The Ultimate Utah Photography Location Guide for your Moab Photos

Before founding The Red Earth Venue, I [Angela] was a Moab photographer for ten years. I love shooting the deserts in Utah and I truly believe it is the most stunning backdrop for outdoor wedding photos. Being positioned at such a great focal point, the venue easily functions as the doorway to Moab. We are here to guide, assist and help plan capturing your day with the best Moab photos!

The Starting Point For Moab Wedding Photos

Booking The Red Earth Venue is basically like having access to your own little national park. The greatest benefit being the privacy it offers through exclusive access to the entire grounds on your day.

wedding reception at the red earth venue

Unlike the area parks, there are never outside visitors or onlookers, it’s just you two and your guests! There are 17 acres to explore with unparalleled views in nearly every direction. It’s possible to wander the grounds guided by your photographer capturing all of your wedding portraits conveniently on the property.

couple poses together at moab desert wedding

couple holds hands at moab desert elopement

This means that hair and makeup only needs to happen once, allowing your wedding story to be captured all in one day. Without any drive time, you can easily slip away during dinner and make it back before the first toast. Behind The Glass Venue is our Iron Arches Brick Patio which is surrounded by cliffs and views perfectly suited for a private, easy photo session. The red rock glow is best during sunset!

Your Guide to Moab Photos in The Parks

There are some major differences between the Moab state parks, national parks, and public land (BLM Land)–all of which are in close proximity to REV. Some require a little more effort to reach a picturesque location while others can be accessed via a short walk. We will guide you through the options and the best ways to capture your Moab photos!

#1 Taking Photos in Arches National Park

Arches National Park has incredible scenery, jaw-dropping arches and most of which is accessible from a short walk. For example, the Windows Section hosts four massive arches all within walking distance of each other. Sunrise is your best bet for having fewer people present and cooler temperatures on hotter days.

Be prepared to see lots of park visitors (especially at sunset) and other couples (mostly in spring and fall). You must acquire a timed entry reservation if entering between 7am and 4pm during certain times of the year: April 1 – July 6 and August 28 – October 31. This requirement can be avoided by entering at sunrise or sunset. The following are some of our favorite Arches National Park sunrise and sunset locations:

Turret Arch is stunning at sunrise followed by Sand Dune Arch when the sun is higher in the sky and it feels like a natural cathedral.

The Double Arch is most spectacular about an hour before sunset!

couple holds hands at arches moab session

Park Avenue Viewpoint provides an amazing backdrop (without an arch) that’s also close to the park entrance.
Picture Frame Arch is a short, 30-foot scramble that frames the Delicate Arch in the distance. This isn’t for anyone uncomfortable with heights or traversing sandstone.

couple sits across from delicate arch in moab

The Delicate Arch is the most famous arch in the world for good reason which explains why it’s nearly impossible to visit without anyone else present. Perched at the edge of a natural red rock amphitheater, it is surrounded by wildly beautiful open views framing the distant La Sal Mountains. Be aware that this hike is steep and strenuous without any shade working best as a sunrise location.

#2 Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is off-the-charts incredible for both sunrise and sunset Moab photos! With the Colorado River below, and a maze of dramatic cliffs and canyons in every direction, it is ideal for those wanting limited hiking and unobstructed sunset views.

couple cheers with guests at moab elopement

couple kisses at dead horse point state park elopement

Crowds are smaller at sunrise and both the east and west rims are accessible in a matter of minutes showcasing two different types of lighting. Avoid this park if you fear heights and aim for mid-week to avoid crowds at this popular location!

Red Earth is actually the closest private land to this location at a 30-minute drive. You can take bridal portraits on the day or do a before or after session. Expect to be gone for at least two hours when sneaking away during the wedding day.

When getting married in the park, a permit is required, otherwise, the cost is simply a per-vehicle entrance fee. The location is suitable for groups of 20 persons or fewer and it works for guests unable to hike longer distances.

#3 Canyonlands National Park Photography

As Utah’s largest national park, Canyonlands is a dramatic, yet quiet place. The vast landscape allows for more solitude but still includes heights. It is an easy-access park with stunning overlooks requiring minimal hiking.

Sunset: I love Grand View Point, Shafer Canyon on the east side and other viewpoints on the west side of the mesa top. The Island in the Sky district is a 600 ft plateau with the Green and Colorado Rivers on either side.
Sunrise: There are incredible views including Mesa Arch that completely glows at sunrise making it the most popular for landscape photography in Utah.

#4 Moab Photos on BLM Land

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees public land that is run independently outside of the state and national parks. These are some of our favorite BLM land sites for Moab photos!

The Corona Arch is located in a side canyon of the Colorado River west of Moab. This 90 ft arch is absolutely breathtaking. Starting at the trailhead by the Colorado River, the 1.5 mile hike is fun, covering slickrock and climbing up both Moki steps and a ladder. While it’s a popular hike, especially on holiday weekends, the crowds are minimal compared to the arches in the parks.

Located across the street just east of The Red Earth Venue, Cliffline Viewpoint is easy to miss. This is a go-to shaded location under the cliff face when the sun is shining bright.

couple embraces at red earth desert moab elopement

bride walks through red earth desert in moab

bride stands under red earth cliffs in moab

Castle Valley is a dreamy valley surrounded by red rock towers that will blow your mind! It is open, away from crowds, and the cliffs just light up at sunset. This location is also the best for Moab, Utah Jeep rentals, moody blue hour photos and ombre red dirt.

No matter your location, be prepared to hike in formal attire. Come ready with necessary gear appropriate to the season and comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Be ready to bring home some souvenir red desert dirt on your white wedding dress!