Best Elopement Locations, as told by an elopement photographer!
Hey, I’m Jamie, a Seattle-loving elopement photographer who’s been third-wheeling people in love since 2012. I’ve photographed mountain peaks, ocean sides, city rooftops, and desert canyons and every single time, I still cry behind my camera.
Let’s be honest though, this list of the best elopement locations is slightly biased (I’m a mountain girl at heart), but I’ve pulled together a diverse lineup for all kinds of couples. Whether you’re barefoot on the beach or hiking in boots, your perfect elopement spot is out there and I might already know the trailhead.
Best Elopement Locations in the United States
You don’t need a passport or a Pinterest board full of Italian villas. The U.S. has some of the most jaw-dropping, heart-melting elopement spots on the planet. Here’s where to start dreaming.
Why Washington State Tops the List of Best Elopement Locations
Ah, my love. The Pacific Northwest is basically the elopement capital of moody romance. With Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Olympic National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge, there’s no shortage of misty trails, epic overlooks, and cozy cabins. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or chasing light through the trees, Washington is top-tier.
My favorite mountain is in Washington, that’s Mount Baker. Between that and Alaska my heart is spoken for. I love the deep blues, the green of the evergreens. The way you have 360 views, but also the parking lot is right there so you don’t have to hike miles if you don’t want to.
If you’re looking for Washington elopement packages that are built around real weather, real timelines, and real planning support, this is exactly what I offer.
Regional Washington How to Elope Guides:
👉🏻 How to Elope in North Cascades National Park
👉🏻 How to Elope in Mount Baker
👉🏻 How to Elope in Olympic National Park
👉🏻 Full Guide on How to Elope in Rainier National Park
👉🏻 How to Elope in Washington State Full Guide
Alaska: One of the Best Elopement Locations for True Wilderness Lovers
For couples who want to feel tiny in the best possible way. Alaska gives you wild energy, glaciers, fjords, bears (hopefully from a distance), and heli-accessed elopement locations. This is where you go when you want untouched beauty and true adventure.
When I was in Alaska I truly loved being on a property that could be a total buy-out. That way if you wanted to plan a dinner with guests but still have your own private A-Frame cabin you could. In my head you could have your guests stay at the property, hire a planner who would do all the decor set up, then we could take the helicopter to a nearby glacier to explore, say your vows, pop some bubby water, and maybe even take a glacier plunge.
👉🏻 How to Elope in Alaska Full Guide
👉🏻 Guide to Multi Day Elopements
New England: A Cozy, Coastal Addition to the Best Elopement Locations List
Fall foliage? Cobblestone streets? Coastal cliffs? New England is romantic with a capital R. Vermont and Maine bring the cozy cabin energy. Rhode Island and Massachusetts bring coastal drama. If you want an elopement that feels like a novel, this is your chapter.
I’m personally a big fan of New Hampshire. The Kancamagus highway might not have cell service but you don’t need it. The views are what you need. Plus there are so many smaller hikes that don’t require full day outbacking here.
👉🏻 Read more on How to Elope in New Hampshire
Hawaii: One of the Best Tropical Elopement Locations in the U.S.
Tropical doesn’t have to mean touristy. Hawaii’s got secret beaches, volcanic landscapes, and rainforest waterfalls. Plus, barefoot ceremonies and post-vow snorkels? Yes, please. Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island are all incredible depending on your vibe.
Hawaii you need to show respect to the people, the land, the traditions, and values. With me it’s not just popping over to an island, it’s soaking in the culture. I’ve put together a few blogs to navigate Hawaii if you want to elope here.
Guides to Eloping in Hawaii:
👉🏻 How to Elope in Hawaii – Complete Guide
👉🏻 How to Leave No Trace in Hawaii for your Elopement
👉🏻 How to Respect Hawaii during your Elopement
Utah: One of the Best Elopement Locations for Red Rock Romance
Red rocks. Slot canyons. That iconic desert light. Utah is one of the best elopement locations for couples who want to feel like they’re on another planet (without leaving the U.S.). Think Arches, Zion, Moab—especially stunning at sunrise.
Utah also has an incredible neighbor, Arizona with a few more National Parks if we wanted to plan a road trip type elopement where you can collect your magnets and stickers.
👉🏻 How to Elope in Utah
👉🏻 How to apply for Permits in Utah
Oregon: A Moody, Magical Contender for Best Elopement Location in the PNW
Washington’s moody sister. Oregon gives you dense forests, rugged coastlines, and waterfall hikes that feel straight out of a fairytale. It’s ideal for couples who want the adventure without altitude sickness. Plus, Crater Lake and the Painted Hills? Underrated.
One thing about Oregon is you can go from a clear coast to a complete mist engolfed coast just a few miles down the road. That mist is not a bad thing though, it’s actually what makes the redwood trees (ain’t hard to see, iykyk) grow so tall.
My favorite part about Oregon is definitely the coast line, but I am a scorpio so you have to take me to water. There are beaches you can drive on and if you don’t mind sand we can pop into certain locations between tide schedules. Please keep in mind king tides though! They are dangerous.
👉🏻 How to Elope in Oregon
👉🏻 How To Elope along the Oregon Coast
Decided on the Best Elopement Location for You? Here’s What’s Next
Once you’ve narrowed down where to elope, the next step is figuring out the how. That’s where I come in. From permits and timelines to weather patterns and local vendors. I’ll help plan and photograph a day that feels like the best version of you & your partner.
👉🏻 Contact me to start planning your Elopement
👉🏻 Learn More: How to Elope
Washington elopement photographer, planning an elopement in Washington
