There are so many incredible places to elope in the US that I feel like this list could go on and on forever! Over the years of being an adventurous elopement photographer, there are some places that never cease to amaze me no matter how many times I’ve been there. With the endless about of hiking trails, mountain passes, and pure beauty of all the locations that made this list of places to elope hold an endless amount of adventure for your elopement. This list isn’t in any particular order either! The first is just as great as the last. It all just depends on the type of scenery and adventure that you’re looking for!
As you make your way through this list be sure to consider what time of year you’re thinking of eloping as each location will look different from summer to winter. Certain locations have mountain road closures during winter while others will remain open. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you with all of that though!
I hope this list helps you to narrow down your options and give you an idea of where you want to elope! As an elopement photographer, I help my couples pick out the perfect spot for them to say their vows and help guide them through planning out their day. If you’re looking for someone to help you choose the perfect hiking trail or adventure activities, create an elopement timeline, and guide you through the whole process while telling the story of your day their documentation then I’d love to chat with you! Make your way through the list, reach out, and let’s chat about the details!!
Without further ado, here are the 10 Best Places to Elope in US!
1. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier is definitely one of the best places to elope in the US and for a good reason! This beautiful national park is loaded with epic mountain views, gorgeous lakes, and amazing wildflowers during the end of spring and summer. The peak wildflower season is definitely going to be in July and August!
The volcanic peak can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the park creating beautiful backdrops everywhere you go–as long as the clouds and fog are playing nice! Even during summer snow can be seen on mountain peaks which is pretty dang rad.
There are a vast amount of trails throughout the park which create great opportunities to find peaceful trails and enjoy gorgeous views during your ceremony all to yourself! Pretty much any time during the year to elope in Mount Rainier will be amazing. Of course, during spring and fall you have the highest chance of rain, but with that brings the classic PNW moody skies and vibes! If you love winter then choosing Mount Rainier for your winter elopement will be a great choice. The entrance near Ashford stays open during winter!
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is probably one of the most beautiful national parks in the US if not the most beautiful which is why it definitely made its way on this list of the best places to elope in the US. The incredible glacier mountains and ice-blue lakes are simply jaw-dropping. You truly can’t go wrong when choosing to elope here! This national park sits in the northern part of Montana and is about a 3-hour drive from Missoula International Airport or a 1-hour drive from Glacier Park International.
No matter if you want to hike, enjoy easily accessible locations, or go on a rad expedition like a helicopter tour this place has it all. It’s a place that will constantly be calling your name from the moment you see it!
July and August are by far the most popular months to visit as the weather is most ideal during this time and it’s when the Going-the-Sun-Road typically reopens after winter! In September and October, the weather starts to cool down and the weather becomes a bit more fickle and unpredictable, but the crowds die down creating ample opportunity for privacy. I’ve written a complete guide on How to Elope in Glacier National Park so be sure to check it out!
3. Oregon Coast, Oregon
Oh man – This place is a doozy! If you want a mixture of gorgeous beaches, rugged cliffs, and the forest then the Oregon coastline is the place for you. All along the coast, you have incredible views and locations galore. There’s loads of epic beaches like Cannon Beach and Haystack rock and only a short 10-minute drive from there you’ll be at Ecola State Park which is a lushes forest and cliffs overlooking the ocean.
You can head south and you’ll hit Cape Kiwanda which even has sand dunes! You can go north and you’ll be able to hit up craggy cliffs and natural arches. The moss-covered trees and the moody vibe that goes along with the coastline make for a fun adventurous day. The possibility of being able to hit up multiple locations along the coast is totally an asset to this gorgeous location!
4. Wasatch Mountains, Utah
The Wasatch range is just outside Salt Lake City making it a prime location and one of the best places to elope in the US! These mountains are filled with incredible hikes around every turn. There are so many hiking trails that you’re sure to have privacy during your day along with epic views. These mountains are filled with gorgeous lakes and wildflowers galore during the summer! If you want a winter elopement this is a fantastic area to choose since you’re so close to the main city and have easy access to trails and the slopes during winter.
There are really no downsides to eloping in the Wasatch Mountains. The only thing to consider is that this is definitely a location that would require you to hike on your elopement day so if that’s not something you’re looking to do then this probably won’t be the best choice for you. If you are looking to hike then bingo! It’s an amazing choice! Check out more options on places to elope in Utah!
Best Places to Elope in the US | US Elopement Locations
5. Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is a quaint mountain town that you’re sure to fall in love with the moment you set your eyes on this place. The town is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and aspen trees creating the ultimate mountain vibe for your elopement day. You have trails that are easily accessible and available throughout the entire year. Of course, when winter rolls around a lot of hiking trails are inaccessible so your options are way limited, but the few that are accessible will create an epic winter wonderland vibe! If you want to go skiing or snowboarding or want to include any kind of winter sport in your elopement then you’ll be golden here.
