Choosing the best place to elope in the US can feel impossible. There are thousands of beautiful locations in the country, but only a handful have the special sauce that makes them better than the rest. From Maine’s coastal overlooks to Alaska’s glacier-capped mountains, your options are endless. The challenge is knowing which ones are truly worth your time.
As an elopement photographer who has spent years traveling across the country, hiking its trails, and photographing couples, I know which locations truly stand out from the rest.
Whether you’re dreaming, planning, or simply searching for the spot that feels right, this guide highlights the 17 best places to elope in the US. Without further adieu, let’s begin.
1. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park offers more landscape variety than almost any other park in the US. Rainforests, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, and old-growth forests all exist within hours of each other. It’s one of the best places to elope in the US for couples who want no-hiking-required ceremony locations, wildlife sightings, and lots of backdrops to choose from. It’s the only national park in Washington with snow-free locations throughout the year. Whatever you’re envisioning, this park has a backdrop that fits it.
- Scenery: Rainforests, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, rivers, and old-growth forests.
- Permit required: Yes, required for groups larger than 5. Fee is $50. To apply for a permit, go here.
- Crowd level: Moderate; far fewer crowds than most US national parks. Many crowd-free locations.
- Best time to elope: June–October for most locations; beaches and rainforests are accessible year-round.
Photographer tip: Olympic is huge. Most locations are 1–2 hours apart, so always plan extra travel time if you want to visit more than one area in a day.
2. Redwood National Park, California
Redwood National Park may be one of the most recognizable parks in the US, but when it comes to elopements, it’s still one of the biggest hidden gems. This park has not only the tallest trees on Earth, but it’s also packed with rugged coastlines, elk meadows, and rivers. With consistent temperatures year-round, the redwoods are a great place to elope any time of year. If you value privacy for your day, I can’t recommend the Redwood area enough.
- Scenery: Redwood groves, rivers, beaches, coastal bluffs, and meadows.
- Permit required: Yes, a permit is $175-$200 depending on location. To apply for a permit, go here.
- Crowd level: Low. I’ve personally never run into another person while photographing a ceremony here!
- Best time to elope: May-November, though the park is open and snow-free year-round.
Photographer tip: Redwood National and State Parks can be confusing because the area is managed by multiple park systems, and ceremonies are usually only allowed at specific pre-approved locations (see the permit page for more info). Be sure your photographer is familiar with the area.
3. Mt. Shasta, California
Where do I even begin with Mt. Shasta? If you’re looking for a mountain elopement location without the crowds, this is the best place to elope in the US, hands down. Most people don’t even know this place exists (trust me, I’m a local). And while I want this location to stay small, I can’t deny that it’s what makes this place to special. Shasta has mountains, waterfalls, forests, lakes, wildflowers, and a level of privacy that’s hard to find at more popular mountain locations.
- Scenery: Mountains, rivers, lakes, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and forests.
- Permit required: No. Permits are typically not required for ceremonies in the Mount Shasta area.
- Crowd level: Very low.
- Best time to elope: May-June and October-November.
Photographer tip: The best views of Mount Shasta often involve a short hike.
4. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Oregon
At the very southern tip of Oregon lies a rugged stretch of coastline known as the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Along this coastline you’ll find secluded beaches, overlooks, natural arches, and close access to the redwoods. If you love the Oregon Coast but want to avoid the crowds you find in popular spots like Cannon Beach, this area is perfect. You get the classic Oregon Coast experience with less crowds.
- Scenery: Beaches, coastal bluffs, rivers, waterfalls, and forests.
- Permit required: No. Permits are typically not required for ceremonies in this area.
- Crowd level: Low, though it doesn’t get moderately busy in certain locations during the summer.
- Best time to elope: May-November.
Photographer tip: Many of the best viewpoints at Samuel H. Boardman require a short hike.
5. North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades National Park and the surrounding region are often called the “Swiss Alps of America,” and it’s not hard to see why. This part of Washington truly has something for everyone. If you love hiking, you’ll have endless trails to choose from. Prefer something more accessible? You can get incredible mountain views right from the parking lot. Many areas here are also dog-friendly!
