National park elopements are absolutely breathtaking! Not only do they create an unforgettable day filled with adventure, but they also provide a stunning landscape that’s perfect for saying “I do.”
When Jess and Pascal asked me to be their Arches National Park elopement photographer, I couldn’t have been more stoked! With its stunning red rock formations and gorgeous sunsets, Arches is one of the most beautiful places to get married in Utah. Their elopement was nothing short of stunning.
Celebrating a Beautiful Couple’s Love Story!
Jess and Pascal’s Arches National Park elopement day was meticulously planned to ensure that their day would go off without a hitch. They just wanted a carefree day that allowed them to bask in their love for one another, while surrounded by the people who mattered most to them. It was a low-key elopement day filled with plenty of love and joy!
As a national park elopement photographer, one of the things I love most is learning about every couple’s love story and the journey that led them to the altar! This couple met while they were both attending Penn State University. Jess was an undergrad student, while Pascal was a grad student — both in the nuclear engineering department. For their first date, they grabbed drinks to get to know each other better, and they hit it off immediately. They ended up chatting for over four hours — and the rest is history!
It was incredible to see how relaxed and in love these two were on their special day! We were able to capture plenty of gorgeous Arches National Park elopement photos that they’ll get to cherish for a lifetime!
An Intimate Elopement in Arches National Park
All Jess and Pascal wanted for their national park elopement was a simple day that reflected their relationship. For them, all that mattered was their love and who they were sharing their day with! They also wanted to incorporate elements of Pascal’s French heritage into their elopement.
They chose to say their vows under one of the most spectacular, natural-made wedding arches in the world: Sandstone Arch! Not only did this make for stunning portraits, it also allowed for that secluded, intimate feel they were looking for in an elopement spot.
(Sidenote: Although Sandstone Arch is no longer on the approved ceremony list, it was at the time. That being said, there are plenty of other great spots in the park to tie the knot for those who are interested in eloping in Arches National Park. You can see a list of approved locations and get a permit here for $185).
Jess and Pascal had a very intimate gathering with their closest family and friends. We all drove into the park in a small caravan of cars. Before we headed out into the park, they even had time to FaceTime family back in France who wanted to wish them congratulations.
In addition to being their national park elopement photographer, I also had the honor of officiating Jess and Pascal’s Arches National Park wedding! This made the day even more unforgettable for me.
Jess and Pascal’s sweet ceremony was an emotional one. It had them both tearing up by the end!
As their Arches National Park elopement photographer, I thought it was really cool that they printed a program for their parents. The ceremony script was written in both English and French so everyone could follow along!
We all had a very relaxed, chill day enjoying the park to celebrate their elopement! A ranger was with us during the ceremony portion, and Jess and Pascal got a photo with her afterward!
A Quaint Picnic to Celebrate This Couple’s Love!
In lieu of a traditional wedding reception, national park elopements generally consist of a small celebration with food! After their wedding ceremony was over, Jess and Pascal got to explore the area around Sandstone Arch as their families set up a picnic for them at the nearby Devil’s Garden Picnic Area.
The picnic included charcuterie items with brie from France, a French champagne toast, and French pastries from @eclairslc in Salt Lake City that the couple had picked up before heading down to Arches.
Jess chose a few table decorations that made the park’s generic picnic area look a little more festive to celebrate their Arches National Park elopement!
While we were in the picnic area, we signed their marriage license with both of their moms acting as their witnesses!
One of the Day’s Most Memorable Moments
When you elope in Arches or any other national park, it’s normal for fellow hikers and parkgoers to congratulate the couple on their wedding day. During Jess and Pascal’s elopement, a couple gifted them a little set of holy items from their home in Jerusalem. It was very unexpected for all of us, but Jess and Pascal were touched by the couple’s thoughtfulness!
Ending Jess & Pascal’s National Park Elopement With a Beautiful Sunset
After their picnic celebration was over, we got to go out at sunset to the Windows section of the Arches and explore the area, taking in all of the magnificent arches. It was so fun to explore the area with these two in their just-married bliss.
We were able to capture some truly breathtaking Arches National Park elopement photos during the golden hour. I love this photo of Jess and Pascal standing on the rock, overlooking the sunset in the background!
This area of the park is popular at sunset, but other visitors were kind enough to clear the area to allow us to take a wide-angle photo in the North Window with just Jess and Pascal. This stunning Arches National Park elopement portrait is one of Jess and Pascal’s favorites from their special day!
As the sun set, we headed over to Double Arch where these two enjoyed watching the stars as they began to dot the night sky. We even pulled out some lanterns and took some epic elopement photos with the stars! The photo of their silhouette kissing against the night sky was an incredible way to end this photoshoot.
Ready to Book an Arches National Park Photoshoot?
If you’re considering using me as your Arches National Park elopement photographer, I’m truly honored! My goal is to help you create an unforgettable elopement day and capture portraits that you’ll be able to cherish for years to come! Whether you’re ready to book me as your photographer for your Arches National Park elopement or you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to shoot me a line! My goal is to help you turn your national park elopement photography dreams into reality!
Keep in mind that as an adventure elopement photographer, I do photoshoots in an array of locations and national parks! I’ve done Zion National Park elopement photoshoots, Joshua Tree National Park elopement photoshoots, Lake Tahoe photoshoots, and so much more! Be sure to reach out if there’s somewhere else you’re considering eloping to see if it’s something I might be able to help with!
Vendors:
- Venue – Arches National Park
- Gown – BHLDN
- Gown Alterations – Becoming Bridal
- Suit – Ollygan France
- Accommodations – Airbnb
- Photography & Officiant – Clarissa Wylde Photography
- Second Photographer – Abby Mae Photo
- French Pastries – Eclair French Pastry
- Dinner reservations – Moab Sunset Grill
