When Laura and Hugo started planning their Moab elopement, they had one non-negotiable requirement: they wanted a completely secluded Moab elopement. No tourist crowds. No photobombs. Just them, their dog Pongo, and the stunning desert landscape.
And that’s exactly what they got.
Their day included everything I love about adventurous Moab elopements: a unique cave Airbnb, a Jeep adventure, off-roading to hidden BLM land, breathtaking overlooks, and even an unexpected supermoon that made the night magical in ways we never anticipated.
If you’re dreaming of a secluded Moab elopement where you actually have privacy, this is your guide.
Off-Roading to Seclusion: The Secret to Privacy in Moab
Here’s the secret to having Moab almost entirely to yourselves: be willing to off-road. We ended up driving about an hour from town, part of it on maintained roads, part of it off-roading through rugged terrain. This took us to a secluded area on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land that most tourists never see. The overlook we chose was absolutely breathtaking. The kind of view that makes you stop talking and just stare. Laura and Hugo had this incredible landscape entirely to themselves.
Why BLM Land is Perfect for Elopements
Few/no permits required (unlike Arches or Canyonlands)
Minimal crowds (most tourists stick to national parks)
Stunning views (often just as dramatic as the famous spots)
True privacy (even if 1-2 other people show up, the area is vast enough to feel alone)
How to Find These Hidden Spots
This is where working with a local photographer matters. I’ve done the work scouting Moab’s BLM land to find these secret locations. I know:
- Which dirt roads are passable (and when)
- Where to park safely
- The best overlooks for ceremonies and portraits
- How to time it so you avoid even the occasional visitor
- Backup locations if weather or conditions change
You can’t Google these spots and that’s exactly why they’re special!
The Full Elopement Experience: How the Day Unfolded
Starting in a Cave: The Most Unique Moab Airbnb
The Getting Ready Experience
Laura and Hugo chose an Airbnb that was literally built into a hillside cave. Yes, you read that right…a cave.
This wasn’t just a cool place to sleep. The unique architecture and natural rock formations created an intimate, cozy atmosphere for getting ready. The lighting inside was soft and warm, and the contrast of Laura’s dress against the natural stone walls made for stunning photos.
Why Unique Lodging Matters
Your getting ready location sets the tone for your entire day. Standard hotel rooms work, but when you choose somewhere with character—like a cave dwelling, a modern A-frame, or a vintage Airstream; you’re creating an experience, not just checking a box.
Tips for choosing your Moab Airbnb:
- Look for natural light (crucial for getting ready photos)
- Choose something that reflects your personality
- Book early (unique properties fill up fast)
- Consider proximity to your ceremony location
- Make sure it’s dog-friendly if you’re bringing your pup
The Orange Jeep: Making Bold Choices
Choosing Your Adventure Vehicle
When Laura learned she could choose the color of their rental Jeep, she had options: gray, red, orange, and pink.
The rental company jokingly called the pink one “the bridal Jeep.” But Laura went with her gut and chose orange—and it was absolutely the right call.
Against Moab’s red rocks, that orange Jeep was stunning. It added a pop of color without competing with the landscape, and it perfectly matched Laura and Hugo’s bold, adventurous personalities.
First Look with the Jeep
Before heading out on our off-road adventure, we took time for their first look near the Airbnb. Having the orange Jeep in these photos added a sense of adventure and anticipation—this wasn’t just about seeing each other for the first time, it was about the journey they were about to take together.
Why vehicle choice matters:
- It’s in your photos all day
- The right color complements the landscape
- 4WD/off-road capability = access to secluded spots
- It becomes part of your story
Playing on the Rocks and Having FUN!
We spent some time enjoying the area and Laura and Hugo weren’t in a rush. We explored the rock formations and took some photos of the couple together. Pongo (their dog) was absolutely thriving. He loved scrambling over the rocks and being part of every moment. While this wasn’t as important to the couple to have absolute privacy at this time, we did find a completely private spot for them to have their first look. This was keeping in theme with having a totally secluded Moab elopement.
Bringing Your Dog
Pongo was such a highlight of the day. He was well-behaved, loved the adventure, and brought so much joy and personality to their photos.
Tips for including your dog:
- Make sure your location is dog-friendly (BLM land usually is)
- Bring water, snacks, and waste bags
- Consider a second person to handle your dog during the ceremony (the makeup artist helped with Pongo). We also needed a second person because Pongo wasn’t allowed in the rental jeep so we took him in ours.