- Scenery: Mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, wildflowers, and old-growth forests.
- Permit required: Yes, it’s $50 and can be applied for here.
- Crowd level: High. Plan for sunrise or sunset.
- Best time to elope: July-September. This location gets a lot of snow and is only accessible for a short period of time.
Photographer tip: Artist Point is the most popular location in the North Cascades region you’ll see online, even though it’s technically in the neighboring national forest. It’s stunning, but also extremely busy and popular for elopements. Expect to see other couples getting married here.
6. Whittier, Alaska
It’s hard to choose just one place in Alaska, but if I had to pick, the Whittier region is almost impossible to beat. The lakes, waterfalls, and countless glaciers in this area are unreal. If you want a true Alaska experience, I highly recommend taking a helicopter tour on your elopement day. Alaska is one of the few places in the US where you can land on a glacier and say your vows. And depending on the season, you may even catch the northern lights. This place truly has it all!
- Scenery: Mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, wildflowers, and rainforests.
- Permit required: Permits are usually not required in Whittier.
- Crowd level: Moderate.
- Best time to elope: July-September.
Photographer tip: Weather changes very quickly in Alaska. Have a flexible timeline and a backup location in case conditions shift.
7. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier is one of America’s most beloved national parks, and its close proximity to Seattle makes it a fan-favorite for Washington residents. Known for its wildflower meadows, valleys, and mountain views, Rainier attracts millions of visitors each summer. It’s a great choice for couples who want easily accessible mountain views, couples who love to hike, or couples who want to do a mix of both. If you don’t mind the crowds, this is a great park to explore.
- Scenery: Mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, wildflowers, and old-growth forests.
- Permit required: Yes, permits are $275. You can apply here.
- Crowd level: High. Plan a sunrise or sunset ceremony.
- Best time to elope: July-September. August is wildflower season.
Photographer tip: Mount Rainier has a very specific permit process. Ceremonies are only allowed at designated locations, and many of those locations are only available on certain days at certain times. In summer, the park often requires timed entry reservations, so purchase those online ahead of time to avoid delays.
8. Joshua Tree National Park, California
For desert lovers everywhere, Joshua Tree is one of the best places to elope in the US. With endless rock formations and twisted trees, this park is ideal for couples who want both privacy and good weather. Stay after sunset and watch the sky fill with stars, since Joshua Tree is one of the best stargazing locations in the country or wake up early to catch a sunrise. If you want to combine your elopement and honeymoon, this is the perfect place to do it (hello Palm Springs!).
- Scenery: Desert landscapes, boulder fields, Joshua trees, cacti, and mountains.
- Permit required: Yes, permits are $120. You can apply here.
- Crowd level: Moderate to high, especially in spring. Plan for a weekday ceremony.
- Best time to elope: October-April. Summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees.
Photographer tip: Cell service in Joshua Tree is very limited, so I always download maps and save pinned locations ahead of time. Trailheads and turnoffs can look very similar in the desert, so having everything saved offline makes the day run smoothly.
9. Kauai, Hawaii
What better place to elope than in paradise? Kauai is one of the best places to elope for couples who want a little bit of everything: lush greens, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, adventurous activities, and of course, shaved ice. Compared to the other Hawaiian islands, Kauai is far less developed, which means you get a quieter, more nature-forward experience. If you are dreaming of a tropical elopement, Kauai is pretty hard to beat.
- Scenery: Lush jungle, beaches, cliffs, waterfalls, canyons, and mountain ridges.
- Permit required: Yes, though it depends on the location. Permits can range from $20-$300.
- Crowd level: Moderate. Beaches and popular lookouts are busiest in summer.
- Best time to elope: April-October for the driest weather. Winter months are beautiful but rainier.
Photographer tip: Kauai has very strict regulations about where ceremonies and photography are allowed. Always confirm your location with the state permit list or ask your photographer to help you choose a spot that’s legal.
