Best Places To Elope
BEST PLACES TO ELOPE
Eloping is undoubtedly no longer considered a trend. With more and more couples breaking the traditional rules of a wedding, elopements have become widely popular.
With the current pandemic still affecting our lives, we will see an even more significant shift towards elopements in the following years.
One question will be asked by everyone who plans an elopement: “What are the best places to elope?”
The answer to this question is not that simple. We will not focus too much on the budget at this point. All we want to show you are the best places to elope and give you a wide variety of options. You can even check out all of these fantastic elopement photographers that will surely do a tremendous job, no matter where you end up eloping.
Best Places to Elope in the U.S.
We will start with the best places to elope in the U.S., from Big Sur’s scenic coast to New York City streets. The U.S. has it all. No matter what your preference is. National Parks, deserts, mountain tops (check out these amazing mountain elopement packages for 2022/23), beaches, skyscrapers, lakes, waterfalls… we could go on and on.
The following options will be listed state by state, and we are sure you will find the best places to elope in the U.S. here.
Best Places to Elope in Alaska
Blackstone Bay
If you love epic landscapes and rocky shorelines, Blackstone Bay and the Blackstone Glacier are your best option. You can see massive chunks of glacier ice as this area is home to seven glaciers attached to the cliffs on each side.
After you elope with this stunning view as your backdrop, you can enjoy a calming kayaking trip through plenty of icebergs.
Chugach State Park
The Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States, with nearly 500,000 acres of land. The entire area has a lot to offer. From immense glaciers, icy lakes, a beautiful ocean shoreline to beautiful fields and forests.
Some of our favorite locations for elopements in Alaska can be found here. Make sure to check out Eklutna Lake, Eagle River, and Beluga Point.
Just make sure to apply for a special use permit if you really want to elope at Chugach. The current Director’s Order on permit fees can be found here – Wedding Permits for Chugach State Park.
Grace Adams – wwww.itstheadamsco.com
Hatcher Pass
Just a 90-minute drive out of Anchorage will bring you to Hatcher Pass, a breathtaking mountain pass through the Talkeetna Mountains in Alaska. We recommend getting there via the Hatcher Pass Road.
Drive to the top of the pass and use the fascinating walking tracks to find a good spot for your elopement.
The abundant wildlife is a joy to watch, and you might be lucky to spot some rare golden eagles up there.
Plan your Alaska Elopement around late summer for the best weather conditions. This time of the year will also fill the area with many different wildflowers and blueberries. This might give for some epic photo situations.
Talking about photos, make sure to check out our wedding photographers in Alaska.
Hope
The charming former gold-mining town of Hope is located on the northern end of the Kenai Peninsula. The shores of the Turnagain Arm will give you several amazing spots for your Elopement. The mountains literally meet the sea here.
We recommend planning your Elopement during the week as it can get busy during weekends. Keeping your Elopement as intimate as possible should be key.
AMANDA KOLSTEDT – WWW.AMANDATAKESPICTURES.COM
Portage
Destroyed by the 1964 Alaska earthquake, Portage can only be described as a ghost town. All that remains are ruins of former buildings and creepy ghost trees.
These trees, however, can be an incredible opportunity for elopement photos. As haunting as they look, as incredible they appear on photos.
Portage is not the most obvious option for your Elopement, but surely one that you should keep in mind!
Best Places to Elope in Arizona
Horseshoe Bend
The so-called “east rim” of the Grand Canyon can be accessed via a 1.5 miles hike from a parking area just off Route 89.
Horshoe Bend became a social media sensation around 2018 as several posts on Instagram caused a massive spike in visitors to the area.
The bend is famous for its gorgeous sunsets, so make sure to plan your Horshoe Bend Elopement around that time of the day.
You need a special use permit to tie the knot at Horseshoe Bend. Head over to the official website of the park for more information – Horseshoe Bend National Park Website.
Madelyn May – www.mmayphoto.com
Lake Mead
The first and largest national recreation area of the United States is an Oasis in the desert. Thanks to the Hoover Dam, 9 trillion gallons of water making this area the perfect place for fishing, swimming, boating, soaking up the sunshine, and even eloping.
Special use permits need to be obtained again if you plan to elope at Lake Mead – Visit Lake Mead National Park Service Website.
Saguaro National Park
This National Park consists of two separate areas – the Rincon Mountain District and the Tuscon Mountain District. Most people refer to the Saguaro National Park as being a desert park with many cacti. But there is so much more to it.
The Tuscon Mountain District is home to wildlife such as the coyote, the desert tortoise, and the Gambel´s quail and accommodates desert scrub and desert grassland whilst ranging from an elevation of 2,810 ft to 4,687 ft.
The Rincon Mountain District of the Saguaro National Park contains even more biotic communities such as the desert scrub, the oak woodland, the pine woodland, the desert grassland, the mixed conifer forest, and the pine forest. It ranges from 2,670 ft to 8,666ft, and due to its higher elevation, it has a more increased plant and wildlife diversity.
The Saguaro National Park requires you to get an approved special use permit. Its inspiring natural landscapes are perfectly suited for small, intimate weddings.
Katie Rojan – www.katiebergphoto.com
Sedona
Sedona is considered one of the most beautiful places in America. It is surrounded by almost two million acres of national forest land and provides its visitors numerous possibilities for recreational activities. From hiking through picture-perfect parks and forests to rafting and kayak adventures, this place has it all.
Sedona has a spectacular array of backdrops for your wedding. You can exchange vows in chapels, churches, and resorts framed by Sedona´s famous red rocks, or you can get married on top of a high mesa, in a hidden canyon, or next to a riverbank. There are endless options of spectacular wedding venues you can choose from.
Rebekah DeLa Fontaine Doak – www.fromthefountain.com
Superstition Mountains
This picturesque area is located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area and contains a range of mountains in Arizona. Weavers Needle is a famous landmark in the Superstition Mountains and is famous as a rock climbing destination. The mountain area is known for its high temperatures, desert-like climate, and many trails.
The Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club offers romantic outdoor wedding venues and reception options such as the ceremony lawn, the lower courtyard, the main dining room, and the private dining room.
Another option for an intimate romantic wedding is the Superstition Mountain Museum on the Historic Apache Trail. They offer the amphitheater for outdoor weddings and the Elvis Memorial Chapel with the Superstition Mountains as your backdrop.
Annie Corum – www.anniemaycorum.com
Best Places to Elope in California
Big Sur
Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous coastal section located along a 71-mile coastline on State Route 1. It is a well-known location that is perfect for any elopement. This location is famous for its many beaches, state parks, and cliffs along the coast. Though the climate is perfect all year round, we recommend planning your elopement during late summer and early autumn.
