A Complete Guide to Where to Hold Your Elopement in the U.S.
Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy
The world is full of incredible places to elope and when it comes to choosing where to say ‘I Do’, we can’t think of anywhere that offers more variety than the U.S. Whether you’re looking for mountain peaks, lush rainforests, oceanside cliffs, waterfalls, alpine lakes, or desert landscapes, this country truly has it all! Keep reading to find out all the best places to elope in the U.S. and start dreaming about what’s possible for your best day ever!
The Absolute Best Places to Elope in the U.S.
- 4 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Where to Elope in the U.S.
- Best Places to Elope in U.S.
- Now, That You Know All the Best Places to Elope in the U.S., Are You Ready to Decide Where to Elope?
4 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Where to Elope in the U.S.
1. Landscape
When it comes to deciding where to elope in the U.S., one of the most important things to consider is the type of landscape you want to get married in. What do you want your backdrop to look like? Do you prefer a warm or cold environment? What kinds of activities would you like to experience on your best day ever? The U.S. has some of the most diverse landscapes in the world and choosing where to elope just might be the hardest step (but don’t worry, that’s what we’re here to help with)! From snowcapped mountains and alpine lakes to the deep reds of the desert and everything in between, there are truly so many beautiful places to elope in the U.S.
2. Time of year
Once you’ve narrowed down your location, you’ll want to consider the best time of year to visit. Some locations (such as most mountain landscapes in Washington) are only accessible during the summer months. Considering the time of year is an important factor to consider as it will impact what activities you have access to on your best day ever!
3. Guests or no guests
Thinking about inviting guests to your elopement or, do you prefer to spend your elopement day with just you and your partner? Whatever you choose, the most beautiful places to get married in the U.S. are waiting for you! Some locations require permits and have restrictions on how many people you can invite, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if your elopement includes guests. Other locations are easily accessible and, of course, we know all the best places to elope in the U.S. that we can’t wait to share with you when we start planning together!
4. Vendor team
Hiring an elopement photographer and vendor team who is experienced in adventure elopements and weddings will go a long way in helping you have a more enjoyable elopement experience! Your elopement photographer will not only help you find the best places to elope in the U.S., but they’ll also work with you to plan your elopement timeline and all the other important moments of your best day ever! And guess what?! We know some elopement photographers who are really good at this (wink, wink! Click here to start planning your elopement with Between the Pine)!
Best Places to Elope in U.S.
Washington
Call us biased, but Washington takes first place when it comes to the best places to elope in the U.S. With snow capped peaks, old-growth forests, rocky coasts, alpine lakes, and the most incredible sunsets and wildflower fields galore, our state truly has it all! And the best part? You can visit several of these destinations all in one day depending on where you choose to elope. If you’re considering eloping in Washington, here are three of our favorite places to elope.
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park always leaves us in awe every time we adventure here with our couples, so it is no surprise that this is one of our top choices for the best places to elope in the U.S. With jagged peaks, snow capped mountains and alpine lakes that are only accessible by hiking, North Cascades is truly our all-time favorite national park (shh, don’t tell the others). From ADA-accessible locations to rock climbing routes and multi-day hiking trails, there is truly something for everyone! Plus, North Cascades National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, meaning you just might get an entire mountain to yourself for your elopement.
Best time of year to elope in North Cascades National Park: August – early October
Best locations in North Cascades National Park:
- Artist Point
- Washington Pass Overlook
- Park Butte Lookout
Want to elope in the North Cascades? Check out our planning guide and other North Cascade elopement resources below!
Olympic National Park
Across the Puget Sound from Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula is not just one of Washington’s top elopement locations, but also one of the best places to elope in the U.S. One of the things that makes Olympic National Park so unique is that it is the most geographically diverse national park in the country! The park features hot springs, rainforests, whitecap mountains and, of course, the rugged Washington coast.
Imagine it – you begin your elopement day with a sunrise first look on a mountain trail, wander through old-growth forests, and end your day on the coast watching the sunset! Sounds like the best day ever, don’t you agree?
