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Updated Sep 09, 2024The Best Places to Elope in the US–As Vetted by Experts
Many of these places are unexpected and unique.
Photos: Stocksy | Design: Tiana Crispino
America, the beautiful—with its world-class cities, unique mountain ranges and glittering oceanfront destinations—has an endless array of backdrops for dramatic elopements. If you're looking for the best places to elope in the US, you've come to the right place: We searched high and low for great places to elope in the US and found everything from convenient cities that make it easy to breathtaking, remote areas that evoke romance in every sense of the word. (We also did the same for the best international places to elope.)
The cherry on top? We consulted Janessa White, Director and General Manager of Simply Eloped, to weigh in on where real couples are eloping across the country, and the top choice isn't only Vegas or New York (although both are popular spots for elopements). "The first thing that I recommend for couples who are thinking about eloping is to lock down a location," says White. "Once you choose a location, that's going to dictate everything else throughout the process. I generally recommend they look to somewhere that is special or meaningful to them: Maybe, it's where they met, where they got engaged, or where they first knew that they were falling in love. The other option is to combine the elopement with the honeymoon."
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Before or after determining a location, you'll want to enlist the help of professionals (we're talking the best elopement packages and planners) to unravel permits, photography rights and other logistical concerns that many couples otherwise overlook while going through their elopement checklist. Otherwise, you may find yourselves in a pickle without proper research and preparation. For couples who prefer convenience, cities like Las Vegas, San Francisco and New York are common choices. More often than not, however, eloping couples prefer to exchange vows privately in scenic or iconic locations. Thankfully, the country is home to plenty of sites, which is why a US National Park elopement or an adventure elopement are popular choices as of late. Here, we list 25 of the best places to elope in the US, including cool and unique places to exchange vows. (Some will come as a surprise.)
Bonus: If you're searching for "best places to elope near me," jump to our destination guides by state below for elopement packages near you.
Colorado & Rocky Mountain National Park
The most popular state to elope in the US, according to Simply Eloped, is (drumroll, please) Colorado. Couples, specifically, flock to Rocky Mountain National Park, which is a convenient drive of under two hours from Denver. Last year, the park recorded an astounding 4.1 million visitors, a number that peaks during the summer months. "Our top five locations in the US are in Colorado, specifically the Rockies," says White. It isn't surprising to hear this as the park itself boasts rugged peaks, alpine lakes, sprawling meadows and all sorts of wildlife. After all–who doesn't want to be photobombed by elk? And if you don't believe in the effort that goes into planning (or hiring a well-versed planner), simply take it from the NPS. "Applications are accepted one year in advance of your desired wedding month. The review of applications begins the first of the month, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis," it reads on the website.
Additionally, couples will find diverse landscapes across Colorado, including the all-knowing white-bark "eyes" of Aspen trees, dramatic sand dunes, hot springs, and arid red rocks of the Garden of the Gods. One key reminder about national and state park elopements: Leave it to the professionals to arrange permits, select optimal time slots and more. The Rockies, for example, requires a timed permit, which you must snag well in advance for even the opportunity to make it through the front gate. A separate timed entry is required to enter Bear Lake.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee & Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Known as the "gateway" to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town of Gatlinburg is conveniently located close to the breathtaking ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. "This one surprised me," says White. But to those familiar with the Tennessee towns, both Gatlinburg and its sister city of Pigeon Forge are suitable fits for elopements. Not only do these towns afford couples scenic stays in nature, but they're also located near Dolly Parton's Dollywood. (A win-win!)
Yosemite National Park, California
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While there's no shortage of beautiful national parks across the country, each destination boasts unique hidden gems and outlooks perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime, say, elopement. For example, Yosemite National Park is considered a top elopement destination for nature-loving couples who want to exchange vows in the open lands of the US. Many return to Yosemite for its trails and beauty, with a bucket list item occurring every fall: For a fleeting window of time, Yosemite's Half Dome gives the illusion that it's on fire. If that isn't the time and place to elope in Yosemite, couples can certainly find a spot across the US National Park's sprawling and nearly 760,000 acres. Just remember to hire a seasoned professional to help with the planning (especially, permits), as well as well recommended elopement photographer.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Arguably the elopement destination of the country is none other than a town that's nicknamed Sin City. Vegas, with its numerous drive-through wedding spots and accessible chapels, makes it simple for easy, legal and hassle-free options for elopement packages. There are plenty of local landmarks and venues too, including the Fountains of the Bellagio, the High Roller, and the Venetian's ornate lobby. "Couples who want a more iconic experience, with a VIP feel, often choose the Terrazza di Sogno, which overlooks the fountains," says Daniella Cracco, Manager of Special Events at Bellagio Resort & Casino. For couples who want photos in nature, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is just 30 minutes away from the Strip and another beautiful setting to commit to each other.
