Best Places to Elope in the US

If you’re looking for the best places to elope in the US, this guide has everything you need.

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable, adventure-filled wedding day, finding the best place to elope in the US is the first step. Whether you want dramatic mountain peaks, serene beaches, or secluded desert landscapes, the US is packed with incredible destinations for an intimate elopement.

This guide covers the top places to elope in the US, from national parks to hidden gems, so you can choose the perfect backdrop for your once-in-a-lifetime day.

HERE’S SOME OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE US ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS:

1. WASHINGTON
2. OREGON
3. CALIFORNIA
4. ARIZONA
5. COLORADO
6. UTAH
7. NY

Best Mountain Elopement Locations in the US

If you want to say your vows among snow-capped peaks or hike to an alpine lake, a mountain elopement is perfect for you! Summer (June–August) is typically the best time for mountain elopements—unless you’re dreaming of a snowy, winter wonderland. Summer provides warmer weather, clear trails, and stunning wildflowers in many high-elevation locations.

Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington

Mt. Rainier is the most iconic peak in Washington, and if you’ve ever driven down a highway on a clear day, you’ve probably caught a glimpse of it towering over the horizon. This national park offers endless scenic views, from wildflower-filled meadows to rugged alpine terrain.

• The most iconic mountain in Washington, visible for miles on a clear day.
• Best time to elope: Summer for wildflowers, fall for crisp mountain views.
• Permit Required? Yes. Get Mt. Rainier Wedding Permit Info

North Cascades National Park, Washington

The North Cascades are often called the “American Alps,” and for good reason. This park is home to jagged mountain peaks, deep blue lakes, and some of the most breathtaking glaciers in the country. Plus, it’s one of the least-visited national parks, meaning you can have a more private and intimate experience.

• One of the least-visited (and most underrated) national parks in the US.
• Towering, jagged mountain peaks and glaciers provide a dramatic backdrop.
• Best time to elope: Late summer and early fall.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

If you’re looking for mountain views close to Seattle, Snoqualmie National Forest is a dream come true. With a mix of easy-access lakes, dense forests, and scenic peaks, it’s the perfect spot for couples who want a balance of adventure and convenience.

• Just a few hours from Seattle, packed with scenic trails for every skill level.
• Locations range from easy-access spots like Gold Creek Pond to longer hikes like Lake Serene.
• Best time to elope: Summer and early fall.
• Permit Required? No for most locations.

Yosemite National Park, California

Few places are as jaw-dropping as Yosemite. With its towering granite cliffs, ancient sequoia trees, and some of the most famous viewpoints in the world, this park is an elopement paradise. Whether you want to exchange vows beneath El Capitan or find a quiet hidden gem, Yosemite has it all.

• One of the most famous national parks in the US, home to Half Dome and El Capitan.
• Despite its popularity, Yosemite has many hidden elopement spots off the beaten path.
• Best time to elope: Spring and fall for mild weather.
• Permit Required? Yes. Get Yosemite Wedding Permit Info

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is a dream location for couples who want to feel like they’re on top of the world. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, high-altitude lakes, and panoramic mountain vistas, it’s an epic setting for an adventurous elopement.

• Colorado’s most popular national park, with over 300 miles of hiking trails.
• Options range from easy-access spots to 14,000-foot mountain summits.
• Best time to elope: Summer for wildflowers, fall for golden aspens.
• Permit Required? Yes. Find Permit Details Here

Ouray, Colorado

• Often called the “Switzerland of North America,” this charming town is a basecamp for epic mountain elopements.
• A perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality.
• Best time to elope: Late spring through early fall.
• Permit Required? No for most locations.

Adirondack Mountains, New York

• The largest protected natural area in the US, offering miles of trails and breathtaking summit views.
• A hidden gem for East Coast couples who want stunning mountain scenery.
• Best time to elope: Fall for peak foliage, summer for warm weather.
• Permit Required? Varies by location.

📍 Want more elopement location ideas? Check out my Best Mountain Elopement Locations guide!

Best Places to Elope in the US for Desert Elopements

Best Places to Elope in the US for Desert Lovers

If you dream of saying your vows surrounded by towering cacti, red rock formations, or rolling sand dunes, a desert elopement is for you. Desert landscapes provide a stunning, boho-inspired backdrop for your special day. While summer is ideal for mountain elopements, desert regions experience extreme heat during that time. The best time to elope in the desert is spring or fall when temperatures are warm but comfortable. Just be sure to pack a jacket—desert nights can be surprisingly chilly!

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

If you want a desert elopement with a truly unique landscape, the Great Sand Dunes are the place to be. Picture miles of golden dunes with snow-capped peaks in the distance—it’s like stepping into another world. Sunset is especially magical here, as the dunes take on deep orange and red hues.

• A unique landscape featuring miles of rolling sand dunes with snow-capped mountains in the background.
• Best time to elope: Sunset for dreamy golden light.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Bend, Oregon

Bend is one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets when it comes to desert elopements. Just outside of town, you’ll find jaw-dropping landscapes like the Painted Hills, which look like something straight out of Mars, and the ancient lava fields of the high desert. It’s a perfect mix of adventure and charm.

• A hidden gem with stunning desert landscapes, including the Painted Hills and Lava Lands Volcanic Monument.
• Best time to elope: Spring and fall.
• Permit Required? Varies by location.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree is unlike anywhere else. With its whimsical, twisting Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and vast desert landscapes, it’s a dream location for couples who want a one-of-a-kind elopement. Whether you’re climbing up boulders, exploring hidden trails, or soaking in a golden desert sunset, this park has an undeniable magic.

