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17 Best Places to Elope in the US [2024]
As someone who has traveled extensively throughout the United States, I can confidently say that there’s no shortage of breathtaking locations to choose from for your elopement. Which is why I cannot wait to share my top best places to elope in the US.
Whether you’re looking for stunning mountain vistas, tranquil beaches, or vibrant cityscapes, there’s a place out there that’s perfect for your special day.
I’ve fallen in LOVE with so many places all across the US, and I’ve narrowed down some of my favs! In this guide is a list of the top 17 places to elope in the US, each offering its own unique charm and beauty that will make your wedding unforgettable.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore some of the most picturesque locations in the country for your elopement!
How to choose your elopement location
When planning your elopement there are a few things to consider in regard to where to elope. Logistically the options are endless! However, realistically determining where to have your elopement will come down to a few key things. Here are some questions to ask when planning your elopement location.
What’s your vision?
Before choosing your location, set aside the time to dream out the perfect day for you and your partner. Brainstorm, write it out, and create a vision board (Pinterest is great for that!) Do you want an adventure elopement? A day full of activities outdoors? How about getting married in a new destination, maybe somewhere abroad? Or a relaxed day in a place familiar and personal to you with a few of your loved ones? Establish first how you want your day to feel more broadly, and then narrow down into the specifics.
What does it look like?
Once you’ve gotten past some of the broader questions, it’s time to narrow down to the specifics of where you want to elope. What does the area look like? What kind of landscape do you love the most? Are you in love with mountain landscapes? Or maybe the coast is your favorite place to be? Having a general idea of what scenery you love can even spark inspiration in your photographer, and they might have a list of options for you to consider locally (or abroad!) Location scouting, on Google earth, or in my home state of New Hampshire is a favorite past time. I have a long list of elopement location options for my clients and am SO happy to help offer input when picking the spot!
Will there be guests?
Have you considered who will be attending? If your vision is an extended hike in the mountains, but you were planning on having your great-grandma at your wedding; you might need to reconsider. Adding in family and friends to your elopement is a wonderful normality now, so you don’t have to do it in private if that’s what you want! But determining who will be at what portion of your elopement, and considering the level of accessibility is a necessary step in the planning process. A really rad elopement option is to have small private ceremony and then a reception later on! That way you get the best of both worlds!
How far do you want to travel?
It’s important to consider how far you want to go to elope. Destination weddings are absolutely incredible, however, some couples might not want to have to deal with the extra hassle that international or long-distant travel weddings can bring. Similarly, others might choose to elope in their bucket list location and extend it into their honeymoon so they have more time to explore the area. But you can also elope locally, without traveling more than an hour depending on where you live!
Best Places to Elope in the US
- White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont
- Adirondack National Forest, New York
- Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
- Redwoods, Northern California
- North Cascades National Park, Washington
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Mount Hood, Oregon
- Oregon Coast, Oregon
- Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- San Juan Mountains, Colorado
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
- Kauai, Hawaii
- Moab, Utah
- Sedona, Arizona
When it comes to finding the perfect location to elope, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the most important things to think about is the type of scenery and environment you want to be surrounded by on your special day. Here are some enticing details about the top 17 places to elope in the US:
White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire
This is my homebase, but I promise it’s epic. Located in the northeastern United States, the White Mountains National Forest is a nature lover’s paradise. With its stunning mountain vistas and lush forests, visitors can expect to be awestruck by the beauty of the natural landscape. The forest covers over 800,000 acres of land, and it is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and bald eagles. Hiking, camping, and skiing are just a few of the many activities that visitors can enjoy while exploring this breathtaking wilderness area.
Elopement resources for the White Mountains
Acadia National Park, Maine
The only National Park in New England. Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is a beautiful and unique destination that offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastlines and rocky outcroppings of the Northeastern United States. The perfect spot to plan a coastal or mountain elopement in New England! There are plenty of locations to choose from for your outdoor ceremony! Check out my guide on Where to Elope in Acadia!
Elopement resources for Acadia National Park
Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont
Green Mountain National Forest is a beautiful and serene location that offers breathtaking views of rolling hills and sparkling lakes. You can explore the forest’s many trails and enjoy the stunning vistas of the surrounding wilderness, or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque lakeshores. There are tons of unique locations to have your Vermont Elopement here!