10. Yosemite National Park, California
When you think of national parks, Yosemite is usually the first one that comes to mind. Look at any list of the best places to elope in the US and you will almost always see Yosemite at the top. The park has some of the most iconic scenery in the world, from massive granite cliffs to meadows and waterfalls. While breathtaking, it’s also extremely busy, so it is important to plan with crowds in mind. Yosemite is perfect for couples who want dramatic views and don’t mind sharing the landscape with other visitors.
- Scenery: Granite cliffs, meadows, waterfalls, alpine lakes, sequoias, and valleys.
- Permit required: Yes. Ceremony permits cost $150 dollars. Apply here.
- Crowd level: Very high, especially in summer. Plan for sunrise to avoid the heaviest crowds.
- Best time to elope: May-October.
Photographer tip: Yosemite is one of the busiest national parks in the country. Even at sunrise you are likely to see other couples, hikers, and photographers, so plan early and choose less popular viewpoints if you want more privacy.
11. Acadia National Park, Maine
The first East Coast location on the list, Acadia National Park, is one of the most beautiful places to elope. With rocky shorelines, pine forests, granite cliffs, mountain views, and some of the best sunrises in the country, Acadia is great for laidback couples looking for great scenery on the East Coast. Bar Harbor is just minutes away, which makes it easy to celebrate with great food and lodging after the ceremony.
- Scenery: Rocky coastlines, cliffs, beaches, lakes, forests, and mountain overlooks.
- Permit required: Yes. Permits are $75 and can be applied for here.
- Crowd level: Moderate to high, especially in summer and fall.
- Best time to elope: June-October.
Photographer tip: Acadia is extremely popular at sunrise. The park also caps all elopements at ten people, so make sure your group size fits within the limit before applying for a permit.
12. Sedona, Arizona
For one of the most magical places to elope in the Southwest, head to Sedona. Whether you’re hiking to a viewpoint or choosing a drive-up location, Sedona has something for everyone. Sunsets, red rocks, 4×4 roads, and natural arches are just a few of the many things Sedona has to offer. This area is great for couples who are laidback, go-with-the-flow, and love a good adventure.
- Scenery: Red rock cliffs, desert landscapes, mesas, canyons, and panoramic overlooks.
- Permit required: Yes. Some locations require permits through the Forest Service, depending on your ceremony spot.
- Crowd level: High, especially at popular trails like Cathedral Rock.
- Best time to elope: March-May and September-November.
Photographer tip: Sedona trailheads fill up very early, even on weekdays. Parking can be limited, so I always recommend arriving well before sunrise or choosing lesser known trails for a quieter ceremony.
13. Big Sur, California
If you want everything Northern California has to offer in one place, Big Sur is hard to beat. You can stroll through the redwoods in the morning, picnic on the cliffs in the afternoon, and end the day with a fancy dinner overlooking the ocean. The area is packed with gorgeous coastal views, redwoods, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It’s also one of the best spots for couples who want to combine their elopement and honeymoon, since Big Sur is home to some of the most romantic lodging and dining on the West Coast.
- Scenery: Coastal cliffs, beaches, redwood forests, waterfalls, and rocky coves.
- Permit required: Yes. Big Sur is made up of different state parks that require a permit, and some locations have strict rules. Permits are usually $200-$400.
- Crowd level: Moderate.
- Best time to elope: April-October.
Photographer tip: Highway 1 through Big Sur frequently experiences closures from landslides and storms. Always check road conditions before your elopement day and plan extra travel time in case of delays.
14. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is a mountain lover’s dream. It is one of the best places to elope in the US for many reasons, but the biggest one is accessibility. The Tetons are one of the few mountain ranges where you can experience world-class views without any hiking at all, which makes it perfect for elopements with guests or couples who aren’t into hiking. With Jackson Hole just minutes away, you can spend your day spotting wildlife, swimming in the lakes, trying local restaurants, or simply pulling over to enjoy the views.
- Scenery: Mountains, alpine lakes, meadows, forests, and rivers.
- Permit required: Yes. Permits are $200 and can be applied for here.
