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the top 50 best places to elope in the u.s.

Hi! I'm Natasha! Your elopement photographer, dog petter and donut eater. While photography is my first love, connecting with people is my love language. You'll find me lovin' on the big moments, the quiet moments, the silly moments – but especially the in between moments. The moments that are unadulterated and unfiltered. The ones where you are the real you. Here on the blog you'll find all of my favorite tips, tricks and resources for planning an elopement that's all about those moments.

NATASHA CARDINAL

ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Table of Contents

When you're looking for the best places to elope in the US. it can get pretty overwhelming preeeetty quickly. As an elopement photographer, one of the very first questions I get from couples is "how the hell do we pick where we want to elope? There's too many options!", and I know, I know, giving you a list of 50 place doesn't exactly cut down those options (if anything, you'll probably be even more inspired by some of the gorgeous places on this list). But I've broken this list down into the best mountain elopement locations, the best desert elopement locations, the best forest elopement locations, and the best coastal elopement locations to give you a good place to start if you're just not quite sure where to go yet.

Note: I'll include some notes about my favorite locations on this list, but some other will just be a link to learn more. I already know that you most definitely aren't gonna read through every one of them lol. Not sure which to choose and need some help? Reach out to me here and I'll help you break it all down!

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR ELOPEMENT LOCATION

Before we get right into it there's a few things to consider when planning where you're going to have your elopement that may help you narrow down which locations are right for you:

What sort of landscape speaks to you? –This is one of the most important parts of choosing your location is knowing how you want your elopement (and your elopement photos) to feel. Your location will determine if you photos are bright and colorful, dark and moody, soft and airy, epic and adventurous, etc.
Your budget – go figure, but this is a big one! Trips that involve being away for longer, that are in extremely popular areas, a place that's far away from your home, or ones that will involve activities that are special to your location (helicopter tours, boat tours, horseback riding, glacial trekking, etc.) are all things that will factor into your budget.
Will you be bringing guests? – Some locations require quite the hike or special transportation like helicopters, to reach some of the most breath taking ceremony locations, or maybe have restrictions on how many guests you can bring. But here's the best part, you CAN have the best of both worlds. My couples often plan an adventure day for just the two of them to say their vows privately, do all of the activities they've been dreaming of, and then have a dinner or party with guests later on!
Are you planning on bringing your dog? – Lots of locations on this list are dog friendly, but many are not.
Lastly, (and most importantly in my opinion) what have you been dreaming of? – Eloping is a once in a lifetime experience, quite literally. You're taking the time to express your commitment to each other in a way that feels so undeniably you. And that's really special! Your elopement day is one of the only times in your life where you get to make it entirely about you and your relationship. It's your time to dream big.

So whether you've dreamt of a glacier tour in Alaska and saying your vows with crunching glacial ice beneath your feet, or saying your I do's on a mountain top at sunrise with your dog, we'll make it happen. Elopements are for EVERYone. Every budget. Every style. Everybody. So whatever you dream up for your day, no matter how simple or how extravagant, it's our job to bring those dreams to life.

So with that said...let's get right into it! Here's the 50 best places to elope in the U.S....

THE BEST MOUNTAIN ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS IN THE U.S.

Mt Rainier National Park | Washington

We're starting this list off strong with one of my very favorite mountain elopement locations, Mt. Rainier. One of the most majestic and well known mountains in the U.S., Mt. Rainier National Park is an extremely popular place to elope in the U.S. You'll have mountain and glacier views, wildflowers, and plenty of trails to choose from no matter what your hiking ability is. Mt Rainier is one of our most visited elopement locations since we're local to the PNW so we're full of recommendations for all the best trails, best time of year to visit, how to get permits, vendors, and all the expert tips and tricks you get need to plan the most stress free day.

Thinking of eloping here? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Eloping at Mt. Rainier to get you started!

2. Artist Point | Mt. Baker | Washington

Not only is Mt. Baker one of the most spectacular mountains in the PNW, it's extra special to us because it's where we eloped too! Located just south of the Canadian border in the Northern Cascades, Mt. Baker is a looming volcano that has everything from glaciers to lush forest, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and trails for just about everyone. The perk is eloping here is that you don't need a permit to do so (woohoo, we love free), it's dog friendly (MAJOR perk for us since we brought our dog along too), and it's significantly less crowded than the other popular mountains like Mt. Rainier.

