15 Most Jaw-Dropping Places to Elope in the U.S. in 2025

Looking for the best place to elope in the U.S.? You’re about to find it! From Maine’s rugged coastline to the snow-capped peaks of Alaska, the options can feel endless. With so many stunning locations, choosing the perfect “I do” spot can be overwhelming—but that’s where I come in. After traveling across the country and capturing some of the world’s most beautiful elopements, I’ve compiled a list of the absolute best spots to say your vows. Whether you’re deep in the planning process or just looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. These are the 15 best places to elope in the U.S. that are sure to take your breath away.

15 Best Places to Elope in the U.S.

From Washington State’s rugged coastline to the vibrant fall colors of Upstate New York, the U.S. is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking elopement destinations. These happen to be the 15 best.

Washington State

From the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Cascades to the foggy, rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State is a treasure trove of places to elope. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony, a bonfire by the beach, or vows in a mossy forest, Washington has it all. Here are the top spots to say “I do” in Washington that will leave you speechless. For more locations, check out my full Washington elopement guide.

Olympic National Park

If you’re looking for no-hiking-required ceremony locations, a variety of landscapes, and guaranteed wildlife sightings, Olympic National Park is the place to elope. It’s the most diverse national park in the U.S. Seriously, folks, you’ll find every kind of landscape you can imagine—mountains, rainforests, beaches, and the list goes on. For this reason alone, Olympic National Park tops the list as one of the best places to elope in the U.S.

Best Places to Elope

• Hurricane Ridge – The highest mountain location in Olympic. Tons of hiking trails, deer, and wildflower meadows.
• Hoh Rainforest – One of the last remaining temperate rainforests on Earth. Mossy, magical, and just 45 minutes from the beach.
• Ruby Beach – A rocky beach with huge sea stacks and incredible sunsets. It’s also dog-friendly.

Best Time of Year to Elope

April-October. Olympic National Park is open year-round and, unlike many other parks, snow-free during the winter months in most locations. May and October are my two favorite months.

North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park, known as the “Swiss Alps of America,” is one of the best places to elope in the U.S. If you’re looking for the best mountain location, you just found it. Whether you’re an outdoorsy couple who loves to hit the trails or are looking for no-hiking-required mountain views, the Cascades have you covered. Not to mention all the lakes, meadows, and forests in the area too!

Best Places to Elope

• Artist Point – An accessible, drive-up location with 360 degree mountain views. The most popular location for elopements.
• Diablo Lake – A stunning, glacier-fed lake known for its vibrant turquoise color.
• Washington Pass Overlook – Wheelchair accessible trail offering breathtaking panoramic views of the jagged peaks, valleys, and glaciers.

Best Time of Year to Elope

August-early October. The park is closed most of the year due to snow. Visit in August for wildflowers or during September-October to experience fall colors like you’ve never seen them before.

Mount Rainier National Park

I couldn’t talk about Washington without talking about Mount Rainier National Park. Known for wildflower meadows, scenic hiking trails, and stunning mountain views, Mt. Rainier offers a plethora of different locations to choose from. From easy strolls to more strenuous hikes, Mt. Rainier is a great spot for couples of all ages who love mountain scenery.

Best Places to Elope

• Tipsoo Lake – One of the most popular and accessible alpine lakes in the park. No hiking required.
• Tolmie Peak Trail – In my opinion, this is the most breathtaking fire lookout in Mount Rainier.
• Silver Forest Trail – An easy trail lined with wildflower meadows at the base of the mountain.

Best Time of Year to Elope

August-September. August is wildflower season in the park. I like the month of September for fall colors less crowds.

