We have planned and photographed countless of elopements in all 39 of these romantic elopement destinations. If you are inspired to have a truly unique wedding experience in any of these locations, don’t hesitate to reach out!
The most romantic elopement destinations aren’t just about pretty places – they’re about finding those magical spots where nature itself seems to be celebrating your love story. After photographing hundreds of elopements across the globe, we’ve put together this guide to truly epic and incredibly romantic elopement destinations that perfectly balance dramatic landscapes with intimate settings, giving you the perfect backdrop to begin your next great adventure together ✨
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Our criteria for romantic elopement destinations
There’s something incredibly special about finding those hidden pockets in nature where it feels like the whole world belongs to just the two of you. We love romantic elopement destinations that let you truly be present with each other 🤍
We’re suckers for those landscapes that literally make you gasp the first time you see them. They don’t just make for epic photos – they create this atmosphere of awe that adds an extra layer of magic to your ceremony ✨
Locations that shine no matter what Mother Nature has planned. The most romantic elopement destinations offer equally beautiful alternatives for sun, rain, or snow – moody weather can create the most magical memories.
Your elopement shouldn’t just be about standing in one pretty spot – it should be a day full of meaningful experiences that tell your unique love story! These shared experiences become part of your wedding day story 🏔️
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Rising up to 14,411 feet, Rainier is the kind of mountain that literally takes your breath away the first time you see it. We’ve photographed countless elopements here, and watching our couples’ faces when they first set eyes on the mountain never gets old. In late summer, the meadows explode with wildflowers in every direction, creating these stunning natural aisles for ceremonies. Whether we’re catching first light at a lake with the mountain reflected perfectly in the water, or ending the day watching alpenglow paint the glaciers pink, this place has a way of making you feel tiny in the best possible way 🏔️ 🌸
Best Time to Elope: July for wildflowers, September for fall colors
Perfect For: Mountain lovers who want accessible epic views
Romantic Tip: The mountain itself is a jaw-dropper, but the mountain ranges that surround it are just as stunning!
Redwoods National Park, CaliforniA
One of our favorite things about shooting a Redwoods elopement destination is how the forest changes throughout the day. Early mornings with the coastal fog rolling through create this ethereal atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairytale. By afternoon, the sun streams through the canopy creating natural spotlights on the forest floor. We’ve photographed dozens of romantic elopements in the Redwoods and we’re still discovering new pockets of magic around every bend in the trail 🌲
Best Time to Elope: Year-round, but spring and fall have that perfect misty magic
Perfect For: Couples who want to feel like they’re getting married in Tolkien’s world
Romantic Tip: Early mornings are pure magic here – the fog and light create an otherworldly atmosphere
North Cascades, Washington
The first time we took a couple up into the North Cascades (aka the American Alps), we knew this place was different. The sheer drama of these peaks is unmatched – layer upon layer of jagged mountains stretching as far as you can see. And when those moody PNW clouds roll through? That’s when the real show starts 🏔️ Whether we’re watching the alpenglow paint everything pink at sunset or catching the first rays of light illuminating a sea of mountain peaks in the early morning, this place has a way of making you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Best Time to Elope: July-September for high alpine access, or October’s shoulder season for moody elopement vibes like this couple’s day
Perfect For: Adventure lovers who want to feel like they’re in the Swiss Alps
Romantic Tip: Embrace those cloudy days – they create the most dramatic mountain views when the peaks play peek-a-boo
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
We’ll never forget the first time we drove out to the romantic elopement destinations in Moab for sunset. When the sunlight hits the red sandstone cliffs, it literally glows from within 🌅 Every time we bring couples out to Canyonlands National park, they’re blown away by just how vast and wild this landscape feels. This place has a way of making you feel like you’re on another planet entirely. And if you’re up for a 4×4 adventure? These iconic desert off-roading trips will take you to spots that’ll make your wedding photos look like they’re straight from Mars 🚙
Best Time to Elope: March-May or October-November for perfect desert temps
Perfect For: Adventurous souls who want to feel like they’re on Mars
Romantic Tip: Pack plenty of water and snacks – the best spots are off the beaten path
The Photo Experts of the most romantic elopement destinations
We’ve photographed over 400+ romantic elopement destinations across the globe since 2016.