Heather Purdy Mobley – www.heatherkpurdy.com
Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon is a gem that is located in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This hidden paradise of ferns has been carved out by a creek and is home to seven different types of ferns attached to the cliffs. The Fern Canyon can be reached by trails through the forest. Before venturing out, check the trail and conditions on the park website.
If you want to elope at the Redwood National Park, you need a special use permit.
Angela Walsh – www.mindfulmediaphotography.com
Joshua Tree National Park
This location is famous for its “Yucca” trees and covers an area of 700,000 acres of land. The Joshua Tree National Park is filled with magnificent landscapes that are going to look breathtaking in your elopement photographers.
Though you do not need any reservations to enter the park, some areas are only available on a first-come-first-serve policy. Like many National Parks, you need a special park use permit.
You can make a reservation and secure your permit by visiting recreation.gov. Just fill out the online form, and once your permit has been approved, you will get the payment instructions. The Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most stunning outdoor wedding venues in all of the U.S.
Mojave Desert
Located in the south-west of the United States, the Mojave Desert is considered to be the driest desert in North America and covers an area of approximately 43,750 square miles. Its landscape is characterized by its typical mountain and basin topography with minimal vegetation.
There are several parks located in the Mojave Desert, such as the Death Valley National Park, the Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave National Preserve, and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Small weddings can be held at each of the parks, but all of them need a special permit, and the Joshua Tree National Park only allows small ceremonies, and there is no food allowed.
Michelle Chan – WWW.MICHELLECHANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Yosemite
In Southern California, the Yosemite National Park is famous for its marvelous landscapes. Beautiful rock formations and panoramic views make your elopement special and unforgettable. The sunrise at Glacier Point makes up for the perfect romantic photo.
When planning your elopement there, make sure to get a unique wedding or event permit and save a date in advance as it is a quite busy location. You can also check out our special list of elopement photographers for Yosemite as well.
Best Places to Elope in Colorado
Aspen
Aspen is well known for its winter recreation activities, but it also offers stunning wedding backdrops during winter and summer due to its breathtaking scenery in the mountains. Aspen Snowmass is a perfect destination for your elopement if you are looking for a place with natural beauty, rich local history, amazing restaurants, and luxurious lodging experiences.
They offer several venues, such as the Elk Camp, the Sundeck, the Cliffhouse, the Lynn Britt Cabin, the Snowmass Wedding Terrace, and many more.
Blue Lakes
Hidden away, in the gorgeous mountains, are the equally stunning Blue Lakes. Encompassing both lower and upper lakes, the Blue Lakes is one of the most beautiful blue waters in Colorado. Those hidden gems are surrounded by picturesque mountains and can be accessed by an eight-mile hike. The nearest town, Breckenridge, is the perfect spot for your wedding festivities after your ceremony at the Blue Lakes.
Boulder
Boulder is a town that is tucked into a beautiful valley below the Flatirons and has 300 plus days of sunshine – the perfect location for an intimate outdoor wedding. The town has preserved more than 45,000 acres of open space and has more than 150 miles of trails. If you are not only a nature lover but also a foodie, this is your place to be. Boulder has many award-winning restaurants that cater to special menus for your wedding.
With a special use permit, you can exchange your vows on a city-managed open space.
Breckenridge
This unique mountain town is located at 9,600 ft and gives you an unforgettable experience in the mountains. Breckenridge offers expansive mountain views and charming historic buildings. There are many lodging options for your guests and endless activities for the day after your weddings, such as hiking, fishing, mountain biking, or shopping.
The Victorian mining town offers an array of creative venues ranging from churches, scenic overlooks, mountain lodges to luxurious private homes for intimate weddings.
Alex Celani – www.roamingpine.com
Buena Vista
Buena Vista is the perfect outdoor location with its Rocky Mountains, Arkansas River, and the Colorado sunshine. Twelve “Fourteeners,” numerous other peaks, crags, and creeks inspire many people to get married at this beautiful location. The Buena Vista area covers 440,000 acres of public land, which creates endless options for your outdoor wedding. You can apply for a special use permit at the USDA Forest Service.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a former coal-mining town that is home to Mount Crested Butte, a popular destination for outdoor lovers. Now known as Colorado´s last great ski town, this location is also a great place to get married during summer. Exchange vows knee-deep in blooming wild-flowers and enjoy the beautiful mountain backdrop.
The Crested Butte Mountain Wedding Garden is a stunning wedding venue that is located in a quiet town park in Mt. Crested Butte. Or get married at the Ten Peaks amphitheater with beautiful views of the valley.
Flagstaff Mountain
Flagstaff Mountain is a foothill of the Rocky Mountains and is located in Boulder County, Colorado. Atop Flagstaff Mountain, you have a scenic view of Boulder, Denver, and other surrounding mountains. The area is home to wildlife such as mule deer, red foxes, coyotes, or mountain lions, and there are many great outdoor wedding venues in this area.
An intimate wedding venue is greystone castle and offers boutique weddings. If you prefer a more low-key elopement, you can choose the Sunrise Amphitheater, which gives you a magnificent view.
Sharee Davenport – WWW.SHAREEDAVENPORT.COM
Lake City
Lake City is a small town and the only town in Hinsdale County. This location is one of the most remote counties and is made up of four wilderness areas. The rich history of the town, two major scenic byways, the large Lake San Cristobal, and hundreds of miles of trails make this wedding location truly remarkable.
Deer Lakes, Windy Point Overlook, or Red Mountain Day Use Area are just a few of many great outdoor wedding venues that Hinsdale County has to offer. If you love peaks, deep blue skies, rocky canyons, and crystalline rivers, then what are you waiting for – get married at Lake City!
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are one of the most photographed locations in Colorado due to their scenic mountain peaks. Compared to other scenic locations, Maroon Bells is quite affordable. The Amphitheater is a popular wedding venue that gives you total privacy within a peaceful environment.
David Valdovinos – www.silkandthorn.com
Ouray
Ouray is known as the outdoor recreation capital of Colorado. It is located in the center of Southwest Colorado and is a national historic district with many beautifully preserved buildings and a mountain town culture.
The small town has everything to offer that you might need on your big day, from a local wedding planner to florists. Ouray covers all kinds of wedding venues, from lodges, resorts, and ranches to ponds and parks.
Rocky Mountains
Rocky National ParkThe Rocky Mountains, specifically, is one of the most popular parks in the United States. This landscape offers picture-perfect peaks, lakes, and trails. If you are interested in a simple, rustic, and intimate outdoor venue, this park might be the one for you.
You need a permit in order to host your wedding there. The application process is via email, and there are only designated site locations that you can book.
Michelle Chan – WWW.MICHELLECHANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
For more information about elopement packages in California, check out our latest post.
