The 10 Best Places to Elope in the US - Lavender Moon Photography

Deserts

Deserts create a unique landscape for your elopement. Earth tones will look great against the backdrops of sand dunes, stone croppings, and cacti.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Want the feel of being in the Desert, then check out Great Sand Dunes National Park. There are rolling hills of sand and mountain backdrops. You can go sandboarding, camping, and stargazing all in the state of Colorado.
While here check out nearby Zapata Falls. A short hike to help cool off after the hot sands. The footing can be slippery so good shoes are required. Be careful of the hazards of ice in the winter and deep waters of the spring.

Bonneville Salt Flats

Glittering white salt, endless vistas, shallow pools mirroring the sky. Nowhere else in the U.S. can you find these views. The Utah flat has two seasons, a time when it is flooded and another when it is dry. When flooded a thin layer of water reflects everything around it, giving an ethereal look to the area. During the summer is that glittering white that you expect of crystallized salt.
April through May, during the week, is when I would visit to get that beautiful mirrored effect in your images without the crowds.

Moab

Moab is known for mesas and massive red rocks. The Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are within driving distance of Moab. Scenic drives, waterfalls, rocking climbing, and hiking are all activities available.
If you are wanting an elopement in an otherworldly landscape Moab is worth checking out.
While you are in the area also check out Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park.

Mountains

If you are wanting amazing views then a mountain hike to the top with snow-capped peaks and dramatic backgrounds.

Rocky Mountain National Park

There are thirteen allowed ceremony locations in the park. Book early as it is a popular location. I recommend weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Rocky Mountain National Park spans 265,000 acres of white-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and the famous Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road is the highest in the U. S. and has epic mountain views. The road links Estes Park and Grand Lake.

San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest has a hidden gem, would I would consider my best place to elope. Island Lake is one of four lakes located in the Upper Ice Lake Basin of San Juan National Park. It is a four-mile hike to Island Lake which is known for its beautiful clear water, and alpine wildflowers in the summer.

Island

Fly out to these islands to enjoy rainforests and beach views.

Puerto Rico

Visiting San Juan was my favorite memory as a child. The old fort and feeding the pigeons were always my favorite points of the trip.
San Juan has rainforests and waterfalls and white sand beaches to offer those who wish to visit this Caribbean island.

Kauai

If you love tropical weather, waterfalls and adventure, then Kauai is the island of your dreams. Kauai is an adventurer’s paradise. Views of the ocean while hiking along cliffs, waterfalls and canyons. Points of interest are the Na Pali coast, Mt Wai’ale’ale, Waimea Canyon and Kobe’s State Park.
Breathtaking views. Rugged coastlines, and secluded beaches. Kauai will blow you away. It hits all the epic adventure points.

Coastal

From the west coast to the east coast, enjoy these beautiful beaches.

Gulf Shores

With beautiful white beaches, sunsets, and moonrises, Fort Morgan has a lot to offer with a small-town vibe. Perfect for those who want to avoid overcrowded beaches and pet friendly.
You also have the option to get married in the fort at the end of the peninsula as the sun dips from views of the turrets.

Cannon Beach

During the week and low tide is the best time to elope at Cannon beach. During low tide, you are able to walk out to Haystack Rock and Chapman Point.
Cannon beach is best during off-peak season to avoid the crowds. While you are visiting Cannon Beach there is also the opportunity to head out to Mt Rainier to have a second day in the mountains.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Canoe along the cliffs or visit waterfalls and lakes. North Michigan is known for its beautiful sandstone cliffs and varied geology.
Take some time to take in the forests or the sand dunes. If camping is something you enjoy, you can find many sites to pitch your tent.

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9 Comments

cara says:

May 13, 2020 at 7:40 pm

Ok I am literally adding this to my bookmarks right now. Loving every location you have on here and adding most to my personal bucket list of places to visit. Your work is beautiful and this is a great resource for those couples planning either elopements or engagement sessions in epic locations.

Natalie says:

May 13, 2020 at 8:53 pm

Oh my gosh, this list is so comprehensive and incredible! What a fabulous resource — thank you for sharing!

Hans Rivadeneira says:

May 14, 2020 at 9:37 pm

Such a beautiful places for an elopement. I can’t decide which I love more, but definitively Colorado is a place that is in my bucket list and want to go to Rocky Mountains

Spirit of the Age says:

May 14, 2020 at 11:05 pm

All of these Colorado locations are amazing! Really great guide to eloping in Colorado!

Henry Tieu says:

May 14, 2020 at 11:48 pm

AHh all these information, so so so good 🙂

Taylor says:

May 15, 2020 at 3:47 pm

What a great post! I love that you did all of the work for us and it’s clear that you know what you’re talking about. Great post and really informative!

Lucy says:

May 15, 2020 at 6:14 pm

Wow this is quite the list! So awesome! 😀

Jessica says:

May 15, 2020 at 6:55 pm

It’s so hard to narrow down perfection locations for elopements – it sounds like you’re an expert for when your clients ask you for advice!

Kristen says:

May 21, 2020 at 7:42 pm

I love how this post is laid out! A lot of great information packed in here!