Finding the Most Romantic Places to Elope
Picking the perfect romantic place to elope might feel like a lot, but let’s be honest—it’s also fun. You’re planning an adventure that’s all about you two, free from seating charts and Aunt Amanda’s “opinions.” Eloping is your chance to say your vows in a place that feels so you, with no worries about logistics or keeping a hundred people happy. (Let’s be real, someone’s always unhappy about the food.)
When you’re thinking about romantic places to elope, it’s all about finding a spot that inspires you and sets the tone for your future together. Whether it’s a misty mountain overlook, a private beach at sunrise, or a place totally unexpected, you have limitless options at your fingertips.
Sure, the sheer number of choices can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you narrow things down, balance the dreamy with the practical, and sprinkle in those personal touches that make your elopement unforgettable.
So, let’s dive in—because your day should be a perfect blend of adventure, intimacy, and moments you’ll be replaying forever.
Oh, and don’t worry: choosing a venue is just the beginning. We’ve got a full elopement guide to help you with all the other details too—check it out here!
1. Identify What Matters You Most as a Couple
Finding the most romantic places to elope starts with a simple question: What defines you guys? Is it your love of the mountains? The beach where you first heard the words, “I love you”? Or that spot under the Arc de Triomph in Washington Square Park where your dog introduced you before you even noticed each other.
Your elopement destination should reflect who you are as a couple—your personalities, passions, and what makes your relationship yours. Forget the usual “we can’t go there because so-and-so doesn’t like planes” limitations. This is about you. Think creatively, dream big, and uncover a location that tells your story while setting the stage for the vows you’ll remember forever.
Defining Your Vision
Begin by conjuring up some environments that truly speak to the two of you—because let’s be honest, the destination is basically your third wheel in this relationship. Are you drawn to the mountains, the ocean, or the city? Each setting offers its own magic.
- Mountains: Mountains are perfect for couples who love nature, wildlife, and a dash of adventure (bonus points if you don’t mind a little dirt). Some of the most sought-after romantic places to elope include the rugged terrain of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming or the majestic peaks of Montana’s Glacier National Park—they will drop your jaws and fill your photo albums. Just do quick Google search and find your range!
- Beaches: If you find more solace in ocean waves and horizons, try turquoise beaches like Maui’s secluded coves or California’s Big Sur coastline or Florida’s pristine Gulf.
Romantic Urban Settings: Sure, nature’s great, but maybe you’re all about the city and they can be just as romantic and offer charm and picture-perfection with skyline views. Imagine saying “I do” at Belvedere Castle in Central Park, on a rooftop overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, or on historic Charleston street with Spanish moss swaying in the breeze. And yes, Paris is always an option but unless you’re ready for an entanglement of international paperwork, staying stateside might be the way to go.
Exploring Unique and Romantic Places to Elope
How about investigating outside the box and for something a bit more on the extraordinary side – it’s YOUR elopement, right? Think beyond the typical and explore destinations with not-to-be-forgotten character. There are so many romantic places to elope that offer iconic charm and natural beauty.
- Iconic Natural Landmarks: Some of the nation’s famous sites make some of the most romantic places to elope as well. Imagine exchanging vows with the Grand Canyon, ranked amongst the most romantic places to elope, with its layered cliffs as your backdrop, under the mist of Niagara Falls, or beside Old Faithful as it erupts. Think showstoppers.
Historical Locations: If you’re history buffs—or just love a setting with a touch of romance—why not look at places steeped in the past? Try Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, surrounded by ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, or at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia with its 18th-century architecture. Want to epitomize majesty? Want to go full-on majestic? The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is a sprawling Gilded Age mansion, complete with immaculately manicured gardens. It’s easy to ask google to find your own special spot. - Desert or Canyon Elopements: Think Arizona’s Antelope Canyon, Utah’s Arches National Park, or the Castle Hot Springs under the stars. Can you imagine? There MUST be officiants who are willing to camp.
- Underwater or Ocean-Inspired Locations: For the bold why an underwater ceremony surrounded by tropical fish in the Gulf or Virgin Islands. If you’re not quite up for the scuba gear (or neither is your officiant and photographer), how about a private sandbar at low tide?
Take these ideas, tweak them, or completely ignore them. The point is, it’s your elopement—do it your way, in your place.
Still torn between eloping and a traditional wedding? We’ve busted four big myths about eloping that might just surprise you—and make your decision a whole lot easier!
Considering Your Shared Interests
Let your elopement destination reflect you two. Think about your hobbies, passions, and those little moments that define —they’re the perfect inspiration for choosing a spot that feels personal and meaningful.
