A Dreamy Adventure Wedding at Arches National Park

Bride and groom stand on red rock in a desert canyon, holding hands. Orange cliffs rise behind them under a clear blue sky.

Arches National Park is one of the most breathtaking and unique destinations in the U.S., making it a top choice for adventure weddings and elopements. With its striking red rock formations, dramatic arches, and stunning desert landscapes, it's no surprise that couples travel from all over to say “I do” in this iconic park. Experiencing its beauty in person is truly unforgettable, and for Adilene & Servando, it was the perfect backdrop for their special day.

Photos Below!

Why Arches National Park Was the Perfect Choice

When Adilene & Servando reached out to me about documenting their wedding, they already had their hearts set on Arches National Park—and it was an incredible choice! They planned their wedding for November, which is considered the off-season for Moab tourism. This meant fewer visitors, no need for timed entry passes (which are required during peak months), and much more privacy for their ceremony.

The best part about getting married in Southern Utah in the fall? The weather! With warm sunshine during the day and cooler temperatures in the evening, it was the perfect setting for an outdoor adventure wedding.

A Magical Ceremony at Double Arch

Adilene & Servando exchanged vows in front of Double Arch in the Windows District, one of the most scenic areas of the park. Their ceremony was a beautiful mix of romance, laughter, and heartfelt emotion.

As Adilene walked down the "aisle" (the trail leading to the arch), her parents escorted her while her siblings carried the train of her dress—a sweet and spontaneous moment that made their entrance even more special. Servando, turned away at first, looked back at just the right moment to see his bride, and from that point on, it was all smiles.

His brother officiated the ceremony, making it even more meaningful for their family. As they exchanged vows, I could see the joy radiating from their loved ones—it was clear how much this moment meant to everyone present. After sealing their marriage with a kiss, they celebrated with a round of tequila shots (a wedding tradition I can definitely get behind!).

Hike Through The Park

After capturing some beautiful moments around Double Arch, we set off on an easy hike through a stunning canyon surrounded by towering red rock formations. As we made our way through the canyon, we stopped to take photos with different geological features, and I snapped pictures any time they felt inspired to be romantic (which, honestly, was pretty much the entire time!). I loved watching how effortlessly in love they were—fully embracing the fun, relaxed, and spontaneous nature of eloping. Unlike a traditional wedding day packed with timelines and obligations, they had the freedom to simply enjoy each other’s company and soak in every moment together.

At the bottom of the gorge, when the setting felt just right, they exchanged private vows they had written for each other. I absolutely love when couples do this—it allows them to share their deepest emotions, inside jokes, and unfiltered love without an audience. When you have guests, there’s often an unspoken pressure to hold back certain words or feelings, but in a private moment like this, you can be completely open and vulnerable. (And for the record—yes, I’m there capturing the moment, but I’m so focused on composition, lighting, and angles that I’m not actually absorbing a single word you’re saying. So whatever you share stays just between the two of you!)

Golden Hour Adventure Portraits

After their ceremony, Adilene & Servando’s family took some time to explore the park and relax before dinner, while the newlyweds and I set off on an adventure.

As the sun began to set, we returned to the Windows District to capture some golden hour portraits. This is my absolute favorite time to shoot in the desert—the red rocks glow with vibrant hues, and the whole landscape comes alive. The moon was rising perfectly above the North Window Arch, creating one of my favorite photo moments of the year.

The evening chill set in quickly, but Servando wrapped his arms around Adilene to keep her warm, adding an extra touch of romance to their portraits. Meanwhile, the wind had its own plans, attempting to steal her veil, which gave everyone a good laugh. But honestly, I love a dramatic veil-blowing moment, so we fully embraced it!

As we wrapped up, we caught one last incredible shot of the moon hanging over the desert—a perfect, dreamy ending to an already magical day.

Why an Arches National Park Wedding Is Truly Special

Not every couple can say their wedding day was their absolute "best day ever." But when you plan a wedding that’s all about adventure, love, and creating unforgettable memories together in a place as beautiful as Arches, it’s hard not to feel that way!

Adilene & Servando’s wedding was a perfect example of what makes adventure elopements so special—genuine moments, stunning scenery, and an experience that feels entirely true to who you are as a couple. I’m so grateful to have been part of their journey and to have captured these moments for them to cherish forever.

Ready to begin planning your dream Arches National Park wedding?

I'm Carly, a destination wedding and elopement photographer + planning guide who's documented weddings from Hawaii to Scotland. My top priority on elopement days is to help you create an experience, not just deliver great photos. I want to tell your wedding story, share the emotions you felt that day and the fun you shared together, and provide you with memories that you'll love forever. And in addition to photography, I'll also provide:

✓ Location Scouting & Research

✓ Vendor Recommendations

✓ Customized Timeline Building

✓ Activity Recommendations

✓ Assistance with Permits

✓ An exclusive elopement planning guide

If you're ready to take the first step towards your best day ever, fill out the contact form on my site! We'll talk about all of the possibilities, ease your mind of any hesitations you may still have about eloping, and get planning!