Thinking of eloping here? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Eloping at Mt. Baker!

a couple stands together during their elopement ceremony with mt baker majestically looming in the background

3. Mt. Hood National Forest | Oregon

4. Crater Lake National Park | Oregon

5. Glacier National Park | Montana

6. North Cascades National Park | Washington

One of the most beautiful national parks in the PNW, North Cascades has basically endless options for a mountain elopement, no matter what time of year you're planning to elope. While this park is more rugged than parks like Mt. Rainier or Mt. Baker, it's perfect for those that want a hiking elopement to some of the most stunning mountains and alpine lakes in the country. The Cascades are known as the North American Alps for a reason! Summer and fall are some of the best times of year to visit, but with cute towns like Leavenworth, WA (a bavarian town nestled in the mountains) and Wintrop, WA (a western town preserved from the 1800s) you'll have year round options for accessible adventures. North Cascades is one of our local favorites!

If you're planning on eloping here check out our Ultimate Guide to Eloping in the North Cascades!

7. Grand Teton National Park | Wyoming

8. Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado

9. Hurricane Ridge | Olympic National Park, WA

If you love the rolling pastoral hills of Europe, with the granite peaks of the American West, with access to the ocean, lakes, and rainforest nearby, then Hurricane Ridge is the perfect elopement location for you. Right in the heart of Olympic National Park, you'll traverse a stunning ridge with views of the beautiful snow covered Olympic Mountains and lush summer wildflowers.

Olympic National Park is easily our most visited national park for elopements, and if you're planning your elopement here we have a whole guide on how to get started! The Ultimate Guide to Your Olympic National Park Elopement

10. Mount St. Helens | Washington

I know what you're thinking...Mount St. Helen's? The massive volcano that blew? Yep! That's the one! But here me out. Mount St. Helen's is one of the most stunning and unique places to elope in Washington. Now a national monument, St. Helen's has some of the best views in the state. Rolling green hills, a breath taking hike that leads you to the crater that's left from the eruption, plenty of wildflowers, not to mention the very cool bragging rights you get when you elope in front of a freakin' volcano? C'mon, that sounds so damn cool.

11. Hawai'i Volcanos National Park | Hawaii

12. Yosemite National Park | California

We absolutely could not have a list of the best places to elope in the U.S. without having the mother of all national parks on this list. Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular places to elope in the country, and for good reason! Steeped in tons of cool national park and hiking history, it's full of some of the most iconic views and epic ceremony locations. Because of the park's popularity it can be tricky planning your elopement here alone, so if you're thinking of eloping here reach out through our inquiry form and we're more than happy to help guide you along the way!

13. Denali National Park | Alaska

14. Kenai Fjords National Park | Alaska

15. Stanley | Idaho

THE BEST DESERT ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS IN THE U.S.

16. Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming

One of the biggest national parks in the whole country, sitting at just over 3,700 square miles of park, Yellowstone has endless options when it comes to eloping, and even spans two states! It's just about the same size as Wales actually, how crazy is that? You'll be have opportunities to see plenty of wild animals ranging from bison to bears, moose, elk, wolves and more. Visit cool hot springs and thermal pools, hike through some of the most iconic landscape in America. If a western adventure is what you're craving, this is the pinnacle.

17. Arches National Park | Utah

Easily one of the most unique places to elope on this list, Arches National Park (along with the other Utah National Parks, but we'll get to that lol) is full of some of the most unique rock formations in the entire U.S.! If desert landscape, stunning red rock, and some very dramatic landscape if your vibe, then Arches might be the place for you.

18. Bryce Canyon National Park | Utah

Now I know I hinted that most of the Utah national parks are pretty spectacular, but Bryce Canyon is incredibly unique when it comes to landscape. A mix of pink and cream and red hoodoos (cool name for weird rocks??? I'm in) forming some of the the most spectacularly otherworldly views, dotted with evergreen trees is something straight out of your imagination. And with the Dixie National Forest close by, you'll have some really spectacular camping options too if you feel like getting even more adventurous! We have some great recommendations for places to stay near Bryce Canyon, but if you're wanting to camp there's tons of beautiful options.

19. Canyonlands National Park | Utah

I know, I know...Utah seems like it has endless cool places to elope, but...it kind of does. And Canyonlands National Park is no exception! Much like the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands has some of the most breath taking canyons in the U.S. With the ever so famous Mesa Arch (iconic, we love her), plenty of hiking, biking, and star gazing opportunities you'll have tons to do while visiting for your elopement. Speaking of star gazing, it's one of the darkest places in the country making it the perfect place to see some of the most beautiful stars of your life! When Brian and I stayed at the national park campground here we were even visited by some very curious fennec foxes while we watched the Milky Way move across the sky by campfire light! Talk about magical....

