Western Horseback Riding Elopement in Moab, Utah | Madison & Elliott
Madison and Elliott had the most amazing western horseback riding elopement in Moab. If you’ve been daydreaming about a desert elopement with a little grit, a lot of soul, and a whole lot of adventure, this one is for you.
Hiking Up to Looking Glass Arch
Our day started with a hike up to Looking Glass Arch, and oh my gosh! This location did NOT disappoint! Looking Glass is a stunning natural arch with an incredible circular opening that frames the blue sky perfectly, and hiking up to it offered some wild and wonderful photo opportunities along the way.
One of my favorite moments of the day was when we arrived and found a group of people rappelling right down the face of the arch. I freaking loved it! This wild, epic landscape where people are scrambling and rappelling and adventuring all around you, and here are Madison and Elliott in the most gorgeous boho western elopement attire, ready to have some fun of their own.
Their Western Elopement Attire & Details
Can we just talk about how stunning this couple was?! Madison wore the most incredible boho lace gown with long sleeves, a dramatic train, and the most perfect white cowgirl boots peeking out underneath. The boots! I love her so much for that choice. Elliott was sharp and handsome in an all-black suit, and the contrast between the two of them against those red canyon walls was absolutely chef’s kiss.
To begin their day, they did their own version of a first look, putting on finishing touches on the opposite sides of their jeep. They each walked slowly around to meet each other in the middle. It was so playful and so them.
Every little detail of this day felt so intentional and so true to who they are as a couple, and that’s the kind of thing that just lights me up!
Their Moab Desert Elopement Ceremony
Madison & Elliott read their vows as the warm desert light wrapped around them, the canyon walls towering up behind them with that incredible texture of ancient red sandstone. There was lots of laughter and happy tears!
Horseback Riding Elopement at Hauer Ranch with Moab Horses
After the arch, we headed to Hauer Ranch to meet the horses, and this part of the day was so much fun!
First of all, the views from this ranch are incredible! You can see the Colorado River winding through the canyon below, and the surrounding landscape has a wide, cinematic feel that just takes your breath away. And when you add horses and golden hour to that, it is absolute heaven!
Our ranch hand, Slowhand, was an absolute gem. He was so warm and helpful, and he made the whole experience feel relaxed and fun, even for those of us who haven’t been on horseback in a while! Madison and Elliott were naturals on horseback, and watching them ride out across that desert landscape together in their elopement attire, lace dress flowing, canyon walls glowing behind them, was one of those moments I genuinely never want to forget.
Finally, the golden hour light at the ranch was absolutely otherworldly! If you are dreaming about incorporating horseback riding into your elopement day, a Moab desert ranch setting is honestly one of the most magical ways to do it. The combination of the landscape, the horses, and that incredible light is unmatched.
A Note on Adventuring in the Desert with Care
The Moab desert is beautiful, but it is also delicate. The ancient canyons, desert crust, and rock formations have been here for millions of years and deserve our respect. I take this seriously and enjoy working with couples who feel the same way about protecting wild places.
I always follow Leave No Trace principles. Working with a guide and photographer who truly cares about these wild places means you can enjoy your day knowing it’s being done responsibly. The desert offers us so much beauty, and it’s important to take care of it.
Dreaming of Your Own Western Elopement on Horseback in Moab?
I am SO here for it, and I would love to help you make it happen! Whether you’re drawn to dramatic arches, horseback rides at golden hour, jeeping through the canyons, or simply saying your vows in one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth, Moab has it all.
From helping couples find epic ceremony locations to planning timelines around desert light and exploring hidden spots off the beaten path, I love helping create elopement days that feel relaxed, adventurous, and completely unique.
If you’re interested in a Moab horseback elopement, feel free to reach out, and we can start planning together.
Vendors:
Host: Megan MacPhail
Florist: Tangled Sage
HMUA: Wild Brides Backcountry
Horses: Moab Horses & Hauer Ranch
Beer: Moab Brewery
Models: Madison @twerkinlurkin & Elliott @elliottja
