If you’re anything like me, you’ve fallen in love with the red rocks and unique landscapes in Moab, Utah! The desert views, the arches and the colorful sunsets all make for the perfect backdrop for your destination wedding in Moab. If you’re looking for wedding venues in Moab, you two are looking to add adventure to your wedding. You want the epic photos and a dance party in the desert with your people!
Growing up a few hours from Moab, I’ve spent years exploring Moab and capturing the most beautiful weddings and elopements amongst the red rocks and golden hours. In this blog, I’ll share all my recommendations for wedding venues and using the national and state parks around Moab!
As your Moab Wedding Photographer, I’m on your team at day one. Through support, timelines, creativity with posing, and capturing all the grand and intimate details of your day I’ll help you plan the most unforgettable wedding day that feels like you, and document your adventure in a way that feels like art.
BEST MOAB WEDDING VENUES
THE RED EARTH VENUE
The Red Earth Venue is hands down the BEST venue in Moab (and in Utah in my opinion). This beautiful venue is tucked away in the red mountains and is the only building for miles. Why does that matter? You can have an EPIC dance party without worrying about noise complaints, having to turn your music off by a certain hour and feeling like you are the only ones out there. They have so many options to have your ceremony: inside, outside on the patio, or an offsite area that is a short walk on their property. Their glass windows make it so you always have mountain views and just wait until the stars come out- incredible!
This venue also sits right in between Arches National Park and Dead Horse State Park- making a trip to one of these parks for photos an excellent idea. However, what I do with my couples is plan a ‘day after adventure session.’ Typically your timeline will be jammed packed and leaving for an hour or two at sunset takes you away from your people which is not ideal. This is why I like to plan a day after session where we pick one of the parks in the area and go back out at golden hour to get those epic and frame worthy wedding photos!
THE ARCHWAY INN
The Archway Inn is a great option for couples looking for an outdoor wedding and reception space! It has a beautiful grassy area with a small performance stage (perfect for live bands) and access to an open field that is great for bridal party photos and sunset couple photos. It is also very close to Arches National Park. The only con with this venue is that it has no getting ready space-most couples stay and get ready at a nearby hotel and then go to the venue after.
WHISPERING OAK RANCH
Even though Moab is known for the red rocks, did you know that there are some lush and green mountains right next to the small town? This venue has views of the La Sal mountains and provides cabin lodging for you and your guests. This venue is perfect for couples looking to stay where they are getting married. Typically this area is a little cooler than Moab since it’s higher in the trees. This venue has beautiful cabin views and still accessible to everything in Moab!
RED CLIFFS LODGE
A stunning waterfront property to host the most scenic ceremony! Red Cliffs Lodge is a hotel that offers a wedding space. This means you and all your guests can stay at the property. Although they do offer indoor ballroom reception spaces, the outdoor area is the star of the show. You can use the outdoor space for both your ceremony and reception. The property faces beautiful red cliffs and the Colorado River. This venue is 10 minutes from Moab but far enough away to be very quite and peaceful.
SORREL RIVER RANCH RESORT
A little ways up the Colorado River sits a small and intimate wedding space. Sorrel River Ranch has beautiful modern cabins that sit right on the water. This venue is perfect for small weddings looking to host a ceremony. Your friends and family can all stay at this venue!
HOTEL VENUE OPTIONS
Wedding venues can be very expensive- I get it! If you’re looking for more budget friendly options, a hotel space might be your best bet. Some hotels in Moab offer a reception space and even a ceremony space. Some timelines my couples stick to for more budget friendly options are:
Option 1:
-Get ready at the hotel. Do detail photos, first looks, getting ready photos at the hotel
-Get a permit and hold your ceremony at one of the surrounding parks (Arches National Park is the closest)
-Go back to the hotel for a small reception
Option 2:
-Get ready at the hotel. Do detail photos, first looks, getting ready photos at the hotel
-Get a permit and hold your ceremony at one of the surrounding parks (Arches National Park is the closest)
-Go out to a nice dinner in Moab afterwards. I suggest sunset grille.
Option 3:
-Do sunrise photos at one of the surrounding parks
-Have a small ceremony at the hotel
-Go out to a nice dinner or evening activity
Some hotels that I’ve seen offer bulk room rates, reception spaces and ceremony spaces are: Canyonlands by Day and Night, The Archway Inn and Hoodoo Moab.
WHERE TO GO FOR EPIC MOAB PHOTOS
If you’re getting married in Moab, chances are you want those epic Moab wedding photos. Golden hour, colorful, grand photos are a MUST. Whether you are trying to incorporate wedding photos on your wedding day timeline, the day after or looking to do a mixture between elopement and wedding, there are so many spots around Moab that are jaw dropping!
