27 Best Places to Elope in the US in 2026

Choosing the best place to elope in the US can feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. There are thousands of beautiful locations in the country, but only a handful have the special sauce that makes them better than the rest. The challenge is knowing which ones are truly worth your time.

Lucky for you, I’m an elopement photographer who has spent years traveling across the country, hiking its trails, and photographing couples in almost every US state. Trust me when I say… 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 will be sure to help by highlighting the 27 most beautiful, unforgettable, and best places to elope in the United States.

Best Mountain Elopement Locations

Mountain elopements are popular for a reason!

Whatever version of a mountain elopement you’re dreaming about, whether it’s views without hiking or an entire day on the trail chasing wildflowers, there’s no shortage of incredible places to choose from in the US.

From the jagged peaks in Wyoming to the foggy mountains of the Carolinas, these are some of the best mountain elopement locations in the country.

(And if mountains are specifically what you’re after, you might also love my full guide to the best mountain elopement locations in the US.)

1. Mt. Shasta, California

Where do I even begin with Mt. Shasta?!

If you’re looking for one of the best mountain elopement locations 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 so special. Shasta has mountains, waterfalls, forests, lakes, wildflowers, and a level of privacy that’s hard to find at most popular mountain locations. Plus, the snow melts much earlier in the season, meaning this are is usually accessible May-November (practically unheard of in most mountain locations).

• Scenery: Mountains, rivers, lakes, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and forests.
• Popular ceremony locations: Lake Siskiyou and Bunny Flat.
• Permit required: No. Permits are typically not required for ceremonies in the Mount Shasta area.
• Crowd level: Very low.
• Best time of year to elope: May-June and October-November.

2. North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park and the surrounding region are known as the “Swiss Alps of America,” and it’s not hard to see why. This part of Washington truly has something for everyone. In my experience photographing elopements for over 7 years, the North Cascades area is one of the most sought-after, popular, and best places to elope in all of Washington.

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! And don’t even get me started on the summer wildflowers, fall colors, or cutest Airbnb rentals at the base of the mountains.

• Scenery: Mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, wildflowers, and old-growth forests.
• Popular ceremony locations: Artist Point, Diablo Lake, and Washington Pass Overlook.
• Permit required: Yes, a $50 special use permit is required.
• Crowd level: High. Plan for sunrise or sunset.
• Best time of year to elope: July-September. This location gets a lot of snow and is only accessible for a short period of time.

3. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier is one of America’s most beloved and best national parks for elopements, 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. The park is particularly known to be one of the best places in the US for wildflowers.

Mt. Rainier is definitely one of the busier national parks on this list, so planning is important, but regardless, it remain one of the best places to elope in the US.

• Scenery: Mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, wildflowers, and old-growth forests.
• Popular ceremony locations: Tipsoo Lake, Skyline Trail, and Tolmie Peak Trail.
• Permit required: Yes, Mt. Rainier requires a $275 special use permit.
• Crowd level: High. Plan a sunrise or sunset ceremony.
• Best time of year to elope: July-September. August is wildflower season.

4. 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.

The only downside to this specific location is its aggressive permit system. Unless you’re planning an elopement with less than 12 people total, you need to be prepared to snag a permit almost 1.5-2 years out!

• Scenery: Mountains, alpine lakes, meadows, forests, and rivers.
• Popular ceremony locations: Mormon Row, Schwabacher’s Landing, and Colter Bay Swim Beach.
• Permit required: Yes. Permits are $200.
• Crowd level: Moderate to high in summer, especially at popular locations.
• Best time of year to elope: June-October.

5. Whittier, Alaska

It’s hard to choose just one place in Alaska, but if I had to pick, the Whittier region is pretty hard to beat. The lakes, waterfalls, and countless glaciers in this area are seriously out of this world. There are a plethora of locations that don’t require any hiking, but if you’re up for it, this area of Alaska has some of the best trails in the state.

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.
• Popular ceremony locations: Portage Pass and Byron Glacier.
• Permit required: Permits are usually not required in Whittier.
• Crowd level: Moderate.
• Best time of year to elope: July-September.

6. Yosemite National Park, California

When you think of national parks, Yosemite is usually the first one that comes to mind. In fact, when you think about the best places to elope in the US, I’m sure Yosemite is one that’s at the top of your list. 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. It’s awesome for accessible locations and is sure to wow your guests, but just be prepared that since it is one of the best places to elope and everyone knows it, it will be busy.