20. Deadhorse State Park | Utah

You're probably getting tired of hearing me ratle on about Utah at this point, but I promise it's worth it! Deadhorse State Park should most definitely be on your list of places to visit if you're heading to Moab. Some of the most gorgeous canyon views we've ever seen are in this park! Much like Arches and Canyonlands, you'll have plenty of hiking opportunities and tons of scenic views.

21. Garden of the Gods | Colorado

22. Alabama Hills | California

23. Painted Hills | Oregon

24. Smith Rock State Park | Oregon

25. Saguaro National Park | Arizona

If cacti are your thing, or you've been dreaming of that quintessential wild west feel for your elopement, Saguaro National Park is THE place. This park often goes under the radar, but it's collection of Saguaro cactus is really breath taking to experience if you love plants like me. Some hundreds of years old, and reaching absolutely staggering heights! If you want to feel tiny, explore some of the loveliest desert flora, with beautiful pastel sunsets and far fewer people than your average national park, this is a perfect fit.

26. Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona

27. Joshua Tree National Park | California

Of course, we couldn't make a list of places to elope in the desert without including the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park. A world class rock climbing destination, that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, this national park is perfect for non-climbers and climbers alike. There's tons of secluded trails to sneak off to with massive rock formations to explore, and Joshua Trees that are hundreds of years old! You'll have the opportunity to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, hit up some trails, and eat at some cute restaurants in town with plenty of BEAUTIFUL Airbnbs in the area to lounge at.

28. Death Valley National Park | California

29. Valley of Fire | Nevada

30. Monument Valley | Utah

Well known from plenty of movies like Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and Indiana Jones, Monument Valley is not only an American icon, but a beautiful Navajo Tribal Park steeped in Native American history. While it's not a national park in the traditional sense, it's a Navajo equivalent and considered a sacred part of the Navajo culture, and they welcome couples hoping to elope here! If you're looking for something totally iconic, steeped in Navajo culture, and in the heart of the west, Monument Valley is that perfect balance.

31. Zion National Park | Utah

32. Great Basin National Park | Nevada

33. White Sands National Park | New Mexico

34. Bonneville Salt Flats | Utah

35. Custer State Park | South Dakota

One of the most underrated places on this list, Custer State Park in South Dakota is home to some of the coolest landscape and up close and person bison encounters of any place on this list! And I know what you're thinking, what the hell could possibly be so interesting in South Dakota? Well, lemme tell ya. With incredibly unique rock formations much like those in Joshua Tree but surrounded by forest, an 18 mile wildlife loop drive through the park, and oh....A BUFFALO ROUNDUP (ummm cooool?), you'll have tons of private places to sneak off into the forest, hike to beautiful blue lakes, and see some of the most majestic wildlife. Brian and I have visited Custer a few times and every time we always say we're gonna come back again and again. One of the perks of visiting here for your elopement is that there are tons of options for private horseback riding tours to take you to some of the parks most remote corners! If that's not cool for your wedding day then I don't know what is.

36. Petrified Forest National Park | Arizona

THE BEST FOREST ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS IN THE U.S.

37. The Hoh Rainforest | Olympic National Park | Washington

Being residents of Washington ourselves, I would like to think we're a bit bias when it comes to PNW national parks, but The Hoh Rainforest really is one of the most unique places we've ever been, and we can easily say it sits at the very top with our favorite places to elope in the U.S.! If you're anything like me and love plants, this place is gonna absolutely blow your socks off. One of the most biodiverse places in America, The Hoh Rainforest is a section of Olympic National Park that's truly a lush rainforest, home to the infamous Hall of Mosses. A mossy corridor that feels like something straight out of a fairytale as thick moss envelopes just about every square inch of the trees and trail around you. Waist high ferns, a Gatorade blue river, home to a resident herd of Roosevelt Elk, it's almost like walking onto the set of a Disney movie.

38. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest | Washington

A lesser known, but unbelievably gorgeous part of the PNW that is always very high on our list of places to recommend to couples because of the beauty and easy of eloping here! Not only is the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest absolutely huge, but it's easily accessible from Seattle, with tons and tons of hikes for people of all activity levels, mountain views, home to Mt. Baker (the mountain we eloped on!), and lush forest, there's truly something for everyone here if snowcapped peaks and cedar trees are your vibe.