Maui, Hawaii
Photo: Pamela Hanson,Venue: The Four Seasons Maui
Maui was arguably made for romance, starting with the beloved Makena Cove, where eloping couples exchange vows between lava rocks and golden stretches of sand. The Kapalua coast is also arguably one of the prettiest spots for elopements, especially if you want to commit to a natural setting along D.T. Fleming Beach with a sporadic rainbow sighting. Photographers and property events teams are particularly well-versed in selecting ideal elopement enclaves on the island, including coveted sunrise vows at Haleakalā National Park. After your vows, celebrate with brunch at your hotel or a memorable first dinner as newlyweds. (This editor swears by the iconic Banyan Tree at the Ritz-Carlton Maui.) If you're closer to the southern coast, take in the sunset by reserving the best seat in the house at Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante or Waicoco in Ka'anapali. Properties like the Four Seasons Wailea and The Westin Maui (the latter, which partners with local wedding planner White Orchid Wedding, Inc.), all offer comprehensive elopement packages.
Kauai, Hawaii
Meritage Resorts Collection
Kauai is often considered a spiritual experience for those who embrace the wilderness. One boat ride past the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park will convince couples that the mythical-level Northern shore of the island is the perfect place to elope. Reaching the destination is, however, quite a trek (whether by foot or by boat), but the hulking and verdant volcanic coastline will make your jaw drop in awe. If you plan to top the experience off with a Kauai honeymoon, one of the most well-regarded romantic resorts on the island is Ko'a Kea on Poipu Beach.
New York, New York
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With so many iconic restaurants and properties, a City Hall elopement comes with all kinds of perks in the City That Never Sleeps, including photo opportunities on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, before the steps of the New York Public Library or overlooking the entire island of Manhattan from Summit One Vanderbilt and the Top of the Rock. For the festivities that follow a New York elopement, indulge in an intimate dinner or lunch at Bemelman's at The Carlyle, which Princess Diana once described as her favorite place in NYC or your favorite spot in Soho or the West Village. If there's one fact, it's that the choice will be tough to narrow down given New York's top fine dining scene.
San Francisco, California
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City Hall in San Francisco takes on its personality. The ornate building from 1915 was designed by architect Arthur Brown Jr., also the mastermind behind the city's Opera House and New York City's 50 United Nations Plaza. Now a national landmark, West Coast couples often take note of the venue for their elopements. Following the ceremony, couples will often head to the San Francisco Botanical Garden and celebrate with views at La Mar Cebicheria Peruana or in one of the intimate spaces at Wayfare Tavern.
Santa Barbara, California
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Quiet, dreamy and undeniably beautiful, Santa Barbara is a coveted elopement destination in the US. Proximate to both the beach and the beautiful vineyards nestled along Santa Ynez Valley and exclusive Montecito, it feels as though most venues and properties were tailor-made for elopements. Couples can take their pick between the storied San Ysidro Ranch and The Hotel Californian, or they can exchange vows at the famed Santa Barbara County Courthouse, erected in 1929. For something even more secluded, they can head north to sleepy Big Sur.
Big Sur, California
Alila Ventana Resorts
The astounding coastline of California is most extraordinary, arguably, along the state's central coast, culminating along Big Sur. Couples can select from plenty of unique places to elope when it comes to this remarkable region, including five-star properties like Post Ranch Inn or the Alila Ventana Big Sur, modern marvels like Bixby Bridge, and natural spectacles like the looming rocks of Pfeiffer Beach. If you both consider yourselves forest fairies, you'll want to exchange vows in concealed clearings under hulking redwoods.
Lake Tahoe, California
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This crown jewel of a US elopement destination—featuring alpine lakes (and the largest in the country) and dramatic mountainous landscape—surprisingly isn't considered a national park. Tahoe, however, welcomes twice as many visitors each year over Yosemite National Park. With featured blue waters, hamlets and stunning views of capped mountains, Tahoe is a top choice for couples seeking a lake or mountain elopement. The only thing you'll have to worry about is the sheer beauty of your wedding announcements, once the news is out to your loved ones.
