Monument Valley is a popular location in Arizona, USA, for elopements due to its iconic red sandstone formations and desert landscape. The valley produces an ambiance painted in warm, earthy tones and is an ideal choice for adventurous couples. The true nature of the wild west of Monument Valley attracts free-spirited couples, artists, and nature lovers alike.

How Was Monument Valley formed?

Submerged beneath the ancient Western Interior Seaway, sediments formed a seabed over time. Tectonic forces later pushed together to create a desert plateau. Over millions of years, the sandstone was worn down by weather, creating the spires found there today. Once part of flat mesas, these formations are now isolated buttes and symbolize the Wild West.

Is Monument Valley a National Park?

No. Monument Valley is located within the Navajo Nation Reservation on the border of Arizona and Utah in the United States. The Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department manages the area rather than the National Park Service.

Can You Elope in Monument Valley?

$300 Processing Fee for Weddings

$250 Land Usage Fee for all areas.

Important rules.

Download application.

When is the Best Time to Visit Monument Valley?

The best times to visit Monument Valley are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when there is mild weather and fewer crowds. Summers can be uncomfortably hot, and winters may have snow that limits access.

How to Visit Monument Valley

Distances & Driving Times From Nearby Airports

Page — 125 miles, 2 hours
Flagstaff — 177 miles, 3 hours
Phoenix — 320 miles, 5 hours
Albuquerque — 324 miles, 5 hours
Las Vegas — 400 miles, 6.5 hours
Salt Lake City — 380 miles, 6.5 hours

Locations in Monument Valley

Hotels in Monument Valley

Unique Stays in Monument Valley

Camp in Monument Valley

Elopement Locations in Monument Valley

John Ford Point
Artist’s Point
Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei

What to Do in Monument Valley

Drive Monument Valley Scenic Drive
Take in the views at John Ford Point
Check out the “Rain God Mesa”
See the Bird & Sand Springs
Take a tour with a Navajo Guide
Explore Hogan Village
Visit the Monument Valley Visitor Center
Take HWY 163 to Forrest Gump Point
Take a photo at ‘The North Window’

Can You Drive Through Monument Valley

Yes! The main road through the valley is a 17-mile loop called the Valley Drive. It’s a dirt road that winds through the red rock formations and landmarks like Mittens, Merrick Butte, and Elephant Butte. The drive is accessible to most vehicles, although it can be rough in some sections. Guided tours are available for those who prefer not to drive.

Can You Hike in Monument Valley?

The Wildcat Trail is a popular 3.2-mile loop starting near the visitor center and offers up-close views of Monument Valley's floor, the Mittens, and Merrick Butte. This is the only “self-guided tour” option in Monument Valley. Please note that much of the area is on Navajo Tribal land, where access to certain areas may be restricted or guide-only, meaning free-roam hiking is pretty limited. If you do plan to do a guided hike or explore the Wildcat Trail, prepare for harsh desert conditions with water, sun protection, and suitable footwear.

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Monument Valley?

$83 — marriage license
$300 — processing fee
$250 — land use fee
$500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$5500 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $7,833
marriage license — $83
processing fee — $300
land use fee — $250
backcountry tour — $85/person
4 night luxury airbnb stay — $2000
photographer — $10500
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $800
5-6” custom cake — $350
onsite hair + makeup — $800
Total: $20,338

Interested in learning more about what you should budget for your elopement? Head on over to my elopement cost calculator to determine your potential elopement budget based off your elopement day vision.

Current Specials for Monument Valley

How to Celebrate in Monument Valley

Campfire or bonfire under the stars.
Sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride with champagne.
Luxury picnic with love letter exchange.
ATV ride or rock climbing.
Private horseback ride through the valley.
A desert-inspired painting session.
A private horse-drawn carriage ride through the valley.
Outdoor movie night under the stars.
A private Navajo flute serenade.
Attend a traditional Navajo weaving workshop
Arrange a private Navajo pottery class

Monument Valley Elopement Timeline Examples

Below you’ll find a few different examples for an elopement timeline. No elopement timeline will truly be the same as each couple decides to plan their day differently. Because there are so many options when planning your elopement, your timeline will be unique to your day. But, the examples will help give you an idea of what to expect for yours.

