maria_so

Hi All! It's been awhile since I last logged in. Had the GC trip in past August and the sweet 12 day trip in NM this past Thanksgiving.

We're planning to be in Utah this April and will be in Moab for 5 days. Since the dessert is my favorite place, my honey and I have been playing with the idea of getting married at Arches (specifically at Delicate Arch). It will just be me and him - no guests. Anybody have any experience with this? I love the idea of it just be me and him and the beauty of the dessert, to be in somethign so natural and beautiful, at a national park, what we've always called "God's Cathedral". That and the idea of wedding pictures with me in a white dress and hiking boots - perfect!

Any suggestions on how to go about doing this?

TheWeasel

You'd have to contact the park to see if it's allowed, and if there are any permits or fees to do it.

TheWeasel

I just looked at their website. Here's the link:
http://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/weddings.htm

Weddings are allowed, but you won't have exclusive use of the area (so plan on having strangers as spectators). The ceremony is limited to 20 minutes. You need a permit ($50). There's more on their website, but I thought those were the most interesting tidbits.

Good luck and congratulations. It shouldn't be too warm in April.

Bobmrg

Have you made the trek up to Delicate Arch yet? Re-think the white dress. I failed to take my GPS with me when I climbed up from the parking lot, but my bones and muscles told me that the distance and altitude gain on the sign in the parking lot were woefully underestimated. Anyway, you will be climbing/walking on what they call "slick rock," guided by little cairns of stones when you are not walking on what I recall as a soft surface. Bottom line, I was bushed when I got to the Arch.

But it was worth it, and I heartily recommend that you do it...just don't underestimate the amount of effort involved.

starrsville

I agree with bobmrg. I'd hike it in shorts. Take a sheet and change behind it if you need to, but I don't think you should hike it in a white dress.

Nora_S

And make sure you arrive in utah with the necessary documents to obtain a marriage license for tht state. apparently there is no residence requirement. You will need to have someone perform the ceremony who is authorized by the State to do so (can even be a Native American spiritual advisor, according to one website). also check on the requirement for the number of witnesses. In most states it is two, but I don't know about Utah.

Good luck to you.

maria_so

Hi All! Thanks for the replies. Yes, I've hiked delicate arch (both for sunrise and sunset) and yes, I was planning on changing up there. I've been at that neck of the woods plenty of times, why it was my number one choice. Wow, I didn't think at all to look at that state's requirement to be a resident (!) and thanks for the link TheWeazel. Much to look into! Yosemite and Bridal Veil Falls is also in the running for the choices since we'll be up there in September and Napa for a week long honeymoon doesn't sound so bad either but it's not the dessert. Wonder if California's laws are easier than Utah?

starrsville

What about Sedona, AZ?

enzian

I believe Nora said ther is "no" residency requirement in Utah.

Here's a website for Salt Lake county---it does not mention a residency requirement.

http://www.clerk.slco.org/html/marriage.html

Seems like it is pretty easy, as long as you have the ID documents with you.

maria_so

Hi Starsville, I love Sedona but either Arches or Yosemite I think. Yosemite because I was there with a friend who kept teasing me about the mist of Bridal Veil Falls and insisting it won't affect me. True enough, within a year I met my honey. Chance you think? Maybe, maybe not but it makes for a nice story though, don't you think? Anyway, I think as long as it's National Parks I'll be happy.

Sorry Enzian, I didn't mean to say what Nora said made it hard. I was just thinking out loud comparing Utah and California which would be the easiest. I do appreciate Nora (and everyone's) tips and feedback.

This may sound like a stupid question but I have seriously not looked into any of this before and not having been married before either, what IS required typically? Driver's license, some people said blood test (for what?), and what else?

starrsville

It depends on the locale (marriage license requirements). Google where you think you want to get married to see.

I saw a gorgeous wedding just over Oak Creek when I was there - and thought it would be a good photo substitute for Delicate Arch without the hike. When I googled Sedona wedding info, I learned there's a 2 mile hike to Kachina woman spire - popular destination for weddings (and the fertility connection!)

maria_so

Oh No! No babies yet Starsville (haha). Not yet anyway.

Sedona IS lovely but I did want to have to do a hike or something like that (scrambling up rocks in bridal Veils, etc). It's more me, really.

Nora_S

According to tthe "official" websites for each state, all you need in either Utah or California is a driver's license (or other photo ID with date of birth, etc.), IF you have not been married before. That applies to both of you. Blood tests are not required in either state.

But if you are serious about getting married, you should look at the legal requirements yourself---witnesses, proper officiant, etc.---and make sure you are following them.

TheWeasel

I'm sure OP knows this, but she won't have any problem finding an adequate number of witnesses at Delicate Arch.

maria_so

Hi Nora,

Yes, we wil of course. Was just getting a feel really for national parks wedding and if any fodorites have done it. The "posts" just took this bit little tiny part of the planning. Anyway, I think we're leaning more towards Yosemite so we have a bit more time to look into things. April is just around the corner really.

maria_so

Hi Weazle. Yes, I know. In bridal Veils Falls too, I'm sure. I don't mind that so much.

I did look up California, actually and it seems to be not too difficult however they suggest applying at least a month in advance and they require Driver's license and social security number and if not from the US, their passports (which he'll have to do since he's from the UK).

So getting the technical issues out of the way, has anyone from Fodors gotten married in a national parks before? I was kind of hoping to hear their stories of how easy/hard, etc about it.

maria_so

Oh and I meant no "guests" per se but we will be bringing a witness each - close friends.

Bobmrg

Oops, maria_so, I did not realize that you were already familiar with the area. My bad. Jumped to the conclusion that you got the idea from a Utah license plate (wicked grin).