Best Places to Elope
The world is full of stunning places that would be perfect to have an adventure wedding or elopement at. As an elopement photographer, I love helping couples plan their elopement- and a good portion of that includes customized location scouting. So, I decided to compile a comprehensive list just for YOU, bursting with countless amazing elopement destinations! This list if full of general locations and ideas, for each of my couples I do an in-depth location list with detailed locations specific to their vision for their elopement day. Become one of my couples by contacting me and we can get started on planning your adventure.
*Disclosure- Not all photographs included in this blog were taken by Kathleen Elizabeth Photography. Other photographs are from Pixabay (credited underneath and linked) which is a website full of free photographs with public domains (aka no copyrights).*
Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Elopement Destination
Type of Scenery
What type of scenery are you looking for? Do you want red rocks, canyons, and desert? Or mountains, alpine lakes, and forests? Do you want beaches, waterfalls, or jungle? Deciding what you want your wedding day to look like is the first step in narrowing in on a location. If you're not sure what you want- keep reading to see lots of different options!
Time of Year
Make sure to check out the weather in your chosen elopement destination before deciding on a date (especially if you want snow, wildflowers, or fall colors). Also remember that snow can stay in higher elevations in the mountains well into the summer- often not melting until July!
Meaning
Is there a place that is significant to your relationship? A place that pulls you back time and time again- one you could explore countless times without ever growing tired of it? Or maybe there's a place that you've been dying to explore, and you can have a new adventure in! Whatever your reasons, picking a place that is meaningful to you is something to consider when deciding a location.
Seclusion
How intimate do you want your elopement to be? If you're eloping in a popular destination, consider visiting during "off-peak" times to avoid the tourists. I also love suggesting weekday elopements to couples! When everyone is at their 9-5, you and your partner can hit the trails, have an epic adventure, and get married! Another thing to consider is the time of day you plan on visiting. Arriving for sunrise oftentimes ensures the least amount of crowds (or staying until sunset and hiking down in the dark).
Activities Planned
What other activities do you want to do on your wedding day? Maybe you want to ride in a helicopter or small airplane, or kayak in an alpine lake, watch a really amazing sunset, explore a slot canyon, ski, off-road in a jeep, BASE jump, go rafting, or ride on an ATV! The options for your elopement day are endless, you can truly do whatever you want. Different locations are better for certain activities, so keep that in mind when choosing a location!
Top 8 Places to Elope in the World
If you want to get right to the good stuff, here are my top eight elopement destinations in the entire world. If you want a more comprehensive list, keep reading!
1. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest/North Cascades National Park
2. Alaska
3. Moab
4. Patagonia
5. Iceland
6. Mount Rainier National Park
7. Northern Arizona
8. South Africa
Best Places to Elope in the Western United States
Best Places to Elope in Washington
I absolutely love my home state, moving to Washington is truly one of the best things I've ever done in my life. There are SO many gorgeous spots to elope in, with lots of different types of scenery.
Best time to visit: May-October
When I'll be there: Washington is my home base. With the exception of October & November 2020, I'll be here all year!
1. North Cascades National Park
2. Mount Rainier National Park
3. Olympic National Park
4. Snoqualmie Pass
5. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
For more specific suggestions, check out this blog of 6 epic Washington elopement destinations!
Best Places to Elope in Hawaii
Hawaii is a nature lover's dream, an oasis, a paradise. With near perfect weather year-round, there is not really a "bad" time to visit the islands. With many islands to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one to visit!
Best time to visit: Year round
6. Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
One of the most jaw-dropping coasts in the world, the rugged green mountains and the beautifully blue waters create the perfect elopement destination. Pro-tip: While you're here, take an doors-off helicopter tour for an epic experience you'll never forget!
7. Waimea Canyon State Park
This canyon is unbelievably stunning, and is close to Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park- you could visit both destinations in one day!
8. Kōkeʻe State Park
9. Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve
10. ‘Iao Valley State Park
11. Hana
12. Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Best Places to Elope in Alaska
Truly the last frontier, Alaska is the perfect destinations for those looking for stunning scenery, ruggedness, wildlife, and solitude. Alaska is home to some of the most stunning places in the world (your only problem here will be deciding on where to go!)
Best time to visit: Mid-May to Mid-September
When I'll be there: July 2022!
13. Denali National Park
14. Glacier Bay National Park
15. Gates of the Arctic
16. Kenai Fjords National Park
17. Chugach State Park
18. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Reserve
Best Places to Elope in California
California is full of breathtaking places to elope in, and is full of many diverse places to adventure in. Home to nine national parks, California has more national parks to explore than any other state in the US.
Best time to visit: Dependent on the region, however spring and fall are typically the best times to go (Pro-tip: Yosemite is my favorite in October!)
19. Yosemite National Park Pro-tip: Construction will begin in Fall of 2021 and continue throughout 2022, rendering several popular spots (like Glacier Point) inaccessible. If you'd like to elope here soon, I suggest planning for sooner rather than later!
