The Best Places to Elope in the US

Table of contents

1. How to Choose a Location Specifically for Your Elopement
2. US Elopement Locations I Personally Love

After spending countless hours thinking of how to celebrate your marriage, you finally decide to elope. Congratulations! You can now start planning your special day. An elopement will celebrate you as a couple. You should consider every detail to make sure the occasion represents you and your personalities.

Location is an important aspect of your elopement. If you still haven’t decided where to elope, here are a few tips to help you pick the perfect spot for your celebration. You will learn what to look for and read about some of my favorite elopement locations in the US.

How to Choose a Location Specifically for Your Elopement

Visualize. How do you picture the moment you exchange vows? Use your senses to imagine your surroundings: are you in the mountains or in a tropical forest? Do you hear the ocean waves crashing on the shore, or the peaceful silence of a crystal lake? Get to the heart of what you want for your elopement.

Research. Search online for places with the scenery you want. Perhaps you're looking for the US's prettiest mountains or the most picturesque beaches on the west coast. Make note of places that make your heart sing.

Weather. Consider the seasons and weather at each location. Each season has its pros and cons.

• In the mountains:

  Summer: Mountains like the North Cascades and Rocky Mountains have gorgeous wildflower fields in July and August. Flower scenery is often set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

  Autumn: Fall colors are spectacular once the leaves turn red, orange, and yellow in the first half of the season. The red and orange trees at places like Maple Pass are topped with a dusting of snow. And there is nothing like the sight of yellow larch trees in autumn.

  Winter: An elopement in the mountains is perfect in a snowy wonderland. Note, however, that you need snowshoes, layers, hand warmers, and other thermal gear. And stay alert for road and highway closures due to extreme snow.

  Spring: You might want to avoid the mountains at this time. The greenery will still be frozen over and partially buried under the snow. You're likely to run into windstorms and lots of dirt.

• In the desert:

  Summer: Deserts like Moab, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley are hottest at this time, making for an uncomfortable elopement. If you're thinking about eloping in the desert in summer, schedule your ceremony for sunrise or sunset.

  Autumn: This is a lovely time for elopements in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. The temperatures are cooler and you’ll be able to enjoy all the beauty that the desert has to offer.

  Winter: Death Valley and Joshua Tree are great spots to visit during this time of year.

  Spring: Utah's breathtaking desert locations offer the perfect setting for an elopement during this season.

• On the ocean: 

  Late summer / early autumn: Elopements by the sea are most popular at this time. The summer heat has ended, the water is at its warmest and the weather is the most stable.

  Winter / Spring: This is a good time for beach elopements in California or Florida, since they're dryer and warmer.

Travel. A destination elopement could take you across the country! Therefore, your journey should be well planned and your budget should account for flights or other transportation needs. If you want to have your ceremony in Alaska with an epic view of the glaciers, you may have to take a helicopter ride. Reaching some places like Ross Lake in Washington requires a seaplane or boat. Mountain roads may require a 4x4 and perhaps a professional driver. Some couples take an air balloon above the city of Moab to reach a certain spot in the red rock scenery.

Permits. Find out if you need a permit for your desired destinations. For example, some public lands may require a special use permit for a ceremony. Take note of the application deadlines and the cost. Don't forget to check policies regarding florals, decorations, and the maximum number of guests. For questions like these, it's usually best to contact the park ranger directly.

Photographer. Find an adventure elopement and intimate wedding photographer whose vision and editing style align with the look you want for your special day. Not only will your photographer document your elopement, but they will also walk you through all the steps and ensure everything is in place for your dream escape. If you feel we'd be a good fit, go ahead and hit the “Contact” button on my website!

US Elopement Locations I Personally Love

Mountains:

• The North Cascades (Mt Baker, Artist Point)
  This is an epic hiking location with beautiful azure lakes and magnificent mountain surroundings. With its stunning views, North Cascades National Park is sure to take your breath away. Artist Point offers the most spectacular up-close views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan of all North Cascades viewpoints.

• Glacier National Park
  Montana's Rocky Mountains are home to glacier-carved peaks and valleys. The area offers many hiking trails as well as roads leading to beautiful viewpoints. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of them, offering spectacular views of glaciers along the way.

• Colorado Rocky Mountains
  This mountain range offers all kinds of mountain peaks to suit your preferences. In its diverse landscape, there are deserts, river canyons, and snow-capped mountains. There's Telluride, a Victorian mining town located right in the mountains; Keystone, where you can elope and ski; or Indian Peaks, where you can explore the wilderness, go backpacking, fishing, golfing, and more.

• Alaska glaciers
  The mountains of Alaska have a unique topography, thanks to the active volcanoes, numerous hot springs, towering peaks, and many, many glaciers. If you're up for a short hike to a terrestrial glacier, a day cruise, or a helicopter or mountaineering trip, this could be an ideal location for an elopement. Matanuska Glacier, Portage Glacier, and Spencer Glacier are all worth checking out.

• Mt Rainier National Park
  It's hard to go wrong with Mt. Rainier National Park, whether you're exchanging vows at a gorgeous fire tower lookout or enjoying a fun hiking adventure. You can choose from many captivating hiking trails, featuring unique beauty and offering both short and long walks.

• Kauai
  The Hawaiian island of Kauai is synonymous with adventure. The mountains create dramatic scenery reminiscent of the famous Jurassic Park films. Hike or fly to some of the island's most spectacular mountain peaks, such as Mt Waialeale, Koke's Mountains, and many others.

