The 15 Best Places To Elope In The U.S.

I’m all about elopements – the freedom to stand up, be true to yourself, and express your love on your own terms. In the U.S., we have so many AMAZING places to elope and I honestly love all of them; it is so difficult to choose only 15!

If you’re planning on an elopement, here are the 15 best places to elope in the U.S. to consider!

1. Banff, Canada Elopements

OK, I know it’s not technically in the U.S., but it’s super close for a weekend away! Banff, set in the jaw-dropping Canadian Rocky Mountains, is an amazing choice for a Canadian adventure elopement. 

Lake Louise, Sulfur Mountain, and Bow River Falls are all ideal places to elope, so aim to visit in the summer months – unless you want a snow-covered wedding, which can also be pretty cool. 

2. Eloping on the Oregon Coast

Hauntingly beautiful coastlines, majestic forests, and few crowds? Yes please! I love Oregon Coast elopement photography, as the scenery just makes everything feel so epic.

Check out God’s Thumb, Cannon Beach, and Cape Kiwanda – there’s so much to do! I love visiting in late summer or early autumn as the cool change is really refreshing. 

3. Big Sur, California Elopements

On the list of the 15 best places to elope in the U.S., this one means the most to me. My husband and I eloped in Big Sur and I honestly can’t recommend it more. This pristine stretch of California coastline is ideal to visit in spring, autumn, or summer, but you’ll have fewer crowds if you visit midweek – score! 

Roll up to your fave Big Sur Beach with your celebrant (and photographer!) at sunset and do your thing – so romantic.

4. Washington Coast Elopements

The Washington Coast, with its sand dunes, picture-perfect sunsets, and amazing wood and wine, is oh-so-awesome for a Pacific Coast elopement.

From Olympic National Park to Ruby Beach, Washington is a stunning natural playground full of amazing places to visit. 

5. Eloping in Kauai, Hawaii 

Aloha Kauai! This is the best Hawaiian island for eloping as it’s undeveloped, natural, and crazy beautiful. You’ve got the rugged beauty of the Na Pali coast, laid-back beach vibes on the North Shore, and plenty of incredible beaches. 

Beach weddings in Hawaii generally require a permit, so check before you go. 

6. Joshua Tree, California elopement

Joshua Tree elopement photography! OMG, my heart is already racing with excitement. Joshua Tree National Park delivers classic desert vibes, jagged rocks, and seriously magical natural beauty. 

Keep in mind: we’ll get the best photos at sunrise or sunset, and it’s crazy hot in summer, but fall and spring are lovely. 

7. Acadia National Park elopement

I love the New England coastline, especially in the summer months! Fresh lobster, lighthouses, that saltwater breeze… 

One of the best places for a New England elopement is Maine’s Acadia National Park. Here you’ll find amazing granite rock formations, gorgeous lakes, and plenty of hikes. A sunrise along Jordan Pond Path would be the perfect place to elope! 

8. Elopement photography in Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

I know you’ve seen the Insta pics of Horseshoe Bend – but it’s even more amazing in real life. This amazing lookout, above the Colorado River and close to the Grand Canyon, is spectacular to see, but it does attract more than a few crowds.

Don’t worry – we’ll plan to get there at first light to have the place to ourselves!

9. Silver Falls State Park elopements

You don’t need to go chasing waterfalls – because you’ll legit find the best one in Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. There are actually about ten waterfalls within the park, but South Falls is the tallest and most romantic.

There are also plenty of cute Airbnbs in the area, so it’s easy to make a weekend of it. 

10. Big Bend National Park elopements 

Texas’ Big Bend National Park includes a huge part of the Chihuahuan Desert and really delivers when it comes to epic nature experiences – think breathtaking canyons, winding rivers, and even hot springs.

You can get married within the park itself, but know that it’s seriously popular. Fall and spring are the best, but also busiest, times to visit. We’ll definitely go early in the day to beat the crowds. 

11. Elopement photography in Yosemite National Park, California 

Yosemite. That’s all I need to say. 

One of the most spectacular places in the entire country, if not the world, Yosemite offers ancient sequoias, the famous granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan, and plenty of hikes where you and your partner can just be alone and soak up all that gorgeous serenity. It definitely deserves a spot on the “Best Places to Elope in the U.S.” list! 

12. Olympic National Park, Washington elopements 

You’ve probably gathered that I have a bit of a thing for state and national parks! And you can’t beat Olympic National Park for a Washington elopement.

You can camp, get lost meandering through the temperate rainforest, or challenge yourself with a massive hike. I love this park as it’s so pristine and untouched – you really feel like you’re stepping back in time. 

13. Eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 

This Colorado National Park is truly one of the best places in America for those iconic views you imagine when you think of the west. That feeling of awe when you see mountains reflected on a still lake? Yep, we’ll find that here, and it’ll make for amazing Colorado elopement photos. 

Summer and fall are the busiest times, so aim for a shoulder season visit, if you can. 

14. Mount Rainier, Washington elopements 

Imagine saying your vows as you look out at the glacier-capped Mount Rainier – I’m all for it! It’s also an active volcano, delivering some of the most gorgeous views in the entire Pacific Northwest. 

There’s plenty to do in the area too, along with lots of romantic wood cabins or even luxury lodges. 

15. Santorini, Greece elopements 

OK, wildcard! Santorini is most definitely not in the U.S., but if you want to throw caution to the wind and do something completely different, channel your inner Mamma Mia! and jump on a plane to Greece.

The volcanic island of Santorini is famous for its perfect sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and crazy views, but it’s also one of the most romantic places on the planet. While not one of the 15 best places to elope in the U.S., it is one of the best places to elope PERIOD.

If you want any more detail about any of these elopement locations, please reach out! Travel and photography are basically my two favorite things in the world, so I am SO KEEN to hear about your elopement ideas – let’s do it!