Moab Canyon Intimate Elopement

Dead Horse Point Elopement

Details

This Moab canyon elopement happened at the end of April of 2021. Kelly and Ryan decided to hold their elopement ceremony at the edge of a cliff at Dead Horse State Park in Moab, Utah.

Before the ceremony, they got ready at an Airbnb in downtown Moab. While Kelly was receiving finishing touches on her hair and makeup, I got shots of the dress and shoes in the garden.

Kelly’s beautiful dress was custom made by the wedding dress designer Cleo and Clementine. The design was absolutely flawless, and totally made for her body. She dressed to prepare for the first look with Ryan.

First Look

Sometimes for elopements, a bride and groom waiting to see each other until the ceremony isn’t always plausible. Because elopements are so intimate, the couples spend most of the day together.

This is why many couples who elope choose to have a first look. This way, they can travel to the ceremony location together.

Kelly met Ryan in the front yard of their Airbnb in Moab. Ryan had not yet seen Kelly’s custom dress, so it was a total surprise for him. He faced the other direction when she approached so I could capture his reaction.

Ceremony at Dead Horse Point

The ceremony took place at Dead Horse Point State Park, which is a 45 minute drive from Moab. Kelly and Ryan chose this location for it’s incredible views and canyon vistas. They did need to reserve the exact location for the ceremony through the State Park’s office.

Although there isn’t much of a hike, to get to the spot they had reserved, Kelly and Ryan had to crawl over some gnarly rocks.

Kelly and Ryan hired a classical guitarist, Josh Moore, to play at their intimate Moab elopement. He played before and after the ceremony, and for a first dance (which you’ll see later on in the blog).

The elopement ceremony took place in Moab at sunset at the edge of a cliff. Kelly and Ryan invited four guests, and asked one of their friends to officiate. The other guests stood close by so they could hear and observe the elopement ceremony.

Each of the guests came prepared with a written letter to read to the bride and groom. It was a powerful and moving experience to hear how these two people have affected so many around them.

Vow Exchange

Elopement Celebration with Friends

To kick off their celebration, Kelly and Ryan shared champagne with their guests. They popped one bottle, causing a spray of golden champagne to fall on everyone.

Moab Elopement First Dance

The live musician, Josh Moore, played classical music as Kelly and Ryan held their first dance. The guests stood off in the distance and watched the bride and groom dance in the golden light.

Sunset Couples Photos

Couples photos can be anything you want them to be. For Kelly, it was important to capture lots of veil shots with golden light.

Moab Canyon Elopement Conclusion

If you’d like to learn more about eloping in Moab, feel free to contact me HERE. I am based out of Arizona, but I shoot frequently in Moab, so I would love to help guide you to my favorite spots.

Photographer: Me

HMUA: Leslie Lind

Dress Designer: Cleo and Clementine

Guitarist: Josh Moore

Florist: The Wildflowers AZ