Elopement Style Guide: What to Wear for Your Moab Desert Wedding

Hey, I’m Danielle! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer in Moab, UT. I used to work as a guide in Moab’s National Parks, hiked 800 miles from Arches National Park to Zion National Park, shoot commercial work for Patagonia, and write about outdoor gear info for a few different brands. Basically, I know a heck of a lot about recreating in the desert and the best viewpoints for your photos.

If having a photographer who knows what’s up sounds like something you want on your very important wedding day, you can view more info about my services here.

Congratulations on choosing the big views of Moab, UT, as the backdrop for your intimate desert wedding! As a Moab elopement photographer, I’ve seen plenty of dresses and know the pros and cons to various styles, fabrics, and more.

In this style guide, I'll explore what to wear for your elopement in Moab’s unique desert setting. For the most part, I’d say these rules apply to most elopements in general, though in Moab we have the benefit of not having to worry much about moisture. Wedding dresses are generally made of synthetic materials and synthetics usually dry quickly, but couples in the PNW or New England may want to choose thinner fabrics that will dry faster.

Style

The weather and terrain will vary based on the location you pick for your Moab elopement. For example, Canyonlands is at a higher elevation than The Red Earth Venue and Arches National Park, so it’s best to bring a jacket in the shoulder seasons.

Most elopement photographers tell their clients to pick very practical dresses that they can hike in. Being able to move comfortably is definitely important, but most elopement locations in Moab realistically don’t require a lot of hiking. I try to primarily shoot at Dead Horse and Canyonlands and all of the sites there require .5 mile of hiking, max.

So I go against the grain a bit and say pick a dress that’s a little bit dramatic and impractical. The more volume your dress has, the more incredible it’s going to look when the wind picks up, and frankly that’s what makes or breaks an incredible desert photo.

The wind is out of my control, but it’s easier to simulate windy drama with a more voluminous dress or one with lighter fabric.

You should also consider what kind of images you want. I try to shoot a lot of candid, less-staged photos, but if you have your dress hiked up to your hips to move, that’s probably not going to happen. Zoe’s dress (below) was the most voluminous and dramatic dress I’ve photographed and she and her partner generally had to lift it to walk around. Her dress caught the wind better than any other dress I’ve photographed, though, so I’d weigh if you prioritize more holistic images or just a few truly dramatic, staged images.

Heather and Trista’s dresses were great compromises (below). They were long and flowy and had lighter materials that caught the wind, but they were able to walk easily because the dresses weren’t quite as long and didn’t have as much volume.

Alternatively, I’ve had clients bring two dresses and change into the second one for the next location. Heather’s first dress was a very classic wedding dress, and the second one was a little more versatile and fun. I don’t recommend this for short elopements, but for longer days it’s totally an option.

Colors

Choose colors that complement the natural hues of Moab's landscapes. You wouldn’t expect it, but I think sandy-tan suits look amazing in the Moab desert. You can’t go wrong with dark navy, gray, or black suits either.

For dresses, neutrals are always a good call. But you really can’t go too wrong - even bright red dresses pop against the red rocks. The two colors I’d recommend avoiding are orange (for obvious reasons) and blue, because the blue hues tend to change a little in the editing process.

Footwear

Most elopement locations in Moab don’t require extensive hiking, but you’ll likely have to do a little bit of light scrambling to get to the absolute best view points. Brides should consider stylish flats or hiking boots and grooms can opt for well-made dress shoes with good grip. Sandstone is extremely grippy and its most shoes will grip just fine, but I’ve found that a lot of clients don’t have the experience walking on sandstone to move around comfortably in dress shoes. So when in doubt, choose shoes with a good grip.

I’ve had clients wear flip flops and bring heels to change into, but we usually end up only capturing a few images in the heels because it’s much easier to just wear the other shoes.

Some clients also just end up going barefoot. I love the earthy vibe it brings to photos but this is definitely the most adventurous option.

Accessories

Desert weddings provide a unique opportunity to incorporate fun accessories. Consider a floral crown, a hat, or a bolo for a touch of desert chic. These details not only enhance your ensemble but also add a personal touch to your wedding photos. I provide a vendor list in my client guide, some of whom make absolutely stunning and desert-vibed flower crowns.

I also highly, highly, highly recommend veils. Veil shots are some of my all time favorite wedding photos. They do tend to fall off if it gets too windy, though, so it’s best to have a hair style that looks great without the veil too in case we need to shoot without it.

Layers

Moab is known for its breathtaking sunsets. Be prepared for pretty dramatic temperature changes in the shoulder seasons by incorporating layers into your ensemble.

Fall and summer stay pretty warm into the evening, but spring can be chilly. A stylish shawl, a light jacket, or a textured scarf can add warmth and visual interest to your look while allowing you to adapt to changing weather conditions. I prefer to take candid photos as we walk around, but if you need to wear a puffy while we walk from one viewpoint to another, I can work with that.

Hair

Keep your hairstyle natural and wind-resistant. Loose curls or braids for brides and well-groomed hair for grooms are ideal choices.

Consider the desert setting when choosing your hairstyle, aiming for a look that complements the free-spirited vibe of your Moab elopement. I provide recommendations for hair and makeup stylists in Moab who are well versed in the elopement scene and know what styles will work well.

Your Moab desert wedding is a unique and intimate experience, and your attire should reflect that. By following this elopement style guide, you'll not only look stunning against the breathtaking backdrop of Moab but also ensure that you're comfortable and prepared for whatever surprises the desert may have in store. Embrace the magic of your special day with thoughtful desert wedding fashion that captures the essence of your love amidst the beauty of Utah's red rocks