- Nature Enthusiasts: If you love hiking, stargazing, or exploring you can find hidden gems in state or national parks. Think Olympic National Park’s mossy rainforests or the secluded trails of Shenandoah in Virginia. How about our iconic Max Patch? The Smoky or Blue Ridge Mountains are also some of the most romantic places to elope for couples seeking adventure and breathtaking views
- Art Lovers: Inspired by creativity? Pick an art-focused venue. Imagine exchanging vows at the Storm King Art Center in New York, surrounded by rolling hills and large-scale sculptures, or the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in Minnesota, home to iconic works like the Spoonbridge and Cherry. For modern elegance, go after the rooftop garden at SFMOMA in California with its striking sculptures and city views, or do a blend of art and nature at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas.
- Thrill Seekers: For the truly adventurous, go for excitement. Imagine exchanging vows during a sunset hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Napa Valley with its breathtaking rolling hills. Or how about a helicopter ride to over an Alaskan glacier. See where we’re going with this? Oh, let’s not forget skydiving into your elopement with a professional videographer capturing every moment — talk about exhilarating. Adventurously romantic options are limitless have some fun!
Seasonal Inspiration
Your season can set the tone for your elopement, so let it guide you toward the perfect setting.
- Winter Wonderland: Want a snow-covered setting where coziness and intimacy are the aim? The pristine, snow-dusted peaks of Aspen’s Maroon Bells with shimmering alpine lakes and towering mountains are what fairy tales are made of. Consider Lake Tahoe with its crystal-clear waters and snowy pines; it’s like stepping into a postcard. Bryce Canyon National Park’s famous red rock hoodoos take on a whole new vibe with a blanket of snow.
Spring Awakenings: Spring is all about fresh starts and vibrant blooms. Capture the beauty of vibrant blooms like the delicate pink and white cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin sprinkled in with monuments in the background. Maybe the tulip fields of Skagit Valley in Washington, with endless flora to the horizon. Down South, Savannah, Georgia, enchants with azalea-lined pathways, moss-draped oaks, and a dash of history. - Summer Escapes: Is there really a better time to embrace the outdoors than during Summer? Say “I do” along the dramatic coastal cliffs of Maine’s Acadia National Park. Tahoe has crystal blue lakes have stunning rugged mountain backdrops between California and Nevada that are iconic. Go for some seclusion at a mountain lake in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Autumn Romance: There’s nothing like the fiery colors of fall to add a little magic. Vermont’s forests offer brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, with covered bridges and small-towns that define the word, “rustic.” The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina transforms into an autumn wonderland, with sweeping vistas painted in rich hues—can be somewhat of a Vermont South, if you will. Close to NYC, the Hudson Valley has some picturesque apple orchards, amazing trails, and historic estates framed by foliage.
2. Practical Considerations for Your Elopement Location
Choosing an elopement destination is about more than just finding a stunning backdrop, even though, let’s face it, it’s a big, big deal. The practical stuff can make or break your day, so let’s infuse a little wisdom into our calculations: Prior Proper Planning Prevents P^%$ Poor Performance. Translation? Plan ahead so everything runs as smooth as polished glass.
Accessibility
A breathtaking location is only as good as how easily you can actually get there.
- Ease of Access: Can you, your officiant, and essential vendors reach the site without a compass and survival gear? Yosemite’s Glacier Point may give you some jaw-dropping views, but it comes with a seasonal road and a bit of a hike.
- Transportation Needs: Dreaming of the Outer Banks in North Carolina? It’s gorgeous, but you might need boats or 4x4s to get you (and everyone else) where you need to be.
- Parking and Trails: Shenandoah National Park or Mount Rainier’s Paradise area have limited parking. And if you need to hike in, consider your footwear and accessibility for vendors who might not be as mobile. We all know they often aren’t as adventurous as you.
Permits and Permissions
When exploring romantic places to elope, don’t forget the nitty-gritty like permits and permissions—it’s the not-so-glamorous part and you want your day to go off without a hitch.
- National and State Parks: Many popular locations like Arches National Park in Utah or Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee require special use permits for elopements. Check the park’s website for permit applications, fees, and lead times.
- Local Regulations: Public beaches like those in Malibu, California, or Cape Cod, Massachusetts, may have restrictions on gatherings, so research local guidelines well in advance.
Weather and Seasonal Factors
You know Mother Nature loves to be unpredictable, but with preparation, you can fully-embrace whatever comes your way with grace.
- Seasonal Research: Fall elopement on the Blue Ridge Parkway? Gorgeous! But peak foliage season also means a sea of leaf peepers. A weekday ceremony can offer a lot more privacy. Winter in Yellowstone? It’s magical, but think cold nights and snow-packed roads. Have a backup plan for those “just in case” moments.