Best Places to Elope in Florida
Panama City Beach
The white sand of Panama City Beach is one of the world´s most beautiful beaches. The sand in this area is actually quartz crystals, which have been broken down over time. You can get married on the beach, but you need a special event permit that depends on the details and size of your wedding. Be aware that the turtle nesting season from May 1st to October 31st leads to additional requirements or restrictions.
Hayley Davis – www.hayphotographypcb.com
Check out our ultimate guide for a magical elopement in Florida for more information.
Best Places to Elope in Georgia
Atlanta Botanical Garden
If you are looking for a combination of urban and nature vibes, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is the perfect venue for you. At this intown wedding venue, you’ll find a wide variety of lush indoor and outdoor ceremony sites to choose from. The gardens offer many different areas for photos as well, such as the Trustees Garden, Aston Overlook, and the Rose Garden.
ELICIA BRYAN – WWW.ELICIABRYANWEDDINGS.COM
Best Places to Elope in Hawaii
Kauai
One of the oldest islands of Hawaii is Kauai. This tropical island is home to the rarest plants and birds, and enchants with warm saltwater and golden sands. “The Garden Island” has many emerald valleys, rough mountains, and cliffs shaped by time and the elements. Tropical rainforests, forking rivers, and magnificent waterfalls have shaped the landscape of the island.
Three of the most popular outdoor wedding venues in Kauai are Keoneloa Bay (shipwreck beach), Hanalei Bay on the North Shore, and the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Lawai. Seaside beach locations usually require a proper permit, but a licensed officiant can acquire it for you if you plan to elope in Kauai.
Ross Dance – www.rossdancephotography.com
Oahu
Oahu is the third-largest island in Hawaii. The most famous beaches, perfect weather conditions, and a tropical atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for your dream elopement in Oahu. This place is not only perfect for your tropical wedding but is also a honeymoon destination.
As this location might be the best one in the world for an outdoor location, it is not surprising that there are various venues on offer for you. Ranging from botanical gardens, locations by the sea to off-the-beaten-path areas, Oahu has it all.
Laura Kathryn – WWW.FYRELITEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
For more inspiration, make sure to check out these beautiful Hawaii wedding venues.
Best Places to Elope in Idaho
Stanley
Stanley is surrounded by three scenic routes: the Ponderosa Pine, Salmon River, and Sawtooth scenic byways. The view of Sawtooth Basin captures everyone’s heart who drives to Stanley. This location features mountain passes, alpine landscapes, and roads through forested terrain.
The small town offers beautiful mountainscapes and sceneries for your dreamy outdoor elopement, as well as indoor venues such as the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, the Redfish Lake Lodge, the Sawtooth Valley Meditation Chapel, and many more. Stanley is quite busy during summer, so make sure to book your accommodations and wedding venue in advance.
Best Places to Elope in Illinois
Chicago
Chicago is an amazing city for elopements with a stunning array of different venues for all styles and budgets. The city offers unique and unexpected venues such as several museums, a roof garden at the LGBTQ support Center on Halsted, the Greenhouse Loft, delicious and diverse restaurants such as City Winery or Carnivale Chicago, and countless hotels and bed and breakfast options.
Lynda Remus – www.lyndaremusphotographer.com
Galena
Galena is a city that is located in the Northwest of Illinois. Imagine the sky turning orange and the sun setting behind the Mississippi River whilst exchanging vows in front of expansive views of the hilly landscape. Church steeples are peeking through trees, and stunning rivers and lakes emerge in the distance. The city has so much to offer, from a picturesque background to its 19th-century charm. If you like that atmosphere, then Galena might just be the place for your elopement.
In terms of wedding venues, Galena offers it all, no matter your budget or style. From farms, resorts, hotels, and spas to churches, there is a wedding venue for everyone. We recommend taking a look at the Galena website, as it offers you a list of everything you need for your Galena elopement.
Lake Michigan
A Lake Michigan beach elopement creates truly magical and unforgettable moments that will last forever. Surrounded by impressive dunes, the west Michigan coast gives you an enchanting setting for your intimate wedding dreams.
Lake Michigan has extraordinary wedding venues such as wedding cruises or beach weddings. A wedding cruise gives you total privacy, and it will be a memory that you and your guests will talk about for years to come.
If you prefer to be onshore, here are the top five venues of Chicago´s beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront: The Navy Pier, the Shore Club, the Lakefront restaurant, the Castaways boathouse, and the City Winery.
In case those venues have not quite ticked your boxes yet, you can also get married on the beach with a special event permit.
Best Places to Elope in Louisiana
New Orleans
New Orleans is known to be one of the best wedding destinations in the world. This city offers you romantic and unique elopement venues for your special day. The beautiful architecture, centuries-old oak trees, horse-drawn carriages, and European atmosphere create romantic feelings no matter where in the city you are.
New Orleans is home to an impressive amount of elopement venues, such as lush courtyards, elegant hotels, and sumptuous park settings. Plus, there are many fabulous brass bands and jazz bands that help you create cherished moments.
Tia Nash Bilinsky – www.tianash.com
Best Places to Elope in Montana
Bozeman
Bozeman is a city in Montana that is known as “the most liveable place” for many reasons. You can enjoy dramatic mountains, impressive wildlife, and Bozeman´s thriving arts and culture communities.
Located in the Gallatin Valley, the city offers breathtaking scenic views and fits almost every elopement style. Whether you prefer mountains, the elegance from a reflecting pond or a rustic barn location as your wedding venue, the natural beauty of Bozeman enchants everyone with its charm.
Molly Stevens – www.forthewestandwild.com
Glacier National Park
The Glacier National Park enchants with its pristine forests, alpine meadows, rough mountains, and breathtaking lakes. It is your destination for an adventurous elopement surrounded by wilderness and solitude. Explore the park and its historic chalets, lodges, and outdoor wedding venues. Keep in mind that the glacier´s weather is extreme and highly variable. We advise you to check out indoor locations such as a chalet, where you and your guests can come back to, in case it rains.
If you want to get married in Glacier National Park, you need to apply for a special use permit on the official website of the National Park. You can also find a list of locations there, where elopements are allowed, and respective restrictions for each location to make sure your wedding runs smoothly.
Kylie Farmer – WWW.KYLIEFARMER.COM
Best Places to Elope in Nevada
Lake Mead
Imagine being married at a magical location with striking landscapes, blue waters, 1.5 million acres of mountains, valleys, two vast lakes, and many canyons. Leak Mead and the area around it are truly special and diverse. This is the perfect location if you are looking for wilderness and solitude.
Small weddings are allowed, but you need to send an application via email. The application and management fee is around $305, which allows you to have a magical wedding day at Lake Mead.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a clear, cobalt blue lake that is located in the snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range. No matter the style or budget, Lake Tahoe offers endless intimate wedding venues. You can exchange vows at a charming chapel, at the edge of a dock, or walk down the aisle underneath the shady pine trees at the base of a mountain.