39. Redwoods National and State Park | California

I'm just gonna come out and say it...who hasn't dreamed of eloping in Redwoods National Park if you've been dreaming up an elopement? One of THE most iconic places to elope in the U.S., many of us grew up dreaming of visiting these mammoth trees one day, and maybe now is the perfect time! Fun fact: Redwoods National and State Park is actually made up of 4 parks that all work together to preserve this beautiful part of California with multiple state and federal protections. You'll have access to some of the largest trees in the country (it STILL blows me away every time), beautiful rugged coast line, lush fern canyons, and plenty of hidden nooks to hide away in a mossy forest for your vows. Magical? Yes.

40. Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park | California

While Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park is technically part of the Redwoods National and State Parks I couldn't help myself but include it on it's own because it's just that beautiful. Located on the northernmost end of the parks, it's just south of the Oregon border so not only will you have access to the big beautiful Californian trees, but places all along the Oregon Coast as well for a gorgeous sunset near Brookings, OR! We have some preeeeetty sweet secret locations for extra beautiful coast exploring here too!

41. Chugach National Forest | Alaska

THE BEST COASTAL ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS IN THE U.S.

42. Rialto Beach | Washington

Black sand, rocky shores, massive drift wood, evergreens that butt right up to the Pacific Ocean, oh...and some of the COOLEST sea stacks you've ever seen? Rialto Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Olympic National Park, and for good reason! Not only is it just damn beautiful, but there's tons of wildlife that often make appearances too. With everything from bald eagles, to seals, sea otters, and some of the best tide pooling we've ever seen (we're talking bright green and orange anenomes, purple sea stars, all sorts of barnacles and snails and brightly colored sea weeds), it's a nature lovers dream. And even after many many visits here, it never gets old for us!

43. Ruby Beach | Washington

Just a bit down the coast from Rialto Beach, you'll find Ruby Beach! Unlike most of the other beaches in the country, this beach is truly one of the most unique coastal places to elope in the U.S. Soft sand, tons of HUGE drift wood, the most gorgeous sunsets, equally as good tide pooling, and plenty of beach to explore (we're talking MILES of beach), it's one of our favorites. There's even a secret old growth forest here that has one of the biggest and oldest cedar trees in the world just down the road! If you want ultimate PNW vibes, this is the place.

44. Cape Flattery | Washington

If we made a list of the most unique places to elope in the U.S., Cape Flattery would most definitely be on it! If dramatic coastal views, with crashing waves, some pretty damn cool sea stacks, lush forest that butts right up to the ocean, sea otters, seals, and PNW ruggedness is what you're after, Cape Flattery is all that. And you'll have some pretty cool bragging rights saying you got married on the furthest most western point in the U.S.!

45. Cannon Beach | Oregon

If we're talking iconic places to elope in the U.S., Cannon Beach takes the cake. Made famous by movies like The Goonies, it has some of the most recognizable coastline in the the country, and for damn good reason! It's absolutely gorgeous! Soft pastels, mild weather, sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, a cute af town to explore (excellent coffee shops abound). It's one of the most popular places to elope on the Oregon Coast and one of our most visited!

46. Brookings | Oregon

If you wanna talk about bringing the drama to your elopement photos, Brookings has PLENTY of it. A remote part of the Oregon Coast, Brookings has tons of absolutely insanely beautiful options for an intimate elopement ceremony no matter what your activity level is. Some of our favorite spots are a bit more off the beaten path, but you'll have tons of dramatic beaches, sea stacks all along the coast, sea caves, lush forest, and you'll be under an hour from Redwoods National and State Parks! If you're hoping to do an elopement coastal roadtrip this is an amazing option!

47. Hug Point Recreation Area | Oregon

Looking for one of the best places to elope in the U.S. but want something that's some place you've probably never heard of? Hug Point Recreation area is one of the most unique places we've ever been on the Oregon Coast. Orange sandstone cliffs with waterfalls cascading over them into the Pacific Ocean. Sea caves. Dramatic tides. Soft sand and plenty of tide pooling. Hug Point Recreation area is absolutely gorgeous if you're looking for something a bit brighter than your typical PNW vibe, but with a touch of that ruggedness. Plus...beach waterfalls....c'mon.

48. Oswald West State Park | Oregon

One of the most popular state parks in Oregon, Oswald West is home to some of the most recognizable and absolutely stunning views on the Oregon Coast. Rolling grassy hills that lead down to basalt cliffs that over look the ocean, sound like a pretty dang epic way to say your vows, right?

49. Big Sur | California

50. Cape Kiwanda | Oregon

And that's it! Our 50 Best Places to Elope in the U.S.! Still not sure where to elope? Don't sweat it. We're pros at helping couples find the perfect place just for them. Fill out our inquiry form and we'll chat everything elopement to make this the elopement day you deserve.