Deciding where to elope is so unbelievably exciting – when your ceremony is small, instead of looking at traditional venues, you get to choose from some of the most amazing landscapes! To help you narrow down your options, here are a few of the best places to elope in the US. For some tips on choosing the perfect spot, be sure to check out this guide next!
The Best Places to Elope By the Ocean in the US
Whether you want to tie the knot on a sandy beach by the water, or stand on a coastal bluff that overlooks the ocean, both coasts of the US offer some incredible options!
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Oregon, but the entire coastline offers some jaw dropping views. The cute seaside town offers local shops, restaurants, and places to stay, while nearby state parks have some secluded places where you can elope on the rugged coastline!
Big Sur, California
Amongst the most jaw dropping ocean landscapes is Big Sur – a stretch of the California Coastline where the cliffs peer over the ocean, and the beaches are remote and rocky. You’ll find some of the best places to elope in the US here, from a pink sand beach to redwood forests to coastal bluffs!
Acadia National Park, Maine
On the other side of the country is Acadia National Park, where you’ll find a rugged coastline with scenic lighthouses, rocky beaches, and stunning views! For couples tying the knot on the east coast, this is one of the best places to elope on the beach.
The Best Places to Elope By a Waterfall in the US
Standing beside the dramatic roar of a waterfall is an experience that can’t be beat – and it makes for an incredible elopement experience! Here are a few of the best places to elope for waterfall views.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
When it comes to waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge is definitely one of the best places to elope in the US. With the highest concentration of waterfalls in the entire country, you’ll find everything from easily accessible roadside falls to remote springs that require a hike!
Cumberland Falls State Park, Kentucky
This park in Kentucky is named for the waterfall, reaching 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide. It’s an incredible sight, and a really underrated elopement location! In the park, you can hike, paddle, swim, and explore the caves.
The Best Places to Elope in the Mountains in the US
For mountain views, there are options all over the country! You don’t need to take a long hike to reach the scenery – there are also easily accessible spots, so you can choose your adventure.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Washington is best known for Mount Rainier – but while this mountain, and the national park, are certainly beautiful, the North Cascades offer views that are just as stunning, but more remote! The park is one of the least visited in the country, making it one of the best places to elope in the US not only for incredible views, but also for privacy.
Mount Hood, Oregon
The state of Oregon just about has it all – and that includes mountains! Mount Hood is the state’s most iconic peak, and whether you hike to the top, find a forested view nearby, or go skiing on the mountain’s slopes, it’s a truly epic elopement location.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Colorado is known for the incredible rocky peaks, and the wild, rugged locations that make it so incredible for elopements. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to elope in the US, but because of this, the permit process is competitive – start planning early if you want to tie the knot here!
The Best Places to Elope By a Lake in the US
While I’m all about oceanside elopements, there are also some amazing places to tie the knot on the beach of a lake, or by an alpine lake tucked in the mountains!
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, Ohio
For a waterfront ceremony with views of the majestic Lake Eerie, one of the best places to elope in the US is in Ohio! This spot is lesser known, so you’ll have more privacy for your elopement day, and you can walk the woodsy trails, see blooming wildflowers, and have epic views of the lake.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
The crystal blue water of Crater Lake is surrounded by mountains, and there are tons of gorgeous overlooks where you can elope with views of the lake! There are also a few beaches if you want to get closer to the water.
Lake Crescent, Washington
Lake Crescent is located in Olympic National Park, and its easily accessible location and stunning scenery make it one of the best places to elope in the US! The water is surrounded by mountains, and you can rent a kayak and enjoy the water, or there are a few nearby hikes if you want to add some adventure.
The Best Places to Elope in the Woods in the US
There’s something magical about being surrounded by towering trees and lots of greenery, and if you want your elopement day to feel like a fairytale, here are some of the best forested elopement locations in the US!
Redwoods National and State Parks, California
The coast of California definitely has the best forest views in the country, with towering Redwoods that will take your breath away. The Redwoods National and State Parks are a collection of different areas, so you can choose the right one for you! If you want to hike, the Del Norte Redwoods State Park has the most incredible, remote trails that lead through Redwood groves and out to the ocean.
Hoh Rainforest, Washington
Did you know there’s an incredible rainforest in Washington? The temperate rainforest makes an epic elopement backdrop, with mossy scenery, lush ferns, and a stunning forested landscape. This one is close to Lake Crescent, so you can explore both!
Sequoia National Park, California
Sequoia trees look similar to Redwoods, but they’re actually even taller! They also grow further inland, while Redwoods are found close to the coast. Sequoia National Park offers the most incredible views, with old growth forest. It’s also close to Yosemite, so you can explore both parks!
The Best Place to Elope in the US For You!
Your perfect elopement location for you might include a hike, or it might be a spot where you can have epic views without breaking a sweat. You might love mountains, or forests, or the ocean – so part of my job as an elopement photographer is to make sure the place where you exchange vows is one you’ll remember forever!
Contact me, and let’s talk about what your dream spot looks like – I’ll make a personalized list of recommendations, and all you have to do is pick the one that feels like you.
