Rachel and Emily Elope in Moab at Canyonlands National Park

Emily and Rachel packed up their closest friends and family for the most beautiful late fall wedding in Canyonlands National Park in Moab, Utah. Late fall is one of the best times to be in southern Utah, especially in the parks. Busy tourist season is winding down, but its still warm enough during the day to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Emily and Rachel were excited to have a no fuss day, with time together in the morning before getting together separately and reuniting at the ceremony site.

Emily and Rachel both love mountain biking, and it’s one of their favorite things to do together so we knew it would be the perfect thing to kick off their day. We picked out a chill and flowy trail (trying our best to avoid anything that might result in broken bones (and one that I would be able to somewhat comfortably do with my camera gear on back, haha)). After we finished our ride, Emily and Rachel headed to where their families were staying to get ready.

One of my favorite part of weddings is seeing how the couple’s people show up for them on that day. Emily’s sister in law did her hair and makeup while her grandma passed out sandwiches to everyone. Rachel’s siblings straightened her suit coat and tie. Most were from out of state and had never been to Canyonlands, and were excited to see the spot they had chosen that resonated with them. When everyone was ready to go, we made our way into the park.

Needless to say, no photos or instagram posts can prepare you for the sheer size and majesty of Canyonlands National Park. The drive snakes across skinny bottles of canyon walls, overlooking steep drops and winding rivers. It is also unexpectedly green on the plateau, with cattle grazing on green grass and silver sage. The contrast of the red rocks os striking against the rise of the La Sal mountains in the distance, usually peaked with snow at this time of year.

We reached our destination for the ceremony, a serene and impressive overlook overlooking the Green and Colorado rivers. A natural sort of amphitheater sat close to the edge where Emily and Rachel’s guests could sit on slopes of red rock like benches, looking down on the cliff edge where Emily and Rachel would be wed.

Rachel was ecstatic watching Emily be led by her father to where she waited for her. Hand in hand, they were married by their close friend, shouting vows and promises over the wind, the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers below them.

After the ceremony, Rachel and Emily wandered hand in hand on the cliffside, taking in the land around them. We took some photos of the two of them, and headed off to another spot in the park to explore and enjoy their first dance as the sun set.

We rejoined with their family and friends back in downtown Moab for dinner and time together celebrating their relationship and marriage.

I hope you enjoy looking through these and experiencing this day along with them!