• Home to unique Joshua trees, massive rock formations, and stunning desert sunsets.
• Best time to elope: Fall through spring.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Moab, Utah

Moab is the ultimate adventure town, surrounded by some of the most unique red rock formations in the country. Whether you want to elope under a natural arch in Arches National Park or explore the deep canyons of Canyonlands, Moab is packed with stunning locations.

• A charming desert town between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
• Known for iconic red rock formations and adventurous, off-the-beaten-path elopement spots.
• Best time to elope: Spring and fall.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion is Utah’s first national park and remains one of the most breathtaking places in the country. Towering red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and winding rivers make this park a paradise for couples seeking both adventure and stunning views. Whether you choose a dramatic overlook or a secluded canyon, Zion is pure magic.

• Features dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and incredible slot canyons.
• Offers both easy-access overlooks and backcountry trails for adventurous couples.
• Best time to elope: Fall and spring.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

If you’re looking for an otherworldly elopement location, the Bonneville Salt Flats are truly one of a kind. This vast, white expanse creates a dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere that looks incredible in photos. Whether you want an intimate sunset ceremony or a dramatic, editorial-style shoot, the salt flats deliver.

• One of the most unique elopement locations in the US, offering a vast, white landscape that looks like a snowy desert.
• Best time to elope: Year-round, but especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is hands-down one of the most breathtaking places in the Southwest. The way the Colorado River winds around the massive sandstone cliffs creates an incredible backdrop for an elopement. To avoid the crowds and get the best light, plan your ceremony at sunrise.

• One of the most photographed locations in the Southwest, featuring a breathtaking overlook of the Colorado River.
• Best time to elope: Sunrise to avoid crowds.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth, and an elopement here is nothing short of epic. From sunrise ceremonies on the rim to adventurous hikes deep into the canyon, this national park offers endless breathtaking backdrops. It’s an unforgettable place to say ‘I do.’

• An iconic elopement destination with breathtaking panoramic views.
• Choose from easy-access overlooks or adventurous hikes into the canyon.
• Best time to elope: Spring and fall.
• Permit Required? Yes.

📍 Looking for more desert elopement inspiration? Read my Desert Elopement Guide!

Best Coastal Elopement Locations in the US

Eloping on the coast, with sand between your toes and the ocean breeze in your hair, can be an unforgettable experience. There’s something powerful about the ocean—the way the waves crash against the shore, the golden sunsets over the water, the endless horizon stretching before you. If you’ve been dreaming of exchanging vows by the sea, these coastal elopement destinations are perfect for you.

Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is full of stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Whether you want to say your vows with the waves crashing below you at Cape Kiwanda, hike along the scenic coastline at Yaquina Head Natural Area, or find a quiet, hidden beach for an intimate ceremony, this coastline has no shortage of breathtaking backdrops.

• Best time to elope: Summer for warm weather, spring for fewer crowds.
• Permit Required? Varies by location.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park isn’t just about mountains and rainforests—it also has some of the most rugged and beautiful coastlines in the Pacific Northwest. From the iconic tree root cave at Kalaloch Beach to the sea stacks rising from the water at Ruby Beach, this area is perfect for couples looking for moody, dramatic coastal elopements.

• Best time to elope: Late spring through early fall.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Big Sur, California

Big Sur is one of the most sought-after coastal destinations for a reason. The winding Highway 1 takes you along the cliffs of California’s coast, offering stunning ocean views at every turn. Imagine exchanging vows with the waves crashing below you, exploring misty beaches, or watching the sun dip into the Pacific from a scenic overlook.

• Best time to elope: Spring and fall for the best weather.
• Permit Required? Yes for some locations.

📍 Looking for more beach elopement inspiration? Check out my Coastal Elopement Guide!

Top Forest Elopement Locations in the US

There’s something undeniably magical about walking through the forest. Whether you’re looking up at towering redwoods that make you feel tiny or standing among moss-covered pines, the peaceful quiet of the woods creates the perfect atmosphere for an intimate elopement. The best time of year for a forest elopement depends on what you want to experience—summer is ideal for hiking, while fall brings breathtaking foliage in shades of red, orange, and gold.

Hoh Rainforest, Washington

Olympic National Park is home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the country, and the Hoh Rainforest is one of its most enchanting. This is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States, where ancient trees draped in moss create a fairytale-like atmosphere. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into another world, this is the perfect place to elope.

• Best time to elope: Late spring to early fall.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

If waterfalls and lush, mossy forests sound like your dream elopement setting, the Columbia River Gorge has it all. This area boasts the highest concentration of waterfalls in the lower 48, meaning you can exchange vows with the sound of rushing water in the background. Whether you’re looking for a quick, scenic trail or a secluded backcountry experience, the forests of the Columbia River Gorge offer endless beauty.

• Best time to elope: Spring and early summer for the greenest landscapes.
• Permit Required? Varies by location.

Redwoods National and State Parks, California

If you’ve ever wanted to elope in a Jurassic Park-like setting, Redwoods National and State Parks are unbeatable. These towering trees are some of the tallest in the world, creating a breathtakingly ancient and mystical setting. The misty air, old-growth ferns, and towering canopies make this one of the most awe-inspiring places to say “I do.”

• Best time to elope: Spring through fall.
• Permit Required? Yes.

Ready to pick the perfect elopement location?

Finding the best place to elope in the US means choosing a location that feels like you.