WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
moab, utah
wedding tips & inspiration
BR I DE
BR I DE moab 2022
digital publications editor Savannah Reynolds
graphic designer Jessica Goldy
copywriter Lauren Weller
u.s. editorial COLORADO & NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker-Kline IDAHO, MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens
canadian editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper
digital team
DIGITAL EDITOR - Laura Osborn SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER - Bailey Jameson CONTENT CREATOR - Angelica Lombardi INTERN - Amy Wainess
operations SALES - Kelsey Scheffer ACCOUNT MANAGER - Tasha Davis ACCOUNTING Lynn Kieffer
PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC
PUBLISHER Erika Oltmann
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find your vendors
www.rockymountainbride.com/vendors
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THE BEST VENDORS IN THE ROCKIES!
EDITOR’S LETTER
BR I DE VENUE GUIDE
Reach out to bailey@rockymountainbride.com
for pricing
grace gatto
INTERESTED IN PROMOTING YOUR VENUE? The towering red rock formations and breathtaking starry nights are just a few of the things that make Moab such a stunning Rocky Mountain wedding location. Plan your wedding in Moab with a romantic desert backdrop and adventure during every wedding weekend activity. Talented vendors and dreamy venues await to serve you and your guests for your Moab destination wedding. This Guide is filled to the brim with 100% local Utah wedding inspiration. An adventurous vow renewal and styled shoot, sunset Dead Horse Point bridals and romantic Whispering Oaks Ranch wedding day bring to life the magic of Moab. My hope is that this Guide serves as a solid resource while you plan your wedding day and dream of a life with your spouse-to-be! Happy Planning! xo
Savannah @savannah_rockymtnbride
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Funding for this program was provided by DWS and ACF, Grants: 21DWS0030 and 90ZB0005. Additional support was provided by Utah State University Extension. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the presenters/authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
Table of Contents
12.
16.
LOVE STORIES anniversary
+
bridals
12.
evita + kaleb - Dead Horse Point State Park
16.
sabrina + tyler - Dead Horse Point State Park
weddings
22.
emilee + cole - Whispering Oaks Ranch
26.
mariah + andrew - Entrada at Moab
30.
shannon + austin - Dead Horse Point State Park
I N S P I R AT I O N 34.
22.
love struck adventurers Adventure Vow Renewal Inspiration
INFO 8.
inside scoop - Seasonal weather and activities
11.
make it official - Where to get your license
40.
rehearsal dinner and brunch locations
42.
venue guide - Best local spots to tie the knot
clockwise from the top: annie sarah photography, kayla bertagnolli photography, sarah meyer photography, katie berg photo and shutterfreek
34.
26.
FOLLOW ALONG WITH
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRIDE /rockymountainbride
@rockymtnbride
@rockymtnbride
rockymtnbride
IN ORDER FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT @carlybutlerphoto | @haileylarsonphoto | @crystalcousinphoto | @carrie_patterson @mathildebresson | @lesleeuribephotography | @annaclairebeasley | @jacdodgephoto | @forthewestandwildphoto
meghan g photography
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moab The southwestern deserts and spectacular red rock formations await in Moab for your Rocky Mountain destination wedding.
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inside scoop seasonal weather & activities
BREAKD OWN OF TH E CITY
FA S T FAC T S
Moab is situated in Utah’s red-rock desert between two iconic national parks, Arches and Canyonlands. Both parks attract thousands of visitors each year, helping boost the city’s tourism. The city is filled with expansive miles of views offering some of the most stunning red rock landscapes on earth. This is an ideal destination for the adventurous couples out there as it offers plenty of outdoor activities and diverse landscapes. From hiking Delicate Arch to exploring Dead Horse Point State Park, you won’t be disappointed by the amount of trails the city has to offer. Moab’s downtown business district is filled with restaurants, breweries and shops. There’s something for everyone to enjoy here! We’ve compiled our favorite local vendors, rehearsal dinner and brunch spots and weekend activities for your wedding in Moab.