Best time of year to elope in Olympic National Park: Year-round! Because this park has such a variety of landscapes, there is truly something to see during every season!
Best locations in Olympic National Park:
- Hurricane Ridge
- Hoh Rain Forest
- Ruby Beach
- Lake Crescent
Thinking about eloping in Olympic National Park? Read our elopement planning guide and check out some other Olympic National Park elopement resources below!
Mount Rainier National Park
Standing at 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is not just the tallest mountain in Washington, it’s also one of the best places to elope in the U.S.! Trust us, this national park is guaranteed to give you the perfect backdrop for your elopement day! At this Washington national park you’ll get to witness so much variety from giant Douglas firs (Mollie’s favorite type of pine trees!) to gorgeous waterfalls, colorful wildflower meadows, fire lookouts, alpine lakes, and, of course, Mount Rainier herself.
Best time of year to elope at Mount Rainier National Park: July-September
Best locations at Mount Rainier National Park:
- Golden Gate
- Grove of the Patriarchs
- Fremont Lookout Trail
Looking for more inspiration for your Mt Rainier elopement? Check out our resources below!
Thinking about eloping in Washington? Check out our Top 5 Washington State Elopement Locations for even more of our favorite places to elope plus, tips for how to start planning!
Kauai
Looking for a more tropical elopement destination? Well, we can’t recommend the island of Kauai enough! Not only does this Hawaiian island have some of the most diverse landscapes (we’re talking canyons, lush forest, sea cliffs, coastlines, and waterfalls), but there is also no shortage of adventures to enjoy on your elopement day! Kauai is one of the most beautiful places to get married in the United States and it is perfect for couples looking for a destination with good weather, year-round.
Best time of year to elope on Kauai: Year-round (truly, there is no bad time of year to elope in Kauai!)
Best locations on Kauai:
- Tunnels Beach
- Waimea Canyon
- The Rainforest
Thinking about eloping in Kauai? You are in for a treat! Check out our Kauai elopement resources and planning guides below!
Oregon
From the rugged coastline to pristine mountain peaks, gorgeous waterfalls, (and yes) the high desert, Oregon easily ranks as one of the best places to elope in the U.S.! Known for its diverse landscapes, Oregon is a dream elopement destination that not only provides iconic backdrops, but also allows you to easily experience multiple sceneries all in one day!
Best time of year to elope in Oregon: Year-round (but we especially love the spring, summer, and fall seasons!)
Best locations in Oregon:
- Southern Oregon Coast
- Smith Rock State Park
- Bend, OR
Want to elope in Oregon? Check out our planning guide and other Oregon elopement resources below!
Alaska
Very few places will take your breath away like Alaska! If you love diverse landscapes and are looking for adventure on your elopement day then this state should make the top of your list for best places to get married in the U.S. Alaska is filled with mountain ranges, stunning glaciers, lakes filled with icebergs and extraordinary wildlife, making it the ultimate U.S. elopement destination. If you want to take your adventure to the next level, consider taking a scenic helicopter ride over snow-capped mountains or plan a multi-day adventure with all your loved ones!
Best time of year to elope in Alaska: June – September
Best locations in Alaska:
- Hatcher Pass
- Kenai Peninsula
- Glacier (seriously, there as SO many to choose from!)
Need more inspiration before eloping in Alaska? Check out some incredible adventure elopements below!
Colorado
Home to the Rocky Mountains, filled with evergreen forests and rugged mountains, Colorado is truly the wild west (not to mention one of the most beautiful places to elope in the U.S.)! Here, you’ll find stunning blue alpine lakes, fields of wildflowers, grassy meadows, snow-covered peaks and so much more!. If you are looking to plan a hiking adventure and summit one of the state’s incredible mountain peaks, then Colorado may just be the perfect place to plan your best day ever!
San Juan Mountains
Located in the southwestern portion of the state, the San Juan Mountain range is known for its rugged and steep peaks, (13 of which are over 14,000 feet!). In this area, you’ll find stunning waterfalls, aquamarine colored lakes, jagged volcanic peaks and so much more. During the summer months you can also experience fields of wildflowers along hiking trails and bighorn sheep and mountain goats standing by to witness your best day ever.