• Scenery: Granite cliffs, meadows, waterfalls, alpine lakes, sequoias, and valleys.
• Popular ceremony locations: Taft Point, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls.
• Permit required: Yes. Ceremony permits cost $150 dollars.
• Crowd level: Very high, especially in summer. Plan for sunrise to avoid the heaviest crowds.
• Best time of year to elope: May-October.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is probably the best place to elope in all of Colorado. It’s not called the land of extremes for nothing! From alpine lakes, huge mountain ranges, wildlife, and more, this park has all the Colorado scenery you’d expect to see in the state.

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. So strap up your boots, or your sandals, or even your flip slops and be prepared to be blown away by the amount of diverse scenery here.

• Scenery: Alpine lakes, mountains, meadows, forests, and wetlands.
• Popular ceremony locations: 3M Curve, Bear Lake, and Sprague Lake.
• Permit required: Yes. Ceremony permits are $300.
• Crowd level: High.
• Best time of year to elope: June-October.

8. Glacier National Park, Montana

For one of the most dramatic places to elope in the US, you’ll 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 is full of adventure, Glacier is a no-brainer.

From scenic drives along Going-to-the-Sun Road to alpine lakes tucked deep in the mountains, there are endless places to explore throughout the park. The key here is planning, as Glacier is getting busier and busier each year!

• Scenery: Alpine lakes, mountains, wildflower meadows, forests, waterfalls, and valleys.
• Popular ceremony locations: Bowman Lake, Sun Point, and Two Medicine Lake.
• Permit required: Yes. Special use permits are $125.
• Crowd level: High.
• Best time of year to elope: July-September

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Unlike the giant dramatic peaks you find out west, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is bit more subdued in comparison, but if postcard scenery is what you’re after, this is where you’ll find it. Think winding mountain roads, fog in the trees, waterfalls hidden in the forest, little cabin towns, and overlooks that make you want to sit there forever.

This area is especially magical during the fall when the mountains completely explode with color, but really, the Smokies are beautiful year-round.

One of my favorite things about this area is that it feels accessible without sacrificing scenery. There are so many beautiful overlooks and easy trails throughout the park, which makes it perfect for couples who don’t necessarily want a super intense hiking elopement (though they have trails for that too).

• Scenery: Mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, wildflowers, and scenic overlooks.
• Popular ceremony locations: Foothills Parkway, Kuwohi, and Cades Cove.
• Permit required: Yes. A special use permit is required and currently costs $50.
• Crowd level: Moderate to high.
• Best time of year to elope: October-November for fall colors.

10. White Mountains, New Hampshire

If your dream elopement consists of fall colors, the White Mountains will be the best places to elope in the US for you. I mean seriously, just look at that picture!

While known for its fall colors, the White Mountains are gorgeous year-round. There are waterfalls, lakes, mountain overlooks, forests, and scenic drives everywhere in the area.

The White Mountains also feel much calmer than many of the western national parks on this list. Things move slower here, though there are still plenty of options available for couples who want something a bit faster-paced like challenging hiking trails.

While yes, many people come to the White Mountains for its hiking, it’s also a fantastic option for couples who don’t want to hike but still want mountain scenery, as there are a ton of accessible, ho-hiking-required locations that work great for elopements with guests.

• Scenery: Mountains, forests, waterfalls, lakes, and fall foliage.
• Popular ceremony locations: Artist Bluff, Cathedral Ledge, and Franconia Notch State Park.
• Permit required: Usually not, but it depends on the location.
• Crowd level: Moderate to high.
• Best time of year to elope: June-October.

Best Forest Elopement Locations

Whether it’s an old-growth, new-growth, rain, or pine forest you’re after, the US has no shortage of options to choose from. These are some of the best you’ll find.

(And if forests are specifically what you’re after, you might also love my full guide to the best forest elopement locations in the US.)

11. 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 out there.

This park has not only the tallest trees on Earth, but it’s also packed with incredible coastlines, elk-filled meadows, and numerous rivers. With consistent temperatures year-round, the redwoods are a great place to elope any time of the year.

As someone who has photographed in almost every national park, I’m constantly surprised at how crowd-free Redwood National Park is, even in the dead of summer. This is a fantastic location for couples looking for something more private and won’t mind the travel time to get there.

• Scenery: Redwood groves, rivers, beaches, coastal bluffs, and meadows.
• Popular ceremony locations: Templeman Grove and Organ Donor’s Grove.
• Permit required: Yes, a permit is $100-$300 depending on location.
• Crowd level: Low. I’ve personally never run into another person while photographing a ceremony here!
• Best time of year to elope: May-November, though the park is open and snow-free year-round.

12. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park offers more landscape variety than almost any other park in the US so it’s hard to place it into just one category. Rainforests, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, and old-growth forests all exist within hours of each other. And if I’m being honest with you, it’s my #1 recommended location on this list for elopements.

