5 Must-Haves for Your Moab Wedding

Written By Toni Sicola

Moab, with its striking red rock landscapes, stunning canyons, and a backdrop that seems almost otherworldly, has become a popular wedding destination. Whether you’re planning a grand affair with lots of wedding guests, an adventure elopement, or something in between, there are essential considerations unique to our area that you need to know.

Here are five must-haves to ensure your Moab wedding is not only memorable but also comfortable and enjoyable for you and all your guests.

1. Outdoor Essentials: Sunscreen, Hats, and Parasols

When planning an outdoor wedding in Moab, protecting yourself and your guests from the sun's powerful rays is crucial. The region experiences high temperatures, especially during the spring and summer months, and exposure to the sun can lead to discomfort and health issues. We do not recommend an outdoor wedding in July or August in Moab. If you want to come in those months, plan on an indoor party in a location with central air conditioning like Red Cliffs Lodge.

Sunscreen (and possibly bug spray too!):

Be sure to provide sunscreen and bug spray for your guests. You may want to set up a "Sunscreen and Bug Spray Station" with various SPF levels and types, so everyone can reapply throughout the day. Check the weather in the weeks leading up to your wedding. If rain is in the forecast, there’s a chance your outdoor wedding might have some uninvited mosquito guests. Encourage guests to apply sunscreen before arriving, and remind them to bring their own.

Hats and Parasols:

Consider suggesting that guests wear wide-brimmed hats to shield themselves from the sun. Alternatively, providing parasols can not only serve as sun protection but also add a whimsical touch to your wedding photos. Choosing light colors will enhance the visual aesthetics while keeping guests cool.

Bug Spray:

Depending on the time of year and previous rainfall, pesky mosquitoes or other insects can sometimes be a nuisance. If you're planning your wedding in late spring or early fall, include bug spray options at your venue or encourage guests to bring their own.

2. Special Use Permits & Legal Compliance

If you plan on saying "I do" on public lands, obtaining the appropriate special use permits is essential. Moab is home to so many natural wonders, including two national parks, two state parks, and miles and miles of BLM land. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and all BLM land require permits for ceremonies.

Legal Compliance:

Permits ensure that you are legally allowed to host your event in designated areas, and help to maintain the beauty of the landscape for future visitors. Contact park services or the BLM office well in advance of your planned wedding date to find out what permits are required and to discuss any specific rules or restrictions you must follow. Some aspects to consider include guest capacity, timing, and trash disposal. As your florist, we know all the rules about what is and isn’t allowed inside the parks as well.

3. Appropriate Footwear for Adventure Weddings, Elopements, or Couples Photos

If your wedding involves hiking or an outdoor adventure—a scenic backdrop for vows at a remote canyon, for example—proper footwear is critical.

Footwear Guidelines:

  • Comfort First: Since you and your guests will likely be walking on uneven terrain, plan on wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for hiking or walking, and encourage your guest to do the same.

  • Stylistic Choices: If you have fancy shoes you really want to wear at your wedding, plan to bring them with you and put them on once you’re at your ceremony site. Just don’t be surprised if you want to take them off after you say, “I do,” and BE MINDFUL of where you’re stepping until you do.

4. “Leave No Trace” Plan

Newly married couple stands in front of Castleton Tower for a Moab Elopement.

Photo by The Hearnes

The wild beauty of the Moab desert is a rare treasure. It might not seem like a delicate environment, but the desert is a very special ecosystem that needs protecting.

Implementing a “Leave No Trace” Plan:

  • Educate Your Guests: Include information on your wedding website or in invitations about not stepping on cryptobiotic soil, or the “desert crust,” which takes a long time to rebuild if it’s crushed. Make sure they know not to leave anything behind at the ceremony site if you’re planning a ceremony on public land.

  • Thoughtful Decor: Ensure that anything you use to dress up your site on public land complies with the rules and is removed afterwards. Hiring locals is a great way to ensure that your “Leave No Trace” plan is a good one.

5. Hire Local Vendors and Reserve Accommodations

Choosing to work with local vendors not only supports the community but also provides you with the expertise you need to create a successful experience in the desert. Locals know the Moab landscape, understand the permitting process, and are good stewards of the local environment. Because so many people visit Moab to get married and don’t live here full time, your local vendors can be “boots on the ground” to help you prepare for your wedding before you arrive.

Local Vendor Recommendations:

Wedding planner team stands in front of a wedding floral arch at the Red Earth Venue.

Photo by Jessielyn Photography
Planner team: Red Earth Events

  • Wedding Planner: If we had to choose one vendor category to emphasize hiring local, this is one is it. Local wedding planners know the ins and outs of all of the venues in Moab, can advise on many public sites, have extensive vendor connections, and are invested in gathering the best possible team for your big day.

  • Photographer: A local photographer or one who spends a lot of time here will advise you on the timing for the best light at various sites, act as your guide through desert terrain, and will sometimes even bring couples to little-known gems on BLM land.

  • Florist: Local florists know how to properly prepare your florals for the sometimes harsh conditions in Moab. We have extensive knowledge of which flowers hold up in our arid climate and which ones to steer clear of. We also provide advice on how to care for your flowers if you’re planning an all-day adventure.

Accommodations:

If you’re hosting your wedding in Moab’s peak seasons, spring and fall, it’s wise to reserve guest accommodations well in advance. April through June and September through November, hotels and AirBnBs book up quickly. Consider finding a room block at a local hotel or scoping out nightly rentals early to ensure your guests have places to stay. Sharing accommodation information on your wedding website can help guests find and secure their lodging.

It’s All About Planning

A wedding in Moab can be a truly magical experience, with natural beauty and adventure infused into your day of celebration. By planning for outdoor essentials, acquiring necessary permits, creating a "Leave No Trace" strategy, and utilizing local vendors, you can create a wedding celebration that your guests will rave about for years to come.

Toni Sicola
Next

Trust Your Vision: Why Your Moab Wedding Doesn’t Need to “Match” the Desert