What makes us unique? When you work with one of us, you get the combined knowledge of our entire team sharing real-time intel about everything from secret ceremony spots to current trail conditions. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunrise mountain ceremony or a helicopter ride to a private glacier, we’re here to help make your elopement dreams come true ✨
Vestrahorn, Iceland
If you asked us to design the most dramatic elopement backdrop imaginable, we still couldn’t come up with something as epic as Vestrahorn. These jagged peaks rising straight up from a black sand beach look like something straight out of a fantasy movie – especially when the northern lights decide to make an appearance on a lucky winter day. And don’t even get us started on the summer midnight sun painting everything in the most incredible golden light for hours on end. Every time we bring couples here, they can’t stop saying “Is this even real?” And honestly? We’re still asking ourselves the same thing 🏔️ ✨
Best Time to Elope: June-August for midnight sun like this couple, September-March for northern lights
Perfect For: Couples seeking otherworldly drama in their photos
Romantic Tip: Low tide creates incredible reflections on the black sand
Chugach National Forest, Alaska
The Chugach is one of Alaska’s best romantic elopement destinations! We love taking our couples on helicopter adventures to find the perfect glacier or mountain top for their ceremony – there’s nothing quite like having a massive ice field all to yourself! The way the light plays here is incredible, especially during those long summer evenings when the sun barely sets and everything is bathed in golden light for hours. And if you’re lucky? You might catch the northern lights dancing over the peaks at these romantic elopement destinations 🚁 ✨
Best Time to Elope: June-September for best access and weather
Perfect For: Adventure seekers who want true Alaskan wilderness
Romantic Tip: Consider a weekday ceremony – you’ll have the mountains to yourself
Joshua Tree National Park, California
This otherworldly desert playground never fails to amaze us and our couples. Those iconic Joshua Trees stretching their spiky arms toward the clearest skies you’ve ever seen create the most incredible silhouettes at sunset. At sunset, the whole desert glows golden, and those massive rock formations turn into nature’s own light reflectors. And don’t even get us started on the stars out here – we’ve had couples literally gasp the first time they see the Milky Way spread across the desert sky ✨
Best Time to Elope: March-May or September-November for perfect temps for romantic elopement destinations
Perfect For: Free spirits who want an otherworldly desert backdrop
Romantic Tip: Sunrise elopements here are unmatched – plus you beat the heat and crowds
Ruby Beach, Washington
There’s something so magical about those iconic sea stacks rising from the ocean like ancient sentinels, massive driftwood logs scattered across the beach like nature’s own wedding decor – it’s PNW coastal magic at its finest 🌊 One thing we absolutely love about photographing coastal romantic elopement destinations is how different the beach looks throughout the day. Low tide reveals hidden tide pools and reflections that mirror the sky, while high tide brings dramatic waves crashing against the rocks. We love watching our couples explore the beach, climbing over driftwood, and finding cozy spots between the rocks for intimate moments together ✨
Best Time to Elope: Summer for clearest skies, or embrace the moody vibes year-round like this couple’s elopement
Perfect For: Couples who dream of dramatic coastal vibes
Romantic Tip: Check tide tables! Low tide gives you more beach access and amazing tide pools
Mount Baker, Washington
Every time we drive up to Mount Baker, we still get butterflies. The way this massive volcano rises up against the sky – it’s almost too much to take in. In summer, the wildflower meadows explode with color, creating these incredible natural aisles for ceremonies. And in winter? The whole place transforms into the most epic snow globe we’ve ever seen ❄️We love bringing couples up here because there are so many options for those truly unique romantic elopement destination photos.
