Eloping in the desert can seem daunting if you haven’t spent much time here. However, it is one of the most unique landscapes to explore and enjoy especially for your wedding. And as desert dwellers ourselves, we’re providing the best tips, tricks, and info on eloping in the desert – adventure book style! Choose your path and we’ll answer all of your questions.
What views would you like to see?
The Water
Interestingly enough, the water is prominent in the desert in the form of the Colorado River which you’ll find in Arizona at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. You can also find it about 45 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. There’s Virgin River running through Utah and found in Zion National Park. There are creeks and reservoirs in Southern Utah, as well as Southern Nevada, and Arizona. Like most of these locations, I’m just scraping the surface, but water can be found in plenty of places in the desert, all worthy of being the sight for your ceremony.
Now that you’ve picked your ceremony views, pick an adventure you could take once you’re done.
Interesting Rock Formations
If there is one thing that the desert is well known for is its red, brown, orange, and yellow rock formations. They’re plentiful all over the desert but can be found near Las Vegas, all over Sedona, even in Phoenix, in Utah at Bryce Canyon, Zion, Moab. You can even find some as far as Kansas called Monument Rocks, Castle Rock and more. They can be found sprouting up into the air like cathedral spires, or forming waves of colorful layers of sediments, or even in slot canyons that make you feel like you’re standing in the middle of orange waves. Even the biggest rock formation, Grand Canyon, is a beautiful place to elope. They are beautiful and they are everywhere. Choose any one and you’ll have the perfect place to say your vows and explore.
Now that you’ve picked your ceremony views, pick an adventure you could take once you’re done.
Sand Dunes
Sand dunes can be found in Death Valley, there are white ones in New Mexico (White Sands National Park), Kelso Sand Dunes in Mojave Desert in California, on the outskirts of Southern Nevada in really remote locations. You can find them in Colorado at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. These are also plentiful in the desert and their vastness and emptiness is a beautiful blank slate for your love.
Now that you’ve picked your ceremony views, pick an adventure you could take once you’re done.
Amongst Desert Foliage
You can be surrounded by Joshua Trees in Las Vegas and Joshua Tree National Forest in Southern California. Or you can be surrounded by Saguaro in Saguaro National Park in Arizona. Actually, go anywhere in the remote desert and you’ll find amazing foliage that is unique and only found in the American Southwest.
Now that you’ve picked your ceremony views, pick an adventure you could take once you’re done.
Dry Lake Beds
Flat, driveable, blank slate – all reasons to elope on dry lake beds. They can be found in Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, California, and I’ll even throw in an honorable mention for the salt flats in Utah. They’re an amazingly vast sight and easy to traverse which makes it perfect for novice adventurers who want to hike, bike, or drive them.
Now that you’ve picked your ceremony views, pick an adventure you could take once you’re done.
Kayaking
There are several places to kayak either guided or unguided in the desert, here are a couple of our faves.
Desert Adventures offers guided kayaking tours down Black Canyon, through Lake Mead, to Emerald Cove and so much more. All of these tours begin with a pickup in Las Vegas. You and your guests can be taken to isolated locations unknown by many other tourists. You might even be able to have your ceremony at a spot right on the water.
Hidden Canyon Kayak offers kayak rentals and guided tours through Antelope Canyon. These tours start at Antelope Point Launch Ramp in Page, AZ.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
Boating
Lake Mead Cruises is a fun way to see Lake Mead from the water. Lake Mead is about 30 minutes from Las Vegas, NV. You can have brunch, dinner, or just sightsee on these cruises.
Rent a houseboat or a small boat on Callville Bay. You could have your whole elopement on a houseboat and have a place to stay as well. Hire a chef and you’re on your way to a luxury elopement that’s out of this world.
Rent a houseboat or a small boat on Lake Powell. Spend your vacation jetskiing and exploring Lake Powell from the water.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
Rafting
Western River Expeditions offers 3-7 day Grand Canyon rafting tours that include a helicopter ride and rafting and originate from Las Vegas.
Arizona River Runners offers 3-8 day Grand Canyon rafting tours with a ranch day and helicopter/flight also originating from Las Vegas.
Oars offers multi-day Utah and Colorado rafting tours with lots of views, rafting, and camping.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and somewhere to to rest your head when your adventure’s all over.
Hiking
Use the app/website AllTrails to find the perfect hikes in any location you choose. Here are a few of our faves.
First Creek Canyon Trail has a hidden waterfall in the spring and is one of my faves in Las Vegas.
Artists Pallette in Death Valley National Park is simply stunning with its many vivid colors.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
ATVing
In lots of desert locations you can rent your own ATVs for self-guided tours or hire a company for a tour.
Arizona ATV Adventures will take you on guided ATV tours on ATVs or RZRs through the canyons of Sedona, AZ.
ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours in Washington, UT has 3-5 hour tours to commence your marriage quest.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
Rock Climbing
If you’re not avid rock climbers you can hire guides to help you rock climb for your elopement.
Arizona Climbing Guides has guided climbs in Saguaro National Park starting at $100 a person.
