Snow-capped mountains, giant pine forests, fog-filled coast lines, desert rock formations, and crystal clear alpine lakes are just a few of the countless beautiful landscapes you can find within the United States. Whether you’re dreaming up your perfect elopement location or getting inspiration for your future wedding, these are the 30 best places to elope in the US.
30 Best Places to Elope in the US
From the rocky coast of Washington State to the fall-colored leaves of Vermont, the United States is filled with beautiful elopement locations. Below are some of the best.
Mountains
If you’re looking for a mountainous elopement location, I’ve got you covered. To learn more about planning an elopement in the mountains, check out my mountain elopement guide that walks through every step of planning an elopement in such a beautiful landscape.
Hurricane Ridge
Located in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge tops my list as being one of my all-time favorite places to elope in the US. There are a variety of different hiking trails, lookouts, and picnic tables at this location. It’s especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
North Cascades National Park
One of the most underrated and least visited national parks in the United States is North Cascades National Park. This is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever been. Alpine lakes, towering mountains, and wildflower meadows are just a few of the many different sceneries you can find here.
Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is located in Alaska and is one of the most accessible elopement locations out there. You can even stay at Hatcher Pass Lodge, a series of little red cabins nestled right between the mountain pass. I especially love this location during the summer months when the snow has melted. It forms the most beautiful lakes.
Grand Teton National Park
One of the most well-known mountain ranges serves as the perfect backdrop for any photo. Grand Teton National Park has some of the most awe-inspiring locations you can find. Plus, the park is big enough to where you can find a completely secluded area for your ceremony.
Mount Rainier National Park
Located a short 2 hours away from Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park is the most-visited park in Washington State. The park is well-known for its hiking trails and beautiful wildflower meadows. Due to the popularity of this location, a sunrise or sunset ceremony is highly recommended.
Best Places to Elope – Forests
From rain to dry, there are a variety of different forests in the United States. If you’re wanting to plan a forest elopement or wedding, be sure to read through my forest elopement guide where I give you all the tips and tricks to eloping in the forest.
Hoh Rainforest
The Hoh Rainforest is known to be the quietest and one of the most unique places in the United States. The forest is located in Olympic National Park and is one of the most visited places within it. There are a variety of different spots for a ceremony along the various trails, such as the famous Hall of Mosses trail.
Oregon
One of my favorite states is Oregon due to its extreme diversity in landscapes. The forests in Oregon have their own vibe that’s completely unique to the state. They also have over 200 waterfalls, various beaches, and even desert-like landscape.
Redwood National Park
The iconic Redwood National Park is one of the most surreal places you’ll ever visit which is why it deserves to be on the list of the best places to elope in the US. There’s nothing quite like exchanging vows amongst the redwoods, only to walk out and find the beautiful Northern California coastline to your side. There are a variety of different locations among the redwood national and state parks.
Tongass National Forest
If you desire to have a completely private and secluded ceremony, Tongass National Forest is the elopement location for you. Located in Alaska, the Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the US. Trees, glaciers, wildlife, waterfalls, and lakes barely touch the surface when it comes to what this place has to offer.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is located near Yosemite, which also happens to be another one of the best places to elope in the US. This location is especially beautiful in the early winter when a fresh blanket of snow covers the ground.
Beaches
Beaches, especially rocky beaches, are some of my most favorite areas to photograph. Whether you’re looking for a white-sand or rocky beach, I’ve got you covered in my beach elopement guide, detailing everything you need to know about how to plan an elopement at the beach.
Washington Coast
The coast of Washington has some of the most unique landscapes I’ve ever seen. If you’re a big fan of the moody, Twilight-esque vibe, look no further. Home to beaches like La Push and Ruby Beach, the coast of Washington makes for one heck of an elopement location.
Oregon Coast
Yes, I know. I’m including Oregon twice on this list, but can you blame me? Oregon is most famous for its beautiful coastlines. They’re rockier in the souther and smoother in the north. With over 235 miles of beaches, you’re bound to find the perfect one for your beach elopement.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is located in Maine and is home to some of the coolest cliffside locations you’ll ever see. I was surprised to see how empty the park was when I first visited this location. Trees, rocky cliffsides, and ginormous waves are a few of the different things you can see in the park.
