How to elope in Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, Utah
(last updated January 2026)
Dead Horse Point is one of the best places to get married in Moab. You can stay in a yurt or camp, there are several awesome spots to get married at (even an indoor option), and it is one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in Moab. I feel small there surrounded by endless canyons and cliffs overlooking the Colorado River.
Leave No Trace: Wherever you get married in Moab, take care to stay on the trails and respect the desert. The dry, bubbly soil is alive and necessary in maintaining the desert eco-system. Dead Horse Point has many hiking trails to take you to the most beautiful views already.
Where to get married in Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab, Utah
A couple of reasons that I love Dead Horse Point for your Moab elopement is that 1) Dogs are allowed and 2) Drones are allowed November – February. So if you want your pup in your Moab wedding, Dead Horse Point is the way to go! With over 5,000 acres, you have some pretty amazing options.
Check out the Dead Horse Point State Park Wedding Packet to see more information and photos.
La Sal Wedding Site
La Sal is located on the North East side of Dead Horse Point State Park and can accommodate up to 25 people.
Cliff Side Wedding Site
More private, cliffside wedding location that can handle up to 20 people.
Dead Horse Point Overlook Wedding Site
This is the most popular spot for park visitors so you will most likely have an audience when you get married. There is easy access and you can bring up to 50 guests.
Point Bench Overlook Wedding Site
Only 5 guests can attend your wedding here but it has canyon views on both sides of you and is easy to get to.
Shade Shelter Site Wedding Site
This site is more traditional with shade and chairs. You can invite up to 100 guests to attend your wedding ceremony here.
Dead Horse Point Visitor Center Wedding Site
You can reserve the Visitor Center to have an indoor reception up to 50 people.
The Red Earth Venue
This stunning glass venue is at the mouth of the road that leads up to the canyon. It is the most perfect venue to host your reception after getting married in the park.
What you need to elope in Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab, Utah
Dead Horse Point Wedding Permit
You need a special use permit to have your wedding in the park. You can find the current park contact here and info on permits here.
- Weddings are allowed all year long
- You have to apply for the permit at least 30 days before your wedding (the sooner the better)
- $10 Application Fee, $50 Permit Fee
Moab Wedding License
Many couples opt to get legally married before their elopement, then they exchange their personal vows alone and celebrate during their elopement day. If you want to legally get married in Moab, you can get info on the marriage license here.
- You can use the marriage license immediately
- $30 to receive your legal marriage license
- Must be over 18 with IDs
- Need 2 witnesses over the age of 18
- Must have an officiant
When to elope at Dead Horse Point, Moab, Utah
Fall and Spring have the best weather in Moab, but are also the most crowded. I would avoid June-August as the extreme heat is a health hazard. I’ve seen wedding guests pass out from the heat and dehydration during summer weddings. For more privacy, I would opt for a weekday elopement at sunrise. Sunset is beautiful too, most wedding spots face the sunset, just more bystanders typically.
Where to stay in Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab, Utah
Dead Horse Point Yurts
Who doesn’t want to stay in a YURT? So cool, this is next level camping! You can reserve your yurt online. There are two sites: Wingate yurts and Moenkopi yurts.
Dead Horse Point Campgrounds
You can camp right in Dead Horse Point state park. There are two camping sites with amenities and RV hookups: Kayenta Campgrounds and Wingate Campground.
There are also plenty of camping options just outside of Dead Horse Point Park: Horsethief Campground (BLM land), Lone Mesa Group Camping Sites, and more.
Moab Hotels & Airbnbs
Dead Horse Point State Park is about 32 miles from in-town Moab. The closest hotels are going to be on the Northside of town on Main Street.
10 closest Moab hotels to Dead Horse Point via Tripadvisor
I love unique Airbnb’s and VRBO homes so you can have more privacy or a shared space for all of your family to stay together.
What to do on your wedding day in Dead Horse Point
Watch the sunset, sunrise, or stargaze
Dead Horse Point is miles from city lights of Moab where you are on top of canyons with a great view of the sky. This is one of the darkest skies in Moab and perfect for stargazing. Watching the sunrise or sunset is always romantic, but it is extra special surrounded by all the beauty here.
Hiking
There are several amazing hiking trails in Dead Horse Point State Park. What better way to spend your wedding day than hiking to a beautiful view where no one else is around?! I love using the All Trails App to see reviews and photos from the different trails: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/utah/dead-horse-point-state-park
Dead Horse Point is a beautiful place to have your small wedding or elopement in Moab
Dead Horse Point State Park is definitely one of the best spots to have your Moab wedding at. Standing at the edge of a cliff overlooking canyons and the Colorado river is a grand experience that will make you feel small.
Where you get married matters. This is your story that you will share with all your loved ones for years to come. Why not go somewhere beautiful?
If you need help deciding on where to elope or still need a Moab elopement photographer then I’m your gal! I love helping couples plan their best adventure yet and take photos that remind them of their love. You can contact me here.