Red Rock Climbing Guides provides guided climbs for big groups and anywhere from half day to multi-pitch 14 hour day guided climbs in Red Rock National Park in Las Vegas.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
Helicopter
Zion Helicopters provides tours of Zion, Bryce Canyon, and more. You can even land for your elopement ceremony.
Fly Apex Air does flights over Sedona and can personalize a flight for you and your party.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
Racing
If you’re into racing, you could have a racing experience at Exotics Racing in Las Vegas.
Or you can rent your own dream cars on Turo.com and “race” them on a dry lake bed.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
4x4ing
Santa Fe Jeep Tours offers several 4x4ing trips with differing views in New Mexico, all beautiful for a desert elopement.
Capitol Reef Jeep Tours offers many tours with plenty of views in Utah, but specifically Capitol Reef.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
Stargazing
Death Valley is one of the lowest and darkest places in the world and the most perfect place to see the Milky Way
Williams, AZ is a dark, gorgeous place to see the Milky Way as well and there’s plenty of places to stay to do so.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
Luxury Experiences
Las Vegas is the perfect place to experience luxury once your adventure is complete. Stay on the Strip for the ultimate luxurious experiences like shows, spas, fine dining, etc.
Sedona, AZ offers museums, art, wine tastings, and so much more and lots of it with great views.
Now that you’ve found an adventure, you’ll need to find a place to get ready at together beforehand and a place to rest your head afterward.
Stays in Page, AZ
Page is a tiny town that lies south of the Utah Arizona border. The stays here have incredible views.
The Overlook accommodates up to 9 guests and has 50 mile views.
Pueblo on Powell accommodates up to 10 guests has a beautiful outdoor space with incredible views, a ping pong table, and a hot tub.
This Picturesque Home accommodates up to 6 guests and pets, has a beautiful outdoor space with a basketball court and plenty of room for activities.
Under Canvas in Lake Powell can be a great option if you’re looking to be more adventurous. It’s a luxurious camping experience with DarkSky Resort certification and includes meals.
Stays in Santa Fe, NM
This retreat has amazing views and great accommodations for up to 8 guests.
Casa Buena Vista has space for 6, an outdoor hot tub and is close to the plaza.
Stays in Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is the place you can have equal adventure and luxury by returning to the city for your evening of debauchery.
This Vdara suite is right on the Strip, a free tram ride away from all of the action, and has no casino in the building.
Palms is off strip but close enough to take in the views from this penthouse with an infinity style balcony jacuzzi and steam room.
The Signature studio is located right off the Strip with a balcony and close enough to all the places to sightsee.
Stays in Moab, UT
Moab is a fairly isolated location for your elopement so consider that when booking vendors and your stay.
The Moab Resort is the perfect place to complete a rafting, camping, 4x4ing trip with it’s luxurious pool, views, and amenities.
This Modern Moab Home has the most incredible views and accommodates up to 8.
A Tent in Moab with an actual toilet and all in the middle of the views.
Stays near Sagauro National Park in Arizona
This Time Capsule in the Sonoran Desert will take you back in time but just the two of you.
This Serene Private Getaway boasts a pool, jacuzzi and room for 9 guests.
Stays near Zion National Park
You and your crew can stay at this private and secluded 10 acre estate to celebrate your elopement.
If it’s just the two of you, you can get cozy in this gorgeous cabin and reminisce about your favorite parts of your elopement.
Get Tips on Picking Elopement VendorsStays near Capitol Reef National Park
Stay at this artist’s home with views of Capitol Reef.
The Pinyon House is a beautiful a frame with gorgeous views for getting ready.
Get Tips on Picking Elopement VendorsStays near Death Valley National Park
This Tiny House is a beautiful starting point for your Death Valley adventures.
Designed to Death is a home in Beatty which is about a 45 minute drive to Death Valley and just as it’s name suggest, is designed to death.
Get Tips on Picking Elopement VendorsStays near Sedona, AZ
Love Rocks is a beautiful home on 2 acres and amazing views.
Retreat to your own private pool at this home.
Get Tips on Picking Elopement VendorsStays near Barstow, CA
This home near Barstow is on an expansive piece of land and has a hot tub, a fire pit and room for 12 to party it up for. your elopement.
This home is on a lake in Victorville, CA and is a beautiful space to get ready in before your desert elopement.
Get Tips on Picking Elopement VendorsStays near Washington, UT
This home in Washington holds up to 10 guests, has a lazy river, a jacuzzi, and is the perfect place to retreat to after your hiking elopement for some relaxation.
This estate fits up to 16+ guests. Period.
Get Tips on Picking Elopement VendorsStays near Williams, AZ
This cabin in Williams holds 4 people, perfect for your intimate elopement.
This Williams home has a pickleball court, jacuzzi, ample space for stargazing and views and can hold up to 10.
Get Tips on Picking Elopement VendorsChoosing Your Vendors
Just like your ceremony, adventure, and stay, choosing vendors should be an act of total joy. Don’t choose things because you think you have to. If you don’t like flowers, don’t do them. If you want to keep it simple and not decorate, then don’t. And remember, these are all people that will help you with your elopement, make sure you vibe, you love their work, and you’re enamored with their energy. These are the folks who will be bringing in your marriage with positivity and love, make sure you love them too.
