Best Places To Elope
More couples are realizing what it means to elope and deciding to forgo traditional weddings and plan an elopement instead! The number one question we get from couples who are interested in eloping is, “Where do we elope?” Deciding where to elope involves thinking about what type of adventure you want to go on and what scenery you’re both loving. Since we feature hundreds of elopements around the world, we found it necessary to detail which spots are the best places to elope around the world.
All these places are gorgeous to plan your elopement, and we are sure you and your partner will have an amazing time at one of our top locations. From gorgeous cascading waterfalls in the mountains to black sand beaches and caves, we have got it all under our best places to elope list!
Pro tip: if you team up with an elopement vendor from our directory, they’ll give you some awesome suggestions to avoid the crowds!
In this blog:
We have done all of the research for you and found the best places to elope worldwide. If one of these locations seems like one of the best places to elope for you, then let us know which ones made your list. We also included some awesome information below each location, including links to our elopement packages and elopement guides. Follow the links included within each location to learn the exact details on how to elope in that location.
Another great thing to remember about planning an elopement is there are unlimited options when it comes to beautiful elopement destinations within each spot we mention. Our Wandering Weddings elopement vendors are pros at finding secluded spots off the beaten path for couples who want an intimate elopement ceremony. These locations are also perfect spots to plan your honeymoon or vow renewal. Wherever you are in your planning process, we got you covered with the best places to elope in the US and the world.
One last thing… remember to follow the rules and regulations set in place at your elopement destination. It’s our duty to leave no trace (LNT) when we visit public lands. Let’s all do our part and stay on the trail to respect the lands we are visiting.
Best Places to Elope in The US
For couples seeking an adventurous and unforgettable elopement experience, the United States has hundreds of stunning outdoor locations to pick from. Yosemite National Park, with its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees, provides a breathtaking backdrop for an intimate ceremony. The rugged landscapes of Moab, Utah, offer red rock formations, arches, and canyons that create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.
Big Sur on California’s rugged coastline is a dreamy option, with its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and enchanting forests. Alaska’s Denali National Park is a dream with its majestic mountains and wilderness, offering a secluded and wild setting. Whether exchanging vows beneath the northern lights or on top of some of the highest mountain peaks, adventurous couples can find plenty of awe-inspiring locations across the United States to make their elopement truly extraordinary.
Ready to dive into some of our favorites? Let’s do this!
Best Places to Elope in Alaska
Juneau
As the capital of Alaska, Juneau has a lot to offer couples looking to adventure together! From Mendenhall Glacier to Tongass National Forest. Couples can plan a skiing adventure, explore a frozen lake, or take epic portraits on an icefield filled with mountainous views and glaciers. This city is also great to plan a micro wedding with friends and family since there are plenty of accommodation options within the city!
Best Places to Elope in Arizona
Arizona is the state couples pick when they want a boho or desert elopement. From the great open fields of a desert to a deep canyon, there are so many different arches, cliffs, and corners to explore.
With over 30 state parks and 23 national parks, it’s hard to pick the best of the best in Arizona. Take a look at some of the picturesque locations you can plan your wedding day below, but check out our Arizona elopement packages if you want to see more places to elope and team up with an elopement vendor in the area.
Horseshoe Bend
Top inspiration for this location: Spiritual Horseshoe Bend Elopement in Arizona.
Sedona, Arizona
Top inspiration for this location: Emotional Sedona Red Rock Elopement.
Best Places to Elope in California
California is one of the most popular states to elope, and it’s easy to see why. From mountain views and redwoods to epic sunsets and sunrises. One of the best things about eloping in California is there is never really a bad time to elope! It’s beautiful year-round!
California is huge, so if you’re interested in planning a California elopement adventure, then check out our California elopement packages for more top places to elope and featured elopement vendors you can team up with.
Yosemite National Park
If you are interested in eloping at Yosemite National Park, our Yosemite Guide goes over everything you need to know when planning your elopement there. We go over the top locations to consider in Yosemite for your elopement day, and we also cover permit information you should be aware of.
Top inspiration for this location: Unique Yosemite Wedding Photo Ideas You Can Incorporate on Your Wedding Day
Redwood National Forest
Top Inspiration for this location: Enchanted Forest Elopement at Redwood National Forest.
Big Sur
Top inspiration for this location: Intimate, Joyful Elopement at Big Sur & Garrapata State Park
Best Places to Elope in Colorado
If you would ask us which state is most popular when it comes to elopements, then Colorado would be at the top of our list. This state was made for adventure seekers and mountain lovers. There are also some pretty epic alpine lakes to explore and forests. Looking to plan a micro wedding? Colorado also has some amazing small venues to explore.