Best time of year to elope in the San Juan Mountains: July – September
Best places in the San Juan Mountains:
- Yankee Boy Basin
- Ice Lake Basin
- Bridal Veil Falls Telluride
Great Sand Dunes National Park
For couples who can’t decide between sandy beaches and mountains, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers the best of both worlds. Located in southern Colorado, this national park is home to some of the tallest dunes in North America! You’ll also find alpine lakes, grasslands, mountains and forests, making this a diverse place to elope in the U.S.
Best time of year to elope in Great Sand Dunes National Park: Spring and fall
Best locations in Great Sand Dunes National Park:
- High Dune Trail
Garden of the Gods
If you are looking for a jaw-dropping backdrop that features giant red rock formations with snow-capped peaks on the horizon, then look no further because Garden of the Gods is the location for you. Topping the list of best places to get married in the U.S., this nature area draws visitors from all over the world to witness its unusual and steep rock formations.
Best time of year to elope in Garden of the Gods: Spring through fall
Best locations in Garden of the Gods:
- Jaycee Plaza
- Sentinel Plaza
- Three Graces Plaza
- High Point
Rocky Mountain National Park
With aspen trees, jagged mountain peaks, rushing rivers, and deep forests, Rocky Mountain National Park is a seriously jaw-dropping national park. (Fun fact, this was the very first national park Mollie ever visited!). The park offers a variety of wildlife, 100+ lakes, and, of course, endless mountain views and off-roading trails perfect for your best day ever!
Best time of year to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park: Summer and fall
Best locations in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Emerald Lake Trail
- Dream Lake Trail
- Bear Lake
Maroon Bells
Located in Aspen, Colorado is the Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America. The bell shaped peaks reach over 14,000 feet in elevation and overlook a pristine crystal lake below. This iconic mountain range is home to many different habitats ranging from stunning wildflower fields to whimsical aspen groves and even alpine tundras. Of course, there are many hiking trails for you to explore during your elopement day, as well as camping sites and an amphitheater that can be reserved for your elopement ceremony. While receptions can not be held at Maroon Bells, there is a picnic site located nearby that would make the perfect location for your celebratory meal!
Best time of year to elope in the Maroon Bells: April – November
Best locations in the Maroon Bells:
- Maroon Bells Amphitheater
- Maroon Lake
- Maroon Peak Trail
- Crater Lake
- Conundrum Hot Springs
Sapphire Point Overlook
Located between Keystone and Breckenridge, Colorado, Sapphire Point Overlook offers stunning views of the Dillon Reservoir and the Tenmile Range. The overlook can be reserved for two-hour time slots and is the only location in the Dillon Ranger District where wedding ceremonies can take place. While the trail to the overlook is heavily trafficked (meaning less privacy), it is well maintained and is a great option for elopements with guests.
Best time of year to elope at Sapphire Point Overlook: May – September
Thinking about eloping in Colorado? Check out our planning guide below for tips for how to plan your Colorado elopement!
California
No list of best places to elope in the U.S. would be complete without mentioning California! This state is known as one of the largest and most diverse states in the country. With granite mountain tops, dreamy desert landscapes, incredible coastlines, enchanting forests, and the desert, there truly is an elopement location for every couple. Also, did we mention that this state is home to 9 national parks and 280 state parks? Sign us up!
Redwood National Park
We are suckers for a good forest and Redwood National Park takes the cake for some of the best forest elopement landscape in the U.S. Home to the tallest trees in the world, this is the perfect place for a woodsy wedding. But, not only is Redwood National Park known for its sequoias, there are also prairies, woodlands, vast rivers, and 40 miles of coastline that make up this park’s landscape.
Best time of year to elope in Redwood National Park: Year-round (but if we had to pick we’d say spring, early summer, and fall!)
Best locations in Redwood National Park:
- Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park (Insider tip – head up Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor for sunset!)