Best Time to Elope: July-August for wildflowers, September-October for wild blueberries like this elopement
Perfect For: Mountain lovers who want accessible epic views
Romantic Tip: Bring color to your suit by complimenting the mountain’s season
Milford Sound, New Zealand
The first time we took the drive out to Milford Sound, we had to keep pulling over because every turn revealed an even more incredible view than the last. When those massive glacier-carved cliffs emerge from the mist, it literally takes your breath away. We love taking our couples out where waterfalls thunder down from impossibly high cliffs. The way the light plays on the peaks throughout the day is pure magic, and if you’re lucky enough to catch it after rain? The hundreds of temporary waterfalls that appear will make you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park 🌊
Best Time to Elope: November-April (NZ summer) for romantic elopement destinations
Perfect For: Adventure seekers who want dramatic landscapes
Romantic Tip: The rainier the better – that’s when Milford really shows off
Kanab, Utah
The red rock wonderland around Kanab feels like it was designed specifically for epic elopement photos. Those slot canyons? They create the most incredible natural light shows we’ve ever seen. We love taking our couples exploring through these narrow passages where the light beams cut through like spotlights from above. Whether we’re wandering through pink sand dunes or finding hidden caves in the canyon walls, this place never fails to amaze us (and our couples!) 🏜️
Best Time to Elope: March-May or September-November
Perfect For: Desert adventurers who want unique landscapes
Romantic Tip: Campervan rentals can make a super fun adventure vehicle for these remote places!
Hoh Rainforest, Washington
Eloping in the Hoh at Olympic National Park is pure magic and we love watching our couples’ faces light up the first time they see how the light filters through the canopy. Every time we shoot here, we discover new hidden groves and secret spots that feel like they’ve been waiting centuries for the perfect love story. The best part is how the forest changes with the weather – those rainy days everyone worries about? That’s when the Hoh truly comes alive, with every shade of green practically glowing 🌿
Best Time to Elope: Year-round, but spring and fall have the best misty vibes
Perfect For: Couples who dream of a mystical forest ceremony
Romantic Tip: Embrace the rain – it makes the forest absolutely magical
Costa Rica
From the lush rainforests to the black sand beaches, Costa Rica is like getting multiple elopement locations in one incredible package. We love taking our couples waterfall hunting in the morning (there’s nothing like saying your vows with the sound of rushing water in the background), then heading to the beach for sunset. The wildlife here adds such a special element to elopements for the animal lovers. And those dreamy Pacific coast sunsets that paint the whole sky in shades of pink and gold are just 🤌
Best Time to Elope: December-April (dry season)
Perfect For: Nature lovers who want jungle vibes and beach time
Romantic Tip: Embrace “pura vida” and let the day flow naturally
Yosemite National Park, California
After all these years of photographing here, El Cap still stops us in our tracks every single time we drive into the valley. There’s just something about those massive granite walls that makes you feel tiny in the best possible way. We love watching our couples’ faces when they first see Yosemite Valley – no matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for the real thing. Whether we’re catching first light at Glacier Point, finding secret spots in the meadows beneath El Cap, or hiking out to Taft Point for sunset, this park has a way of making every elopement feel epic 🏔️
Best Time to Elope: March-June for waterfalls, September-October for fewer crowds
Perfect For: Couples who want iconic views that live up to the hype
Romantic Tip: Weekday sunrise ceremonies help avoid the crowds
Lofoten Islands, Norway
The first time we laid eyes on the Lofoten Islands, we couldn’t believe a place this dramatic actually existed. Picture this: jagged peaks rising straight out of pristine fjords, tiny red fishing villages dotting the coastline, and in winter, the northern lights dancing overhead like nature’s own wedding light show! We love taking our couples beach hopping in the Arctic (yes, there are actually white sand beaches here!), hiking to viewpoints where the mountains meet the sea, and finding those perfect little spots between the traditional rorbuer fishing cabins. And during the summer months? The midnight sun never sets, giving us this incredible golden light that lasts for hours – it’s like the sun itself doesn’t want the day to end 🌄 ⛰️
Best Time to Elope:June-August for midnight sun, September-March for northern lights
Perfect For:Couples seeking dramatic Nordic landscapes and cozy village vibes
Romantic Tip: Weather changes quickly here – embrace the moody vibes, they make for incredible photos!