- Be flexible—dogs add chaos but also authenticity
- Bring an inkless paw print pad to “sign” your certificate
The Ceremony: Just Them and the Desert
After about an hour drive through incredibly beautiful country, with winding roads and steep drop offs, we made it onto 4×4 only territory. We had a blast traveling over large rocks and laughed hard when we hit hard bumps along the unpaved roads.
We finally arrived to their next location/ceremony spot, and it took their breath away. This is one of my favorite parts of an elopement day. Not only do I get to experience these beautiful locations, but I absolutely love sharing this jaw dropping experience with my couples. Seeing it through their eyes for the first time!
This was truly a secluded Moab elopement. With the vast red rock landscape as their backdrop and not another soul in sight, Laura and Hugo said their vows.
No audience to perform for. No timeline stress. Just two people promising forever to each other in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
This is what eloping is really about.
Keeping the Bride at her Best
For this elopement, the bride had a full service hair and makeup artist from Wild Brides Backcountry The service is incredible, and for anyone who is even thinking about how they are going to deal with looking their best all day out in the elements, do yourself a favor and check this team out! They were with us all day; fluffing Laura’s dress, touching up makeup, making sure everything looked perfect without Laura having to think about it.
Note on hiring a day-of stylist: This was a game-changer. Laura stayed photo-ready all day without stress, and having an extra set of hands for dress adjustments, holding Pongo’s leash, or managing logistics made everything smoother.
Portraits in Golden Hour
As the sun lowered, the light became absolutely magical. We captured portraits on the rocks, with the Jeep, and with Pongo.
Champagne Pop and Dancing in the Jeep Lights
As the sun set, we popped champagne to celebrate. Pongo was VERY excited about this development and wanted to be part of the action (don’t worry, no dogs were given champagne—he just loved the energy).
The Supermoon
We’d planned to photograph stars after dark, but nature had other plans. A massive supermoon rose, so bright it made the stars nearly invisible.
But here’s the thing about elopements: unexpected moments often become the most magical ones.
That supermoon was incredible. The way it lit up the desert, the way it glowed in Laura’s eyes as Hugo held her—it was more special than any star photos could have been. Laura and Hugo embraced the change of plans completely. They understood what I always tell couples: weather and nature create the magic, we just capture it.
The Final Touches
As the magical day came to an end, we added another layer of adventure as we 4×4’d back down the mountain in the dark. When we were gathered back at their air bnb, we sat around and told stories about our favorite parts of the day. Laura loved the champagne pop the best while Hugo favored the jeeping. However, they both agreed the day was epic! Even Pongo had so much fun he fell instantly asleep. In fact, we were gathered in the living room sitting on the floor, while Pongo layed out on the only couch, tongue out, snoring contentedly away! We all had a good laugh about this but let him have it, since he had been such a good boy all day.
What Made Their Day Special
They Embraced the Adventure
Laura and Hugo didn’t just want pretty photos—they wanted an experience. The off-roading, the remote location, the unexpected supermoon—they rolled with all of it.
They Trusted the Process
When the supermoon made star photography impossible, they didn’t stress. They trusted that nature was giving them something special, and they were right.
They Brought Their Dog
Pongo made the day more chaotic, more fun, and more authentically them. He’s part of their family, so of course he should be part of their wedding.
They Chose Bold Over Safe
The orange Jeep. The cave Airbnb. The hour-long off-road journey. Laura and Hugo made bold choices that reflected their personalities, and those choices made their day unforgettable.
Ready to Plan Your Secluded Moab Elopement?
If Laura and Hugo’s day resonates with you—if you want privacy, adventure, and authenticity over crowds and performance—let’s talk.
I know Moab’s hidden gems. I know which BLM locations offer the seclusion you’re craving. I know how to plan a timeline that feels relaxed, not rushed.
And I know how to capture the real, unguarded moments that make your elopement yours.
Your secluded Moab adventure is waiting.
Vendors Who Made This Day Amazing
Photographer: Megan Heidi Photography
Florals: Toni at Tangled Sage
Hair and Makeup: Wild Brides Backcountry
Jeep Rental: Twisted Jeeps
Lodging: The Caves at Moab
