An Epic Rock Climbing + Rappelling Moab Elopement

Morissa and Joshua’s Moab elopement was anything but traditional. Spontaneous is one word I’d use to describe Moab elopements in general, as there are so many amazing things to do on a dime in this desert town. For Morissa and Joshua, they took spontaneity to a new level when they decided to rock climb and rappel as part of their day….for the first time ever. And in a wedding dress and suit.

How awesome is that??

They started their wedding day beneath the red rocks at sunrise, then rock climbed to their ceremony location, exchanged vows overlooking the desert, and rappelled down to a suspended portaledge for celebratory drinks and snacks.

Here’s a look at how their day went and how I helped map out a timeline that aligned with exactly the elopement adventure they were hoping for!

Morissa and Joshua ended their elopement adventure by rappelling from an amazing, standalone rock in Moab!

First Looks in the Desert Blue Hour

Morissa resembled a Disney princess in her stunning wedding dress, and this was something too special to just throw on without a proper first look! I have a pop-up tent I travel with for every couple, so changing at trailheads and portrait locations are always an option for first looks. Because we started before sunrise, extra light was needed for these first looks, and I absolutely love the aesthetic of old-timey lanterns to add in that cozy glow. These moments cannot be replicated or rushed, so I added in extra time to their timeline for these getting ready and first looks photos.

Sunrise Portraits at Looking Glass Rock

After the giddiness of first looks, Morissa and Joshua were naturally guided into sweet poses together, though they needed little direction—the love these two have for each other came through effortlessly. The soft pre-dawn glow of the red rock coupled so well with the flowers Morissa had picked out, and we moved around the rock getting different angles of the desert features and their details. When the sun came out more, we moved up the rock to the small archway to get silhouette and “little people, big world” photos!

Rock Climbing up to Ceremony Spot

What better way to exchange vows than after an adventure and on top of the world? We met with awesome climbing guide Colten from Canyon Country Adventures, who meticulously rigged every line and went through every detail of keeping each of us safe as we climbed up the rock! On some pitches I was below Morissa and Joshua, getting awesome action shots, and others I was above, showcasing the incredible landscape behind them. These two were such fearless badasses to climb in their wedding attire! At the top, we took a water break and scouted the best spot to exchange vows. All around us were 360 views of Moab’s desert, and plenty of time to take in the moment. The wind was still and the sun climbing slowly in the sky, making beautiful contrast across the white-washed rock on top!

Rappelling down to Portaledge for Beer and Snacks!

With everything else being so epic, snack time might as well have been too! Colten set up a climbing portaledge, suspended ~50 feet down from the top of the rock and ~100 feet above the ground! Morissa and Joshua—tied securely together—rappelled simultaneously down to the portaledge, where they cracked a celebratory beer and ate charcuterie snacks. Before they were in position, I was already suspended ~50 feet down on the opposite side of the rock to get the best perspective and angle shots possible. Using multiple lenses securely attached to me, my aim was to capture both close-up shots of the newlyweds, as well as wide-angle shots—which would really showcase how high they were and how vast the landscape was!

Rappelling Back Down to Spend the Day Exploring

Though all good things must come to an end, the way these two finished off their adventure was just as spectacular as the start! And they still had most of the day to explore and venture at their own pace. These might honestly be some of my favorite shots. Morissa and Joshua reminded me of why I photograph adventure elopements: not just for the thrill of the adventure itself, but for the commitment, excitement, and pure joy they have for each other. Their lightheartedness, kindness, and willingness to push through the growing heat and sometimes rough rock was inspiring, and I’ll forever be honored at the opportunity to photograph just a small part of this amazing couple’s story!

Your Moab Elopement Can Look Like You

One of my favorite things about eloping in Moab is just how many different adventures are possible here. Your day can be as adrenaline-filled as Morissa and Joshua’s rock climbing elopement, or as simple as watching the sun come up over the desert with coffee before finding a quiet place to say your vows.

As a Moab elopement photographer, I don’t just show up with my cameras on your wedding day. I help you brainstorm locations, activities, timing, logistics, and all the little pieces that can turn an idea into an experience that actually feels like the two of you.

Whether that means dangling from a cliff in wedding attire, taking a Jeep deep into the desert, hiking beneath towering red rocks, or cracking open a beer somewhere with an incredible view, I’d love to help you dream up your own Moab elopement adventure!

As someone who has spent years frequenting Moab, I’d love to show you the possibilities we can dream up for your elopement day!

Reach out to start a conversation, or check out my pricing and packages to see all the awesome ways we can celebrate your Moab elopement!