The red rock canyons, wide open skies. The towering La Sal Mountains and rugged beauty of Moab. This is one of the most stunning places in the country to say “I do.” But before you start dreaming about ceremony photos at sunset, there are a few legal boxes to check. Here’s what you need to know about marriage licenses, officiants, witnesses, and permits so your big day goes off without a hitch.
The Marriage License
Your first stop is the Grand County Clerk/Auditor’s Office, located at 125 E. Center St. in Moab. Both of you must appear in person to apply. There are no exceptions, so plan accordingly if you are traveling from out of state.
Here is what to bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both partners
- Your Social Security numbers
- Full legal names, current addresses, and dates and places of birth
- The name of your officiant (required at time of application)
The license fee is $50 and is non-refundable. Once issued, your license is valid for 32 days and is good anywhere in the state of Utah. After your ceremony, the officiant must sign, date, and return the license to the Grand County Clerk within 30 days. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Your Officiant
Utah does not allow self-solemnization, meaning you cannot legally marry yourselves. You need a qualified officiant present at your ceremony. The good news is you have flexible options.
Any ordained minister, judge, or religious leader can officiate. But if you want a close friend or family member to perform the ceremony, Utah makes that possible too. A non-ordained person can apply through the Grand County Clerk to become a “single-ceremony designee,” giving them the legal authority to officiate your wedding. There is no cost for this designation, but you will need to arrange it in advance and have their name ready when you apply for your license.
Witnesses
Utah law requires two witnesses to be present at your ceremony and sign your marriage license. They just need to be adults who can attest that the ceremony took place. If you are planning an intimate elopement, factor this in when deciding who to invite.
Permits for Outdoor Ceremonies
This is where many couples get caught off guard, so plan ahead. The land surrounding Moab includes Bureau of Land Management (BLM) territory, state parks, and national parks, and each has its own rules.
For guests of Whispering Oaks Ranch, no permit is needed as the venue is private land designed especially for your magical day. Learn more about our wedding venue options here.
For BLM land, groups of six or fewer (counting the couple, officiant, witnesses, and guests) generally do not need a permit. Once your group exceeds six people, a Special Use Permit is required. These can take up to six months to process, so apply early.
For national parks like Arches or Canyonlands, a Special Use Permit is always required regardless of group size. The fee is $185 plus standard park entrance fees. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance and typically take at least four weeks to process, sometimes longer during peak season.
One Last Thought
Getting the legal side right is what transforms a beautiful ceremony into a legally recognized marriage. Start with your license, lock in your officiant, confirm your witnesses, and sort out any permits well before your wedding date. With those details handled, you can focus on what matters most: celebrating your love in one of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth.
Whispering Oaks Lodge is here to help make your Moab wedding weekend seamless from arrival to farewell. Reach out to our team with any questions about planning your perfect ceremony near the canyon country.