20. Redwood Forest
21. Big Sur
22. Joshua Tree National Park
23. Death Valley National Park
Best Places to Elope in Utah
Utah is an incredibly unique place to visit and explore. The iconic red rocks, mountains and desert brings millions of visitors per year. Remote and wild places are there to be found- if you know where to look. Utah is truly an oasis for desert lovers, full of canyons, red rocks, formations, and even mountains & lakes.
Best time to visit: April-May & September-November
When I'll be there: May & October 2022!
24. Moab
25. Zion National Park
26. Arches National Park
27. Canyonlands National Park
28. Bryce Canyon National Park
29. Kanab
30. Lake Powell
31. Goblin Valley State Park
32. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
33. Bonneville Salt Flats
Best Places to Elope in Colorado
Colorado is another place that is near and dear to my heart. Growing up, my family and I would visit Colorado every year. Being from Arizona, I quickly fell in love with Colorado summers. There are so many perfect spots here that would be perfect for a mountain elopement. (Also, check out the Great Sand Dunes National Park- it's absolutely stunning!)
Best time to visit: June-October
34. Rocky Mountain National Park
35. Gunnison National Forest
36. San Juan Mountains
37. Black Canyon
38. White River National Forest
39. Great Sand Dunes National Park
40. Maroon Bells
41. Loveland Pass
Best Places to Elope in Arizona
I have a special affection for my home state. Arizona is an amazingly beautiful place full of some truly unexpected gems, and in my opinion is hands down the most underrated elopement destination out there. The desert is a spectacular beauty of it's own- and there are so many unique spots! There is everything from slot canyons, red rocks, desert, and even the mountains and forest! For a more helpful information, check out my How to Elope in Arizona guide.
Best time to visit: September-April
When I'll be there: October, November & December 2022
42. Sedona
43. Grand Canyon
44. Lake Powell
45. Grand Canyon National Park
46. Page
47. Northern Arizona
48. Monument Valley
Best Places to Elope in Oregon
Oregon is an outdoor enthusiasts dream, there are so many places to explore! With incredibly diverse scenery, you can chase waterfalls, stroll along the beach, hike in the mountains, or even explore the desert!
Best time to visit: May- October
When I'll be there: March & June 2022!
49. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
50. Crater Lake National Park
51. Mount Hood National Forest
52. Smith Rock State Park
53. The Painted Hills
54. Bend & Sisters
55. Oregon Coast
56. Oregon Waterfalls
Oregon is the perfect place to go chasing waterfalls- there are so many to choose from! If you wanted, you could hop from one waterfall to the next on your elopement day.
Best Places to Elope in Wyoming
Wyoming is absolutely stunning! Full of unique features (like hot springs and geysers!) and the opportunity to see lots of wildlife, Wyoming was one of my favorite places I visited growing up.
57. Yellowstone
58. Grand Teton National Park
Best Places to Elope in Montana
Montana is the fourth biggest state in the US, yet only has about 1 million people who call it home. Montana is full of secluded, gorgeous views and some of the most stunning national parks- making it a perfect elopement destination. Glacier National Park is absolutely breathtaking, home to diverse scenery and over 700 miles of hiking trails- unlike any other place.
Best time to visit: July- September
59. Glacier National Park
60. Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
61. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Best Places to Elope in the World
If you're wanting to elope outside of the United States, there are countless destinations to choose from!
62. Banff
Banff is one of the most beautiful places in the world- full of stunning mountain ranges and picturesque glacier-blue, alpine lakes. Popular lakes include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Peyto Lake.
63. Patagonia
64. Iceland
65. The Alps
66. New Zealand
Pin It For Future Planning!
Hire Your Elopement Photographer
Hi! My name is Kathleen and I'm an adventure wedding and elopement photographer (and your new friend!). I'm here to help guide you to having the ultimate wedding day experience, and to document every single moment of it. I would love to help you plan your elopement and answer any questions you may have!
I love working with madly in-love, adventurous couples who want a wedding experience that is wildly unique and completely them. Your wedding day should be everything you've ever dreamed of... and more! Let's make it happen.
The West has always held a special place in my heart. I've always been drawn to adventure and wild places. Ever since I was young, I was always researching places to travel and was obsessed with compiling photographs of places I wanted to go. I spent most of my life living in the Southwest and moved to the Pacific Northwest about a year ago. There are so many remote, hidden gems in the western states. I'm truly proud to call the West my home and will never stop exploring every bit of the "last frontier".
I also offer local pricing if you choose to work around my travel schedule for your elopement or adventure session! While I reside in Washington year round, I also photograph elopements in Alaska, Arizona, and Utah. If you want to work with me in any of those places, let's do it!
Get in touch with me and let's start planning your dream adventure.
Want more resources?
Unsure on what to wear during your adventure elopement? Check out my guide of all the Best Elopement Wedding Dresses!
Why do People Elope? Check out these 6 Reasons to Have an Elopement.
Learn all about Permits for Your Washington Elopement.