Telluride is a bit of a drive from Denver. It’s about a 6-hour drive from Denver as it’s up high in the mountains and in the southwest corner of the state. I assure you it’s worth the drive if this is the place of your choosing!
6. Sedona, Arizona
Calling all desert lovers! Sedona is truly an incredible place to elope in the US. There are a handful of well-known hikes like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Devil’s Bridge which bring a lot of hikers and tourists to see the sights but don’t let this deter you from choosing a more popular hike. A simple way to avoid the crowds is by eloping at sunrise or even during winter! However, there are many hikes all throughout Sedona so you’re totally not limited to the handful of well-known hikes. There are many trails all around that will give you the privacy that you’re looking for as well as the views!
As soon as you enter Sedona you’ll be surrounded by all the red rocks. I think you’ll probably have to pick your jaw up off the floor! The canyons, cliffs, and rock formations in Sedona are truly an incredible sight! It’s incredible to see making it the perfect desert lovers backdrop dream.
7. Yosemite National Park, California
Let’s be real – Yosemite will never get old! The iconic half dome is truly a sight to see and watching the light pour into the valley and onto half dome at sunrise and sunset is so breathtaking. The towering trees, mountains, and waterfalls create the perfect backdrop for your adventurous elopement day! If you’re eloping with your absolute closest family (under 10 people) you can get married anywhere in the park, but if you have 11 or more people there are certain locations that you’re allowed to hold your ceremony, but they hold no shortage of beauty!
There are so many epic spots to hold your ceremony or to adventure afterward for pictures! A few of the most iconic spots are Glacier Point, Taft Point, Yosemite Falls, and Cathedral Beach. The locations don’t just stop there! If you want optimal privacy definitely choosing to hike on your elopement day is the way to go, but even if you run into people the views are totally worth it!
8. Olympic National Park, Washington
Talk about the park that holds an abundance of views, locations, and types of scenery! The entire Olympic Peninsula is a place I think everyone should visit in their lifetime. From the insane mountain views of Hurricane Ridge to the moss-covered trees in Hoh Rainforest to the rugged cliffs and coastline of Cape Flattery and Ruby Beach, the options are endless. You could spend years here and never fully see every corner of this epic place! There wasn’t even a doubt in my mind to include this on my list of best places to elope in the US. I’ve written a complete guide on having an Olympic National Park Elopement so be sure to dive into it for all the goods about this national park!
If you’re looking for adventure and PNW moody vibes then this place is a perfect choice for you! I promise you that as soon as you see the pristine beauty of this place you’ll fall in love and never want to leave. If you want more options on Places to Elope in the PNW be sure to check out this article!
9. Kaui, Hawaii
Kaui is the most mountainous island of all the Hawaii islands. The views here are truly jaw-dropping! It’s the perfect place to hike the mountains, walk the beach, or even take a helicopter tour to enjoy the epic views! Different parts of the island tend to have different weather patterns, so here’s a quick rundown. The Northside ends to be more overcast and rainy and holds one of the most well-known beaches Hanalei Bay. The Eastside is a bit sunnier, but still overcast and holds some gorgeous rain forest areas. Then, the Southside is the sunniest and driest part of the island and is home to Waimea Canyon!
If you’re looking for a tropical adventure with beautiful beaches and mountains then Kaui is the place for you. There’s an endless about of adventures to take while you’re here and it will create lasting memories that you’ll never forget!
10. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Last, but not least, I give you Coeur d’Alene, Idaho! You might totally be thinking, ‘Idaho? Really?’. YES REALLY!! It’s 100% an underrated state and you know what that means? Less people, more privacy!! Coeur d’Alene is a gorgeous place to vacation and an even more gorgeous place to elope. You can go boating on the lake, enjoy the Tubbs Hills Nature Trails, or go explore Coeur d’Alene National Forest which is filled with hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and waterfalls!
The views are absolutely gorgeous and the activities that you can include in your elopement day are endless! It’s an amazing quaint town with gorgeous views. If you go once, you’ll be finding yourself back there before you know it! You can also check out all the Best Places Places to Elope in Idaho!
US Elopement Locations
Wow! Are you getting excited now?! All of these places are truly incredible and no matter where you choose to elope in the US I know it’s going to be epic. Elopements are such an incredible and intentional way of getting married. They’re about allowing you to get married EXACTLY how and where you want and enable the focus of your wedding day to remain on the two of you – the ones actually getting married!!
If you’re looking for an adventurous and meaningful elopement experience I’d be so excited to chat with you all about your vision! I’m here to guide you through every single step so that you won’t feel lost or unsure about how to go about everything. I’m here for you!
You can contact me >HERE< – Let’s do this!!
Want more tips on elopement planning?!
How to Elope in Washington State
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide
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