Where to Elope in the US

Forest Elopements: Enchanted Woodland Escapes

1. Redwood National & State Parks, California

Imagine exchanging vows beneath the world’s tallest trees in a sun-dappled grove of ancient redwoods. These parks offer a fairytale setting with massive trunks creating natural cathedrals, fern-covered floors, and quiet, misty trails perfect for intimate ceremonies. For photography, the soft light filtering through the canopy creates an ethereal glow.

Best Spots:

• Lady Bird Johnson Grove – An easily accessible, peaceful grove
• Tall Trees Grove – Requires a permit but offers incredible solitude
• Fern Canyon – A Jurassic Park-like setting with walls of lush ferns

Best Time to Elope: Spring (wildflowers) or fall (fewer crowds, golden light). Summer can be foggy near the coast.

Marriage Laws: California has no waiting period, and licenses are issued same-day. No blood test required.

2. Olympic National Park, Washington

This park is like three elopement destinations in one—dense, moss-draped rainforests, rugged Pacific coastline, and alpine meadows. The Hoh Rainforest feels straight from a storybook, with emerald-green foliage and trickling streams.

Best Spots:

• Hoh Rainforest – For a true fairytale vibe
• Ruby Beach – Dramatic sea stacks and driftwood for coastal ceremonies
• Hurricane Ridge – Mountain views with wildflowers in summer

Best Time to Elope: Late spring to early fall (July-Sept for best weather). Winter offers moody, foggy elopements.

Marriage Laws: Washington has no waiting period and allows self-solemnization (you can marry yourselves without an officiant).

3. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

The misty blue ridges, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests of the Smokies create a romantic, dreamy setting. This park is especially stunning in fall when the foliage turns fiery shades of red and gold.

Best Spots:

• Cades Cove – Open meadows with mountain backdrops
• Laurel Falls – A scenic waterfall ceremony spot
• Clingmans Dome – Panoramic mountain views at sunrise

Best Time to Elope: October for fall colors or April-May for wildflowers.

Marriage Laws:

North Carolina: 1-day waiting period (waived with premarital counseling).

Tennessee: No waiting period, license valid for 30 days.

Mountain Elopements: Epic High-Altitude Romance

4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Towering peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows make this park a mountain lover’s paradise. The Trail Ridge Road offers jaw-dropping vistas, while hidden lakes like Dream Lake provide serene ceremony spots.

Best Spots:

• Dream Lake – A mirror-like alpine lake at sunrise
• Bear Lake – Easy access with stunning views
• Alpine Visitor Center – High-altitude elopements above treeline

Best Time to Elope: July-September for wildflowers and mild weather.

Marriage Laws: Colorado allows self-solemnization—no officiant or witnesses needed!

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier offers turquoise glacial lakes, rugged peaks, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park feels wild and untouched, perfect for adventurous couples.

Best Spots:

• Lake McDonald – Vibrant pebble beaches and mountain reflections
• Grinnell Glacier – A dramatic hike-in ceremony spot
• Many Glacier – Fewer crowds, incredible scenery

Best Time to Elope: July-September (roads fully open, best weather).

Marriage Laws: Montana has no waiting period and permits self-solemnization.

6. Asheville, North Carolina (Blue Ridge Parkway)

Rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, cascading waterfalls, and charming overlooks make this region ideal for a whimsical elopement. Asheville’s artsy vibe adds fun post-ceremony celebrations.

Best Spots:

• Craggy Gardens – Sweeping mountain views and rhododendron blooms
• Looking Glass Falls – A picturesque waterfall ceremony
• Max Patch – A bald mountain with 360-degree views

Best Time to Elope: October for fall foliage or May for spring greenery.

Marriage Laws: NC has a 1-day waiting period unless waived with premarital counseling.

Desert Elopements: Otherworldly & Dramatic

7. Joshua Tree National Park, California

This surreal desert landscape features twisted Joshua trees, massive boulder formations, and some of the clearest night skies in America. The park offers endless unique backdrops, from the iconic Skull Rock to the peaceful Barker Dam. At night, the Milky Way puts on a dazzling show – perfect for adventurous couples wanting a celestial element to their ceremony.