You and your guests have the option to stay in resorts, inns, hotels, and rentals that overlook the crystal clear lake. Enjoy your special moment in a beautiful mountain setting.
Shelly Anderson – WWW.SHELLYANDERSONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city that has no limits. Everything you can imagine for your elopement – Las Vegas has it. You can get married in a helicopter, in one of the many chapels, or have Elvis officiate your ceremony. Get creative and plan as your heart desires.
Though Las Vegas is located in a desert, most of the year, the climate is mild and inviting. If you love Las Vegas as a city but prefer the outdoors, you might enjoy the unique natural features that are close to the city, such as the Valley of Fire or the mountain vistas at Mount Charleston.
Carrie Pollard – www.carriepollardphotography.com
Valley of Fire State Park
Well known for its 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops and petrified trees, the Valley of Fire State Park is a truly special wedding location. There are some locations, like the seven sisters wedding area or the visitor center wedding area, that is perfect for small intimate weddings and even offer nearby parking.
Malachi Lewis – WWW.SHELLCREEKPHOTO.COM
Best Places to Elope in New York
Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains are home to many peaks, lakes, verdant valleys, waterfalls, and steep cliffs and cover over more than six million acres. This special area is made up of twelve distinct regional destinations that offer diverse geographical features and endless wedding locations such as lakesides, mountaintops, rustic barns, or beachside venues.
Plan your destination wedding in the Adirondack Mountains, and you will be guaranteed that the peaks, crystal clear water, and charming hospitality will leave you memories for many years to come.
Catskill Mountains
The Catskill Mountains are located within the 700,000 acres of the Catskill Park and lie in the Southeast of New York. This location features breathtaking waterfalls, 98 peaks, and scenic vistas. It is a region that is famous for its hiking trails, lakes, and rivers.
Most people love the Catskill Mountains for their more rustic wedding settings. The top wedding venues are barns, romantic farmhouses, and mountain houses that offer expansive lawns, wild grass, and ancient trees.
Bethel Ann Clark – www.bethelannphotography.com
Ellicottville
Ellicottville is one of the best small towns for an adventure like hiking, skiing, or simply exploring nature. No matter the season, Allegany Mountain and Cattaraugus County offer amazing views and stunning backdrops for your elopement.
A popular wedding venue is the Holiday Valley. This location is perfect for you if you love the countryside and are looking for incredible scenery and enchanting grounds hidden behind the treeline. This resort features indoor and outdoor locations and a romantic hilltop ceremony.
Old Forge
Old Forge is a hamlet on New York State Route 28 and the largest hamlet in the historic Town of Webb. This location is the perfect “base camp” to explore the Adirondack region. It offers everything from serenity to adventure and gives you the perfect backdrops in the form of lakes, forests, and mountains.
Popular wedding venues are the View Arts Center which offers a more elegant setting, and the Great Pines, which is a lakeside accommodation.
Taughnock Falls
The Taughnock Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and is located in the Taughnock Falls State Park in New York. The park offers three pavilions that can accommodate 25 to 100 people. Make sure to book this location 11 months in advance. Various trails offer spectacular views from above and below the falls.
Tracy Koflanovich – www.tracyjadephotography.com
Check out our latest post to get more information about New York elopement packages.
Best Places to Elope in North Carolina
Asheville
Asheville offers a beautiful climate all year round. The mountains, the colorful blooms, and the stunning views are perfect for an intimate wedding. This city has a creative vibe, is LGBTQ-friendly, and offers a playground in nature for you and your guests. It is a central location that can be easily reached by plane through the Asheville Regional Airport.
Whether you love a picturesque mountainside ceremony or a traditional wedding dinner in a lush garden, Asheville has all the options to make your dreams come true. You can elope at a hotel, bed and breakfast, barn, cabin, or farm. There are so many outdoor and indoor wedding venues in Asheville that suit many styles and budgets.
Daisy Anderson – WWW.WANDERFULVOWS.COM
Black Balsam Knob
The Black Balsam Knob is a tree-less bald that is located in the Pisgah National Forest near Ashville. This location sits above 6214 ft. in elevation and can be reached by a short easy hike. You can park at the end of the Black Balsam Knob road and take the Art Loeb Trail 0.5 miles to the Black Balsam Knob Summit.
If you plan to have around 10 guests at your adventurous wedding, this location is perfect for you. We recommend bringing coats and umbrellas since the weather in the mountains can change very fast. There is no permit required for your wedding at the Black Balsam Knob.
Heather Pawnee – www.hpphotography.co
Blue Ridge Mountains
The stunning Blue Ridge Mountains cover most parts of Western North Carolina. This location is well known for being one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the United States and offers many trails and spectacular waterfalls. From scenic drives to sliding rocks and swimming holes, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer lots of adventure for you and your wedding guests.
If you want to get married at the Blue Ridge Parkway, you have to get a wedding permit that allows elopements of up to 25 people in total. Other locations in this area can have different restrictions.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This National Park is impressive, as it has the highest number and variety of plants, animals, and other organisms of all the National Parks. The Great Smoky Mountain National park covers over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and has a temperate climate. The beauty of its mountains, forests, and waterfalls makes it a popular destination for elopements.
If you want to get married in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you have to follow specific guidelines and get a special use permit. The national park service offers a map of all the approved locations, making it easy to find your perfect place to elope.
For more inspiration, make sure to check out these amazing North Carolina wedding venues.
Best Places to Elope in Oregon
Bend
Bend is a memorable destination for your elopement as it captivates you with its historic charm and calming flow of the Deschutes River. The city offers stunning mountain views and a romantic country setting.
Elopement venues range from vintage churches, vineyards, barns, ranches to public parks and luxury resorts. Bend´s pristine beauty and the outdoor activities it offers will win your heart over.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
This location is special – it is the first and only Scenic Area in the United States. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities such as hiking, golf, downhill, or cross-country skiing. But just taking a drive through the Scenic Area might be just as impressive. A highlight is the Columbia River, the second largest river in North America, as well as many waterfalls.
You have to get a permit if more than 75 people in total are attending or if you are setting up tents, chairs, or any other infrastructure. There are also certain restrictions such as a limited amount of cars or no food allowed that apply to this area. Try to avoid peak visiting times, which are around 11 am to 4 pm during April through September.
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls is a waterfall that is located in Guy W. Talbot State Park. This location is often uncrowded even on the most visited days and therefore a perfect spot for an intimate elopement. The Latourell Falls Loop hike is a moderately difficult 2-mile hike, which leads over four small wooden bridges and over rocky paths towards the stunning waterfall.