Palm Springs, California
If the desert beckons for your unique elopement destination, then Palm Springs is central to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. Some couples say Joshua Tree National Park is a spiritual experience, one that combines the arid desert with the untainted beauty of the wilderness. Palm Springs, itself, is home to unique properties that offer backdrops of Palm Springs' iconic pink hue, as well as the three-mile-long Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is considered the world's largest rotating tram. (How's that for cool places to elope in the US?)
San Diego, California
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Rounding out the list of elopement options in California is sunny San Diego. Home to cool places to elope like Balboa Park and Coronado Beach, this Southern California city offers a lighter and more relaxed setting for couples who prefer a more subdued and carefree ceremony.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Aman Resorts
The question is: arches or canyons? For an otherworldly and unexpected destination, the dramatic buttes and canyons carved from millennia of river formation of the Canyonlands also reflect your love: breathtaking and one-of-a-kind. The application fee for a wedding at the Canyonlands is $185, and you'll certainly want to do your research beforehand. Well-traveled couples from around the world will specifically head to one particular property located close to the iconic Mesa Arch for a romantic getaway, ceremony or elopement. Blending into the landscape, Amangiri is a highly sought-after place to elope in the US for its sheer beauty combined with its convenient location in the Colorado Plateau (the hotel is within driving distance of Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon). With the help of an officiant and a guide, to-be-weds can exchange vows within the slot canyons or overlooking the awe-provoking surrounding landscape. All in a day's work, newlyweds can easily transition from elopement to honeymoon with spa treatments and celebratory dinners under the stars at the resort or at Camp Sarika. Remote, rugged and resplendent, a Canyonlands elopement is tough to beat.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
A beloved US National Park, Mount Rainier is another popular elopement destination. Astounding beauty awaits couples eloping on the highest volcanic elevation in the continental US including lush meadows of wildflowers, glacier-tipped peaks, and verdant greenery. A note of consideration (and encouragement) is to hire a professional planner as some couples won't even realize that an elopement here requires a $175 special event permit. There are many factors to consider, including weather patterns and other professional needs to successfully pull off a Mount Rainier elopement.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Peter Unger / Getty Images
Topping your vows with beignets and lively jazz is the way to do it in New Orleans. Couples who appreciate good food, Bayou culture and something slightly beyond the standard concept of an elopement will want to consider this city for their ceremony.
Savannah, Georgia
Southern, sweet and sometimes spooky, Savannah is an ideal destination elopement option for couples who want to combine the charming cobblestone streets with the pretty parks of Georgia's oldest city. A few of Savannah's most popular elopement locations include Forsyth Park and Tybee Island, while generally, it's an all-around perfect place to elope, especially in the fall.
St. Augustine, Florida
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The oldest city in the US, which dates back to the mid-1500s, is considered one of the best elopement destinations in Florida for several reasons. The Spanish colonial architecture alone evokes the look and feel of a European elopement. The Peña-Peck House is a local favorite, as is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park for its variety of backdrops (couples can choose between the gardens or the beach). Overall, Florida offers plenty of variety (and types of venues), spanning from Palm Beach to Orlando.
The Hudson Valley, New York
During the fall when emerald leaves turn to shades of brilliant marigold and deep hues of oxblood, New Yorkers flock to the Hudson Valley for toasty autumnal celebrations. There are plenty of local venues, luxury hotels and overlooks along trails to select from, making the Hudson Valley a versatile option for couples who revel in the season. The region is considered one of the best places to elope in the fall.
Sedona, Arizona
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The Verde Valley's red-rock canyons and buttes are noteworthy backdrops for any special occasion (proposals, weddings and more), but especially for elopements. It's worth noting that there's even a trail known as the Courthouse Butte near Bell Rock. Couples who want to exchange vows surrounded by colorful vistas should consider Sedona for their elopement. After all, they can follow it up with a couple's treatment at a local spa.
Glacier National Park, Montana
If fly fishing, horseback riding, and enjoying quiet nature out West all sound like a dream elopement, then Glacier National Park may be just the spot for you. Before you pack your bags, however, you'll want to apply for a Special Use Permit and familiarize yourself with the areas that allow weddings. More than anything, respect nature while exchanging your vows.
Best Places to Elope Near You
Dunton Hot Springs
If you're searching for "places to elope near me" or you have a particular state in mind, we've got you covered with our destination elopement guides for the most popular states in the US.