Elopement resources for Vermont
Adirondack National Forest, New York
The Adirondacks are honestly very similar to the White Mountains. Located in Northeastern New York, this mountain range is absolutely incredible. There are incredible hikes, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. It’s the home to the popular Whiteface Mountain and Lake Placid. Trust me, an Adirondacks Elopement can be so romantic!
Elopement resources for Upstate New York
Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina offer some of the most breathtaking views of autumn foliage in the United States. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves are a sight to behold, and the sweeping vistas of the Southern Appalachians are nothing short of stunning. You can take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hike the many trails in the area, or simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an outdoor adventure, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are the perfect destination for your elopement!
Redwoods, Northern California
The Redwoods in Northern California are one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. These towering trees can grow to be over 350 feet tall and can live for over 2,000 years. Walking among the Redwoods is an experience like no other, with shafts of sunlight filtering through the trees and creating a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable location for your elopement, the Redwoods of Northern California are not to be missed.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park is a breathtaking elopement location that offers stunning views of the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The park is home to towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the region. There are plenty of hiking options from short walks to multi-day treks to alpine lakes!
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is another amazing elopement location in Washington State. It offers a wide range of natural scenery, from lush rainforests to rugged beaches and snow-capped mountains. Here you get to experience the beauty of the PNW in all its glory! You can go hiking, boating, camping, skiing, star-gazing – all the most amazing outdoor activities in one of the most beautiful states!
Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood is an iconic volcano (inactive of course) located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and snow-capped peaks that are sure to make your elopement unforgettable. In addition to the stunning views, Mount Hood also offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, making it the perfect destination for adventure-seeking couples.
Oregon Coast, Oregon
The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the PNW, with dramatic cliffs and crashing waves providing the perfect backdrop for your elopement. The rugged beauty of the Pacific Ocean is on full display here, and visitors can explore the many beaches and coastal towns that dot the coastline. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or an outdoor adventure, the Oregon Coast is the perfect destination for your elopement.
Elopement resources for Oregon
Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
The Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho offer a stunning location for your elopement, with their rugged terrain and picture perfect lakes. The Sawtooth Range is home to a variety of peaks and valleys, providing a dramatic backdrop for your special day. There’s plenty of fun things to do around the area; hiking, boating, cycling, even some hot springs you can take a dip in nearby!
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a breathtaking location that offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, with towering peaks and pristine lakes. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and mountain goats, and offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can explore the many trails in the area, take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or simply enjoy the stunning vistas of the surrounding wilderness. With its natural beauty and serene landscapes, Glacier National Park is the perfect elopement destination for anyone looking to experience the tranquil beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
San Juan Mountains, Colorado
The San Juan Mountains in Colorado are a stunning location for your elopement, with its rugged beauty and stunning mountain vistas. The towns are nestled in a box canyon surrounded by towering peaks, providing a dramatic backdrop for your special day. You’ll hav no shortage of outdoor activities to choose from , and you get to enjoy the charming Western town’s atmosphere! Look into towns like Telluride, Ouray and Silverton for the best adventures.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Where Mountains, Ice, and Ocean Meet, Kenai Fjords National Park offers breathtaking views of the untouched beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. The park is home to towering glaciers and unreal landscapes and an abundant wildlife, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the natural wonders of the North. Here’s you’ll find fjords (duh), islands, glaciers, waterfalls, and 669,984 acres of pure Alaskan wilderness.
Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is the perfect destination for couples looking for a tropical paradise for their elopement. Known as Hawaii’s Garden Island, Kauai is covered in lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning beaches. Visitors to the island can hike the many trails in the area, take a scenic drive along the coastline, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. Additionally, Kauai offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking, making it the perfect destination for adventure-seeking couples.
Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah is a beautiful destination that offers breathtaking views of the Utah desert, with wild rock formations and sweeping vistas. Here you will find surreal red rock valleys and formations that go on for miles. The desert landscape is so unique, your elopement photos will be out of this world.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a gorgeous and accessible location that offers stunning views of Arizona’s Red Rock Country. It has towering sandstone formations and vibrant sunset (and sunrises!) In addition to the many outdoor activities, Sedona offers many opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Just imagine having a hiking elopement in the desert and then enjoying a spa for your honeymoon!
No matter where you are thinking of eloping, we got you. The beauty of being a landscape first photographer is that I am inspired by all landscapes in the outdoors. It’s nice to have a clear perspective and someone who can travel well with you. Reach out for a free consultation and planning brainstorm to get started on your elopement journey!