Glacier National Park, Montana
The way the peaks in Glacier National Park rise up from pristine alpine lakes, the wildflower meadows that look like they were planted just for photos, and those incredible glacier-carved valleys – it’s almost too much to take in. One of our favorite moments is watching our couples’ faces when we round the bend on Going-to-the-Sun Road and the whole park spreads out before them. Whether we’re catching first light at Lake McDonald (those colors!), hiking to hidden alpine lakes, or watching mountain goats crash a ceremony, Glacier never fails to amaze us 🏔️
Best Time to Elope: July-September when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open
Perfect For: Couples seeking pristine alpine landscapes for their romantic elopement destinations
Romantic Tip: September means fewer crowds but equally stunning views
Olympic National Park, Washington
This park is like getting three completely different elopement locations in one – from rugged beaches dotted with sea stacks, to mystical rainforests dripping with moss, to alpine meadows with views that’ll make your jaw drop. We’ve shot dozens of elopements here and we’re still discovering new hidden gems around every corner. The diversity here is absolutely unmatched, and we love helping our couples craft the perfect timeline to experience it all 🌊 🌲 🏔️
Best Time to Elope: April-July or September-October for best weather, or embrace the moody vibes year-round
Perfect For: Couples who want it all at their romantic elopement destinations – beaches, rainforest, and mountains
Romantic Tip: Plan for a full-day adventure to experience multiple ecosystems
Zion National Park, Utah
Every time we drive into Zion Canyon, it feels like entering nature’s own cathedral. Those massive red rock walls towering thousands of feet above create this sense of scale that no photo can truly capture – making it one of our favorite romantic elopement destinations. Whether you’re exchanging vows beneath towering canyon walls or celebrating on a cliff edge with the entire park spread out before you, Zion has this way of making you feel both tiny and on top of the world at the same time 🏜️
Best Time to Elope: March-May or September-November
Perfect For: Adventure seekers who want dramatically colorful landscapes
Romantic Tip: Sunset light out here is pure magic
Sedona, Arizona
The way the light plays off those massive formations is what makes Sedona one of Arizona’s incredibly romantic elopement destinations. The sunset glow turns everything into wild shades of orange that literally stops us in our tracks every single time. Whether we’re catching first light at Cathedral Rock or watching the stars come out over Bell Rock, this place has a way of making you feel like you’re on holy ground – and maybe you are! The energy here is unlike anywhere else we’ve ever shot 🏜️ ✨
Best Time to Elope: March-May or October-November
Perfect For: Souls seeking a spiritual connection with their backdrop
Romantic Tip:Sunrise ceremonies beat the crowds and the heat – plus that first light is pure magic
Skógafoss, Iceland
There’s just something about standing at the base of a giant waterfall that puts everything into perspective. Skógafoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland, for good reason, but we know of countless others off the beaten path that we love taking our couples to! Being along at the base of one of these giant falls, feeling the roar of the water, and the constant rainbow in the mist – it’s an assault on all your senses in the most magical way. And if you’re up for a bit more adventure? The hikes beyond the classic roadside falls lead to some of the most incredible hidden waterfalls and canyons we’ve ever photographed.
Best Time to Elope: May-September for best access and weather
Perfect For: Waterfall chasers and rainbow lovers
Romantic Tip: Early morning or late evening avoids the crowds – plus that light on the mist is incredible
Fire Lookouts, Washington
Over the years, these historic lookouts have become some of our absolute favorite elopement locations in Washington. Perched on the highest peaks with 360-degree mountain views, they’re like the perfect tiny house meets adventure elopement venue. The hike up is always worth it when you see that little cabin appear on the horizon. We love how each lookout has its own personality and view, from the North Cascades all the way to Mount Rainier. Plus, spending the night in a fire lookout after your elopement like this couple did? Now that’s a wedding night story to tell the grandkids! 🏔️ 🏡
Best Time to Elope: July-September when lookouts are usually accessible
Perfect For: Couples who want to combine their ceremony and honeymoon suite
Romantic Tip: Pack your camp stove to make a backpacker meal for your elopement dinner!
