the space to have your ceremony here! 

1. Sage Creek Resort: I shoot here the most! There are nice condos with access to an awesome pool. It’s a great place for large parties since you can reserve a block of condos. It’s a bit further from the main areas of town and it can also be booked through Airbnb.

1. Castle Valley Inn: This is a super cute little spot about 20-30 minutes outside of Moab. It’s definitely more of a rustic desert vibe that’s great for Castle Valley elopements. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more peaceful space with views of Castleton Tower.

1. ULUM Moab: It’s a more luxurious glamping version of Under Canvas with added amenities. A beautiful property about 30 minutes south of Moab with views of the canyonlands. They also offer different wedding packages with in-house catering. These accommodate either under 30 guests or over 30 guests which requires a full buyout at a max of 150 guests.

1. Element Moab: The suites have great lighting and work for a large wedding party. The property has beautiful 360-degree views with an amazing pool.

1. FieldStation Moab: An adventure-styled hotel, the very modern and simple rooms are offered at a lower rate than the Moab standard. They even have Van Life posts where for around $20 you can park your van with full hook up. This also provides access to the communal areas, Wi-Fi, showers and the pool!

1. Whispering Oaks Ranch: Located in the La Sal Mountains with views of the canyonlands, the venue is quiet and private surrounded by pine trees and greenery. It’s a great place to beat the heat and is about an hour away from Moab. They also have a dedicated ceremony site and a sheltered reception area. The site accommodates up to 65 guests (ceremony & reception) and up to 200 in attendance at the ceremony alone. They have no in-house services but have an extensive vendor list.

Many of my couples who include guests at their elopements rent a big Airbnb in town and hold their reception there. Here is a list of the best Airbnbs in Moab:

1. 3BR stunner with amazing mountain views
2. The Caves at Moab – At Private Riverside Ranch
3. Parking, Hottub, Pool, Kitchen, Firepit, Views
4. Luxurious Spa Unit Rim Village
5. 3 KING BEDS, FIRE PIT, Parking, Pool
6. Moab LaSal Home Kitchen, Pool/HotTub
7. Quiet Golf Course Gem Sleeps 6, Pool
8. Private Hot Tub on Patio

Let’s hear your ideas for your own wedding or elopement!

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