The USA provides the perfect atmosphere for couples who want an intimate elopement. Whether you desire a countryside adventure or a tropical beach celebration, there is something to please every couple! From Las Vegas to Hawaii and all stunning locales in between, we have put together our top picks for the best elopement spots in the USA. Get ready to say your “I do’s” in style!
1. North Cascades National Park, Washington
A North Cascades Washington elopement is one of the most unique experiences any couple can have! Located in North Cascades National Park, this area offers adventure, privacy, and unparalleled beauty. From snow-capped mountain peaks to blue alpine lakes to quaint a-frame cabins tucked away in the woods, couples can find multiple backdrops to say their vows during their elopement in this park. We suggest avoiding winter and spring as the roads and trails at higher elevation can be closed due to bad weather conditions. Between August to early September is stunning as you’ll get wildflowers in the mountains of North Cascades National Park.
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2. Mt Rainier National Park
Are you dreaming of an intimate elopement with epic alpine views, small lakes, cozy cabins and accessible hiking trails? Look no further than Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington State! At 14,410 feet tall, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in the Pacific Northwest. This national park offers subalpine meadows, glaciers, forests and over 130 different trails to explore – making it one of the greatest places to elope in the United States. Just a short 1-2.5 hour drive from Seattle or Portland, Mt Rainier has something special for every couple getting married!
3. The Oregon Coast
For couples looking for a unique and romantic destination for their big day, The Oregon Coast offers some of the most unforgettable views, enchanting landscapes and incredible hikes. Whether you are wanting to exchange your vows by the sea or have a quiet elopement in one of the less travelled areas, Oregon Coast has it all. Explore breathtaking spots like Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park, or find a secluded forest – there’s 363 miles of picturesque coast line to choose from. Oregon’s beauty would be the most incredible backdrop for any couples’ wedding vows!
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Yosemite National Park is the perfect destination to elope! With its breathtaking views and majestic settings, it’s sure to be an unforgettable day. For couples looking for some of the best spots in the park, consider Taft Point or El Capitan Meadow! Taft Point offers incredible cliffside views and an easy 2.2 mile round trip hike. While at El Capitan Meadow, get beautiful meadow views along with a glimpse of climbers scaling El Capitan’s walls. The Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow area also offer amazing views and woodsy pathways. Yosemite will provide all you need for saying your vows in a natural setting full of beauty that can’t be matched!
Read this guide to ensure your overseas elopement is done legally!
5. Big Sur, California
For the ultimate romantic experience, eloping in Big Sur is hard to beat. Located on California’s central coast, this picturesque coastal region is full of natural beauty and wonder. From state parks and sandy beaches to towering cliffs and redwood forests, there are endless options for unforgettable ceremonies and wedding portraits. The journey along State Route 1 to a Big Sur elopement promises stunning views of Pacific Ocean waves with every turn, making it an adventure that can be shared with your soon-to-be spouse.
6. Lucky in Love in Las Vegas
Couples looking for a fun and memorable way to elope have long sought out the city of Las Vegas. With its iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign along with many resorts, hotels, and wedding chapels – including drive-thru options! – in the area, there is no shortage of possibilities to think about when it comes to having an unforgettable elopement in Vegas. You can exchange vows with an Elvis impersonator for something truly’ Vegas-style. If you have decided on spur-of-the-moment vows, you can usually find a chapel available for shorter-notice elopements. For those who love wide open spaces, there are myriad options outside of Vegas – think canyons, dry lakes and even a ghost town! Whatever style of eloping you choose, a Las Vegas elopement will be fun! Visit the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority website for more information and ideas on eloping to Vegas.
Read our full guide to weddings and elopements in Las Vegas here.
7. Arizona Elopement for the adventurous couple
Eloping in Arizona is a romantic, adventurous experience, with the state’s diverse landscapes providing beautiful and memorable backdrops. From red rocks and pine forests to mountain streams and lakes, the south and west of the state offer stunning vistas. Sedona is a particularly popular place to elope with its spiritual and artistic atmosphere. Further north lies the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Arizona also has 31 state parks, 24 national parks, and countless private spots perfect for an intimate ceremony. With so many options to choose from visiting these locations can be overwhelming but you can always count on coming away with an unforgettable memory!
8. Elope to Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah, with its stunning red-rock arch formations and breathtaking views of Arches National Park, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable elopement. You and your partner can venture into the desert to get away from it all in complete privacy, or visit one of the magical spots such as Delicate Arch or Dead Horse State Park for some stunning first-rate backdrops. The area also offers activities such as off-roading, hiking, canoeing down the Colorado river, and more – making it an ideal spot for an adventurous couple looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its fragrant sagebrush blossoms and breathtaking sunsets over the canyon walls, Moab promises a dreamy elopement for all!
9. Breathtaking Hawaii
Looking for an adventure that will be the highlight of your life? Elope to Hawaii! This breathtaking paradise has all the perfect backdrops to make your special day stand out from the rest. Whether you’re looking for a beachside ceremony or something more natural, Hawaii is known for its diverse geographical features with lush forests, vibrant mountains and beautiful beaches. With a consistently sunny weather all year-round, planning your Hawaiian elopement is simple and worry-free. Or if you’re looking for something a bit different, try going up Haleakala National Park on Maui for an awe-inspiring volcanic backdrop! Make your dream Hawaiian elopement come to life and celebrate love in one of the most magical places on Earth!
Related: Your Complete Guide to Weddings & Elopements in Hawaii
10. Central Park, New York City
Lovebirds searching for a timeless symbol of romance need look no further than New York City–the city that never sleeps! From its iconic skyline to its bustling streets, NYC is the perfect setting for an elopement. Central Park in particular boasts a romantic history fit for any storybook with Hollywood classics such as the original Romeo and Juliet, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and When Harry Met Sally having been filmed there. Not to mention the action movies The Avengers, Spiderman 3 and The Incredible Hulk! All in all, NY offers something special for everyone’s unique love story. You can discover more about planning your elopement at Central Park via their website here.