Sand Dunes, California
These dunes look like they were transported straight from the Sahara and dropped in the middle of California – and we’re here for it! The way the light plays across the sand creating endless patterns and shadows makes this place a photographer’s dream. We love taking our couples out here for sunset when the dunes turn gold and every footprint tells a story. And the stars out here? Absolutely unreal 🏜 ✨
Best Time to Elope: October-April, avoiding mid-summer heat
Perfect For: Desert lovers who want unique landscapes
Romantic Tip: Don’t be afraid to kick those shoes off and romp around barefoot in the desert sand!
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
If you’ve ever dreamed of exchanging vows on a secret beach surrounded by limestone cliffs, this is your spot. The water here is so crystal clear it looks photoshopped (we promise it’s not!), and those iconic Thai long-tail boats add the perfect touch of adventure to your photos. We love taking our couples island hopping to find the perfect hidden cove for their ceremony – and yes, swimming in that turquoise water in your wedding clothes is absolutely encouraged! The sunsets here paint the whole sky in shades of pink and orange that reflect perfectly in the calm waters 🌅 🏝️
Best Time to Elope: November-April (dry season)
Perfect For: Beach lovers who want more than just sand and surf
Romantic Tip: Early morning boat tours help avoid crowds at popular spots
Mount Cook, New Zealand
Every time we drive down that road toward Mount Cook, our jaws still drop. The way this massive peak just dominates everything around it, reflecting perfectly in the glacier lakes below – it’s absolutely unreal. We’ve photographed a lot of mountain elopements, but there’s something extra special about this place. Whether we’re hiking the Hooker Valley Track at sunrise (with those iconic swing bridges!), taking a helicopter up to the glaciers, or watching the alpine glow paint the peaks pink at sunset, Mount Cook has a way of making you feel like you’re in your own private corner of paradise✨ 🏔️
Best Time to Elope: November-April (New Zealand summer)
Perfect For: Mountain lovers who want Lord of the Rings vibes
Romantic Tip: The weather changes fast – we always have a backup plan
Kauai, Hawaii
Considered Hawaii’s Island of Adventure, Kauai is perfect for that adventurous-yet-romantic elopement destination. The Na Pali coast looks like it was sculpted by artists – those emerald cliffs plunging into the turquoise ocean create the most epic ceremony backdrop imaginable. Whether we’re catching sunrise at Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific!), hiking to secret waterfalls, or ending the day on a hidden beach, this island feels like it was designed for romance. And when those afternoon rain showers roll through? They just create the most incredible rainbows we’ve ever seen 🌈
Best Time to Elope: April-June or September-November avoid peak crowds
Perfect For: Couples who want tropical paradise with epic landscapes
Romantic Tip: Embrace the rain – it’s what makes Kauai so lush and magical
Dolomites, Italy
The crown jewel of the Dolomites has stolen our hearts more times than we can count. The way these pale limestone peaks catch the morning light (that famous “alpenglow” that turns everything rose gold) is something that has to be seen to be believed. What we love most about shooting here is how many options you have – from easy-access viewpoints perfect for intimate ceremonies, to epic hiking trails that lead to hidden alpine lakes. And let’s talk about those mountain rifugios! These cozy mountain huts make the perfect spot for a post-ceremony meal with the most incredible views you’ve ever had over dinner 🌄
Best Time to Elope:
Late June-September for summer, December-March for winter wonderland
Perfect For: Couples wanting European alpine charm with epic mountain views
Romantic Tip: Stay in a rifugio for the full Dolomites experience
Ouray, Colorado
Nestled in its own little box canyon, Ouray feels like a slice of the Swiss Alps dropped right into Colorado. The way these rugged San Juan peaks surround the town creates the most incredible natural amphitheater we’ve ever seen. We love taking our couples up old mining roads to epic viewpoints, finding hidden waterfalls for ceremony spots, or ending the day soaking in natural hot springs under the stars. Whether you’re planning a summer wildflower elopement or a snowy winter celebration, this little mountain town has a way of making every moment feel magical 🏔️ ♨️
Best Time to Elope: July-September for Jeeping adventures like this couple
Perfect For: Mountain lovers who want alpine charm with amazing accessibility
Romantic Tip: Book a hot springs soak after your ceremony – you won’t regret it!
