Romantic Arches National Park Moab Intimate Wedding

Elopements

June 5, 2023

Moab Intimate Wedding captured by Grace Thao Photography, a destination wedding photographer based in Northern California.

Want to know what I have realized?

One of my favorite things about elopements + intimate weddings is that they are just SO unconventional. Which, in turn, means that I am able to create an experience much more unique and personal for my couples.

Without a doubt, there are a lot of pros to my job!
But, if we are being completely honest, I think that one is my favorite.

Luckily, this is what I was able to do as I helped capture + witness the most romantic intimate wedding for C+M among the arches of Moab, Utah.

TOSSING TRADITION AT THEIR MOST INTIMATE WEDDING

C+M opted out of having a traditional wedding and decided to elope instead. Although there is nothing wrong with having a big wedding, there is something about intimate weddings that truly sets my soul on fire!

And, honestly?! I feel like this was meant to be because I was booked EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND in October, but they decided they wanted a weekday elopement!

Talk about STARS ALIGNING.

Plus, it was an Arches National Park elopement which is obviously a dream location.

When we talked (prior to their wedding), C expressed to me that she primarily wanted bridal photos of just her and M. AND I AM HERE FOR IT!!! See, the thing with eloping, is that there are NO EXPECTATIONS.

You can do whatever the heck you want without feeling the pressure of following confirmed wedding traditions. Listen, I am a big advocator when it comes to doing what you want and what feels most like you. I will always encourage my couples to do what feels most fitting to them.

Take C+M for example.

They are big outdoorsy people and LOVE traveling. They knew that they wanted to pay homage to that aspect of who they are! So, what better way to spend their day than incorporating their love for each other and adventure?!

MOAB INTIMATE WEDDING DETAILS

We started the day off at their AirBnb with getting ready and detail photos.

Their Airbnb was at an apartment/condo complex. They actually rented two right across from one another so that C & M wouldn’t see each other before the first look. Honestly, I can’t recommend this more!

Once getting ready photos and flat lays were complete, and we headed out to Arches National Park.

PRO TIP: You have to reserve a spot for your little ceremony.
A park ranger comes to facilitate the area, but it would still be open to parkgoers.

There was a sweet little first-look moment that was immediately followed by the ceremony. Their ceremony only lasted about ten minutes. With the busyness of the park, I had no problem with the short and sweet “I dos.”

For the remainder of the day I did mostly bridals for C+M.

We were really hoping to get some kick-ass photos at the dreamiest spot. Unfortunately, it was already too dark before we made it there. But, we still got some really cool photos using the flash.