It’s one of the best places to elope in the US for couples who want no-hiking-required ceremony locations, wildlife sightings, and endless backdrops to choose from.

It’s also the only national park in Washington with snow-free locations all year round. Whatever you’re envisioning, this park has a backdrop that fits it.

• Scenery: Rainforests, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, rivers, and old-growth forests.
• Popular ceremony locations: Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and Ruby Beach.
• Permit required: Yes, a $50 permit is required for groups larger than 5.
• Crowd level: Moderate; far fewer crowds than most US national parks.
• Best time of year to elope: June–October for most locations; beaches and rainforests are accessible year-round.

13. Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe, no matter how many times you see it, always looks fake. And like Olympic, I had a hard time classifying this area because it just has so much.

Between the lake, mountain views, beaches, pine forests, and towns, Tahoe has a little bit of everything. You can spend the morning hiking to a mountain overlook, jump in the lake in the afternoon, and end the night at a fancy dinner or casino.

It’s also one of the best places to elope in the US for couples who want beautiful scenery without needing to hike miles to get it. There are so many incredible ceremony spots that are accessible right from the parking lot.

And if you’re into activities, Tahoe truly has endless options. Skiing, paddleboarding, boating, hiking, snowmobiling… this place really does have something for everyone.

• Scenery: Alpine lakes, mountains, beaches, pine forests, granite cliffs, and meadows.
• Popular ceremony locations: Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay, and Zephyr Cove.
• Permit required: Depends on the location. Some beaches and state parks require permits.
• Crowd level: Moderate to high.
• Best time of year to elope: June-October.

Best Beach Elopement Locations

There’s a reason beach elopements never go out of style.

From the white shores of Hawaii to the rocky coast of Maine, these are some of the best beach elopement locations in the US.

(And if beaches are specifically what you’re after, you might also love my full guide to the best beach elopement locations in the US.)

14. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Oregon

At the very southern tip of Oregon lies a 12-mile stretch of coastline known as the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Along this coastline you’ll find secluded beaches, overlooks, natural arches, and forests. It’s also less than an hour away from some of the best redwood elopement locations in California.

If you love the Oregon Coast but want to avoid the crowds you find at popular spots like Cannon Beach, this area is perfect. You get the classic Oregon Coast experience with less crowds.

In fact, the entire Oregon Coast deserves to make this list, but if I had to choose, I’d vote for Samuel H. Boardman every time.

• Scenery: Beaches, coastal bluffs, rivers, waterfalls, and forests.
• Popular ceremony locations: Secret Beach and Capella by the Sea.
• 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 of year to elope: May-November.

Interested in the Oregon Coast as a whole? You might like my guide on the best places to elope in Oregon!

15. Kauai, Hawaii

What better place to elope than in paradise? Kauai is one of the best places to elope in the US 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.

One of the only downsides to this area is its strict permit regulations for weddings, meaning specific locations are on or off-limits. However, if you’re flexible with this and really want a tropical elopement, Kauai is going to be pretty hard to beat.

• Scenery: Lush jungle, beaches, cliffs, waterfalls, canyons, and mountain ridges.
• Popular ceremony locations: Hanalei Bay, Waimea Canyon State Park (portraits only), and Tunnels Beach.
• 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 of year to elope: April-October for the driest weather. Winter months are beautiful but rainier.

16. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful in the US. And as someone who is a die-hard PNW loyalist, even I would consider getting married in Acadia. Rocky shorelines, pine forests, granite cliffs, mountain views, and some of the best sunrises in the country make Acadia one of the greatest options 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. The park does feel fairly remote, and there is a bit of a drive to get here from the nearest airport, but it’s worth every mile to get to see some of the most spectacular scenery along the East Coast.

• Scenery: Rocky coastlines, cliffs, beaches, lakes, forests, and mountain overlooks.
• Popular ceremony locations: Cadillac Mountain, Otter Point, and Sand Beach.
• Permit required: Yes. Permits are $75 and can be applied for here.
• Crowd level: Moderate to high, especially in summer and fall.
• Best time of year to elope: June-October.

17. Big Sur, California

If you want everything Northern California has to offer in one place for your elopement, Big Sur should be at the top of your list. 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.

Many of the locations are easily accessible for you and your guests, and as one of the best places to elope in California, the endless scenery is sure to knock your socks off!

• Scenery: Coastal cliffs, beaches, redwood forests, waterfalls, and rocky coves.
• Popular ceremony locations: Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, and Glen Oaks Big Sur.
• 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 of year to elope: April-October.