Arches National Park, Utah
There’s something absolutely magical about wandering among these massive stone arches that look like they were sculpted by artists rather than wind and time. We love bringing our couples here in the early morning light when the red rock practically glows from within and you can have entire sections of the park to yourself. Whether we’re catching sunrise in the iconic spots, finding hidden spots among the fins and spires, or watching the stars come out in some of the darkest skies we’ve ever seen, this place has a way of making you feel like you’re exploring another planet together 🏜️ ✨
Best Time to Elope: March-May or September-October
Perfect For: Desert lovers who want iconic landscapes with easy access
Romantic Tip: Sunrise ceremonies mean cooler temps and way fewer crowds
Cape Kiwanda, Oregon
The Oregon Coast has so many gems, but there’s something special about Cape Kiwanda that keeps drawing us back. The way the golden sandstone cliffs meet the crashing Pacific creates some of the most dramatic coastal scenery we’ve ever photographed. We love taking our couples up to hidden viewpoints where you can see the entire coastline stretching out before you, or finding secluded spots on the beach where the towering cliff face creates the perfect ceremony backdrop. And those sunsets? They light up the entire cape in the most incredible golden glow 🌅
Best Time to Elope: Spring and fall to avoid crowds, or winter embrace moody vibes
Perfect For: Couples seeking dramatic coastal views without difficult hiking
Romantic Tip: Hart’s Camp is the perfect glamping getaway and walking distance to the beach!
Via Ferrata, Italy
One of the most adventurous elopements you can do is climbing a Via Ferrata in the Dolomites! For the uninitiated, Via Ferrata means “iron path” – think of it as a protected climbing route with fixed cables and ladders that lets you access some of the most incredible views in the Alps. There’s nothing quite like watching our couples scale these mountains in their wedding attire, ready to climb to their ceremony spot (talk about a unique “walking down the aisle” story!) We love how this experience adds such an epic adventure element to the elopement day 🧗♀️ 🏔️
Best Time to Elope: June-September when routes are snow-free
Perfect For: Adventure couples who want to work for their view
Romantic Tip: No climbing experience needed, but a head for heights helps!
Bend, Oregon
The thing we love most about eloping in Bend is how many incredible locations you can visit in a single day. From the dramatic spires of Smith Rock to the cascading waterfalls along the Deschutes, and up to the snow-capped Cascade peaks – this place is like a choose-your-own-adventure elopement dream! We love starting at sunrise in the high desert, spending the afternoon exploring hidden waterfall trails, and ending the day with alpenglow on Broken Top. You can celebrate afterward at one of Bend’s amazing breweries (because nothing says “we did it!” quite like craft beer with a mountain view!) 🏔️ 🍺
Best Time to Elope: May-October for summer vibes
Perfect For: Couples who want diverse landscapes and outdoor town vibes
Romantic Tip: Weekday ceremonies at Smith Rock help avoid the climbing crowds
Lago di Braies, Italy
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married by a lake that looks like it was plucked straight from a fairytale, this is it. The way the jagged Dolomite peaks reflect perfectly in these crystal-clear turquoise waters gets us every single time. And those iconic wooden boats? They’re not just for show – taking our couples out on the lake for sunset photos is pure magic. The wooden boathouse and dock add this perfect touch of old-world charm that makes every photo look like a vintage Italian postcard come to life 🚣♀️
Best Time to Elope: June-October, or winter for a snowy wonderland
Perfect For: Couples wanting that perfect alpine lake backdrop
Romantic Tip: First light is worth the early wake-up call – trust us!