Elevation: 4,026’ Population: 5,432 Over 3 million people visit Moab each year Has the highest density of natural stone arches in the world at Arches National Park Moab has some of the darkest skies in the world and is known for stargazing Several well-known films have been filmed here such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Thelma and Louise
HOW TO GET TH ERE
BY PLANE canyonlands regional airport grandcountyutah.net/263/ grand junction regional airport gjairport.com
by car canyonlands jeep adventures and car rentals canyonlandsjeep.com enterprise enterprise.com alamo alamo.com national national.com
take a drive through one of moab’s three scenic byways: upper colorado river scenic byway (U-128) potash-lower colorado river scenic byway (U-279) dead horse point mesa scenic byway (U-313) for more information visit discovermoab.com/scenic-byways
salt lake city international airport slcairport.com
BY SHUTTLE canyonlands car rental canyonlandsjeep.com moab express moabexpress.com moab taxi moabtaxicab.com porcupine shuttle porcupineshuttle.com roadrunner shuttle roadrunnershuttle.com
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AV E R A G E T E M P E R A T U R E S
SPRING
SUMMER
AU T U M N
WINTER
70°F | 40°F
98°F | 65°F
84°F | 52°F
45°F | 22°F
RMB Tip: The Rockies are known for their unpredictable weather. Pack accordingly! Throw in that waterproof jacket for your summer visit, extra layers for winter or a cold weather coat in the spring and fall! You never know what the day will bring!
sarah meyer photography moab wedding guide 2022 / rockymountainbride.com
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shutterfreek
W H AT T O D O FOR MORE INFORMATI ON ON MOAB, VISIT TH E GRAND COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPEMENT DEPARTMENT @ DISCOVERMOAB.COM
R E L AX
SHOP
A DVE N T U R E
Located throughout Moab are spas designed for relaxation.
Spend an afternoon exploring local boutiques in downtown Moab.
Explore all that Moab has to offer on your own or be guided through its hidden gems!
hoodoo moab spa hilton.com
arches trading post tripadvisor.com/Arches_Trading_PostMoab_Utah
adrift rafting adventures adrift.net
moab arts council moabartscouncil.org moab recreation and aquatics center moabrecreation.org sorrel river ranch and spa sorrelriver.com/spa tom till gallery tomtill.com
back of beyond books backofbeyondbooks.com kokopelli gallery kokopellisausalito.com
arches national park nps.gov/arch/index.htm canyonlands national park nps.gov/cany/index.htm
moab brewery themoabbrewery.com
jeep wrangler rentals moabadventurecenter.com/moab-jeeprentals-4-door
moab rock shop moabrockshop.com
mile to wild rafting adventures mild2wildrafting.com
moab made moabmade.com
moab adventure center moabadventurecenter.com moab backyard theatre moabbackyardtheater.com moab tour company moabtourcompany.com rocknridge rides rocknridge.com stargazing and full moon hikes nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/stargazing. htm
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MAKE IT OFFICIAL Both applicants must appear at the Grand County Clerk/Auditor’s Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and pay a nonrefundable license fee of $40. A current picture identification with date of birth is required for both parties. In order to complete the application, the date of the ceremony and the officiant’s name must be provided. The officiant is not required to appear in the Clerk’s Office. You can find the application at grandcountyutah.net/586/Marriage-Licenses. Do not sign the application until you arrive at the Clerk/Auditor’s Office.
