To help inspire you, I’m going to share a few of the best places to elope in the United States!

While I love destination elopements, sometimes you don’t have to travel far to find the perfect place to get married! In the US, we’ve got mountain views, coastal scenery, desert vistas, and everything in between. Whether you want to get married under a waterfall or next to cacti, you’ll find an incredible location.

The Best Places to Elope in the United States for Waterfalls

If you want to get married in front of a lush waterfall, you have plenty of options! Here are a few of the best places to elope in the United States for waterfall views.

Oregon

Without a doubt, Oregon is one of the best spots to go for waterfalls! Specifically, the Columbia River Gorge, which is a short drive from Portland, and lies on the border of Oregon and Washington. The Gorge has the highest concentration of waterfalls in the entire country. So… of course, if you want to tie the knot by a waterfall, this is the place to be.

You’ll find everything from roadside falls to more remote ones that require a hike! Some of my favorite spots include Wahclella Falls, Tamanawas Falls, and Latourell Falls.

Minnesota

I might be biased as an elopement photographer based near the border of Minnesota, but this midwestern state is an incredibly underrated elopement destination! It’s one of the best places to elope in the US for waterfall views.

Some of the best spots are close to the shores of Lake Superior. The rivers that flow towards the giant lake get filled by snowmelt in the spring, creating some unbelievable scenery. Check out Grand Portage State Park for the highest waterfall in the state. Gooseberry Falls State Park also has a collection of several falls.

The Best Places to Elope in the United States for Mountains

If you want unbelievable mountain views, there are plenty of gorgeous places in the US! Here are a few of the best spots.

Montana

Montana has some of the most iconic mountain scenery you could want! With the Rocky Mountain range cutting through the western part of the state, you’ll have plenty of peaks to choose from. 

Glacier National Park is one of the most iconic elopement locations, with mountain peaks that were carved by glaciers. There are hiking trails, easily accessible overlooks, and some of the most jaw dropping views in the country! This park borders Canada and is home to many different kinds of wildlife. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep and bears are all frequently seen here.

Colorado

The state of Colorado is well known for having incredible mountain views! Another huge perk of tying the knot here is that you can self solemnize. This means you don’t need an officiant for your wedding. This is big for couples looking for some privacy for their elopement day!

The most popular place to get married in the mountains of Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park, but there are plenty of lesser known spots in the mountains that make for a gorgeous, private elopement day.

The Best Places to Elope in the United States for Deserts

A desert elopement provides a unique backdrop for your day, and a stunning, boho vibe! If you want to tie the knot in the desert, here are a few of the best places to elope in the US for you.

Utah

Utah has incredible desert scenery – from red rock formations, to slot canyons, to stunning rocky landscapes! It’s one of the best places to elope in the US for desert views, and I especially love the small town of Moab.

In Moab, you’ll find quaint local shops, charming local gems, and incredible natural beauty. Some of the best places to elope around Moab include Dead Horse State Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park!  

Arizona

Along with its incredible mountain views, Arizona is also one of the best places to elope in the US for desert scenery!

In Page, you’ll find slot canyons and a river that bends in the shape of a horseshoe! Additionally, Tucson is home to Saguaro National Park, where the cacti tower over you.

The Best Places to Elope in the United States for Forests

If you want to tie the knot surrounded by greenery, I can’t blame you! From lush ferns to towering Redwoods, there are some incredible woodsy views in the US.

Idaho

Another underrated elopement destination, Idaho has tons of forested spots and green scenery.

You can elope at an adorable cabin tucked in the woods, head McCall for some gorgeous hiking trails, or check out Coeur D’Alene for stunning greenery right by the water!

Washington

The Pacific Northwest is famous for being rainy – which means the greenery is truly incredible in this corner of the US! Washington has just about any kind of scenery you want, including forests.

Some of the best spots include Olympic National Park for lush pine forests, HOH Rainforest, Snoqualmie National Forest just outside of Seattle and Mount Rainier National Park for forests surrounded by mountain peaks!

The Best Places to Elope in the US for Ocean Views

Whether you want to tie the knot on a cliff overlooking the water or head down to the beach, there are stunning spots to elope on both coasts!

California

California is definitely one of the best places to elope in the US, offering some of the most iconic scenery in the country. There are sea stacks poking through the water, dramatic sweeping views, adorable beach towns, and remote miles of coastline!

One of the most popular spots to elope on California’s coast is Big Sur – a gorgeous spot with rugged seaside cliffs.

Maine

And on the other side of the country is the stunning coastline of Maine! It’s an incredible place to explore for ocean views, especially Acadia National Park, where you can stand on the rocky headlands for views of the Atlantic. 

The dramatic coastline of Maine is bordered by forested woodlands, where you’ll find miles of hiking trails and incredible scenery to explore!

Ready to Find The Best Place to Elope in the US?

Every couple is different, which means that your perfect elopement location is unique too! If you’re ready to tie the knot, I’ll help you find a spot that speaks to you.

Contact me to start planning your elopement!