Kauai
Kauai, Hawaii is known for their beautiful white-sand beaches. When I think of the perfect place to elope on the beach, I automatically think of the beaches of Hawaii. Not only is it absolutely beautiful, but there are so many different foods and activities to explore for an elopement.
Northern California Coast
One of the least-known locations in the US is the Lost Coast located in Northern California. The 25-mile hike along the coast is one of the most breathtaking and sought-after by hikers. There are black sand beaches everywhere, and it’s pretty off-grid, perfect for the couple looking for something secluded.
Waterfalls
If waterfalls are calling your name, I have a list of over 50 that serve as beautiful backdrops to an elopement. Learn more about them in my waterfall wedding guide.
Burney Falls
Burney Falls is and will forever be my favorite waterfall, though I am a bit bias since I only grew up an hour away from this stunning location. Pictures really don’t do this place justice. I recommend checking it out in the fall when the colors are as vibrant as ever.
Madison Falls
Madison Falls is located in Olympic National Park and is one of the most peaceful places to visit, especially in the morning right after sunrise. There’s an extremely short walk to get to the falls. The parking is quite limited, so be prepared to park a bit down the road if you visit here during peak season.
Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park, located in Oregon, is home to 10 waterfalls. There’s a 7.2-mile loop that takes you through a few of the falls. The one pictured here is the first one you’ll encounter. It also happens to be one of the largest in Oregon, but it is quite busy to plan ahead.
Nugget Falls
Nugget Falls is a popular waterfall in Alaska located right by the famous Mendenhall Glacier. The short 2-mile roundtrip hike rewards you with incredible views of some of America’s best scenery. Take note though that this location is extremely popular.
Sahalie Falls
Sahalie Falls is one of my personal favorite waterfalls in Oregon. Like most, pictures really don’t do it justice. These falls happen to be on a hiking trail that takes you around two different falls. There’s lots to explore within this area, perfect for adventurous couples.
Deserts
Deserts are some of the most unique landscapes in the United States. Below are just a few of the many favorites I have.
Joshua Tree National Park
One of California’s most famous national park, Joshua Tree National Park, is one of the best places to elope in the US. Known for its unique Joshua Trees, this park is also home to unique rock formations, amazing stargazing opportunities, and a plethora of ceremony locations.
Death Valley National Park
Another very underrated national park, in my opinion, is Death Valley National Park located in Southern California. This park is home to scenic overlooks, colorful rocks, and epic sunsets. With so many miles to explore, a completely secluded elopement is possible.
Moab
Moab has grown in immense popularity over the past few years, especially for couples looking to elope with a unique landscape. Utah itself is full of incredible national parks and deserts. Moab happens to be one of the best to elope at!
Arizona
Arizona has some of the best locations out there from the Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend. Did you also know that Arizona gets snow? Yep! It’s totally possible to have an elopement out in the desert with a blanket of snow.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and known to be a hiker’s paradise. With so many different mountains and trails to explore, this national park will be sure to blow your socks off.
Lakes
Aside from the mountains, I feel most at home when I’m near a beautiful lake. Check out all the best lakes to elope at in the US below.
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is one of my favorite places in Washington State. In the summer, it’s extremely crowded, but visit during the right time and you can be the only people there. There’s even a lodge you can stay at right on the lake.
Bagley Lake
Bagley Lake is located in North Cascades National Park and has some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. There’s a hiking trail that goes around the lake where you can access many different photo spots. This lake is also along one of my favorite hiking trails, the Chain Lakes Loop.
Crater Lake National Park
If you’re looking to get married at a lake, you can’t wrong with perhaps one of the most famous lakes out there, Crater Lake. This area is beautiful anytime of the year, but is especially stunning during the winter season.
Lake Siskiyou
Lake Siskiyou is the most underrated lake in California and is often referred to as the “jewel of Northern California.” I grew up right next to this lake and know of a ton of beautiful areas to explore. This area is especially beautiful during golden hour, as Mount Shasta turns pink.
Colchuck Lake
In order to reach Colchuck Lake located in Washington State, you must hike a total of 9 miles, though don’t let this deter you. This is one of the most stunning lakes in the area and would be a stunning backdrop for any couple looking to have an adventurous elopement.
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I’m Brianna, a California elopement photographer who inspires, encourages, and empowers couples to push traditional boundaries and create experiences they’ll remember forever.
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