Hello!
Here is your location guide! I split it up into a category on lodging and one on ceremony/scenic spots. Since cool lodging is such a priority, I spent the most time digging into that, but any of the lodging options I also looked around to make sure there would be some cool places to shoot your ceremony nearby. I did include a pretty wide breadth of things on here, even if they weren’t the perfect fit just in case.
I did not include El Rey, Tucson JTH, or Willow House, since they are already on your radar. I think those are all AMAZING options and what I would have most strongly suggested, but you guys are already aware of all of them! I think those three might be the best fit, but we will see what you like! I am picturing your day with some coffee, maybe some letters from your family, getting ready, heading to a ceremony spot and then coming back for a cute little dinner. I thought all of these spots would lend themselves to that easy and fun sort of feeling to your day.
Weather Information
Moab Average Temperature in August: 92 degrees, Link to average weather
Santa Fe Average Temperature in August: 80 degrees, Link to average weather
Terlingua/Big Bend Average Temperature in August: 99 degrees, Link to average weather
Tucson Average Temperature in August: 99 degrees, Link to average weather
LODGING
Hanksville Airbnb
Location: Hanksville is about 4 hours from SLC, 1.5 from Moab
Information: This spot is nestled in a cliffside with some cool cliff features. There are many spots nearby that we could have your ceremony at. The main drawback is how remote it is. Spots nearby for a ceremony: Factory Butte, Capitol Reef NP, Cathedral Valley, Temple Mountain. While it is remote, it is smack in the middle of so many different kinds of terrains and landmarks.
Enchantment Resort
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Information: I found this while looking for something that would provide a similar experience to Amangiri. I will do more digging if this makes it onto the final list, but some preliminary searching shows there are tons of promising ceremony spots in the area, and maybe even on the property. I love this as an option because it gives you that upscale experience with lots of access to nature! The canyon that it sits in is called Boynton Canyon, and it just seems like a really unreal spot. Bonus points for woo-woo spiritual stuff, many people believe this canyon is an energy vortex!
Torrey Airbnb
Location: This is about 20 minutes from Capitol Reef NP.
Information: I thought that the style might be up your alley. The area is very remote. There are a couple of tiny shops and a decent selection of food in the area. It would probably make sense to shoot in either Capitol Reef or Cathedral Valley for the ceremony. Hell’s Backbone Grill is about 45 minutes away, one of my favorite places I have ever eaten at. It’s a low- key James Beard awarded restaurant that supports its own little ecosystem of farms and ranchers in the area. This spot is also very close to Escalante, so you would have tons to explore if you wanted your mini-moon to have a little road trip aspect to it as well.
TAos Airbnb
Location: Taos, NM
Information: This has a cute little patio out back that I thought would make for a pretty dinner setting area! For the ceremony we could go somewhere near Abiqui, or closer to Santa Fe. Spots closer to Taos for a ceremony could be near the Rio Grande Gorge and there is a hot springs nearby called Black Rock Hot Springs that is a little bit of a hike that could be fun to do in the early morning.
Zion Airbnb
Location: Near Zion
Information: I don’t think the decor is spot on, but I liked that it blended the southwest feeling of Adobe with a white exterior. Zion NP itself is such a nightmare to navigate, but there are other beautiful spots to explore nearby. I’m thinking Yant Flats, Dalton Wash, and a couple of other spots that are above Zion looking in that I have pins saved for.
Escalante Cliff House
Location: Near Escalante, Utah
Information: Escalante is SUCH a cool area. You are also close to Hell’s Backbone Grill that I mentioned earlier. While it is remote and a very small town, there is tons of good food and little bars, a health food store, outfitters for day rafting trips on the river, cool hikes and scenery. AND one of my favorite coffee shops ever, Kiva Koffeehouse that has stunning views of the surrounding areas. We could literally pull off the road anywhere in this area and have a beautiful backdrop for your day. The road that you take to get here is called Hell’s Backbone, and is one of the prettiest/scariest roads I’ve ever been on! (Not actually scary, just sheer drop offs on both sides of the road, which is super cool! If you like this area, I can send you some more specific ideas for ceremony spots, but taking a look at Hell’s Backbone will get you started. Also Calf Creek and surrounding areas could be very cool.
Under Canvas Moab
Location: Moab
Information: A glamping option right outside of the town of Moab, Not sure if it fits the vibe, but they do have a campfire pit and very comfortable glamping tents. Mostly wanted to share an option if you feel really drawn to Moab. Unfortunately, there just are not that many cool Airbnbs, but there are nice places to stay.
REd Cliffs Lodge
Location: 25 minute drive from Moab
Information: My FAV place to stay in Moab! The rooms and cabins are more on the SW meets lodge feel, but very cute and comfortable. The lodge sits right on the river, and they offer activities like horseback riding. There is also a winery on site that is very very basic but still fun to do a little tasting or go grab a bottle and cheese during your stay. This area is where Westworld was filmed, so it has that quintessential Western feel. You are about 25 minutes from the town of Moab, but there is a restaurant on site and the drive is incredible, you’re winding along the Colorado river with the cliffs on either side of you.
The Desert Compass
Location: Albuquerque
information: Came across this one that still seems to be in the beginning phases but lots of pros: Super beautiful & Southwest feeling, ABQ has a cool food/shop scene, and relatively close to beautiful out door areas. Also wondering if there would be a cute spot for a dinner for the two of you! Ceremony spots could be Abiqui, Pecos, Plaza Blanca…
Arcosanti
Location: One hour from Phoenix, nearly three from Tucson
Information: I freaked out when I came across this! So it’s basically an intentional living community with insane and beautiful architecture. They have several Airbnbs/overnight stay options but it’s an actual “town.” It is fairly remote, but started to do some preliminary research on the area and I think we would have fairly close access to a saguaro area and some other cool desert features. Downside is definitely not mini-moon vibes in terms of stuff to do, but could go to Tucson for the rest of your time?