- Rain and Wind: Love the Oregon Coast or the Florida Keys? Well, they both can come with some unpredictable weather in certain seasons. Have some backup plans in case crazy weather makes an appearance.
3. Make the Location Truly Yours
Your elopement destination is the big picture and your canvas to start with. But now you should add some of those personal touches that make it unmistakably yours. Work with local vendors, sprinkle in those unique details, and fine-tune things to reflect what got you here. This is your chance to make the day you.
Incorporate Personal Touches
Weaving in meaningful details that celebrate your path to this day.
- Symbolic Decor: Add quirky, symbolic elements that reflect your bond. Did you meet on the beach? Scatter seashells or use driftwood in your decor.
- Memorable Keepsakes: Include details that can double as souvenirs like personalized vow books, a hand-fasting ribbon embroidered with your wedding date, or a custom backdrop; They can elevate your ceremony and become keepsakes.
- Personalized Ceremonial Elements: Why not incorporate a ritual that resonates with you? Plant a tree together so you can visit it in the future, or create a time capsule filled with letters to open on your first, or even your 10th anniversary.
Partner with an Elopement Specialist
We absolutely love this idea—and so do many of the couples we’ve worked with. Romantic elopement packages offer services designed to take all the stress out of planning while highlighting the best local spots. An elopement specialist will be connecting you with their trusted vendors so what you’ve imagined can come to life. Think florists who use native blooms or photographers who know all the hidden gems and the most flattering angles at your location; They’ll choreograph to perfection.
If you’re eyeing the Asheville or Hot Springs area, check out some of our blog posts on local vendors for tips and inspiration—we’ve got you covered!
Enhancing the Ambiance
Sometimes, it’s the little things that set the mood and make your elopement truly magical.
- Lighting Magic: Add some glow with string fairy lights draped between trees or lanterns lining a beach path. Or try LED candles or solar-powered lights.
- Eco-Friendly Touches: Biodegradable confetti, like dried flower petals or plantable seed paper are beautiful and are kind to the environment.
- Soundscapes: Whether it’s portable speakers for your own playlist or just letting the sounds of crashing waves or a creek filled with waterfalls, sound can elevate.
4. Top Tips for Researching and Booking Your Location
Do your research first …. which naturally leads to smart planning. These tips will help ensure you land the venue of your dreams without stress if you do it right.
Starting Your Search
Begin by exploring resources that give you inspiration and also inform.
- Leverage Visual Platforms: Use Google, Pinterest, and Instagram to search for elopement ideas and venues by location or theme. Keywords like “waterfall elopement venues in North Carolina” are our personal favorites, naturally. But you can try something “ever so slightly less appealing” such as “mountain wedding spots in Colorado.”
Check Local Directories and Social Media: Explore directories for venues in your target area, such as state tourism boards or local wedding vendor networks, which can lead you to hidden gems and reliable contacts. Don’t overlook Facebook groups focused on weddings or elopements in your chosen region—these often have real recommendations and insights from couples and vendors.- Read Real Stories: Look at wedding blogs or social media posts featuring real elopements. Seeing how others have used a space can spark ideas for your own.
- Elopement Coordinators: As we stated earlier, a local elopement coordinator will know the area and can handle the logistics, from permits to vendor recommendations. They’ll save you so much time and ensure your day runs smoothly. But do understand each planner has their own specific menu of choices for you that they’ve approved personally, so just know in advance you will be looking through their filters and lenses.
Scouting the Location
Getting to know your venue ahead of time can save you from surprises.
- Visit the Site: If you can swing it, visit the venue beforehand to get a feel for its vibe, layout, and logistics. Pay attention to things like accessibility, parking, and those perfect photo-op spots you don’t want to miss.
- Schedule Virtual Tours: Can’t see it in person? No problem. Many venues offer virtual tours or video walkthroughs which can give you a solid sense of the space.
- Consult Locals: Local pros and past clients are treasure troves of advice and can clue you in on the best times to visit, hidden gems on the property, and also things to watch out for.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Spot
With just a little effort, you can discover the most romantic place to elope—one that feels uniquely yours!
By now, you know that planning an elopement goes beyond picking a pretty spot. It’s about creating something personal and a reflection of who you both are. Start with what matters most — your passions, your vibe—and let that guide you to a location that truly resonates.
Then, think through the practical details. Accessibility, permits, and weather planning might not be glamorous, but they’re the key to keeping stress-free. Working with an elopement specialist and their hand-picked local vendors is another way to simplify things. And don’t forget: this is your moment to get creative with personal details that make your location yours. The more it feels like you, the more memorable it’ll be.
Do your research, plan ahead, and let your creativity shine and you’ll be free to focus on what really matters–stepping into this exciting new chapter together.