Best Spots:

• Hidden Valley – A natural rock amphitheater with perfect acoustics
• Cholla Cactus Garden – Golden hour transforms this into a glowing wonderland
• Keys View – Panoramic desert vistas at sunset

Best Time to Elope: October-April (avoid summer’s extreme heat). Winter nights can be chilly but offer incredible stargazing.

Marriage Laws: California has no waiting period; licenses are issued immediately and valid for 90 days. No officiant required if self-solemnizing in Colorado (just across the border).

8. Sedona, Arizona

Famous for its red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona offers a mystical desert experience. The vibrant sandstone cliffs glow fiery red at sunrise and sunset, creating a romantic atmosphere. Many couples incorporate Native American traditions or vortex energy sites into their ceremonies.

Best Spots:

• Cathedral Rock – The most photographed formation (permit required)
• Devil’s Bridge – Dramatic natural arch with sweeping views
• Red Rock Crossing – Shallow creek with iconic views of Cathedral Rock

Best Time to Elope: Spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for mild temperatures.

Marriage Laws: Arizona has no waiting period, but licenses must be used within 12 months. Blood tests no longer required.

9. Moab, Utah

Home to two national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), Moab offers some of the most spectacular desert scenery on earth. Towering red rock arches, deep canyons, and the winding Colorado River create endless ceremony possibilities. The landscape feels like another planet – perfect for adventurous couples.

Best Spots:

• Delicate Arch – Utah’s most famous landmark (hike required)
• Dead Horse Point – Breathtaking canyon overlooks
• Corona Arch – Less crowded than Delicate Arch, just as impressive

Best Time to Elope: April-May or September-October for comfortable temperatures.

Marriage Laws: Utah has no waiting period, but licenses expire in 30 days.

Beach Elopements: Oceanfront Serenity

10. Big Sur, California

Where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur offers dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and redwood forests meeting the sea. The rugged coastline provides both intimacy and grandeur, with iconic spots like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.

Best Spots:

• Pfeiffer Beach – Purple sand and keyhole rock formations
• Garrapata State Park – Wildflower-covered bluffs overlooking the ocean
• Partington Cove – Hidden beach accessible through a tunnel

Best Time to Elope: April-October (summer fog is common but atmospheric).

Marriage Laws: California has no waiting period—perfect for spontaneous elopements.

11. Outer Banks, North Carolina

This 200-mile string of barrier islands offers wide, empty beaches, historic lighthouses, and wild horses roaming near Corolla. The OBX provides a relaxed, barefoot-luxury vibe perfect for couples wanting a low-key beach ceremony.

Best Spots:

• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Iconic black-and-white striped backdrop
• Jockey’s Ridge – Massive sand dunes for a desert-meets-ocean feel
• Pea Island – Secluded beaches with excellent birdwatching

Best Time to Elope: May-June or September-October for warm weather without crowds.

Marriage Laws: NC has a 1-day waiting period unless waived with premarital counseling.

12. Kauai, Hawaii

Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai offers lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, and some of Hawaii’s most spectacular beaches. The Na Pali Coast’s emerald cliffs and Hanalei Bay’s perfect crescent make this island endlessly romantic.

Best Spots:

• Secret Beach (Kauapea) – Secluded golden sand beach
• Queen’s Bath – Natural tide pools with dramatic waves
• Hanakapi’ai Beach – Remote beach along the Kalalau Trail

Best Time to Elope: April-May or September-October for best weather and fewer crowds.

Marriage Laws: Hawaii has no waiting period—perfect for destination elopements.

Final Tips for Your Dream Elopement

1. Permits: Most national parks and many beaches require permits (apply 2-6 months in advance).
2. Seasonal Considerations: Desert summers are brutally hot; mountain passes close in winter.
3. Local Vendors: Hire an elopement photographer familiar with hidden gems and best lighting.
4. Backup Plans: Always have a weather contingency for outdoor ceremonies.

Whether you’re drawn to misty forests, rugged peaks, vast deserts, or endless shores, America offers unforgettable places to elope. Choose your dream landscape, pack your adventure spirit, and let nature be your wedding venue!