If you want to get married at Latourell Falls, make sure to call the park in advance to check if your wedding might need a special use permit. Usually, a permit is required for non-traditional activities.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is located between the Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean and is famous for its tall Sitka Spruce trees, crashing waves, and the Haystack rock, one of the tallest monoliths in the world. The special atmosphere of the ocean and the towering rocks makes your intimate elopement a day you and your guests will never forget.
This location requires a permit for an elopement. Just contact the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and get your permit right away. If Cannon Beach captures your heart, then check out the wedding guide that the city offers.
Marla Manes – www.marlamanesphotography.com
Smith Rock State Park
This majestic park in Oregon covers over 650 acres at an elevation of 3000 feet. The famous towering rocks are made out of compressed volcanic ash and are 30 million years old. There are so many outdoor activities such as slacklining, running, hiking, climbing, or mountain biking that you can do at the Smith Rock State Park.
The Smith Rock State Park allows weddings at the amphitheater area but does not issue special use permits for other areas anymore due to site degradation in the past. You can reserve the North Point Amphitheater through the office for up to nine months prior to your wedding date. Makes sure to book a date that is not that busy because there is a limited amount of parking spaces that are all first-come-first-serve. This place is perfect for an intimate elopement of up to 50 people.
Tillamook State Forest
The Tillamook State Forest is nestled in the Coast Range and is located in the Northwest of Oregon. The forest has experienced a series of large fires that began in 1933 but has since been re-established by professional tree planters and foresters. Today, the forest provides a balanced, healthy, and sustainable ecosystem for many plants and animals. The stunning view of the woods and the mountains gives you the perfect backdrop for your intimate elopement.
You can contact the local district office of the Tillamook State Forest in order to get a special use permit.
Emily Skye – www.emilyskyephotography.com
For more inspiration, make sure to check out these incredible wedding venues in Oregon.
Best Places to Elope in Pennsylvania
Delaware Water Gap
Nestled between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap cuts through a large ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. This location is home to forested mountains, trout streams, and waterfalls. The water gap is located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is a 70,000-acre park that is famous for its trails, ridges, and mountaintops.
You can get a special use permit for this enchanting location by sending an application or calling the park`s special use coordinator.
Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains, also known as the Poconos, are an upland of the Allegheny Plateau. This popular recreation area covers 2,400-square miles and overlooks the Delaware Water Gap and the Delaware River. Wooded hills and valleys provide a perfect backdrop for an intimate elopement.
A wedding in the Pocono Mountains offers so much more than scenic landscapes. No matter the style or budget of your elopement, you will find your perfect wedding venue at the Poconos. Farms, parks, mountain resorts, and lodges offer stunning outdoor and indoor options for your special day.
Bethel Ann Clark – www.bethelannphotography.com
Best Places to Elope in Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
We already mentioned this stunning location above, but we think it´s worth acknowledging it again. The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range that is located along the Tennessee – North Carolina border.
This National Park is impressive, as it has the highest number and variety of plants, animals, and other organisms of all the National Parks. The Great Smoky Mountain National park covers over 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and has a temperate climate. The beauty of its mountains, forests, and waterfalls makes it a popular destination for elopements.
If you want to get married in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you have to follow specific guidelines and get a special use permit. The national park service offers a map of all the approved locations, which makes it easy to find your perfect place to elope.
Chaise Helaine Tinsley – www.thetinsleyco.com
Roan Mountains
Roan Mountains is part of the Unaka Range of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and located in the Roan Mountain State Park. This stunning location is known for its spruce-fir forest, its longest area of grassy bald, and its large natural rhododendron garden.
The Roan Mountain State Park offers wedding venues and accommodations for an intimate wedding. You can book the conference center, the chestnut ridge overlook, the amphitheater, and pavilions. The park features thirty two-bedroom, one-bath cabins as well as RV and tent camping options for you and your guests. Make sure to book this location in early summer, and you will be guaranteed to see the blooming rhododendron shrubs.
Signal Mountain
Signal Mountain is known for its panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole, standing 7,720 feet above sea level. You can access the summit by car or foot, which is a perfect option to have for an intimate wedding. Simply drive up the Signal Mountain Summit Road to the top. If you feel a bit more adventurous, you can take the Signal Mountain Trail and hike through the forested mountainside.
You have to apply for a special use permit unless you want to get married at the Chapel of the Transfiguration, the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, or a concession facility. Make sure the park received your permit application no less than two weeks prior to your ceremony.
Rachel Crowe – www.okcrowe.com
Best Places to Elope in Texas
Big Bend National Park
The Big Bend is a magical place in Western Texas where rivers carve deep canyons into ancient limestone and where many bird species find their nesting grounds in the solitary mountain range. It is a weather-beaten desert that is home to many cacti and a nourishing ground for a diversity of species. You can either explore the National Park on foot and go for a hike or take the car and explore one of many scenic drives.
If you want to elope at this special location, make sure to get a special use permit. Be aware that your request usually needs two weeks of processing and that fees might apply.
Horseshoe Trails
The Horseshoe Trails are located at Grapevine Lake and are the perfect location for you if you are looking for a more adventurous elopement venue. You will get stunning views of Grapevine Lake during your hike and can enjoy the nature of Grapevine Park.
If you want to get married at Grapevine Park, you need a special event permit. The park offers some lovely wedding venues such as the City Park Pavilion or the Lake Park Pavilion.
Houston
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and a cosmopolitan destination for a wedding everyone will remember years to come. The city is filled with world-class dining, nightlife, arts, and historic districts that will bring color and life to any occasion.
Houston offers a vast amount of different intimate wedding venues ranging from beaches, barns, chapels to luxury hotels. The months from June to September are usually less popular for a wedding, and more vendors might be available, but make sure you love hot weather and occasional rain.
Aisha Khan – www.amabyaisha.com
Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon is a spectacular canyon with a scenic landscape near Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. You can access this area easily by car or a motorhome, and it offers miles of hiking and biking trails, historical sites and is suitable for camping. The canyon has been formed by millions of years of water erosion by the river and the Texas wind.
The Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers group sites such as the pavilion or the group hall.
San Antonio
You want to be adventurous and love cities?! Then San Antonio is your city for a magical ceremony. This place is rich in history and culture and offers you spectacular parks, festive seasonal events, green spaces, local restaurants, and shopping.
You can get married at many places in San Antonio; the list is endless. The city offers you Ranches, Mansions, Country Resorts, Hotels, and Spas, or lovely garden settings. Most venues offer an indoor and outdoor option. If you love the enchanting atmosphere of San Antonio, just settle for a vibe and chose your perfect wedding location.
Paige Everson – www.paigeeverson.com
Check out our wedding photographers in Texas, if you are currently planning a wedding. And for more wedding venue inspiration, check out these gorgeous wedding venues in Texas.
