12 Best Places to Elope in the US

Eloping gives you and your partner the chance to pick your dream, intimate location for your ceremony. While there are endless locations throughout the states to get married, some of the best places to elope in the US may just be right in your home state. 

Whether you are looking for locations on the water, in the mountains, in the forest, or even on a volcano, you are sure to find the perfect spot right here in the states. Here are some of our top picks for the best places to elope in the US. 

Please note that some of these locations do require permits in order to have your ceremony there. Be sure to check all requirements before planning your ceremony! 

Sedona, Arizona 

Sedona, Arizona is an outdoor lovers’ dream elopement location. The red rock buttes and canyons create a picturesque backdrop for your dream ceremony. The green trees that line the bottom of the canyons offer a beautiful contrast in color that is sure to make all of your photos pop. 

You can also celebrate your elopement at one of the many vineyards throughout Sedona. Not only are the vineyards themselves beautiful, but some of them even feature European-styled buildings to make you feel like you are in another country! 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee 

The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee offer a magical place for a dream elopement. While the park is one of the most visited parks in the US, there are still plenty of spots around the park that you can escape to for an intimate ceremony. 

For an even more enchanting experience, plan your elopement for sunrise or sunset to catch unbelievable colors to match the incredible views. The Smokies are perfect for those that love being surrounded by greenery, trees and sweeping views. 

White Sands National Park in New Mexico 

Looking for a stunning, expansive venue where you can find a totally private and intimate location? White Sands National Park in New Mexico might just be the perfect fit for you. While hiking up the sand dunes can take a bit of effort, the views are definitely worth it and unlike any other national park. 

It is important to remember that this is in the desert and there is no shade so this may not be the best place to plan your elopement if you are looking to have a summer elopement! Spring and fall are the best times to get hitched here.

Since there is so much space, though, you can find a spot on the dunes that is totally private for your ceremony and your pictures! 

Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah

The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah is an absolutely stunning place to get eloped. Located relatively close to Salt Lake City, the Salt Flats create a beautiful open backdrop for your dream elopement. 

The otherworldly scenery created by the salt is unlike almost anything else you can find and is sure to create an unforgettable experience for you and your partner. You can plan your elopement for the evening and stargaze with your new spouse after saying I do. Or, drive into the city and plan a romantic dinner with select family and friends. 

Yosemite National Park in California

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular and best places to elope in the US. Whether you are looking for a more foresty vibe, something with a mountain view, or a ceremony by a waterfall, Yosemite has it all. 

You also don’t have to choose just one of them and can take the entire day exploring the park and all it has to offer. Similarly to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, this park is super popular and is often busy so it may be a little more difficult to find completely private spots throughout the park. However, there are plenty of spots you can escape to in order to have special moments with your partner throughout the day! 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan 

If you are searching for a spot on the Great Lakes to elope, then look no further. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore right on Lake Superior offers breathtaking views and plenty of locations for your dream elopement. 

The beaches on the Lakeshore span for miles, there are hiking trails that go on for close to 100 miles, overlooks from sandstone cliffs, and beautiful forest to explore. Wherever you choose for your ceremony, you are sure to get breathtaking views that will make for an unforgettable elopement. 

New York City

New York City is a place that is bursting with life and love and is one of the best places to elope in the US if you are looking for a city elopement. With endless options of locations to have your ceremony, your day is one that you will never forget. 

Head into Central Park to have your ceremony in one of the most famous parks in the country. Pop over to Brooklyn Bridge Park to say I do with the beautiful Manhattan skyline behind you. Stop by Coney Island to exchange vows on the boardwalk. You can even have an unforgettable elopement right at City Hall (if you’re from the big apple)

While an elopement in New York City may not be as intimate or private as other locations on this list, it is sure to be one you will never forget.  

California

California has so much to offer throughout the state so it is clear to see why it is one of the best places to elope in the US. And it’s too hard to say just one spot within the enormous state! Whether you are looking for a beach venue, something in the woods, or a city skyline, you are not going to be disappointed with what you find in California. 

Redwood National Forest creates the perfect storybook scenery for an intimate elopement ceremony. Big Sur and Luanda Bay offer breathtaking cliffside views of the ocean that can’t be beat. San Francisco gives you the best of both worlds with a city vibe while still being able to sneak away to some more intimate outdoor locations after the ceremony. And as if that weren’t enough, there are endless National Parks to choose from.

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado 

There are not many places in the US quite like Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. With stunning mountain views, incredible lakes, and miles of trails, Rocky Mountain in the perfect spot for an elopement in Colorado. 

There are some designated wedding locations throughout the park that you can choose from, including the very popular Bear Lake Nature Trail, Sprague Lake, and the Alluvial Fan Bridge. While the park is definitely busier during the summer and fall months, there really is not a bad time to visit Rocky Mountain. 

After saying I do, you can continue to explore the rest of the park to get some amazing views (especially along Trail Ridge Road). Once you are ready to leave the park, you can head down to Estes Park to explore the quaint little town and even grab your first meal together as a married couple at one of the local restaurants. 

It is important to note that part of the park and Trail Ridge Road close during the winter months so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your elopement! 

Alaska

Most people may not think of Alaska as a dream elopement destination, but there are some breathtaking spots throughout the state to have the elopement you have always wanted. 

Throughout the state, you can find multiple different National Parks, glaciers, mountain overlooks, and so much more. 

Some of the top spots to get married are Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, Gastineau Peak, and Hatcher Pass. With so much open space and hundreds of miles of trails to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect intimate spot to have your ceremony. 

Hawaii 

Hawaii is a dream vacation destination for most people but it is also one of the best places to elope in the US. The islands have so much more to offer than just the pristine white sand beaches that most people visit. 

One of the most unique places you can get married in the US can be found in Hawaii. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers you the chance to have your elopement with volcanoes, forests, and more as your backdrop. 

If you’re looking for something a little closer to the beach, there are plenty to choose from. Not only are there beautiful white sand beaches (like those in Maui), but you can also go to the red sand Kaihalulu Beach or the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach for a truly unique ceremony. 

Oregon

If you are looking for a location in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a great option. While you can head into Portland for a city elopement, the outdoor locations throughout the state are second to none. 

Cannon Beach is a stunning spot if you are looking for an elopement on the water. The beach itself is beautiful and is only made better by the cliff overlooks and large rocks scattered around the shoreline. 

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a venue unlike any other. The massive waterfall is beautiful on its own, but the bridge crossing over it makes it even more magical. 

Smith Rock State Park is a go-to spot if you are looking for a more intimate elopement ceremony. The rocks and rivers flowing through the park are a stunning background for your ceremony. Head out early in the morning as the sun bounces off the rocks for truly magical colors.

There you have it, some of the best places to elope in the US. Are you still looking for the perfect photographer to capture your dream elopement? Click here to get in touch and talk about how we can make that happen!