Want to elope in the Redwoods? Check out our planning guide and other Redwood National Park elopements below!
Yosemite National Park
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls and stunning granite mountain peaks. Seriously, this national park is filled with so many iconic backdrops, making it one of the best places to elope in the United States. From the park’s valleys, meadows, giant sequoia trees, and other-worldly rock formations that overlook the valley this is a very diverse place to elope.
Best time of year to elope at Yosemite National Park: Spring and fall
Best locations at Yosemite National Park:
- Taft Point
- Glacier Point
- El Capitan Meadow
Big Sur
Known for its sea cliffs and misty coastline, this rugged stretch of the central California coast is where the Santa Lucia mountain meets the Pacific Ocean. If you are looking for one of the most beautiful places to elope in the U.S. that offers coastal views and year-round wildflowers (no, we aren’t joking), then Big Sur is the place for you.
Best time of year to elope in Big Sur: April-October (heads up: wildfire season is mid-summer, so choosing a date in spring or fall can reduce the chances of smoke from the wildfires)
Best locations in Big Sur:
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Andrew Molera State Park
- Garrapata State Park
Joshua Tree National Park
If waking up in a relaxed desert oasis with stunning mid-century modern architecture, exploring a unique desert landscape with otherworldly looking plants, and saying “I do” in front of a candy-colored sunset sounds like your dream wedding day, then a Joshua Tree National Park wedding might be just the thing for you! During the shoulder season, this national park experiences the most incredible weather (we’re talking perfect 70s and sunny!) and starlit nighttime skies making this one the most beautiful places to elope in the U.S.
Best time of year to elope in Joshua Tree National Park: Spring and fall (summertime can get very hot so it’s best to avoid eloping during this season)
Best locations in Joshua Tree National Park:
- Split Rock
- Cap Rock
- Hidden Valley
Thinking about eloping in Joshua Tree National Park? Check out our planning guide below!
Utah
When you think of Utah, one of the first things that probably comes to your mind is deserts, red rock canyons, arches and overlooks. With five national parks (each offering something unique from the others), we have no doubt you will find your own slice of heaven in this beautiful state.
Moab
Moab is one of the most beautiful places to elope in the U.S., not to mention it is also the gateway to not just one, but two national parks! Some of the most incredible red rock arches and sandstone formations can be found in this area, not to mention it’s also an adventure-lover’s paradise. With outdoors adventures such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, and jeeping, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from on your best day ever.
Best time of year to elope in Moab: Spring and fall
Best locations in Moab:
- Corona and Bowtie Arch
- Dead Horse Point State Park
Zion National Park
Located in southwest Utah, Zion National Park is known for its steep red canyon walls, rushing rivers, waterfalls and slot canyons. Zion was Utah’s first national park, but that’s not the only thing that makes this park unique. In addition to the desert landscape, this park also has abundant greenery and vegetation (especially during the spring months). Here you can experience the iconic colors of Utah sprinkled with lush greenery and blue waters making for a truly stunning elopement backdrop.
Best time of year to elope in Zion National Park: Spring, early summer and fall
Best locations in Zion National Park:
- Zion Canyon Overlook
- The Watchman Trail
- Emerald Pools Trail
Looking for more Zion elopement inspiration? Check out this dreamy slot canyon elopement!
Arches National Park
More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches make up the dramatic landscape of Arches National Park, so if a red sandstone backdrop is your ideal elopement, this is the location for you. Located right outside of Moab, Utah, this national park’s iconic scenery makes for incredibly unique wedding backdrop. According to the National Park Service, “This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.”
Best time of year to elope in Arches National Park: Fall and spring
Best locations in Arches National Park:
- Delicate Arch
- Double Arch Trail
- Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail
Now, That You Know All the Best Places to Elope in the U.S., Are You Ready to Decide Where to Elope?
Wherever you choose to elope, we’re here to help you plan your best day ever with the most stunning backdrop. Contact us if you have questions about where to elope in the U.S. We’d love to help you choose the perfect elopement destination that represents you.
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