9 - 11 am : Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View
11 am - 2 pm : Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
2:30 pm : Depart from The View Hotel
2:30 - 4 pm : Cruise Valley Drive
4:30 pm : Ceremony at John Ford Point
5 - 6 pm : Couples Portraits
6:30 pm : Head Back to Room for Outfit Change
8 - 10:30 pm : Moonlight Tour of Monument Valley
DAY ONE :
9 - 11 am : Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View
11 am - 2 pm : Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready
2:15 pm : First Look at Cabin
2:45 pm : Depart to Monument Valley
60 minute commute to Monument Valley
4 pm : Arrive at Monument Valley
4 - 5 pm : Cruise Valley Drive
5:30 pm : Ceremony at Artist’s Point
6 - 7 pm : Couples Portraits
7 pm : Head Back to Cabin
60 minute commute from Monument Valley to Cabin
8 pm : Arrive at Cabin
8 - 9 pm : Dinner Under the Stars
DAY TWO :
12:30 pm : Lunch in Monument Valley
2 - 5:30 pm: Backcountry horseback tour of Monument Valley

Get Inspired by Other Desert Elopements

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Multi-Day Arizona Elopement | Sunrise Vows at Lost Dutchman State Park // Emily + Taylor

Live Oak Picnic Area, Joshua Tree National Park Elopement // Samantha + Shane

Catalina State Park, Arizona Elopement // Erica + Aidan

Monument Valley Elopement Checklist

Monument Valley Elopement Packages

Your elopement experience is fully customized from the very beginning. All Monument Valley elopement packages include:

All travel (your investment does not change based on location)
Personalized location recommendations based on season, accessibility, and your vision
Permit research and guidance (when required)
Curated vendor recommendations (florals, hair + makeup, private chefs, etc.)
Activity ideas unique to your relationship and interests
A handcrafted elopement timeline designed for a relaxed, intentional experience

Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights, delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, print, and share your images with loved ones — so you can relive your experience for years to come.

Multi-Day Elopement Experience

Starting at $10,500

Designed for couples who want their elopement to unfold over multiple days. This experience allows you to exchange vows in one iconic Monument Valley location and spend another day exploring a completely different landscape — creating space for both adventure and restoration.

This option is ideal if you’re dreaming of a deeply immersive experience that feels more like a getaway than a single-day event. An example could include arriving at a secluded and romantic glamping accommodation and preparing for a sunset photo session, followed by a romantic candlelit dinner. On day 2, start your morning with a private and guided yoga session, a cultural workshop, and an ATV ride to a private couples massage with a sunset view.

Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 12 Hours)

Starting at $8,500

Perfect for couples who want the freedom to experience their entire elopement day without watching the clock. This coverage allows time for getting ready, your ceremony, multiple locations, longer hikes, scenic drives, and a relaxed celebration — all at a natural, unhurried pace.

This is the most popular option for couples who want a complete, story-driven elopement experience.

Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)

Starting at $5,500

Designed for couples who want a beautifully intentional elopement while keeping the day more streamlined. This experience is ideal for a single primary location, a short hike, and a relaxed ceremony followed by portraits and a meaningful activity.

Monument Valley is perfect for adventurous couples looking for a distinctive elopement experience. With its rich history and iconic views, Monument Valley allows couples to create memories that will last a lifetime. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, couples can tailor their elopement to reflect their unique love story and create an experience that is truly unforgettable.

You’re going to need a guide not only to capture some of the most memorable moments of your life - but also to track down the perfect locations, retrieve the requirements and permits, and overall guide you into having the dream-worthy, low-stress elopement that you deserve. Are you ready to elope in Monument Valley? Let’s get started!