sarah meyer photography
Grand County Clerk/Auditor 125 E. Center Street Moab, Utah (435) 259-1321 grandcountyutah.net/169/Clerk-Auditor moab wedding guide 2022 / rockymountainbride.com
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anniversary Evita + Kaleb
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Evita’s brother and Kaleb were roommates, which is how Kaleb and Evita met. She thought Kaleb was so cute that she started finding excuses for her brother to bring him around, but eventually they started hanging out together without her brother. They also started dating behind her brother’s back, but once they were in love, they wanted to shout it to the whole world. Evita and Kaleb have now been married for five years! Time has flown by as they’ve traveled the world together. When they’re not abroad, they’re finding new adventures at home or nearby and try to capture each adventurous moment through their love of photography. They share a passion for hiking and exploring the mountains with their enthusiastic pup, Odin, leading the way. Kaleb now works remotely in finance, while Evita enjoys teaching at various local yoga, pilates, and dance studios. After a long day of work, they like to get together in the kitchen to create deliciously fresh and healthy recipes to enjoy while watching a good Netflix series and cuddling Odin. They hope to add little baby hikers into the pack in the near future, but for now, life together is happy and full of adventure! Photographer: Annie Sarah Photography | anniesarahphotography.com
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bridals Sabrina + Tyler
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Sabrina and Tyler met one snowy night in line to grab drinks at a bar in Salt Lake City. Five years later, Sabrina proposed while cross-country skiing in Salt Lake City. They originally planned an elopement in Moab for August 2020, but the global pandemic put a hold on their plans until August of 2021. They went through a rollercoaster of planning due to Covid for two years and when they finally eloped in Moab, it was a dream come true. Tyler and Sabrina wanted to incorporate the magic of the desert into their elopement, and spent the night of their wedding dancing under the stars with their closest friends and family.
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-VENDORSPhotographer Kayla Bertagnolli Photography | kaylabertagnolliphotography.com Planner Wedding Moab | weddingmoab.com Gown Designer Rue de Seine | ruedeseine.com Bridal Boutique Stillwhite | stillwhite.com Jewelry Warpath Traders | warpathtraders.com
Groom’s Suit Suitsupply | suitsupply.com Florals Flower Moxie | flowermoxie.com Beauty Madi at Allure Beauty Bar | beautybarallure.com
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real weddings
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22.
emilee + cole - Whispering Oaks Ranch
26.
mariah + andrew - Entrada at Moab
30.
shannon + austin - Dead Horse Point State Park
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Emilee + Cole Emilee and Cole met climbing in Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas, Nevada over New Years break of 2016. They consider their dating anniversary to be the first day of 2016 because they hit it off so perfectly and fell in love that day. Cole and Emilee were both getting over Covid in the winter of 2020 when they decided to get some fresh air and take their dogs on a hike up American Fork Canyon. Cole popped the question on their hike in a beautiful and special way. Emilee’s favorite moment of their desert bohemian wedding day in Moab was roaming the desert with Cole, their dogs and photographer after the ceremony. It was such a surreal and beautiful moment to spend a couple of hours exploring the place they love so much. Their wedding day was so special to them because it was planned especially for them. Dallas of Swenson-Erickson Events made the planning seamless, which made Emilee and Cole not have a care in the world on their wedding day, besides celebrating their love.
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WHY THE ROCKIES?
“Moab, Utah was extremely special to us from the beginning of our relationship. We were living in different states at the time, and meeting in the middle of Moab for a climbing weekend was what really brought us together in the beginning. The anticipation, the gas money, the dirty camping. It was a fairytale for climbers.”
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-VENDORSPlanner Swenson-Erickson Events | @swensonericksonevents Photographer Sarah Meyer Photography | sarahmeyerphoto.com Videographer Alohalo Films | alohalofilms.com Music/Entertainment Strangerer | @strangererofficial Bridal Boutique Grace Loves Lace | graceloveslace.com Bride’s Shoes Billini | billini.com Bride’s Jewelry Child of Wild | childofwild.com Bride’s Ring Designer Heirloom Jewelers | heirloomjewelers.com Groom’s Suit Sid Mashburn | sidmashburn.com Groom’s Accessories Rolex | rolex.com Groom’s Shoes Alden Shoe Company | aldenshoe.com Beauty Pritchett Salon | salonpritchett.com Cake/Desserts Natalie Barrett Caterer Mozz Artisan Pizza | mozzartisanpizza.com Officiant Collin Wogenstahl Reception Whispering Oaks Ranch | whisperingoakslodging.com Florals Lilly & Iris | lillyandiris.co Invitations The Knot | theknot.com Lodging Whispering Oaks Ranch | whisperingoakslodging.com Transportation VW Bus | @sailingbridges Honeymoon Fontainebleau, France
Mariah + Andrew Mariah and Andrew met while working at the same restaurant in college. Mariah was the hostess while Andrew worked in the kitchen. They dated for nine years before deciding that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Mariah and Andrew both designed the engagement ring, and Andrew officially proposed one evening in their backyard. They planned a bohemian fall elopement in Moab with a color palette designed to complement the red rock and autumn colors. Mariah and Andrew’s wedding day was full of many special moments, but one that stands out to them both was surprising each other with special, meaningful gifts during their first look. Their planning process was less stressful than a typical wedding because they wanted their wedding day to reflect their relationship and to include quality time with each of the people they love the most. Their reception dinner was intimate and delectable. A private chef traveled to Moab from Salt Lake City to cook a seven-course dinner at the reception venue.