18. North Shore, Minnesota

The North Shore of Minnesota is one of the most underrated places to elope in the US, hands down.

This stretch along Lake Superior is packed with waterfalls, rocky cliffs, pine forests, little cabin towns, and moody beaches that remind me a little bit of the Pacific Northwest.

One of my favorite things about this area is how peaceful it is. It’s not flashy or overly touristy like Lake Tahoe. It’s an area where you spend the day slowly driving the coastline, stopping at waterfalls, grabbing coffee in small towns, and watching the waves crash against the rocks.

And during the fall? Absolutely unreal. A must for any couple.

• Scenery: Rocky shoreline, forests, waterfalls, cliffs, and lakes.
• Popular ceremony locations: Tettegouche State Park, Gooseberry Falls, and Black Beach.
• Permit required: Some state parks require permits for ceremonies.
• Crowd level: Low to moderate.
• Best time of year to elope: June-October.

Best Desert Elopement Locations

If you were to ask me which landscape is the most underrated when it comes to elopements, it’s the desert which is such a shame considering how unique and incredible the landscapes are. Despite what most people think, deserts aren’t all the same.

If you’re dreaming about warm nights, unreal sunsets, and landscapes that don’t even look real, these are some of the best desert elopement locations in the US.

19. Joshua Tree National Park, California

For desert lovers everywhere, Joshua Tree is one of the best places for you! With endless rock formations and twisted trees, this park is ideal for couples who want both privacy and good weather. The park is larger than 30 different countries, so finding a secluded spot away from crowds is an easy feat.

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.
• Popular ceremony locations: Cap Rock, Hidden Valley Picnic Area, and Split Rock.
• Permit required: Yes, a permit is $120.
• Crowd level: Moderate to high, especially in spring. Plan for a weekday ceremony.
• Best time of year to elope: October-April. Summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees.

20. 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 you’ll love. Sunsets, red rocks, 4×4 roads, and natural arches are just a few of the many things Sedona has to offer. This area is basically a giant playground for adults.

Sedona is great for couples who are laidback, go-with-the-flow, and love a good adventure. With endless trail options, hidden viewpoints, and scenic overlooks scattered throughout the region, it’s easy to find a spot that feels both amazing and private.

• Scenery: Red rock cliffs, desert landscapes, mesas, canyons, and panoramic overlooks.
• Popular ceremony locations: Cathedral Rock, Merry Go Round Rock, and Bell Rock.
• 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 of year to elope: March-May and September-November.

21. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park seriously feels like another planet. Who knew something like this was in South Dakota?!

The giant rock formations, canyons, and cliffs here are unlike anywhere else in the US. And somehow, despite how incredible this park is, it still feels wildly underrated compared to other national parks.

This is one of the best places to elope in the US if you want dramatic scenery without huge crowds. Many of the overlooks are easily accessible, and sunsets here are absolutely unreal.

The Badlands are also perfect for couples who love road trips. You can spend the entire day driving through the park, pulling over at overlooks, spotting wildlife, and watching the colors change on the rocks.

• Scenery: Rock formations, canyons, cliffs, prairies, and desert landscapes.
• Popular ceremony locations: Big Badlands Overlook, Panorama Point, and Sage Creek Rim Road.
• Permit required: Yes. A $100 special use permit is required for ceremonies.
• Crowd level: Low to moderate.
• Best time of year to elope: May-June and September-October.

22. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

White Sands National Park is a place feels so different from anywhere else in the US. There’s not much out there besides sand, sky, and mountains. Yet somehow, your elopement options seem limitless.

This place is especially gorgeous around sunset, as all desert landscapes are, but stay after sunset to be awarded with some of the best starry night skies in the world.

White Sands is also perfect for couples who want something simple but still breathtaking. You don’t need to hike miles for incredible views, and it’s surprisingly easy to find spots that feel private.

• Scenery: White dunes, desert landscapes, mountains, and open skies.
• Popular ceremony locations: Interdune Boardwalk and the backcountry dune areas.
• Permit required: Yes. A $100 special use permit is required for ceremonies.
• Crowd level: Low to moderate.
• Best time of year to elope: October-April.

23. 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. Towering red rock formations, canyon views, and endless desert landscapes make this one of the most visually striking places to elope in the Southwest.

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. Between sunrise hikes, scenic drives, and stargazing in the desert, it’s easy to turn your elopement day into a full adventure.

• Scenery: Red rock cliffs, natural arches, canyons, mesas, desert valleys, and overlooks.
• Popular ceremony locations: Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Canyonlands National Park
• 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 of year to elope: March-May and September-November.