Best Places to Elope in Utah
Arches National Park
Another fantastic venue for your elopement in Utah is the Arches National Park. This spectacular park offers many elopement packages and destinations for you. Ranging from the Delicate Arch, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, Landscape Arch, The Windows Section, Pine Tree Arch, to Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater, Panorama Point, Park Avenue, and the Sand Dune Arch. If you want to get married at the Arches National Park, you need to apply for a permit. Spring is the absolute best time of the year to get married at the Arches National Park.
Big Cottonwood Canyon
You love the outdoors, more specifically the mountains? No worries, we got you. The Big Cottonwood Canyon is a fantastic location for your elopement in Utah. This special place is famous for many spectacular elopement ceremonies on the rocky mountainside. The landscape and the panorama are spectacular, and the location is perfectly suited for an intimate and unforgettable event. You can choose between many activities in the mountains, such as hiking with your significant other as you celebrate your marriage.
Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats are a fantastic location for your elopement in Utah. Vast areas of glittery salt make your ceremony and marriage celebration extra sparkly. The venue is located in North West Utah, and close to it is Wendover, Nevada, which can be reached about 5 minutes by car.
There are three important aspects you should keep in mind about this elopement location. Firstly, you need to apply for a special use permit since the federal government manages this area. Secondly, you should make sure to bring shoes that you can clean off the salt easily. And lastly, the best time for your intimate ceremony is between April and May, when it is warm and flooded.
Moab
Moab is a magical location that is surrounded by some of the most amazing red rock landscapes you have ever seen. With two National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands National Park, and the cool waters of the Colorado River, the city offers beautiful scenery and a small resort town hospitality. If you love scenic rivers, forests, and state parks, this might be the perfect location for your elopement.
For your elopement in one of the National Parks, you need a special permit. Moab also offers many wedding venues outside of the National Parks, such as resorts, hotels, ranches, farms, or lodges.
You can also check out our blogpost “A Styled Moab Wedding / Elopement that turned into a real proposal” to get more inspired.
Provo Canyon
Provo Canyon is located between Mount Timpanogos and Mount Cascade and has been carved out by the Provo River over time. You can take a scenic drive through Provo Canyon and explore the Bridal Veil Falls, the Deer Creek Reservoir, or the scenic Heber Valley.
If you want to marry in a scenic park, you can reserve a pavilion for a fee.
Malachi Lewis – WWW.SHELLCREEKPHOTO.COM
Sand Dunes
Imagine walking down the aisle barefoot on orange-red sand dunes and passing by old junipers and ponderosa pines. If you like to spend your special day on a shifting sea of red sand, then the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park might be your perfect elopement venue. The dunes are up to 15,000 years old and have been created by strong winds.
The park is open all year long, and you can park inside the park for easy access. We recommend that you plan your elopement during spring, early summer, or fall as the weather is usually more cooperative and mild during these months.
Zion National Park
Suppose that you enjoy nature and are looking for a spectacular location to get married outdoors. In that case, the Zion National Park in Utah might be your perfect location. It is a great location for adventure lovers who would love to explore the inspiring canyons as well as have their ceremony there. The Zion National Park is the best location for a stunning, calm, and intimate wedding.
Here are a few top spots in the Zion National Park for you to enjoy on your special day:
- Anasazi Plateau
- Canyon Overlook from Kolob Rd
- East of the Mount Carmel Tunnel
- Off the highway along the switchbacks
- Slot Canyon
- Temple of Sinawava
- The East Side of Zion
- Zion Overlook
Just like in the Arches National Park, you need to apply for a permit to have your elopement there. If you want your elopement to be very intimate, make sure to visit the official Zion National Park website and choose a day that is less busy with tourists.
Check out our ultimate guide for your adventurous elopement in Utah or these amazing wedding venues in Utah for even more information.
Best Places to Elope in Virginia
Appalachian Trail
Virginia is famous for having the most miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state. This stunning trail crosses the historical mountains of the Shenandoah National Park. Lots of overlooks guarantee you stunning views that include a mixture of farmland and forests. If you want to explore the Appalachian Trail, you can cross it more than 30 times by car in the Shenandoah National Park.
If you want to get married at the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Park and your ceremony includes less than 16 people, you do not even need a permit. If your elopement is not a stand-up ceremony and includes more than 15 people, just get a special use permit and enjoy your special intimate moment at the Appalachian Trail.
Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park does not only include the Appalachian Trail mentioned above but is also home to spectacular waterfalls, picturesque views, quiet wooded hollows, and fields of wildflowers. The National Park is just known for its 200,000 acres of protected lands and is just 75 miles away from Washington, D.C.
As mentioned above, you need a special use permit for more than 15 people and a more elaborate wedding ceremony. Special use permits usually need six or more weeks to process.
Kelsey Rae – www.ridgeandramble.com
For more inspiration, make sure to check out these 12 wonderful wedding venues in Virginia.
Best Places to Elope in Washington
Mountain Rainier National Park
The Mountain Rainier National Park covers about 370 square miles and is home to the iconic active volcano Mount Rainier and wilderness such as subalpine meadows, glacier-carved valleys, and old forests. Mount Rainer features five areas that provide basic as well as extensive accommodations: Longmire, Paradise, Sunrise, Ohanapecosh, and Carbon River and Mowich. These areas can serve as a base for your intimate ceremony and vacation afterward.
If you are planning an elopement in the Mountain Rainier National Park, consider booking a date mid-week, which should be less crowded. Be aware that parking is limited and that you need a special use permit to get married there.
Katie Rojan – www.katiebergphoto.com
North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades are just three hours away from Seattle and offer a stunning alpine landscape. The North Cascades National Park features a temperate rainforest, a dry ponderosa ecosystem as well as areas with over 9,000 feet of vertical relief, which created a diversity of plants and other organisms. You can listen to cascading waters during your wedding and explore jagged peaks afterward.
If the North Cascades National Park is your place to get married, notice that all non-guided events such as weddings require a special use permit.
Olympia National Park
The Olympia National Park is the perfect place to get married if you love high peaks, wild coasts, and lush forests. You can enjoy your adventurous elopement in an area that covers nearly a million acres and is home to vast wilderness, glacier-capped mountains, mild temperature rain forests, and about 70 miles of natural coastline.
The National Park offers lodging accommodations for you and your guests inside as well as outside of the park. You need a special use permit in order to get married at the National Park.
For more inspiration, make sure to check out these beautiful wedding venues in Washington.
Best Places to Elope in Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park
The Teton Range is located in the Grand Teton National Park and features a hundred miles of trails, remarkable serenity, and the meandering Snake River. This special area is rich with diverse wildlife, crystal clear lakes, and alpine landscapes. Mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys, and beautiful skies provide the perfect backdrop for your intimate ceremony. You can also visit cattle ranches and old homesteads to get a glimpse of the park´s rich cultural history.