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ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“You can still include your closest friends and family in your elopement. If eloping is something you’re considering, do it! We got to celebrate for five days instead of one, and had so much quality time together to spend as a couple with our families.”
-VENDORSPhotographer Katie Berg Photo | katiebergphoto.com Dress Designer Grace Loves Lace | graceloveslace.com Bride’s Shoes BIONICA | nordstrom.com Bride’s Jewelry Clayton Jewelers | claytonjewelersstl.com Groom’s Suit Suitsupply | suitsupply.com Groom’s Shoes Danner Bull Run Lux Boots | rei.com Caterer Saltd Catering Co. | saltdcatering.co Ceremony Location Dead Horse Point State Park | stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse Florals Idlewild Floral | idlewildfloral.com Invitations Mariah Althoff | mariahalthoff.com Rentals Moab Event Services | moabeventservices.com Lodging and Reception Entrada at Moab | entradaatmoab.com
Shannon + Austin Shannon and Austin met on Tinder and had their first date at Pins & Ales. They sat and talked for over three hours about life, goals and everything in between. It was a lot to unravel on just one date, but they both felt like they had nothing to lose. The proposal was a complete surprise to Shannon. They went on a road trip from Salt Lake City to Mount Rainier, and Shannon really wanted to see Multnomah Falls on the way, so they took a detour. This was during Covid, so Multnomah Falls ended up being closed. They decided to visit Latrell Falls instead, which turned out to be better. As they walked around the waterfall, Austin asked another couple to take a photo of them when he told Shannon he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and dropped down on one knee to propose. They planned a fall elopement at Dead Horse Point in Moab, and wanted to lean into the fall theme with rich, warm tones of cabernet, navy and black. Shannon’s favorite part of their wedding day was the whole day! Shannon and Austin spent the morning with their families enjoying breakfast and each other’s company. She was able to get ready with her sister and her parents drove her to the first look spot. Their entire wedding day was both easy and perfect.
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ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“Make the day about you! If you don’t want somebody to go to your wedding, don’t invite them. If you want specific colors or a specific theme, choose that. If you don’t want a big wedding, have a small wedding. Do what’s best for you!”
-VENDORSPhotographer Meghan G Photography | meghangphotography.com Bridal Boutique Fantasy Bridal | fantasy-bridal.com Bride’s Veil Amazon | amazon.com Bride’s Ring Designer Shane Co. | shaneco.com Groom’s Suit Men’s Wearhouse | menswearhouse.com Officiant Jared Sullivan Florals Simply Bloom Floral | simplybloomfloral.com
Love Struck Adventurers adventure vow renewal inspiration
Within the multi-faceted desert terrain of Moab there exists endless possibilities for the love struck and adventurous at heart. Shutterfreek and Desert Rover sought out to plan a styled vow renewal that showcases a fullday of adventure in Moab. They began their day with an epic Jeep tour with legendary JeCor Jeep Tour Guide - Torry. After their few hours of roaming, the crew headed to downtown Moab to their food truck court. They headed to Looking Glass Arch to get into full-glam and take a few pre-ceremony couples portraits in non-wedding attire that can act as a built-in engagement session. Glamping Canyonlands was the next stop on their adventure tour to unwind and grab a few snacks before the final portion of the day: the vow renewal. The desert landscape and extravagant tent served as the perfect backdrop for a first look and vow renewal ceremony. The final surprise of the day came with golden hour portraits with spectacular views at Needle Point Overlook.