Best Urban Elopement Locations

Not everyone dreams about hiking ten miles into the mountains for their elopement day. Believe it or not, but the city is just as romantic as the mountains.

One of my favorite things about city elopements is how much variety they give you. You can start the day at a courthouse, grab coffee together, explore the city, eat the best dinner of your life, and end the night overlooking the skyline.

If that sounds more like your vibe, these are some of the best urban elopement locations in the US.

24. New York City, New York

If your dream elopement day sounds less like hiking boots and more like rooftop cocktails, candlelit dinners, and running through the streets at midnight, New York City might be the best place to elope in the US for you.

There’s something ridiculously romantic about New York. Maybe it’s the chaos. Maybe it’s the history. Or maybe it’s the fact that somehow, in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world, it can still feel incredibly intimate.

One minute you’re saying your vows in Central Park, and the next you’re eating pizza on the sidewalk in wedding clothes while taxis fly by. There aren’t many places where your elopement day can feel completely spontaneous and planned at the same time.

Whether you want a courthouse ceremony, rooftop views, a luxury hotel experience, or photos wandering through the city together, New York will be sure to deliver ten-fold.

• Scenery: Skyline views, brownstone streets, rooftop bars, historic architecture, parks, and city lights.
• Popular ceremony locations: Central Park, Manhattan rooftops, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• Permit required: Usually not for small ceremonies, though some parks and rooftop venues require permits or reservations.
• Crowd level: Very high, though weekdays and sunrise are significantly quieter.
• Best time of year to elope: April-June and September-November.

25. Las Vegas, Nevada

Back back it all began! Las Vegas is one of the most underrated places to elope in the US. I think people underestimate just how fun an elopement day here can be.

Sure, Vegas has the classic chapel experience, but there’s also a completely different side to it. Within an hour of the city you have red rock deserts, dry lake beds, mountain views, and some of the best sunsets in the Southwest. You can spend the morning getting married in the desert and end the night eating at a five-star restaurant overlooking the Strip.

And the best part? Vegas makes eloping easy. Marriage licenses are simple, flights are affordable, and there are endless options for lodging, restaurants, nightlife, and activities.

Whether you want something classy, chaotic, laidback, luxurious, or completely weird, Vegas will make all of it work.

• Scenery: Desert landscapes, mountains, city landscapes, neon lights, casinos, and dry lake beds.
• Popular ceremony locations: Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Little White Chapel, and downtown Las Vegas.
• Permit required: Usually yes for ceremonies in nearby state parks.
• Crowd level: Moderate to high.
• Best time of year to elope: October-April.

26. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the best places to elope in the US for couples who want a little bit of everything without needing to actually leave the city.

One minute you’re walking the streets holding coffee, and the next you’re standing on the coastline watching the sun disappear behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Between the ocean, architecture, beaches, gardens, rooftops, and incredible food scene, this city really does have so much variety packed into one place.

One of my favorite things about eloping here is that the day can feel however you want it to. Fancy dinner downtown? Check. Beach picnic? Check. City hall ceremony? Check. Running around the city eating pastries in wedding clothes? Check. This place truly has it all.

• Scenery: Coastal cliffs, beaches, city views, gardens, historic architecture, and fog.
• Popular ceremony locations: San Francisco City Hall, Baker Beach, and Lands End.
• Permit required: Usually yes, but it depends on the location.
• Crowd level: Moderate to high.
• Best time of year to elope: September-November.

27. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah looks like it was taken straight out of The Notebook.

Between the Spanish moss hanging from the trees, cobblestone streets, old historic homes, and little garden squares, this city is ridiculously romantic. It’s easily one of the best places to elope in the US for couples who want something slower and not centered around hiking or national parks.

One of the best things about Savannah is that the scenery is basically everywhere. You can wander through the streets together, grab drinks at a rooftop bar, listen to live music, or even make your way out to the coast.

• Scenery: Historic architecture, Spanish moss, oak trees, gardens, fountains, and cobblestone streets.
• Popular ceremony locations: Forsyth Park, Wormsloe Historic Site, and Monterey Square.
• Permit required: Yes for state parks and potentially for historic sites.
• Crowd level: Moderate.
• Best time of year to elope: March-May and October-November.

Ready to Plan Your Elopement?

If this list proves anything, it’s that there’s no single “best” place to elope in the US.

Some couples want mountains and hiking boots. Others want beaches, deserts, forests, city lights, or somewhere that feels as remote as possible. The best location is the one that feels the most like you.

I’m Brianna, an elopement photographer who’s spent years traveling across the country photographing couples in many of the locations listed above. Whether you already have a dream location in mind or have no idea where to even start, I’m here to help make the process feel a whole lot less overwhelming.