Best Places To Elope in the U.S – Top 10

More people are starting to choose elopements over big traditional weddings these days, as the idea of hiking to waterfalls or climbing around the red rocks of Utah to say “I do” feels like an intimate and adventurous dream—learn more by checking out these top rated places in the united states to elope!

Best places to elope in the United States:

1. Moab, Utah

The red rocks of Utah are one of the most magical and otherworldly landscapes the United States has to offer. Whether it’s the massive structures in Arches National Park, the breathtaking views at Canyonlands or frolicking around the wide open spaces of BLM land this desert landscape does not disappoint. The contrast of wedding attire against the warm yet bold landscape is an easy opportunity for beautiful photos.

• Zion National Park, Utah

If it’s just the two of you, or a small group, your opportunities to elope in Zion are plenty. Saying your vows here can be as easy as pulling over on the side of one of the many switchbacks or finding any hike—mild to strenuous. There is a beautiful river that flows through the park. Find a quiet spot along the water or if it’s during the spring or summer months look into hiking the narrows! Feeling extra adventurous? Hike the top of Angel’s landing for overwhelming views on the day of your elopement. Just be careful!

• Alaska

Well, it’s the biggest state in America, and it probably comes with the biggest opportunity for adventure, stunning landscape and most importantly wildlife sighting. Is it even possible to go to Alaska without spotting a bear, a moose, beluga whales or all the above? If you go to Alaska in the summer not only do you have the option to elope on glaciers or mountain tops but you’ll get to experience the magic of 24 hours of day light. Get married at midnight on a mountain pass or a lake-side trail and witness the miracle of never-ending day light while you say “I do” with your adventure partner, and soon-to-be life partner.

• Oregon Coast

Two words. Cannon. Beach. One of the most effortlessly elegant places to capture a forever kind of love. The massive rock formations feel like something from a different planet and the moodiness of the often foggy coastline not only supplies an elopement ceremony with perfect lighting but creates a sense of comfort among sea and mountain. Take your shoes off, nuzzle into your human, dance free along the shore and celebrate choosing forever on the Oregon coast!

• Oregon Forest

It would come as no surprise if elopements were first born in the Oregon forests. The lush green from the immense pine trees, hemlocks and spruce trees create a canopy that offers an intimate and romantic setting where it’s easy to feel alone and like you, your partner and your vows are all that matter. Stumble upon creeks in the dense forest and feel like a tiny ant among trees that seem to go beyond the sky.

• Acadia National Park, Maine

It’s easy to forget about the East Coast when it comes to “destination” elopements, or maybe you live in new England and you just don’t know where to go that isn’t too far but still has views that are out of this world. Maine is where it’s at. Acadia is a tourist mecca in the summer and fall months, but there are still plenty of special places to find a secluded moment to say “I do” in the forest, along the coast or on top of a mountain. The fall foliage in Acadia is something special and worth considering when choosing where to get married.

• Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park has over 250 miles of roadway and the park is an all-season option for getting married, although it is important to be knowledgeable about when certain roads shut down. Most of the roads begin to open in April and close in November, and this is indeed a very busy place during the warmer months, however with over 2 million acres of diverse landscape it’s impossible to not find a stunning spot to have a ceremony. Sunrises in Yellowstone can often come with cooler temperatures, which is great in the hot months, as well as a beautiful foggy backdrop, while sunsets are nothing to write off either.

• Glacier National Park, Montana

Big sky country does not disappoint. With wide open spaces filled with lush green meadows, wildflowers, glacial pools or snow-covered mountains depending on the time of year, Montana offers some of the most vibrant landscapes. The busiest months for the park are July and august, which are also the best times for wildflowers and long days where the sun doesn’t set until after 9:00 PM. Winter months are also gorgeous—did somebody say mountain top elopement with a side of snowfall?

• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

This incredibly unique canyon located in southern Utah offers some of the most interesting landscapes. Thousands of red, orange and white rock formations are scattered around and look like drip sandcastles that you’d make on the beach as a kid. Get up above, on the edge of the canyon for stunning views, or hike down into the canyon for some epic memories and wild backdrops for photos you’ll never stop looking at. This park is definitely a summer attraction, yet it’s also safe to say those snow-capped pinnacles are something worth seeing in this lifetime.

1. Oregon Waterfalls

Oregon is well known for its array of waterfalls—a plethora of easily accessible falls as well as those that require a hike in. Whatever your style is, there is a waterfall for you and your hunny to get married under. Depending on the time of the year, time of the day and accessibility Oregon waterfalls fluctuate in busyness but leave it up to your photographer to work those details out. Nothing says adventurous wedding day like a waterfall—but keep in mind you may get splashed on!

Most of these locations do require a permit, check out this post here to find out more information on which national parks and locations require permits, how much the cost and how to acquire them!