Are you certain you want to elope somewhere in gorgeous Colorado? We wouldn’t blame you! After checking out some of our absolute favorite locations below, check out our Colorado elopement packages to see more places you can elope in Colorado and team up with an elopement vendor!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado is home to a lot of things: the Mile High City, Denver, craft breweries, and distilleries, and some of the best ski towns known to the US. But Colorado is most known for being home to Rocky Mountain National Park. The jagged Rockies sit in the central part of the state, sporting white-capped mountain peaks, alpine lake hikes, and scenic drives.
While you cannot have your ceremony there, photos on the famous Trail Ridge Road are the most popular, as the highest known road in the Continental United States. Up there you feel like you are the only person on earth. Visit their website for their designated elopement spots!
For detailed information about eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park, check out our Rocky Mountain Elopement Guide.
Top Inspiration for this location: Rocky Mountain National Park Intimate Wedding.
Trail Ridge Road
Breckenridge
Vail
Vail is another Colorado mountain town, famous for its winter and summer sports. It looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, with a beautiful downtown full of luxury restaurants and shops, hotels, and Airbnbs and the coolest Christmas market during the winter. There are also endless mountain elopements in this town. Take one of the ski lifts up to epic winter mountain views, or hike to a beautiful spot in the summer at sunrise.
Sand Dunes National Park
If you’re looking for something a little different in sunny Colorado, then maybe skip down to the desert for some epic, sand dunes action. This place will make you feel like you’re in the Sahara, with rolling hills of sand, clear skies that turn pinks and blues during sunset, and some of the best stargazing you’ll ever see. If you are looking for a unique adventure in Colorado, then the Sand Dunes are perfect for you.
Top inspiration for this location: Elopement at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Garden of the Gods
Are you set on eloping here? Check out our Garden of the Gods elopement guide for more inspiration and location tips.
Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells boasts being the most photographed place in Colorado. And for good reason! It’s a beautiful alpine lake sporting colorful mountain views. The summer is the most popular time to visit this elopement location, but Maroon Bells can be a gorgeous elopement backdrop, year-round! If you are interested in a summer elopement here, then we suggest a week-day or sunrise elopement.
Best Places to Elope in Florida
Florida is known as the gorgeous sunshine state, perfect for all types of beach elopements. From quiet St. Augustine to the busy Miami beaches, there are plenty of areas to explore during your Florida elopement.
While we are going to mention some of our favorites below, feel free to jump to our Florida elopement packages to learn more places to elope and see our featured vendors in the area.
Saint Pete
The beach is gorgeous, and with it being on the west side of the state, it is one of the few that boasts gorgeous ocean sunsets. The shoreline is stunning and clean, and not as crowded as surrounding west coast beaches. Say your “I dos” on the beach and then hit up a local brewery for dinner and drinks after!
Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest city in Florida. Full of old buildings, historical icons, beautiful beaches and so much more, people flock from all over to visit this historical, vintage city. It has the cutest downtown full of delicious bars and restaurants, perfect for a fun night out, and endless elopement locations.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
If you want to elope in Miami, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a secluded hotel beach spot, then consider Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This park is minutes from Miami and has an epic historic 1825 lighthouse. There’s a little bit of everything at this Florida elopement destination.
Key West
When you think of Florida, what do you picture? Palm trees, and white sand beaches? Beach bars with signature rum drinks, cabanas, and crystal clear water? Well if you’re looking for the ultimate Florida experience, Key West is the place for your elopement. The beaches are pristine, and the pride the locals have in their towns makes it so much more authentic. There is an assortment of themed bars and restaurants, gorgeous shorelines, hotels, and Airbnbs, state parks for a beautiful Florida elopement.
Lake Louisa State Park
Lake Louisa State Park is a great Florida elopement location if you’re looking for something a little unique to Florida. A large, quiet state park, full of rolling hills, a little shoreline, campsites, and beautiful sunsets, Lake Louisa State Park is a gorgeous spot for a quiet elopement. This is a large, pristine park, so visit their website to see if you need permission for a small elopement here.
Best Places to Elope in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the top elopement destinations in the world. Many of our couples want to elope there, but there are so many areas to pick from that many feel overwhelmed.
We briefly go over some areas below, but our Hawaii elopement packages break down the top places to elope per each island and feature talented elopement vendors to help you along the way!
Kaua’i
For detailed information about eloping in Kauai, check out our Kauai elopement guide.
Best Places to Elope in Montana
Montana is one of our favorite elopement destinations, mainly for all its awesome mountain ranges, forests, sparkling lakes, and alpine hiking trails. There are also so many hidden gems worth exploring in this area.
Check out our Montana elopement packages for a more in-depth overview of different locations you can visit and elopement vendors in the area.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is in the heart of the Big Sky State. Home to the “Going to the Sun Road” made famous for its appearance on “The Shining” and other films, the park is everything you think of when you picture Montana. Visit their website for information about eloping there. There are so many epic hiking trails, pull-offs, and secret hideaways for your epic, mountain elopement.
Are you looking for more details on how to elope in gorgeous Glacier park? Check out our Glacier National Park elopement guide!
