wondering Where can you get married in
Arches National Park?
here is Photos of all approved ceremony locations!
Info + photos by Christina Joy
Hi there, I am your elopement /wedding photographer! I have been local to Moab since fall of 2021.
Moab is filled with the most adventurous and spontaneous memories for me. I love hiking, rock climbing, and making lifelong memories while showing my clients these incredible lands.
If you are interested in getting more information on any of these locations, or are interested in me capturing your elopement or small wedding,
General ceremony Information
Ceremony spots are in order of closest to further from the main entrance. Group sizes for a wedding ceremony range from 10-80 people.
This is including the bridal party, officiant, photographers, etc. If your group is larger, you might want to consider a venue outside the park. If your group is smaller or there is no guests, you can apply for a location that is not pre approved. We can personally suggest some non pre approved locations you can apply for. If you apply for a non approved location, NPS gives it a full compliance review, and they will let you know if you can hold your ceremony there.
You will need to apply for a Special Use Permit.
The Special Use Permit Short Form can be found on the NPS website for Arches. In total, this permit will cost you $185.
Now, onto the locations!
PARK AVENUE
group Size: 25
Park Avenue is the very first parking lot that comes up when you enter the park. It is very close to the entrance, and very accessible. Because of this, it is often quite busy as a first stop for tourists. The background is beautiful, it is a perfect spot to set up a ceremony for a small wedding!
2. La Sal Mountain Viewpoint
Group size: 50
This spot is in the top three most accommodating for larger groups in the park. There is plenty of space at the viewpoint, although the floor is very rocky which could be difficult for setting up chairs or navigating elderly. One of the big bonuses of this location, is the 360 views which allows you to choose which angle you want to be your ceremony background! This background containing courthouse rock, the three gossips, and sheep's rock, is my personal favorite angle.
3. The Windows Section | Double Arch
Group size: 25
Before getting to the base of Double Arch, there is a small area off the trail pictured here that is perfect for a ceremony. Keep in mind, Double Arch is one of the most popular spots in the park. For this reason, I would suggest this spot at sunrise only. Otherwise you can expect to have many other visitors walking past your ceremony.
Additional photos:
Morning light
Sunset light
4. The Windows Section | Turret ARCH
group size: 25
Turret Arch would be one of my top recommendations! Although also busy, not as busy as Double Arch, and there's plenty of space for other visitors to see there is a ceremony happening and choose to come back later, or walk to the side.
The ground is smooth, and the arch behind is beautiful. I highly recommend this spot!
5. The Windows section | south WINDOW
Group size: 25
There is a nice even path pictured above that would be perfect for a ceremony spot. This spot is the furthest in the windows section from the parking lot, so your guests would need to expect to climb a few stairs to get here. However, I would still rate the hike as easy!
6. The Windows Section | North Window
group size: 25
Although a beautiful spot, I didn't see space where 25 people could logistically stand or sit for a ceremony. For this reason, I would not recommend this spot for a wedding and would recommend it for an elopement only.
7. Panorama Point
group size: 50
This is the most accessible spot for a larger group! The benches are already set up, and the spot is right next to the parking lot. This is the angle I believe is intended for a ceremony, however I would suggest you turn it around and do the opposite background instead!
opposite background:
additional photos of an arch not approved for ceremonies, but okay for photos! contact me here to get the name of this arch.
8. Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater
group size: 80
Although the biggest space for a ceremony, this would be my lowest recommendation. This spot is intended for ranger presentations, and the screen you see in the back does not move. I would recommend minimizing down the 50 guests and applying for a different spot, or looking outside the park!
I hope this helps you plan your elopement or wedding ceremony in Arches National Park! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am happy to answer!