- kathleenelizabethphotos
Where to Elope- 65+ Elopement Location Ideas
Updated: Jul 14, 2022
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