Samuel H. Boardman State Park, Oregon
If rugged coastline and hidden coves are your thing, this 12-mile stretch of Oregon paradise will steal your heart. We’ve photographed all along the Oregon coast, but there’s nowhere quite like Samuel H. Boardman. Natural rock arches frame perfect ceremony spots, secret beaches hide between towering cliffs, and winding trails lead to viewpoints that’ll take your breath away. This place has a way of making you feel like you’ve discovered your own private stretch of coastline 🌊
Best Time to Elope: Spring and Fall for great weather and avoiding crowds
Perfect For: Adventure seekers who want dramatic coastal views
Romantic Tip: Sunrise or sunset provides the best light and fewest crowds
Seward, Alaska
There’s something truly magical about being out on the waters of Resurrection Bay, where snow-capped mountains plunge straight into the ocean creating the most dramatic backdrop for elopements. Every time we take couples out on boats to explore hidden coves and tiny islands, we’re amazed by how the wildlife shows up to celebrate – curious sea otters float by on their backs, puffins dive between waves, and sometimes even whales breach in the distance! Whether we’re finding a secluded beach for your ceremony or watching the sunset paint the bay in golden light, Seward’s coastal magic never fails to take our breath away 🌊 🐋
Best Time to Elope: May-September when the ocean is calmest
Perfect For: Couples seeking coastal adventure with mountain backdrops
Romantic Tip: Book a private boat tour – having the flexibility to find secluded spots makes all the difference!
Big Sur, California
The moment Highway 1 rounds a bend to reveal the Big Sur coastline, we still get butterflies every single time. The way the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific creates some of the most stunning coastal scenery we’ve ever photographed. We love finding beaches tucked between cliffs, chasing waterfalls that cascade onto pristine shores, and discovering redwood groves just minutes from the coast. Big Sur has a way of making every moment feel like a scene from a romance movie 🌊 🌲
Best Time to Elope: March – May and September-October for clearest skies
Perfect For: Couples who want dramatic coastal views mixed with redwood forests
Romantic Tip: Foggy days create the most ethereal, romantic atmosphere
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
Dunton Hot Springs is a restored ghost town turned luxury resort – making it one of the most unique romantic elopement destinations! Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains, Dunton feels like stepping back in time – but with all the luxury touches you could dream of. Whether you’re exchanging vows in the historic dance hall, celebrating with an intimate farm-to-table dinner in the saloon, or soaking under the stars in mineral pools, this place creates the most incredible atmosphere for intimate celebrations 🏔️ ♨️
Best Time to Elope: June-September for summer mountain vibes, December-March for snowy magic
Perfect For: Couples seeking luxury with authentic mountain town character
Romantic Tip: The property looks incredible in fresh snow – don’t rule out winter!
Under Canvas Moab
Imagine exchanging vows in the desert, then retreating to your luxury safari-style tent with views of red rock formations stretching to the horizon. Under Canvas has mastered the art of blending comfort with adventure, and their Moab location might be our favorite. We love how you can start your day with sunrise at Arches or Canyonlands, have an epic desert ceremony, then end the night stargazing from your private deck. The way these elevated canvas tents are tucked among the red rocks creates the perfect base camp for a desert elopement adventure 🏜️ ✨
Best Time to Elope: March-May or September-October
Perfect For: Desert lovers who want glamping vibes with epic views
Pro Tip: Book a stargazing tent – the night skies here are
Autocamp Yosemite
You know those places that perfectly blend outdoor adventure with cozy comfort? Autocamp Yosemite has absolutely nailed it. We love how these shiny Airstreams are nestled among the pines, creating the perfect basecamp for Yosemite elopement adventures. There’s something so special about spending your wedding day exploring one of the most epic national parks, then coming back to toast s’mores around your private firepit and stargaze from your deck. 🏕️ ✨
Best Time to Elope: March-May for waterfalls or September-October for fewer crowds
Perfect For: Couples wanting national park adventure with stylish comfort
Pro Tip: Pack all the s’mores and campfire materials you want to make your elopement dinner more fun!
Geo Domes in Dark Sky Reserves
These geometric gems scattered throughout the desert have quickly become some of our favorite unique elopement locations. Whether you’re in the Mojave, Joshua Tree, or Utah’s desert, staying in a geo dome under some of the darkest skies in the country is pure magic. We love how each dome feels like your own private planetarium, with massive windows perfect for stargazing from bed. Planning sunset ceremonies followed by star-filled celebrations has become one of our favorite ways to take advantage of these incredible dark sky locations 🌟 🏜️
Best Time to Elope: March-May or September-November for perfect desert temps
Perfect For: Stargazers and couples seeking unique desert accommodation
Pro Tip: Plan your elopement around the new moon for the best stargazing
