Why Should You Choose Dead Horse Point for Your Wedding or Elopement?

If you’re dreaming about exchanging vows with jaw-dropping canyon views, golden desert light, and a sense of peace that only nature can offer, Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab, Utah might just be your perfect wedding venue.

Why choose Dead Horse Point?
- Unparalleled Scenic Beauty - Perched on a mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado river, the overlook offers sweeping red-rock canyons and distant vistas of Canyonlands — landsscapes more dramatic than some natural parks. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or during twilight, the lighting here is otherworldly and makes your photos absolutely unforgettable.
- Quieter Than Nearby National Parks - While Arches National Park, also near Moab, sees 1.5 million visitors annually, Dead Horse Point gets roughly half that. That makes for more tranquil mornings and evenings, espeically ideal for intimate ceremonies.
- Dark Sky Sanctuary - Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, this location becomes a stargazer’s dream post-ceremony. Couples love ending their day under a blanket of Milky Way and twinkling stars.
- Adventure Right at Your Doorstep - This is NOT just a ceremony spot — many couples hike the Intrepid Trail, ride bikes, explore overlooks, or even combine cliffs and rafting into their wedding adventure.

Getting Married at Dead Horse Point: The Essentials
- Ceremony Site Options - There are five designated wedding locations, each with its own vibe and guest capacity. Shade Shelter (ADA-accessible, seats up to 100, offers shade structure), West Bench (accessible, near parking, fits up to 50), La Sal Site (beautiful mountainou backdrop, up to 25 people), Cliff Side (remote cliff edge, up to 20 people, ideal for small groups), and Point Beach (tiny and intimate, up to 5 people)
- Permit Requirements and Costs - Application fee: $10. Permit fee: $50. Guest-based site fee: $200 (more than 40 people), $300 (more than 100 people). Additional hours cost extra — usually $100/hour. Submit your application at least 30 days in advance to secure your desired site and date.
- Park Rules to Know - Weddings take place in public areas — no exclusivity. Expect visitors nearby. No thrown items (e.g. rice, confetti), live flowerss, amplified music, or installed lighting. Drone usage is prohibited from March to October, and requires a separate permit in the off-season. Must use existing trails, parking only in designated areas, responsible for cleanup. Keep scrolling for more!

When to Tie the Knot
- Best Seasons - Spring and Fall. Temperatures are mild, crowds are lighter, and naturral light is at its softest and most magical.
- Best Times of Day - Sunrise: quiet, soft lighting. Sunset: golden glow backlit by stunning canyon vistas. Blue hour: dreamy twilight tones make for cinematic photos.

Making the Most of Your Day
- Photography Backdrops - Every aspect of the park — the rim, the river bend, the distant mesas — serves as cinematic scenery. Hire a photographer familiar with Moab’s unique terrain to capture those moments juuust right (like me!).
- Combine Ceremony + Adventure - Your wedding can include hiking, biking, star-gazing, or canyon exploration. Consider booking a yurt or campsite nearby for a full weekend of desert adventure.
- Nearby Logistics - Marriage license: available in Moab or Salt Lake City, valid for 32 days. Vendor access: photographers, officiants, and florists must be aware of permit rules. Artificial flowers are recommended by park policy.

Sample Timeline for an Intimate Elopement
- Submit Permit - 30 or more days prior to the event
- Ceremony - Sunrise or sunset at chosen site
- Outdoor Photoshoot - 45-60 minutes after ceremony
- Adventure or hike - Explore viewpoints or trail(s)
- Star-gazing or night session - Post-sunset under clear skies

Final Thoughts
Getting married at Dead Horse Point State Park offers the rare combination of striking scenery, starlit nights, and a peaceful, adventurous vibe that big venues simply cannot match. With flexible site options, accessible beauty, and a quick, gorgeous 35-minute droove from Moab, it’s easy to see why couples are. choosing this gem for their most meaningful day. Whether planning an intimate elopement or just the two of you, or a small gathering of friends and family, the canyon views and desert light promise a wedding day you’ll talk about forever.

Ready to plan your Moab wedding at Dead Horse Point? I’d be happy to help you craft the perfect timeline, choose the best spot, or figure out what’s allowed (and what’s not). Click here to inquire with me!