Tips on Finding Your Perfect Elopement Location
Finding The Perfect Location For Your Elopement
Close your eyes and imagine your dream elopement. What time of year is it? Are you…immersed in the beautiful mountain ranges of Colorado, or lost in the lush green forests of Kauai?
Do you hear the waves crashing along the coast of Oregon, or do you feel the warm sun on your skin in Joshua Tree?
Maybe it’s a location that reminds you of when you two first met, or a place where you spent a lot of time when you were a child.
Do you imagine saying your vows in a secluded location, surrounded by your closest friends and family, or just the two of you?
So often we see couples settling on a location because it’s convenient. Instead, find locations that inspire you, that speak to your relationship and your values. What better way to celebrate your love, share your vows, and create an unforgettable experience with one another
Scenery & Views
What type of landscape do you want your elopement to take place in?
This is the first question we ask our couples when they haven’t decided on a location for their elopement. It’s important that you choose a location that really speaks to you and inspires you and your partner!
Do you want to be high up in the beautiful Rocky Mountains overlooking an alpine lake? Or would you rather be standing on the rocky coastline of Oregon? Do you see the two of you sharing your vows surrounded by Joshua Trees or big beautiful Redwoods?
The options are truly unlimited. Choosing multiple locations is okay, too! IT IS OUR JOB to help you to find the best location.
Desert
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Saguaro National Park
Page, Arizona
Moab, Utah
Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park
North Cascades National Park
The White Mountains
San Juan Mountains
Forest: Northern California, Southern Oregon, Hawaii
Coastal: Big Sur, Oregon Coast, Acadia National Park, Hawaii
Seasonality
If you have a time of year in mind, this can aid in guiding your elopement location decisions. Don’t worry if you haven’t thought about a particular time of year for your elopement, we can help with that! The first thing to consider is seasonality. Depending on the time of year some locations might not be accessible by vehicle or by foot. During the off-season in some National Parks, it will be less crowded. Opting to elope during this time gives you some seclusion!
Here are breakdowns of each season and where we think the best places for you to elope.
Eloping In The Winter
If you picture a winter wonderland, eloping in the snowy mountains might be right for you! Just be aware that some passes and trails might not be accessible by vehicle or by foot. You might have to strap on a pair of snowshoes or rent a snowmobile to get to your dream elopement location! Not a bad way to make your elopement day the ultimate adventure… Let’s do it!
The peak season for most National Parks is in late spring to mid-fall. Opting to get married at a National Park during the off-season will allow you to have a more secluded wedding day and avoid the crowds. Just remember, there may be road closures, frozen alpine lakes, or unexpected weather in some of the National Parks!
If you want to elope in the winter but want a milder climate, look into locations like Kauai or the coast of California for your elopement. Some destinations may vary in terms of when their “off-season” actually occurs. We can help with that!
Look into places like Dead Horse Point State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, or Valley of Fire State Park during the winter months. Although it may be in the cooler temps, you can avoid the crowds, snowy weather, AND the hotter temps that are common during the summer!
Eloping In The Spring
Spring is likely the only time we won’t recommend eloping in the mountains. At higher elevation, you may run into unexpected rain or hail storms. The snow is melting and could cause flooding or even an avalanche. Trees and plants are dead still and won’t look the best in your elopement photos!
Head towards the coast! California doesn’t get as much rain as it does in other regions. Big Sur and Joshua Tree National Park are great options for your springtime elopement!
Utah is also a great location to consider during the spring. Places like Moab, Arches and Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park are typically less crowded during this time.
Eloping In The Summer
June through August is the best time to experience the beautiful wildflower bloom in the Rocky Mountains. These beautiful wildflowers would make a great backdrop for your adventure elopement!
Along with the beautiful wildflowers, the thawed alpine lakes would also be a great backdrop for your adventure elopement. Places like Dream Lake and Emerald Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park) are great options in the summertime.
On the other hand, try to avoid the high desert during the summer months. Places like Death Valley National Park and Moab could be unbearably hot.
Most National Parks are busy this time of year. If you are deciding on a National Park for your adventure elopement, consider finding an “off the beaten path” location to have more seclusion and be away from the crowds. We can help with these “secret” spots if this sounds perfect for you.
Eloping In The Fall
Fall is our favorite season, and it’s a great time to elope in the mountains. If you choose to elope out east, head to New Hampshire and Vermont for the beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves. If you’re choosing to elope in the west, the mountains in Colorado is the place to be. The golden aspens make for a beautiful backdrop for your adventure elopement.
You could also head to the California coast. There will be fewer crowds during this time.
Accessibility
Do you want to hike? Or will you need to find a different means of transportation to get to your elopement location? Will your family be joining you? Do you want to find a secluded location without the crowds?