Desert:

• Capitol Reef National Park
  This magical park is in Utah. In spite of its beauty, this place is often overlooked. Its sights can easily be compared to those of Zion National Park and Moab National Park, but with fewer tourists and smaller crowds.

• Death Valley National Park
  The park lies between Eastern California and Nevada. It has a variety of landscapes, including deserts, dunes, and mountains. One of the most popular exploration spots is Artists Palette, which is a display of vivid colors caused by oxidized metal on mountainside hills. 

• Joshua Tree National Park
  It’s a vast protected area in Southern California. In the gorgeous desert landscape, Joshua trees are famous for their twisted, bristled trunks. The area makes a scenic choice for an elopement, particularly if you plan your ceremony with the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert, Mojave Desert, and Coachella Valley as a backdrop.

• Sedona, Arizona
  This desert town is surrounded by red rock formations, steep canyon walls, and pine forests. It's a great place to go bird-watching, hiking, and picnicking. On the outskirts of town, there are many trailheads for Red Rock State Park.

Beaches:

• Washington coast
  The Washington coast has many dreamy beaches. In Olympic National Park there's Ruby Beach, with mighty ocean waves and tall, unique rock formations. Take a scenic drive along the Long Beach Peninsula, walk along the Long Beach Boardwalk, bike along the Discovery Trail, or simply explore the coastline with your feet in the sand. You can even drive a car or motorcycle on Long Beach!

• Oregon Coast
  If you're looking for more beach options, you can visit Oregon. With access to the Oregon Coast Trail, Samuel H. Boardman secret beach is a more private, tucked away location. One of the best ocean views on the coast can be found at Cape Kiwanda, north of Pacific City. Crook Point, Ecola State Park, and God's Thumb are also excellent options.

• California Coast
  A few of the most famous beaches along the California Coast are Big Sur in North California, Sunset Cliffs in South California, Laguna Beach, and Malibu Beach. There are countless options, but these are definitely some of my favorites. 

• Hawaii
  When it comes to tropical beach elopements, Hawaii totally has your back. Kauai and Oahu offer some of the best beaches for your special day, with palm trees and blue waters set against a backdrop of tropical mountain ranges. Hawaii is popular for surfing, snorkeling, diving, and turtle watching if you like water activities.

Waterfalls:

• Snoqualmie area, Washington
  Washington has many gorgeous waterfalls. A popular tourist spot, Snoqualmie Falls attracts over 1.5 million visitors a year. Also nearby is Franklin Falls, which does require a bit of effort — a two-mile round-trip hike with some 400 feet of elevation gain. A great choice for those in search of a picturesque hike.

• Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
  Numerous waterfalls can be found along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Among the most popular are Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Wahclella Falls.

• Gifford Pinchot Forest Falls & Panther Creek Falls
  Panther Creek Falls is a spectacular 130-foot waterfall on the Columbia Gorge Trail. This perennial waterfall is an excellent elopement spot. You can also follow Falls Creek through a 60-year-old forest for under two miles and find Gifford Pinchot Forest Falls.

Lakes: 

• Snoqualmie Pass
  Snoqualmie Pass has many great places for elopements and adventure couple sessions: Gold Creek Pond, Franklin Falls, and Rattlesnake Lake. Among the activities available are skiing and snowshoeing. For striking waterfall photos, hike up to Snoqualmie Falls!

• Picture Lake & Artist point in North Cascades, WA
  The North Cascades' Picture Lake reflects a gorgeous forest on perfectly still waters. Explore Artist Point if you enjoy seasonal hiking and want to elope with a view of Mt Shuksan and Mt Baker.

• Lake Tahoe
  In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this large lake is known for its beaches and ski resorts. In addition to enjoying the scenic beauty, you can also enjoy a variety of fun activities that change with the seasons.

• Lake Powell
  This man-made reservoir on the Colorado River stretches from Northern Arizona to Southern Utah through canyons and red rock formations. A boat ride through Antelope Canyon is a great way to share your first kiss and exchange vows.

With so many choices, it's easy to get lost! And you're only getting a glimpse of the best places to elope in the US with this list. If you need help finding the perfect elopement destination, I have more gorgeous spots to recommend. If you're looking for a wedding or elopement photographer, fill out the contact form and I'll be happy to help.

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Here is Everything You Need to Know About Elopements

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I’m Valerie, your adventure elopement photographer

My style is called “candid photography.” The idea is to preserve moments as they were, not as we wish they looked.

Before we speak, I ask you to fill out the contact form. It helps me better understand what you want to get from your elopement. Knowing precisely what you want, I can offer you the best locations, activities, and vendors. Don’t worry if you don’t have a concept for your event. Together we’ll find the best solution. What I really won’t do is force you to accept something that I suggested. This is your day, and I just help you to turn your thoughts, ideas, and dreams into reality.

Friendship is not something you can buy, but here you will get a real friend. Yes, I’ll be pretty much invisible during the elopement, but as with any intimate event, the elopement goes better when you are surrounded by people you trust. I’ll try to become that kind of person for your couple. I’ll help you to spend this day in a relaxed atmosphere. One of the most popular reasons why people choose to elope is the desire to spend the wedding day without haste and fuss. Your elopement will be adventurous but stress-free!  I'll be your rock, your shoulder to lean on.

Finally, when we discuss all the details, and you choose everything from location and date to clothes and champagne, I’ll get my camera. At that moment, my purpose will be to capture your real feelings and emotions. I’m not going to tell you what to do and how to pose. Our common goal is to save these brilliant moments of your love story, not to do posed photography.