California

California’s got it all when it comes to epic elopement spots. From golden beaches and towering redwoods to desert landscapes and mountain vistas, the state offers some seriously diverse backdrops for your big day. Plus, with great weather year-round, it’s one of the best places to elope in the U.S. no matter the time of year. Whatever scenery you’re dreaming of, California’s ready to make it happen. Looking for more location? You can see 15+ more locations to choose from in my California elopement guide.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park, while recognizably one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., is surprisingly one of the biggest hidden gems. This park has not only incredible Redwood groves, but also rugged coastlines, elk meadows, and rivers. With consistent temperatures year-round, the Redwoods make a great option. If you value privacy for your day, I can’t recommend the Redwood area enough.

Best Places to Elope

• Templeman Grove – This unsuspecting grove is rarely visited by tourists. Right next to the Smith River.
• Stout Grove – A large Redwood grove along the Smith River. Made a cameo in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
• Crescent Beach – A long stretch of beach where the forest meets the ocean. Dog-friendly too!

Best Time of Year to Elope

April-May or September-October. Redwood National Park is open and snow-free year-round.

Mt. Shasta

Mt. Shasta is one of those places I can’t help but bring up to couples looking for a mountain location without the crowds. I live just an hour away from this hidden gem, and while I want this location to stay small, I can’t deny that it’s one of the best places to elope in the U.S. Waterfalls, mountain views, and lakes await.

Best Places to Elope

• Mt. Shasta Ski Park – There are dozens of hiking trails, wildflower fields, and forests right at the base of the mountain.
• Lake Siskiyou – Known as the “jewel of Northern California,” this lake has an awesome view of Mt. Shasta. Great for larger ceremonies.
• Castle Crags State Park – A scenic park with mountain views, 28 miles of trails, various campsites, and a river.

Best Time of Year to Elope

May-June and October-November. This location gets fairly hot during the summer months.

Joshua Tree National Park

If you’re a fan of desert landscapes and wide open spaces, Joshua Tree National Park has just what you’re looking for. The park is huge, and each area of the park has something different to offer. It’s like a giant playground for adults. You don’t have to worry about being cold here—summer temperatures can be experienced year-round.

Best Places to Elope

• Cap Rock – Joshua Tree’s most famous spot, Cap Rock, is a unique cluster of rock formations sitting in an open field.
• Hidden Valley Picnic Area – This is one of my personal favorite places to elope in the park. Lots of boulders, trees, and open space for walking.
• Indian Cove Amphitheater – The spot to elope if you’re having a microwedding. This location holds up to 100 people.

Best Time of Year to Elope

October and November. Avoid this location in the summer to prevent heatstroke.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a popular elopement location for couples looking to experience all the best of what Northern California has to offer. From sandy beaches and dramatic cliff overlooks, to Redwood groves and waterfalls, Big Sur is one of the most diverse, luxurious, and best places to elope in the U.S.

Best Places to Elope

• Pfeiffer Beach – A famous beach known for its iconic keyhole arch and purple sand.
• Andrew Molera State Park – This park has some incredible hiking trails surrounding the coastal cliffs of Big Sur. Known for its wildflowers.
• Glen Oaks Big Sur – An elopement and wedding venue located right in the middle of Big Sur’s towering Redwoods.

Best Time of Year to Elope

September-November. March-May is also another incredible time of year to visit.

Yosemite National Park

I couldn’t make a list of the best places to elope in the U.S. and not include Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is one of (if not) the most popular national park in the country. It has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and offers tons of variety for couples. When you think of national parks, you probably think of Yosemite.

Best Places to Elope

• Taft Point – This iconic proposal spot takes the cake as being one of the most grand locations in Yosemite.
• El Capitan Meadow – A gorgeous, accessible meadow at the base of the cliffs, perfect for elopements with guests.
• Tunnel View – You can’t beat Yosemite’s iconic Tunnel View. An overlook of the valley and the famous Bridalveil Fall.

Best Time of Year to Elope

September-October for weather and crowd control.