- Crowd level: Moderate to high in summer, especially at popular locations.
- Best time to elope: June-October.
Photographer tip: The Tetons are one of the strictest national parks when it comes to ceremony rules. Each ceremony location has a specific guest limit, and permits often sell out quickly.
15. Glacier National Park, Montana
For one of the most dramatic places to elope in the US, you need to check out Glacier National Park. With turquoise lakes, mountains, valleys, and wildlife around every corner, Glacier feels wild and untouched in a way few parks do. If you want an elopement location that feels remote and full of adventure, Glacier is a no-brainer. The key here is planning, as Glacier is getting busier and busier each year!
- Scenery: Alpine lakes, mountains, wildflower meadows, forests, waterfalls, and valleys.
- Permit required: Yes. Permits are $125 and can be applied for here.
- Crowd level: High.
- Best time to elope: July-September
Photographer tip: Glacier has strict ceremony locations and permit rules, and many of the best areas are not open year-round due to snow or road closures. Going-to-the-Sun Road also requires vehicle reservations in peak season.
16. Moab, Utah
Moab is one of the most unique desert landscapes in the US and a dream location for adventurous couples who love to explore. This area is home to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park, which means you have multiple options for scenery. This is one of the best places in the country for off-roading. Rent a 4×4 and experience Moab like a local. Doing so is not only fun, but it guarantees you a ceremony spot away from the crowds.
- Scenery: Red rock cliffs, natural arches, canyons, mesas, desert valleys, and overlooks.
- Permit required: Yes. Each park requires a different permit, along with any ceremonies held on BLM land. Permits usually range from $60-$300.
- Crowd level: Moderate to high.
- Best time to elope: March-May and September-November.
Photographer tip: Moab has three major parks with different rules. Some arches do not allow ceremonies or photography, and many trails have limited shade. Bring plenty of water and plan for sunrise or sunset to avoid the extreme heat.
17. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to elope in Colorado. It’s not called the land of extremes for nothing! From alpine lakes, huge mountain ranges, wildlife, and more, this park offers classic Colorado scenery you see in the movies. While extreme, this park is also great for couples not into the whole hiking thing. What’s amazing about Rocky is that with over 265,000 acres to choose from, there really is something for everyone here.
- Scenery: Alpine lakes, mountains, meadows, forests, and wetlands.
- Permit required: Yes. Ceremony permits are $300. You can apply here.
- Crowd level: High.
- Best time to elope: June-October.
Photographer tip: Many locations in Rocky Mountain National Park sit at high elevation. If you are visiting from out of state, give yourself a day to adjust and drink plenty of water so you feel your best on your elopement day. Permits also sell out quick!
US Elopement Packages
Now that you’ve seen some of the best spots to elope in the US (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 one of the best. Let’s make it happen!
- 4 hours – 2 days of elopement coverage anywhere in the US
- 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 US are already included
- Starting at $6,500
Don’t forget your FREE elopement guide!
An all-in-one planning guide for all things elopements! Whether you’re hoping to hike through the mountains of Washington or sip a margarita on the beaches of California, this comprehensive elopement guide has everything you need to know about how to plan the perfect elopement.
You? You’re the kind of person that gets a lil’ teary eyed looking at an epic view…
That moment when you turn to the person you’re with and ask, “Are you seeing this?” I live for it. Places with trees and mountains and soft breezes that make you say, “I can’t believe this place exists,” I spend pretty much all of my free time searching for and exploring them.
These places have always felt like home to me. And if you’re the kind of person who also feels more at home surrounded by trees than by people? Then we’ll get along really well. The Pacific Northwest is full of secret spots that are too special to share with just anyone. But it would make me happy to share them with you on your wedding day.
If the mountains/beaches/redwood forests are calling your name, go ahead…
(I promise you won’t regret it.)
P.S. I’m Brianna. I’m a Pacific Northwest elopement photographer whose mission is to create custom, one-of-a-kind elopement experiences in the Pacific Northwest that allow couples to fully immerse themselves in the highest levels of excitement and wonder on a day designed exclusively for them.