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Group walking on a sandy path with a rocky backdrop. Smiling bride in white holds flowers; others assist with her veil. Earthy tones.

Bride and groom exchanging vows with officiant in a rocky desert setting, framed by an arch. Bride wears white; groom in black suit.

A bride and groom smiling and holding hands during an outdoor ceremony. An officiant in a blue suit reads from a book in the desert setting.

Bride in white dress and veil smiles at groom in dark suit during outdoor ceremony. A person in blue suit holds a book. Scenic nature backdrop.

Bride and groom hold hands, smiling during an outdoor wedding ceremony in a desert setting. An officiant reads nearby. Bride in white dress.

Bride and groom kiss in front of a large rock arch, with an officiant smiling nearby. Desert landscape, clear sky, and emotional atmosphere.

Wedding party toasts in a desert setting with red rock formations. The bride holds a bouquet, surrounded by guests in formal attire.

Bride and groom embrace on sandy desert terrain, surrounded by rocky formations and shrubs. Bride holds bouquet, bright and serene atmosphere.

Bride and groom embrace in desert landscape, sunlight illuminating her veil. Warm tones, joyful expressions, rocky formations in the background.

Smiling couple in wedding attire embraces in a desert setting, holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers. Sandy background, joyful mood.

Bride and groom holding hands, walking on a red rock desert path under a partly cloudy sky. Rocky cliffs and sparse greenery surround them.

Bride and groom in desert landscape, surrounded by red rock formations. Bride wears a long veil and holds a bouquet, creating a romantic scene.

Bride in white dress holding bouquet, groom in dark suit kisses her forehead. Desert canyon backdrop, warm hues, romantic mood.

Bride and groom kissing in a desert landscape with red rock formations and blue sky. The bride wears a white dress and veil. Romantic mood.

Bride and groom walk hand in hand on a dirt path, surrounded by towering rock formations, captured in black and white. Serene mood.

A couple dances joyfully in a desert landscape with towering red rock formations. The bride wears a flowing white dress and sneakers.

Bride and groom embrace joyfully in desert landscape, her white dress contrasting with his dark suit. Intimacy and love captured.

Bride in white gown and groom in black suit sit on rock, hand in hand, gazing at each other lovingly. Red rock formations in background.

Man in a black suit with a floral boutonniere stands confidently in a rocky desert landscape, looking off to the side. Earthy tones dominate.

Man in a black suit with floral tie adjusts lapel; wearing a boutonniere. Desert background, warm colors; mood is formal and serene.

Bride in white gown with veil holds bouquet, standing on rocky terrain against red sandstone cliffs under blue sky.

Bride in white dress holding bouquet, smiling in desert landscape with red rock formations in background, under clear sky.

Arches National Park Elopement - Moab Utah | Wedding Photographer

A couple in wedding attire stands facing each other in a desert setting with red rock formations and a blue sky. Romantic and serene mood.

Bride in white and groom in black suit exchange vows outdoors, smiling joyfully. Stone background adds rustic charm. Black and white.

Bride and groom holding hands in a rocky, natural setting. The bride wears a lace gown, groom in a suit. Emotional and intimate moment.

A woman in a white dress smiles while reading vows to a man in a suit in a rocky desert setting. Warm tones create a joyful mood.

Gold rings rest on a pink protea flower surrounded by green leaves and soft pink roses, creating a romantic and elegant setting.

Bride and groom holding hands on rocky desert terrain with towering red cliffs under a clear sky, evoking a serene and romantic mood.

Couple in wedding attire embrace on red rocks in a desert landscape, with towering formations in the background. She holds a bouquet, smiling.

Bride in white gown and groom in suit joyfully walking on a rocky desert path, holding hands. Red rock formations in the background.

A couple in wedding attire walks under a large rock arch at sunset. The moon is visible in the blue sky, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Bride and groom in wedding attire stand on red rock landscape under a clear sky with a visible white moon, holding hands and smiling.

Bride and groom embrace under a rocky arch at sunset. The bride's gown and veil are flowing. The scene is warm and romantic.

Bride and groom embrace on sunlit rocky terrain. Bride in a white gown; bouquet lies nearby. Warm hues create a romantic atmosphere.

Bride and groom embrace on red rock landscape under a natural arch. Bride's dress has a long train. Sky is clear, creating a romantic mood.

Bride and groom stand on rocky terrain at sunset, with an arch in the background. The sky is vibrant with orange and blue hues.

Blurred couple kissing under a full moon in a desert with red rock formations. Evening ambiance with white dress and dark suit. Romantic mood.

Bride and groom gaze lovingly at each other, holding a bouquet, under a moonlit sky with rocky formations in the background.

Snow-capped mountains at dusk under a deep purple sky. Wispy clouds create a serene atmosphere. No visible text.

uthern Utah Wedding Photographer - Photographing weddings in St. George, Moab, Salt Lake City, Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and more!