LOCATIONS
Canyonlands National Park
Location: 45 Minute Drive from Moab
Information: This is the Green River Overlook in Canyonlands NP. It’s a 10 minute walk from where you park and fairly secluded. The sunsets are INCREDIBLE.
Why I included it: EPIC Moab views
Terlingua
Location: 20 minutes from Big Bend, 2 hours from Marfa
Information: Did some more digging on this area to figure out if it would be a viable option since I know you like Willow House! It seems like a very eclectic little town. It seems like there are a few places for food & drink and a couple of eclectic little things to explore. You could definitely combine staying here with a visit to Marfa for a few days, as there are things to do there and hip food & drink spots. Big Bend NP is really close, which could make for a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony. If you went this route, I picture the day being spent lounging at WH, a drive to Big Bend, a cute setup for dinner back at WH… I’m going to include a ton of links to give you some things to look at.
Valley of the Gods
Location: South of Bluff, Utah
Information: Very, very remote. It is very close to Moki Dugway, Gooseneck State Park, Monument Valley, and Muley Point. Muley point is a lookout that is almost always empty. It looks like Goosenecks and Monument Valley from above. It is HUGE and has sheer cliffs and is just totally awe-inspiring I have more personal videos I can share if you feel drawn to this area..
https://utah.com/monument-valley/valley-of-the-gods
https://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/mexican_hat/muley_point.html
https://www.theoutbound.com/utah/camping/camp-at-muley-point
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/valley-of-the-gods-off-beaten-path-utah/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPGcHNy3QTQ
Why I included it: EPIC Southwest views.
Drawbacks: Very remote
Dead Horse Point
Location: 45 minute drive from Moab
Information: This spot has spectacular views, some hike/walking options. It is a little on the busier side but you can hide under some cliffs to get this view and feel more secluded. One of the most stunning views in Utah.
Why I included it: Quintessential SW views. Extraordinary sunsets
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/the-moenkopi-yurts/
Drawbacks: More on the crowded side.
Cathedral Valley
Location: Backcountry of Capitol Reef National Park
Information: Cathedral Valley- Capitol Reef NP Backcountry
Information: This is a fairly easy off-road drive. The rock structures are so stunning. This area really gives that vast and beautiful feeling.
https://utah.com/capitol-reef-national-park/cathedral-valley
https://www.parkrangerjohn.com/exploring-cathedral-valley-in-capitol-reef-national-park/
https://www.themandagies.com/capitol-reef-national-park/ (This is about the whole park but there is a section on this area. The whole park is gorgeous and another great option!)
Why I included it: Very SW vibes, a fun drive and lots to do on your day in terms of scenery.
Drawbacks: Very remote
Pecos National Historic Park
Location: 25 minutes from Santa Fe
Information: You can get permits for weddings/elopements to be here. Feels very Southwest and is close to SF.
Why I included it: You guessed it…Those SW vibes
Plaza Blanca
Location: 1 hour from Santa Fe, also close to Abiqui
Information: I am not sure if they have changed their permit process for weddings, this is something I can look into if you are interested in this location. Could be a beautiful place for a ceremony and then dinner either nearby in Abiqui or back in Santa Fe.
Why I picked it: Has a similar white rock feel to Amangiri. Feels very Southwest
Drawbacks: Is a bit of a distance from SF, but we could find lodging closer.
Toadstool Hoodoos
Location: About 30 minutes from either Page or Kanab
Information: This is a one mile roundtrip hike out in the desert. The hike is beautiful, I can share a full gallery from an elopement I shot out here. Lots of variety in rock: white, red, etc.
Why I included it: This is just down the street from Amangiri, so the rock has that same feel.
Drawbacks: Very remote. Kanab is a cool town but it is a small tourist town.
Cathedrral Gorge State Park
Location: Middle of nowhere Nevada, 2.5 hours from Las Vegas Airport
This is SUCH a cool place. Very remote but a ton of diversity in shooting locations without much hiking needed. There are overlook spots and little slots. It’s all pretty compact and could all be explored in one shoot. ENDLESS hiking to be done through little slot canyons and through the valley. Would need to research lodging options more deeply.
https://travelnevada.com/discover/25957/cathedral-gorge-state-park
http://parks.nv.gov/parks/cathedral-gorge
https://localadventurer.com/cathedral-gorge-state-park-nevada/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ziy1BMJgN_U
Ghost Ranch
https://www.ghostranch.org/plan-your-visit/group-events/weddings/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waKjuz-CUVg&ab_channel=AmazingPlacesonOurPlanet
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ghost-ranch
https://www.travelawaits.com/2487632/visit-ghost-ranch/
Location: 1 hour from Santa Fe
Information: It is just an otherworldly, beautiful place. An upside would be that you could have your ceremony somewhere that feels wild and vast, and a dinner nearby without having to leave the property. They also offer different activities, which could make it a fun spot to stay for a couple of days before or after your wedding day.
Bisti Wilderness
Location: Northern NM, near Farmington
Information: Very remote spot, but unreal white rock formations.
https://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/bisti_badlands/index.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhz58Iw6YKI
Drawbacks: I think this might be too remote, but wanted to included it because it is so otherworldly.
Honorable Mentions
Merida - This is my fav town in Mexico, you’ll have to scroll through the photos but it is such an architectural dream. You guys will have to stay here sometime!