Best Places to Elope in North Carolina
NC is the perfect elopement destination for intimate elopements and micro weddings. From mountains to dense forests, NC has plenty to explore together.
For more top places to elope in North Carolina and to see our featured vendors in the area, check out our NC elopement packages.
Linville Gorge Wilderness
Best Places to Elope in Washington State
Washington State has some of the most adventurous and romantic elopement destinations in the US. There are so many options when it comes to planning a Washington elopement. You can exchange your vows with an epic view from the top of a mountain, or you can rent an a-frame cabin and have an intimate micro wedding.
There are way too many top places to elope in Washington, so check out our Washington elopement packages to see more of our top places to elope and our featured elopement vendors in the area.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Top inspiration for this location: Full Day Elopement Adventure in North Cascades, WA
Mount Baker
Mount Baker is the epitome of Washington adventure elopement. If you are looking to go hardcore, and totally private, the Mount Baker area is a great hidden gem. Tons of off-roading, and strenuous trails that lead you to the most stunning views that make you feel so tiny, Mount Baker is for those who truly love to get their hands dirty. This is also a top location to include your dogs on your mountain elopement adventure.
Top inspiration for this location (This couple included their dog!): Mountain Wedding at Mount Baker.
Mount Rainier National Park
Standing at 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is an active volcano towering over its surrounding mountain range. Some will say that Mount Rainier is Washington State’s icon, and we can clearly see why. Many people choose a Mount Rainier elopement because it represents Washington so well. It’s not always out, because of the typical Washington fog: such a catch 22 for such a beautiful state. However when it is, it is breathtaking, and it’s hard to look at anything else. Mount Rainier National Park is the most visited national park in the state of Washington, and for good reason. It has so many adventure elopement options, you can’t go wrong.
Top inspiration for this location: Magical Wildflower Elopement at Mount Rainier National Park
Olympic National Park
Finding a place to elope in Olympic national park is either super difficult or super easy, depending on if you’re a “glass half full” or “glass half empty” kind of person. It’s super difficult because you have so many options it may be hard to decide, but super easy because there is not an ugly spot in this park. Our Washington elopement vendors are your go-to resource to help you keep an eye out for “GOAT capture”!
Top inspiration for this location: Rainy Adventure Elopement at Olympic National Park
Snoqualmie, Wa.
Only about an hour to an hour and a half drive from Seattle, the Snoqualmie pass region is to die for. Home to Gold Creek Pond, Franklin Falls, Rattlesnake Ledge, and many more amazing features, Snoqualmie is Seattle’s hidden gem. Surrounded by many quaint mountain towns for you to stay in, Snoqualmie is accessible and may give you more peace of mind planning your adventurous elopement or intimate wedding.
Best Places to Elope in Wyoming
Wyoming may not be the first state you think of when considering where to elope, but we can give you a few reasons why Wyoming is one of our favorites. Besides the fact that it’s remote and not as busy, there are plenty of forested areas, wildlife, and mountain ranges to appreciate.
Check out our Wyoming elopement packages for a more detailed list of our favorite spots to elope in Wyoming and the featured vendors in that area.
Grand Teton National Park
A lot of people flock to Wyoming to visit the most visited national park in the world: Yellowstone. But a little bit of a lesser-known park in Wyoming in Grand Teton National Park. The Tetons are this rigid, unique mountain range and the park is filled with hiking, lodging, and wildlife. It’s quiet, even in the busy season, and there are so many options for a beautiful mountain elopement with this unique mountain range in the background. Get off the beaten path a little with Wyoming’s best national park!
Best Places to Elope in the World
Are you thinking about planning a destination wedding adventure? So many couples decide to plan an destination elopement and use that as an opportunity to start their honeymoon as soon as their elopement adventure is over (we wouldn’t blame them). Around the globe, there are enchanting destinations that would be perfect for adventurous couples to exchange vows. The Amalfi Coast in Italy offers a romantic backdrop of picturesque cliffside villages, azure waters, and lush lemon groves. New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, with its fiords, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, provides a the perfect landscape for your ceremony. Iceland, known for its ethereal landscapes, invites couples to say “I do” amidst glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers, creating a truly magical atmosphere. In Morocco, the ancient city of Marrakech with its vibrant markets, intricate architecture, and exotic gardens offers a rich and exotic setting. The serene beaches of Bali, Indonesia, with their white sands and turquoise waters, provide a tranquil escape for couples seeking a tropical elopement. From the majestic Swiss Alps to the sun-kissed beaches of Santorini, the world offers SO many locations where couples can plan their elopement.
Let’s get into some of our favorites!
Austria
Tirol
Tirol is also known as the “capital of the alps” with some of the highest mountains and most popular ski resorts, including Kitzbühel. Whether you want to go skiing or hiking, explore peaks like Gross Glockner and take in the beauty all around you.
Check out our Austria elopement guide for more location inspiration and tips.
Canada
Banff National Park
Best Places to Elope in South America
Patagonia
Switzerland
Swiss Alps
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