The National Park is known to be a stunning location for an intimate ceremony in the middle of nature. Popular wedding sites are Blacktail Ponds Overlook, Schwabacher Landing, and Signal Mountain summit. You can also get married at numerous other locations, but you need a special permit, and normal entrance fees are charged for you and your guests.
Heather R. Geranen – www.hrgphotography.com
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is a valley that is tucked in the Gros Ventre and Teton mountain ranges. This large low-lying valley is home to beautiful rivers and streams and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains. Jackson Hole is the perfect backdrop for your elopement if you love the outdoors and especially hiking.
A popular wedding location is the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. You can take a gondola ride up the mountain and wow your guests with spectacular views and a remarkable dining experience. The rustic veranda outside the Rendezvous Lodge provides a romantic outdoor atmosphere and is perfect for a small wedding. Bridger Lawn might be another option if you are looking for an outdoor wedding location with sweeping uphill views of the Teton Range.
For even more U.S. venue inspiration, check out these incredible wedding venues in Oklahoma, or these amazing wedding venues in Alabama.
Best Places to Elope in the World
Now that you got a glimpse of all the best places to elope in the U.S., you are feeling inspired and wonder where else you could elope in the world. No worries, we got you! There are countless breathtaking places around the world, from gorgeous hot springs in Tuscany, Italy, to rough mountains and small valleys in Austria.
Take your time and wander through all these following jaw-dropping locations to find your best place to elope.
Best Places to Elope in Australia
Mount Buffalo
Mount Buffalo is a 76,599 acres national park that is open all year long. This stunning location features sheer cliffs, mind-blowing waterfalls, snow gums, imposing granite tors, and vegetation and fauna that adapted to extreme weather conditions. This location is especially beautiful during summer when all the wildflowers begin to bloom, and many activities such as canoeing, swimming, and picnicking are available again.
If you want to get married at Mount Buffalo, you have to submit a Parks and Reserves event permit. Park Victoria processes this document within eight weeks and provides you exclusive access for your special day.
Francisca Garreton – www.morningtonweddingsbyfran.com
Best Places to Elope in Austria
Mühlbach am Hochkönig
Mühlbach am Hochkönig is a mountain village that has a rich history in copper mining. This unique location features rugged cliffs around the Mandlwände and offers a beautiful summer and winter location. You and your guests can go skiing, sledding, or snowboarding during winter. If you prefer stunning green forests and blossoming meadows, then summer is the perfect time of the year for your Mühlbach am Hochkönig wedding.
You can get married at many rustic locations, such as the Proneben Gut, which is an adventure farm. Check out all the other accommodations in Mühlbach am Hochkönig that all offer you and your guests a romantic Austrian wedding venue ranging from hotels, inns to intimate mountain huts.
Best Places to Elope in Canada
Abraham Lake, Alberta
The Abraham Lake is an artificial lake on the North Saskatchewan River in western Alberta. Most likely, you have already seen pictures of the lake, more specifically of its ice bubbles in winter. The best time of the year to see those frozen bubbles is between December and March. While most tourists know Abraham Lake for its ice bubbles, the lake is just as beautiful in summer when it still has its deep blue color. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and peaks such as Abraham Mountain, Mount Ernest Ross, Mount Michener, and Elliot Peak.
A popular choice to get married at is the Goldeye Center. This location provides an outdoor or indoor ceremony, dining halls, and accommodations for you and your guests.
Another famous spot in Canada is the Banff National Park. Please head over to the Banff Elopement Guide by Ross Dance for more information about Banff
Sasha Marie – www.everafterstudios.ca
Best Places to Elope in Croatia
Gorski Kotar
Gorski Kotar is often called “the green lungs of Croatia” because 63% of the mountainous region is forested. This area is an extraordinary example of untouched nature, and its high peaks, forests, rivers, and rough mountains provide a perfect backdrop for your outdoor wedding in Croatia. The Risnjak National Park is located in Gorski Kotar and is home to unique flora and fauna. If you are adventurous and are looking for a beautiful outdoor venue, Gorski Kotar might be your place to elope.
Best Places to Elope in Denmark
Copenhagen
Copenhagen, the buzzing capital of Denmark, is rich in royal history, modern architecture, culture, sustainable living, and top-of-the-class restaurants. Surrounded by the coast and the countryside, the city offers many different wedding venues.
From concert halls, ballrooms, beach bars to state-of-the-art art galleries that look like modern cathedrals, Copenhagen has it all. If you are looking for wedding venues with a modern and elegant flair, then check out Copenhagen´s wedding venues.
Best Places to Elope in France
Southern France
Southern France is a region in France that includes Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, parts of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, as well as the island of Corsica. This region is well known for its beautiful coastal roads near Sainte-Maxime, its lavender fields in Provence, the Pont du Gard, its vineyards, and historical provinces.
Stunning outdoor wedding venues are the Dune of Pilat (the tallest sand dune in Europe), Calanques (an inlet along the Mediterranean coast), or the Parc National des Calanques in Marseille.
Béatrice De Guigné – www.the-quirky.com
Best Places to Elope in Iceland
Black Sand Beach
The Reynisfjara beach is one of the most iconic black-sand beaches on the planet. This stunning location can be found on the South Coast of Iceland and features enormous basalt stacks, Atlantic waves, and beautiful panoramas. When visiting the beach, you can spot large basalt columns sitting off the shoreline and are home to thousands of nesting seabirds.
Though this location is particularly beautiful, it comes with its dangers. Strong and roaring Atlantic waves are especially violent and can appear when you least expect them. Always check the tide forecast when planning a wedding or a photo shooting at the black sand beach.
If you are looking for more information about eloping in Iceland, check out this Iceland Elopement Guide by Lukas Piatek Photography
David Valdovinos – www.silkandthorn.com
Best Places to Elope in Ireland
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher stretch over 5 miles along Ireland´s west coast and guarantee you spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean. Safe and paved pathways guide you along the edges of the up to 702 feet high cliffs and allow you to see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara. Many movies, such as Harry Potter, Leap Year of the Princess Bride, have been shot at this location.
If you love incredible scenery and are planning an elopement, the Cliffs of Moher will give you a truly unique experience.
Best Places to Elope in Italy
Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range that bursts with natural beauty and diversity. Located in the Northeast of Italy, the range consists of extraordinary peaks, such as 18 peaks with over 10,000 feet in altitude. The mountains are formed of light-colored limestone and feature jagged, saw-edged ridges, deep gorges, and steep rock faces. The Dolomites are also home to 41 glaciers, some patches of woodland, and grassy meadows.
