Getting married in Moab is a dream for a lot of couples, but if you want to know how to legally get married in Moab, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take before you head out into the desert. From marriage licenses to public land permits, Moab elopements come with specific legal requirements that are worth understanding early in the planning process.
Moab is one of the most breathtaking places in the country to get married but you can’t just wander into the desert, say your vows, and call it good. Because most of Moab is protected public land, there are legal requirements you’ll need to plan for ahead of time.
This post walks you through the actual steps to legally get married in Moab, what permits are required (and when), and how to avoid the most common mistakes couples make when planning an elopement here.
Marriage License — Grand County, Utah
If you want to be legally married in Moab, you’ll need a marriage license from Grand County, Utah.
Here’s exactly what to expect:
- Both applicants must appear in person at the Grand County Clerk/Auditor’s Office
- Office hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- The non-refundable license fee is $50
- A current photo ID with proof of age (date of birth) is required for both parties
- To complete the application, you’ll need to provide:
- The date of your ceremony
- The name of your officiant
- The date of your ceremony
The officiant does not need to appear at the Clerk’s Office unless they are not already ordained and wish to receive a single designation to solemnize a marriage.
Once issued, a Grand County marriage license is valid anywhere in the state of Utah. After your ceremony, the officiant must sign and return the license to the Clerk’s Office within 30 days.
Where to Apply
Grand County Clerk/Auditor
125 E. Center Street
Moab, UT 84532
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
You can find the official application details and current requirements here:
👉 https://www.grandcountyutah.net/586/Marriage-Licenses
Officiant & Witnesses
To be legally married in Utah, you’ll need:
- A legally authorized officiant
- Two adult witnesses (18+)
If you want to keep things simple, I can also officiate your ceremony if you choose that option, which means fewer vendors to coordinate and a more seamless experience overall. Some couples also ask a friend to get ordained online ahead of time, which is totally allowed in Utah. Ask me how we can make this legal without any guests!
Permits for Getting Married on Public Land
Understanding permits, licenses, and timelines is a huge part of how to legally get married in Moab without last-minute stress or surprises. Permits are the part that tend to trip people up and where planning ahead really matters.
Moab is surrounded by BLM land, National Parks, and State Parks, and each one has its own permit requirements for elopements and ceremonies.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Many of Moab’s iconic desert locations (wide open slickrock, canyons, and remote overlooks) are managed by the Moab BLM Field Office.
Here’s the current reality:
- Ceremonies on BLM land require a Special Recreation Permit
- These permits can take up to 180 days to be approved, so early planning is essential
- BLM permits are typically issued during limited application windows, often twice per year
- Permit costs vary by location and group size, but generally range from $120–$300+
Important update:
As of recently, the photographer does not need a commercial permit to photograph events for ceremonies with 6 people or fewer. Once your group size goes over 6 (including the couple, officiant, witnesses, and any guests), a permit is required which can take up to six months to obtain.
This is one of the reasons it’s so important to work with someone who stays up-to-date on Moab regulations, these rules do change, and assumptions can lead to fines or last-minute location issues.
National Parks: Arches & Canyonlands
If you want to get married inside a National Park, permits are always required, no matter how small your ceremony is.
Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
- A Special Use Permit is required for all weddings, elopements, and vow renewals
- Permit fee: $185, plus the standard park entrance fee
- Applications can be submitted up to one year in advance
- Processing typically takes at least 4 weeks, often longer during peak seasons
- The permit does not grant exclusive use of the location, the park remains open to the public
- Ranger monitoring may be required if the park determines it’s necessary (additional cost)
National Parks are beautiful, iconic, and highly regulated, which means flexibility is key when choosing exact locations and timing.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point is managed separately from the National Parks and has its own permit structure:
- Special Use Permit required
- Total permit cost: $60
- $10 application fee
- $50 permit fee
- $10 application fee
- Park entry is charged separately:
- $15 per vehicle (up to 8 people per vehicle), or
- $2 per person if arriving by shuttle or bus
- $15 per vehicle (up to 8 people per vehicle), or
- Ranger monitoring is $50 per hour if deemed necessary (this is usually not required)
Permit Fees vs. Park Entry Fees
This is a common point of confusion:
- Permits allow you to hold a ceremony
- Entrance fees allow you to enter the park
They are separate costs.
For example:
- You may pay $185 for a National Park Special Use Permit plus $30 per vehicle to enter the park.
- A permit does not replace timed-entry or entrance requirements unless explicitly stated
Planning Ahead Matters (A Lot)
A few final things to keep in mind:
- Some permits take months, not weeks
- BLM permits are not issued on demand
- Rules vary by land manager, group size, and location
- Assuming “it’s just us” or “we’ll be quick” is how couples (and vendors) get fined
This is why I always recommend planning your location and permit strategy early, and why having someone who understands Moab’s land regulations can save you a lot of stress.
Final Thoughts
Getting married in Moab is about more than just incredible scenery; it’s about doing things intentionally and respectfully on protected land. With the right marriage license, a legal officiant, and the proper permits, you can say your vows surrounded by red rock landscapes without worry or surprises.
The paperwork may not be the most exciting part of eloping, but getting it right means you can focus fully on the experience once you’re here.
If you’re still deciding where to elope, check out my Moab elopement planning guide or check out the information on my webpage created specifically for helping couples elope in Moab.