creative team Photographer and Planner: Shutterfreek | shutterfreek.com Accommodations: Glamping Canyonlands | glampingcanyonlands.com Bridal Boutique: Bri’s Bridal Boutique | brisbridal.com Florals: Adela Floral | adelafloral.com Groom’s Wardrobe: H&M | hm.com Stetson | stetson.com Jewelry: Tanner Trading | tannertrading.com Blanket: Pendleton | pendleton-usa.com Beauty: Taylor Marie Woolverton | @stylebytmarie Jeep Tour: JenCor Racing | @jencorracing Cake: Skillfully Decadent | @skillfully_decadent Models: Jasmyn and Travis
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- INSPIRATION -
“One of the key things we’ve learned about Adventure Eloping is that as long as “adventure” is at the core of everything that transpires you can’t go wrong, and the actual marriage ceremony itself is just the icing on the cake after a day filled with experience and layer upon layer of memories.” - Shutterfreek
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dining rehearsal dinner & day-after brunch Whether you choose to spend your days adventuring in Moab for your Rocky Mountain wedding weekend, plan a rehearsal dinner or day-after brunch at one of Moab’s finest establishments. Fill your bellies with warm, comforting food in order to fuel up for the weekend’s festivities and to celebrate the start of your forever. You and your out-of-town guests will enjoy delicious eats at one of the 15 rehearsal dinner or brunch restaurants we have compiled for you. From barbecue and blues to romantic Italian cusine, Moab has a restaurant for everyone to enjoy.
Restaurants antica forma anticaforma.com
the trailhouse public house & eatery moabtrailhead.com
blu big bbq & blues joint blupigbbq.com
the spoke on center thespokemoab.com
il posto rosso radcliffemoab.com/ilpostorosso
gloria’s corner cafe gloriascornercafe.com
sunset grill moabsunsetgrill.com
spitfire smokehouse spitfiresmokehousemoab.com
the broken oar thebrokenoarmoab.com
hidden cuisine hidden-cuisine.com
desert bistro desertbistro.com
jailhouse cafe facebook.com/MoabsBreakfastsPlace
josie wyatt’s grille josiewyattsgrille.com
sweet cravings bakery and bistro cravemoab.com
98 center moab 98centermoab.com
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katie berg photo
M OA B
BA RN
RE STAU RANT
C H U RC H
COU NT RY C L U B
T H E AT RE
PARK
ESTAT E
M U SE U M
G L AM P I N G
UR BAN
L O DG E
RANC H
RESO RT
G ARDE N
H O T EL
Interstate
70
2 UT 1
8
1 hway .Hig U.S
Arches National Park
91
Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
Under Canvas Moab
Ar
UT 3 1 3
Co
c h es Sc enic Dr .
Red Cliffs Lodge ado Rive r lor
SpringHill by Marriott Moab
Sunset Grill Hyatt Place Moab The Broken Oar Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
Easy Bee Farm
Whispering Oaks Ranch
Base Camp Adventure Lodge Dead Horse Point State Park
Canyonlands National Park
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VENUES Best local spots to tie the knot
arches national park
red cliffs lodge
nps.gov/arch
redcliffslodge.com
base camp adventure lodge
sorrel river ranch resort & spa
basecampadventurelodge.com
sorrelriver.com
canyonlands national park
springhill by marriott moab
nps.gov/cany
marriott.com
dead horse point state park
sunset grill
stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse
moabsunsetgrill.com
easy bee farm
the broken oar restaurant
easybeefarm.com
thebrokenoarmoab.com
hoodoo moab
under canvas moab
hilton.com
undercanvas.com/camps/moab
hyatt place moab
whispering oaks ranch
hyatt.com/moab
whisperingoakslodging.com
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN
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