The Dolomites have so many epic elopement places. Here are some of our favorite spots: If you want to see spectacular views by car, you can take the Sass Pordoi, a mountain pass in the Dolomites. From this pass, you can also take a cable car up the mountain to the summit for even more breathtaking views. Speaking of breathtaking views – the Adamello-Brenta park might be the prettiest hiking and scenery spots in the Dolomites and is a perfect backdrop for intimate ceremonies. If you want to leave the tourist crowds behind you, simply drive to the northern part of Lake Garda and enjoy spectacular views whilst entering the Dolimites mountain range.
Another amazing to get married in Italy is the Amalfi Coast and especially Positano. Please head over to the Positano Wedding Guide by Lukas Piatek for more Information
Barbara Schmid – www.barbara-schmid.com
Best Places to Elope in Mexico
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific coast in Mexico and is mainly known for its beautiful beaches and gourmet restaurants. Right behind this art-filled city is the Sierra Madre Occidental, which is a mountain range that provides a green, lush backdrop with lots of waterfalls and trails to observe the many birds that are living there. If you are feeling even more adventurous, you can cross El Jorullo Suspension Bridge, which runs over the Cuale River.
If you are planning to get married in Puerto Vallarta, make sure to book your location between April and June to avoid the rainy season. You can enjoy an ocean or mountain-based ceremony in Puerto Vallarta, which makes it the perfect city for an outdoor elopement.
David Valdovinos – www.silkandthorn.com
Best Places to Elope in New Zealand
Bay of Plenty, Northern Island
The Bay of Plenty is located in the Northern Island of New Zealand and is one of its most unique and diverse regions. It features almost everything nature has to offer, from lush native forests and waterfalls to white-sand coastlines and rolling ocean waves.
The beach offers a high amount of sunshine hours for your ceremony whilst the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park provides the perfect picture spot with many hiking trails and Kauri trees.
Rochelle Withell – www.pureimages.co.nz
Best Places to Elope in Norway
The Lofoten
The Lofoten is a magical place in the county of Nordland that is characterized by dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered beaches, bays, and untouched landscapes. If you are looking for an unforgettable nature experience, you will love Norway´s untamed islands. You can enjoy the northern lights, the midnight sun, look for sea eagles, or go kayaking between the islands. It is the perfect place to have a wedding in a mountainous region that has a much milder climate than other places of the world with such latitude.
Plan your wedding during late May and mid-July, and you will experience the midnight sun, whereas the northern lights can be best seen from September to mid-April. If you are an adventurous, nature-loving couple that would like to paddle in still waters of the north by midnight, enjoys surfing, and are looking for a stunning mountainous backdrop for their wedding, then the Lofoten is your place to be.
Best Places to Elope in Portugal
Praia da Ursa
Praia da Ursa is an intimate beach surrounded by steep cliffs located in the Sintra Cascais Natural Park. Two rock formations, Ursa and Gigante, a small cave, and occasional waterfalls make this place a truly magical region of Portugal.
If you want to climb down the steep cliffs to get to Praia da Ursa, hiking boots are indispensable. But it is worth the adventure as it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal with an outstanding view of the Atlantic ocean.
Best Places to Elope in Romania
Racos Volcano
The small village Racos and its Volcano is well-known for its geological importance. The volcano last erupted 10,000 years ago and features a rough volcanic landscape. Right next to the Racos Volcano, you can find 10-15 meters tall basalt columns that are more than 1 million years old.
If you want to get married at this unique, unreal location, you can simply drive there or take a 30-40 minute walk.
Best Places to Elope in Scotland
Glencoe
Glencoe is a place full of legends, myths, and tragic history. Its stunning nature and dramatic scenery provide a remarkable backdrop for your elopement. This Scottish gem guarantees you breathtaking views all year round. Glencoe is named after the River Coe and is home to volcanic mountains.
This area in the highlands is famous for its beautiful lochs. You can either get married there, at one of the mountains such as Buachaille Etive Mor, or at the famous James Bond Skyfall Location.
Hayley Jane Hadden – www.hayleyfraserphotography.co.uk
Best Places to Elope in Slovenia
Julian Alps
The Julian Alps are a mountain range that is part of the Southern Limestone Alps. If you love mighty peaks, incredible views, and crystal-clear water, this place is your elopement destination.
The most beautiful locations for an elopement are Bled Island, Lake Bohinj, Bled Castle, Great Soča Gorge, and the Savica Waterfall.
Best Places to Elope in South Africa
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most stunning and well-known locations for tying the knot. It offers beaches, vineyards, forests, and magnificent mountains. Cape Town features many indoor and outdoor venues for your elopement.
If you want to get married next to centuries-old oak trees and vineyards, make sure to book your wedding at Groot Constantia. You can also get married at the V&A Waterfront if you want boats and yachts as your wedding backdrop.
Mathias Fast – www.mathiasfastphotography.com
Best Places to Elope in Spain
Mallorca
Mallorca is home to flowering and aromatic shrubs, Mediterranean trees, stunning marine life, and many nature reserves. There are so many beautiful places to get married. It is almost hard to choose from:
Es Trens is one of the last natural beaches on the island and provides a perfect backdrop for your wedding. Ses Fonts Ufanes are extraordinary springs that emerge from the ground and give you a truly magical atmosphere. Other stunning wedding locations are Jumaica Tropical Park, Sóller Botanic Gardens, Llevant Peninsula Nature Reserve, and Albufera National Park.
For more detailed information about weddings in Mallorca, please head over to the Mallorca Wedding Guide by Lukas Piatek
Best Places to Elope in Tanzania
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an autonomous region of Tanzania and consists of many Islands. This elopement location will enchant you with its idyllic natural beauty, its turquoise crystal-clear water, and its powdery white sands. The coastal region is famous for beautiful weddings.
Get married at one of Zanzibar´s beaches and enjoy the unique nature this place offers.
Mathias Fast – www.mathiasfastphotography.com
Best Places to Elope in the UK
Jersey
Jersey is part of the British Islands and a British Crown dependency. This unique region features a wildly beautiful National Park, woodlands, wetlands, and beaches. Fern Valley, Hamptonne Wood, and Grantez Headland are just a few of many unforgettable places in Jersey.
You can choose out of a list of approved marriage locations, such as the Warren Farm, Prince of fields, or Les Monts Grantez.
If you want to get married in Jersey, you need to send in an application by post just three days before you want to get married, and then you are ready to go!
Sophie Darwin – www.sophiedarwin.co.uk
Best Places to Elope in the United Arab Emirates
Sand Dunes of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is home to impressive desert dunes that tower hundreds of meters above its surrounding landscape. Walk down the aisle barefoot in the middle of the desert and exchange vows in a landscape that is truly magical.
Many resorts are located right next to these impressive sand dunes and offer an intimate outdoor wedding venue for your special day.
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