Here’s a list of all the vendors you can consider for your elopement.
Floral design
Cakes/Desserts
Food – caterers, personal chefs, specialty chefs – think about all your meals, not just a special one. Consider snacks, drinks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Vehicle rental
Transportation – helicopter, train, plane
Decor – for decorating a small reception after or setting the tone in your stay
Tour guides
Photography
Videography
Elopement planner/guide
Makeup artist
Hair Stylist
Barber
Dog groomer
Dog sitter
Suit rental
Dress rental
And if you ever have the question, “I wonder if there’s someone who can…” then look it up. You never know what you’ll find. This your elopement, make it special by infusing every part of your ideas into it. And if you’re still having difficulty figuring out all the ways to make your elopement special, see How to Make Your Elopement Special.
Important Considerations
Weather
Everyone knows the unforgiving and relentless dry heat of these desert landscapes that occur during the Summer. But what does the rest of the year look like? Well, in places like Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, you’ll find snowy desert landscapes that are completely captivating in the winter. Places like Las Vegas have beautiful weather from October – May, all perfect times to elope in Las Vegas. October – December and March – May will be the best times to elope outdoors if you’re looking for perfect 70 degree weather.
Summer blesses us with really dope weather called Monsoon Season where it pours rain for short amounts of time causing flash floods in certain locations. Death Valley and places like it have been shut down due to erosion of roads and soil. Zion’s Narrows have experienced flash floods putting people in danger. It’s important to keep track of these monsoon patterns if you’re planning on eloping in the desert. The rain, however, does not mean it’s any cooler on days like this. As a matter of fact, monsoon season creates a humid environment where the heat is still relentless.
Proximity of Outdoor Locations
Natural outdoor locations for your elopement are great for outdoor adventurers. But adventurers who want just a bit of time outdoors for just their ceremony might want to return to civilization at some point on the same day to celebrate in some luxury. Places like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sedona, Palm Springs are all beautiful places to elope outdoors and return to a bustling city for luxurious experiences.
Places like Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Zion, Bryce, are all for adventurers who plan on having complete outdoor adventures with camping or glamping, as luxurious/city experiences are a bit further from these locations.
Vendors are also less likely to travel to more remote locations that don’t have a nearby city since it might be harder to source resources for their work or find places to stay. With the cost of gas increasing, travel fees might also be higher.
Tips for Eloping in The Desert
If you’re adamant about eloping in the Summer in the desert here are a few tips.
- Expect the heat. Desert heat is dry, so as long as you’re in the shade, you’re good to go.
- Have your outdoor ceremony at sunrise. Sunrise in the desert is the coolest time of day. To avoid the blazing heat this is the best time to have an outdoor ceremony.
- Choose a location that has quick access to AC. Always look up an outdoor location and how close it is to the place you’re staying or celebrating.
- Elope close to the water. If you’d like to have an all day adventure in the desert in the summer, you’d have the best chances of not being drained by the desert sun if you were on the water. Think kayaking elopements, or renting a houseboat so that your entire elopement experience is on the water.
- Bring lots of water. Stay hydrated. No matter where you’re celebrating, whether on the water or otherwise, stay hydrated. The summer heat will drain you of all your energy and staying hydrated will keep you cool and healthy.
- Monsoon Season and flash floods are real. Be safe and realistic. Places on the Strip flood, the desert and our mountains flood. If a monsoon is rolling through on the date of your wedding, have a plan B.
- Dress for the weather. You can go all out, but be comfortable and sensible. Wear linens, cottons, crepe, organza, silk. Bring a change of clothes just in case, or even for a change of look for different parts of your elopement.
All Year Long in the Desert
- Its not always hot in the desert. For the most part, it’s pretty beautiful as far as weather goes. It is constantly dry, though. So always stay hydrated, not just in the summer.
- Lots of outdoor locations and adventures require permits. There’s lots of native land in the desert that we should respect and conserve. It’s important to do your research before planning your elopement in these locations.
- The desert has stunning cloudy days. Sunset and sunrise are perfect times to elope in the desert on these days. The skies will glow in pinks, oranges, and yellows making for an unforgettable wedding sunset.
- The desert can get windy, create a plan b for when there’s possible dust storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will we require permits to get married in the desert?
A: For some locations, but others no.
Like all locations, there are places that do require a permit, but since we’re pretty savvy with location scouting, we know all the places that don’t require extra permitting or fees.
Q: How long does a ceremony last?
A: 20-30 minutes
It really all depends on what you’re doing during your ceremony. If you’d like to include a unity ceremony or say your own vows, or have readings, or anything, you can totally do that.
Q: Can we bring our pets?
A: Well, it all depends on where you plan on eloping.
Some locations like Zion don’t allow dogs, probably because of the wildlife. But lots of desert locations are loved because of the fact that you can bring your pets. So just make sure to look up the location you’ll be eloping in and make sure pets are allowed.
