Moab, Utah Elopement Under the Desert Stars | Moab Wedding Photographer

Caz and Samm’s Moab, Utah Elopement Under the Desert Stars

Moab, Utah Elopement, Micro-Wedding, Intimate Wedding Photographer | Tai Lee Photography

ARTISTIC, EDITORIAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE DESERT LOVING COUPLE

Samm and Caz celebrated an elopement in the red rock desert landscape of Moab last Fall. Moab is one of the most gorgeous Utah locations with epic scenery, plenty of opportunities for adventure, and also lots of spaces and nature settings that are intimate and romantic.

Samm and Caz got married prior to going to Moab, but because of Covid and how much it threw EVERYTHING off course, , they felt like they had checked off a box, but didn’t have the chance to really be celebrated and also didn’t have any professional photos to show for it. The main focus I had on this shoot was to really honor these two as a united couple and document their love and connection. Even though lots of plans fell through in 2020, we were able to make the most of the circumstances and explore the Moab desert and find an intimate canyon where there weren’t a lot of people. It was just before sunset and we had the whole place to ourselves. There is something really magical about Moab and its red-rock sandstone cliffs, desert valleys, slot canyons, and views upon views upon views. It’s no wonder Moab is a National Park, and also no wonder that people want to exchange vows, express and document their love here. It feels solid, it feels real, and it feels like there is so much possibility and wonder in the world.

Samm and Caz started the day out slow and chill, road-trip style. We made a cool little side stop near Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe, Utah, just off I-70 and had a little snuggle sesh on an old vintage bus. The day was planned with intentional moments for connection and, on my part, to artfully document their story.

Once we got to Moab, Samm and Caz dressed in the parking lot—Samm’s look consisted of a GORGEOUS lace-embroidered wedding dress, a cream, felt hat, and earthy florals from Persimmon Floral. Caz put on a sleek black suit, shirt and tie. They complimented each other so beautifully. The rest of the evening was spent soaking in the stories of the Moab rock, sandstone, and cliffs while honoring the deep connection of Samm and Caz’s union and ended with a romantic “first dance” under the starry sky of the Moab desert at Blue Hour. It was all a little surreal.

Days like this remind you of the value of experiences over things. The details can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, but you can be intentional with them, allowing yourself to focus on what’s at the heart of your relationship and have the wedding experience you’ve always wanted.

Moab will always be high on the list of places to elope or get married in Utah. You cannot go wrong when planning to elope here and you are guaranteed to have an epic experience. The rocks carry a rich history and it’s magical to be surrounded by them.