Oregon

Oregon is a fantastic choice for an elopement if you love a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. From the dramatic Oregon Coast to the lush forests and waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, there’s no shortage of locations to choose from. Plus, it’s less crowded than most locations on this list, so you can enjoy some privacy while still being surrounded by amazing scenery. I’ve got an entire guide about how to elope in Oregon with more location options you can check out here.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Samuel H. Boardman is located in the tiny town of Brookings, Oregon on the Southern Coast. This hidden gem is the ultimate elopement location for couples who love the Oregon Coast, but don’t love the crowds (I’m looking at you, Cannon Beach). Experience everything the Oregon Coast has to offer and some in Samuel H. Boardman.

Best Places to Elope

• Secret Beach – A beach packed with giant sea stacks, seasonal waterfalls, and sweeping views.
• Whaleshead Beach – A beach known for its rock formation that looks like a whale head. Lots of room for a ceremony.
• Cape Ferrelo – An incredible bird’s-eye view of Lone Ranch Beach. Tons of room for a ceremony.

Best Time of Year to Elope

April-May or September-October. Samuel H. Boardman is open and snow-free year-round.

Wyoming

Wyoming is the place to be if you’re after wide-open spaces and mountain backdrops. Iconic spots like Grand Teton and Yellowstone are perfect for elopements and honeymoons. Whether you’re saying your vows in a meadow, by a waterfall, or with wildlife in the background, Wyoming is sure to make it feel extra special.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park has exploded in popularity the past few years, especially with couples looking for easy and accessible mountain location. You’ll not only be surrounded by the jagged peaks, but you can experience swimming in lakes, camping under the stars, and even seeing a moose or two.

Best Places to Elope

• Mormon Row – A beautiful area with wide open views of the mountain range near the beginning of the park.
• Schwabacher’s Landing – This is the most popular elopement location in Grand Teton. One of the most scenic mountain backdrops with lots of wildlife sightings.
• Mountain View Turnout – A turnout at the base of the mountains, perfect for elopements with guests.

Best Time of Year to Elope

June, September, and October are good for weather and minimal crowds.

Alaska

You can’t think of an elopement without thinking of Alaska. If you want a truly rugged, off-the-beaten-path location, Alaska should be at the top of your list. Whether you want to say your vows under the Northern Lights or take a helicopter and land on top of a glacier, Alaska truly has it all and is *the* spot to be if you’re looking for a location without the crowds.

Whittier

Similar to the Oregon Coast, it’s hard to choose just one place in Alaska for elopements. However, if I had to pick, I think Whittier would take the cake. This small town along the bay is famous for its glaciers, lakes, and wildlife. Its landscapes make this one of the best places to elope in the U.S.

Best Places to Elope

• Portage Pass – One of the most breathtaking views of the Passage Canal. Walk a bit further to Portage Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.
• Lu Young Public Beach – If you’re looking for an accessible location for elopements with friends and family, Lu Young is the perfect spot. No hiking and incredible views.
• Moose Flats Wetland – Another accessible location with killer views of the nearby mountain range.

Best Time of Year to Elope

July-October is the best time of year to elope in Whittier.

Hawaii

Hawaii is the perfect spot if you’re looking to combine your elopement and honeymoon in one. Whether you’re saying your vows on a beach, in a lush rainforest, or near a dramatic waterfall, Hawaii’s got a backdrop for every kind of couple. The islands offer a mix of adventure and relaxation—hike to a volcano, explore secret coves, or just kick back by the ocean. I have an entire Hawaii elopement guide with more locations, permit information, and other good stuff that you can check out here.

Kauai

Kauai is hands down my favorite Hawaiian island (so, yeah, I’m a little biased), but I truly think it’s the best spot for an elopement. It’s super lush and green, there’s a ton of fun excursions to do, and the beaches are incredible. It’s not as well developed as the other islands which means it’s a lot more nature focused (more locations to choose from).

Best Places to Elope

• Waimea Canyon – While ceremonies aren’t allowed at Waimea Canyon, pictures are. This state park is famous for its red dirt waterfalls, sweeping canyon views, and sunsets.
• Hanalei Pier and Beach – This is one of Kauai’s most popular beaches. Walk on the pier or relax on the sand.
• Wailua River State Park – Wailua River is famous for its lush greens, rushing waterfalls, and colorful flowers.