These are just a few questions to think about when finding your perfect elopement location.
Hiking: Depending on the season, some trails will be closed, covered in snow or heavily populated. As elopement photographers and guides, we are happy to help you find the perfect location that’s off the beaten path and find a trail that matches your hiking comfort level.
Family: If family is joining you, their hiking ability will be a factor in finding the perfect location. If you aren't going far off the beaten path for your elopement location that is fine! Giving them guidelines or even a checklist will be helpful so they can prepare for your elopement. Ex. winter elopements call for hiking boots or snowshoes. Wearing a well insulated jacket. Gloves, etc.
Seclusion: Finding a secluded spot comes with a little more adventuring. It can be a little more difficult to find a remote/secluded location, but with our knowledge and some helpful tools, we can help you find a location that is off the beaten path and more secluded!
Tools to help find your perfect elopement location
Google Maps
Apps: AllTrails, Gaia, MTB Project
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest
Local maps and Guidebooks
Speaking to a National Park or State Park Ranger
Things to consider when searching for your dream elopement location.
Permits: Some locations like National and State Parks require special permits. The price per permit can vary depending on the park. Make sure to check to see if your elopement location requires a permit. A lot of wilderness areas require permits for backcountry hiking, skiing and camping as well!
Legalities: Make sure to check to see what the requirements and regulations are in the state you are choosing to elope in. Some states have waiting periods. Some states require you to be in person to sign paperwork. Some states don’t even require an officiant! In addition, make sure to check and see if the location you have chosen is legal/ethical to get married in.
Leave No Trace Principles: These seven principles are VERY important to us and our business philosophy. We teach you everything you need to know to ensure that your elopement day practices LNT. We will also communicate best practices when eloping so you too can be a Leave No Trace Expert!
We hope these tips help you navigate through the planning process and guide you to finding your perfect adventure wedding location!
In need of some more inspiration? Below are our personal favorite locations for couples to plan their greatest adventure!
Our Favorite Places To Elope!
Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Breckenridge, Telluride, Aspen and Rocky Mountain National Park are just some of the many great spots in Colorado. All of the seasons in Colorado are unique, beautiful and offer a variety of backdrops for your adventure elopement.
Although some of the roads and trails might be closed by car or foot in the winter, there are ways to get to beautiful frozen alpine lakes like Maroon Bells, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake. These lakes are also incredibly beautiful in the warmer months. You can also check out places like Sapphire Point in Breckenridge that are easily accessible and have gorgeous views of the snow-covered mountains!
If you want beautiful wildflowers or golden alpine trees in your photos, eloping during the summer and fall months in Colorado is a must!
Planning your Adventure Wedding or Elopement here in Colorado? We got you covered!
Check out the blog on How To Elope in Colorado!
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is one of our favorite National Parks. If you want desert boho vibes this is the place!
There are plenty of Airbnb’s located outside of Joshua Tree National Park. Our favorite is the Hi-Desert Airbnb in Yucca Valley. For an additional fee, you can elope right on the property! 10-acres all to yourselves!
If you want to elope in Joshua Tree National Park there are a few things to consider!
If you are having more than 25 guests, you can have your intimate wedding at the Indian Cove Amphitheater. It’s the only location in Joshua Tree National Park that can accommodate 26-100 guests. There is a $200 fee to rent this location, but it comes with the most breathtaking views! Be mindful that this location does not come with seating, but you are able to bring your own seats in. Joshua Tree National Park also requires you to shuttle in your guests as there is no parking at this location.
If you are having under 25 guests below are some locations we highly recommend within the park!
Hidden Valley Picnic Area (not permitted in March–May)
Quail Springs Picnic Area (not permitted in March–May)
Cap Rock
Live Oak
Split Rock
Rattlesnake Picnic Area
Moab, Utah
When we lived in Moab for a few weeks, we completely fell in love with its diverse landscapes and easy access to three amazing beautiful parks - Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.
If you want to surround yourself with canyon views, beautiful sandstone arches, and warm red sand, Moab is the place for you. Each location has its very unique qualities, so do your research on which park is best for you.
Along with the beautiful parks, there are plenty of other beautiful locations that you can access, some via a 4x4 vehicle. Corona Arch, Fisher Towers, and Gemini Bridges to name a few! There is a ton of BLM land in Moab, some locations offer beautiful views as well.
Hawaii
They don’t call Kauai, Hawaii the Island of Adventure for nothing! Between the diverse landscape, hikes and beaches, there’s always a different place to explore! Last year, we photographed a beautiful Sunrise Kauai, Hawaii Wedding.
There are also a TON of activities to make your elopement day more of an experience! Hiking, Sailing, Helicopter Tours, are just a few things you can do when visiting Kauai!