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

Best Utah National Park Comparison: How to Make the Right Choice

Elopement Destinations, Elopement Tips

One of the main questions I get asked as a Moab elopement photographer is about the difference between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. While both parks are epic and not far from each other (about a 40-minute distance), they couldn’t be more different! I love recommending these parks and guiding my couples in choosing the best Utah national park for them!

Tips for Visiting Any Moab, Utah National Park

Visiting Utah can involve a lot of decisions. You must figure out where to go, where to stay, and what activities to do when you get there. Each couple has to choose for themselves what they want to prioritize. I’m happy to provide guidance once you know a general direction! My advice is based on your interests and how those align with the season you chose to visit Moab, Utah.

couple sits under arch at canyonlands national park

couple looks at canyonlands national park

Before we settle on the best Utah national park for you, the following are some general tips that apply to both of these national parks close to Moab:

Permits are required for weddings, but not necessary for a bridal photography session.
Pets are not allowed.
A single elopement is permitted in the park per day. With the growing popularity of Moab elopements, I recommend booking your permit as early as possible! Booking a year out is best, and ideally no less than 6 to 8 months in advance.

couple embraces at Arches National Park elopement

couple stands on cliff edge at Arches National Park elopement

couple exchanges vows during elopement ceremony

Arches requires both a wedding permit and a timed entry permit during certain times of the year. These are required April 1 – July 6 and August 28 – October 31 (7am-4pm).

Canyonlands has three different ceremony permit sites maxing out at a group size of 25 total.

couple stands on cliff edge at canyonlands national park

The spring and the fall are undeniably the best seasons for Moab, Utah weather. Early winter is also a good time of year to visit because the crowds can be completely nonexistent. The summer is brutally hot so I would only recommend doing sunrise elopements during these months.

couple has first look at Arches National Park

Here is my extensive Moab Travel Guide that will equip you for a Utah elopement in any season!

couple holds hands at Arches National Park

While I definitely know of secret and lesser-known places in both parks, I would never share those publicly, contributing to the overcrowding of my favorite spots. Let’s talk about your vision and I’ll share my recommendations upon booking!

Planning Your Arches National Park Photos

couple stands under arch at Arches National Park

With its iconic and stunning arches, Arches National Park is one of the most well-known national parks in the country. This means it can get so crowded that at times there isn’t even sufficient parking available. That is why the park decided to implement a timed entry permit during the busy months. It’s for this reason that I only plan for an Arches National Park sunrise session during this time of year so that the restriction doesn’t apply.

couple holds hands at Arches National Park elopement

You must prepare for a very early morning especially if you plan on having hair and makeup done. Fortunately, Arches is easily accessible from downtown Moab where there are many places to stay.

From my extensive experience in capturing the park at sunrise, I understand how to best avoid the crowds. About an hour after sunrise is when the tour buses arrive and also our signal to move to a less popular spot!

couple stands under arch at Arches National Park elopement

couple kisses at Arches National Park elopement

couple sits on red rock at Moab elopement

There are many great spots to shoot photos inside of the park. Some of these destinations offer multiple well-known arches within walking distance of each other. The park also includes six different permit sites that have maximum guest counts ranging from 15 to 80.

couple walks holding hands at Arches National Park

couples stands beside red rock at Arches National Park

Even after many years of both living in Moab and photographing the park, watching the sunrise is still one of my favorite things to do! The fact that this remains magical is another reason why Arches is one of the best Utah national parks to visit! It is an excellent sunrise location that provides the iconic red rock arches and desert landscapes.

A Day of Canyonlands National Park Photography

couple stands on cliff edge at Canyonlands National Park elopement

Since Arches is a guaranteed first on a visitor’s list of Moab Utah things to do, Canyonlands National Park is a great 2nd option! The Colorado and Green Rivers divide Canyonlands into three districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Island in the Sky is a lesser-known spot that I love taking couples to because there are usually fewer people present at any given time of day.

bride twirls wedding dress at Canyonlands National Park elopement

couple holds hands at Canyonlands National Park elopement

couple sits under arch at Canyonlands National Park elopement

I count Canyonlands as one of the best Utah national parks due to its distant canyon views and unobstructed sunsets! Depending upon your location in the park, you either have an insane view of the Green River or a sweeping canyon view from towering cliff sides. These spots are both east and west facing which provides a good range of lighting options for both sunrise and sunset Moab photography.

couple holds hands at sunset Canyonlands National Park elopement

couple kisses at sunset Canyonlands National Park elopement

It is great for sunset, allowing for a bit more privacy while producing those epic and vast landscape looks. The views inside of the park are simply unbeatable!

BONUS: The Best Utah State Park–Dead Horse Point

couple exchanges vows at Dead Horse Point State Park

While there are three other national parks part of Utah’s Mighty Five, an often overlooked attraction that I point couples to is Dead Horse Point State Park. The park is actually on the same highway as Canyonlands but one turn off sooner coming from Moab.

couple kisses at Dead Horse Point State Park

Boasting similarly epic views as Canyonlands (in my opinion, a bit better!) Dead Horse is an underrated state park. It is an awesome place to tie the knot with less crowds and many different viewpoints all within walking distance of each other.

couple walks along red rocks at Dead Horse Point State Park

couple poses with guests at Dead Horse Point State Park

The park has five different wedding permit sites with guest limits ranging from 5 to 100. I do not recommend hosting 100 guests since parking is very limited and does not accommodate this number well. Two of the sites are east facing, and the others are west facing. This makes it an awesome choice for both sunrise and sunset.

Some couples go for a day-before or day-after session when getting married at The Red Earth Venue since it is nearby. Dead Horse Point also allows dogs, which is an awesome option for dog lovers since they are not allowed in the national parks.