Best Time of Year to Elope

Kauai is best visited during April, May, or late September-early October.

Maine

Maine is one of those places that just feels magical, especially during the fall season. This underrated state is home to some of the most breathtaking coastlines in the country. Dine on lobster, explore a lighthouse, or catch a famous sunrise. Beyond the coast, you’ll find stunning forests with vibrant fall foliage, peaceful lakes, and hidden trails. It’s probably the most charming place on this list for an elopement.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park takes the cake as being one of the most charming national parks in the U.S. Despite its popularity, there are so many different nooks and crannies to be explored. You’ll find rocky coastlines, forests, lighthouses, and mountaintops in Acadia.

Best Places to Elope

• Otter Cliff – One of the best coastal locations in the park. This particular spot is well known for its boulders and waves.
• Cadillac Mountain – The most popular spot in the park to watch a sunrise. The views here are breathtaking.
• Schoodic Point – An underrated cliffside location, great for wave watching.

Best Time of Year to Elope

Early June or the end of August for crowd control. September or October for fall colors, but it’s busy!

Utah

Utah is one of those states you land in and say “wow.” If you’re looking for something bold, I can’t recommend Utah enough. The parks here are like no other, with towering rock formations, deep canyons, and starry skies. Whether you’re saying your vows in the middle of an epic arch or on a mountain peak, the views in Utah are sure to take your breath away.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a desert lovers dream. It’s known for its stunning red cliffs, canyons, and epic views. Whether you’re hiking to Angels Landing or saying your vows in a quiet spot by the Virgin River, Zion truly has something for everyone.

Best Places to Elope

• Canyon Overlook – You can’t have a ceremony here, but this portrait location is a crowd favorite. Sweeping views of the valley.
• The Narrows – Hike one of the most iconic trails in the country. Experience what it’s like to hike through a canyon.
• Nature Center North Lawn – An accessible ceremony spot with a great view that can accommodate up to 50 people.

Best Time of Year to Elope

April-May or September-October.

Montana

You didn’t think I would forget Montana, did you? If you’re the kind of couple who loves to travel and doesn’t mind being in remote locations, Montana might just be the perfect place for you. Despite its well known reputation for having jaw-dropping mountain locations, it’s also home to some of the most incredible plains, lakes, and rivers around.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of the best places to elope in the U.S. if you’re after a mountain location with a whole lot of variety. If you’re a big hiker, you’ll love this little slice of heaven. While Glacier is a little bit more strict when it comes to weddings, it’s still one worth being considered.

Best Places to Elope

• Lake McDonald – The largest lake in the park known for its colorful rocks.
• Logan’s Pass – An accessible location with sweeping views of the nearby mountain range. It’s particularly beautiful during sunrise.
• Bowman Lake – One of the more secluded locations in the park, perfect for private ceremonies.

Best Time of Year to Elope

Late September or early October.

U.S. Elopement Packages

Now that you’ve seen some of the best spots to elope in the U.S. (and maybe picked one!), it’s time to start turning those dreams into reality. I’m Brianna, a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer, and I’m here to help you plan the most unforgettable day, whether you’re tying the knot in the Pacific Northwest or beyond. This place is my home, and I can’t wait to share my favorite secret spots with you to make your elopement uniquely yours. Let’s make it happen!

• 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in the U.S.
• A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
  • Personalized elopement location recommendations
  • Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
  • Assistance and information to help you with permits, licenses, etc.
  • 90+ page elopement planning guide filled with tips and tricks
  • Customized elopement timelines
• Optional complimentary officiant services
• Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
• 24-48 hour sneak peeks to share with the world
• Travel fees to anywhere in the U.S. are already included
• Starting at $8,000

Still need some more inspiration? Check out some of my most popular elopement guides, including my national park wedding venue guide, my Olympic National Park elopement guide, and a list of the best places to elope in Washington State.