The US is filled with so many beautiful locations to elope! The first question you two might be asking yourselves, and the question I get from most couples who inquire with me is: HOW DO I FIND THE BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN THE UNITED STATES? There are so many gorgeous locations to plan for elopement from beautiful mountain views in Rocky Mountain, Colorado to the epic waterfalls at Reed’s Island in Hawaii.
First things first, When you picture the most PERFECT day of both of your lives, something with an epic view, and that feeling of adventure, where do you two see yourselves? This will help you determine the top places to elope for you and your significant other. Are you over looking the mountains, or do you hear waves crashing in, or do you hear cars in the distance with loud sounds of the city? Also ask yourself, is it snowing, are leaves turning to yellow/ orange, is the sun beating down? This will help you decide what time of the year you should elope as well!
If you have a vision, but you’re not sure where to start google is an AMAZING resource.
However, so is your photographer. Typically some elopement photographers can be extremely helpful when it comes to helping you narrow down locations. Such as myself, if you’re considering inquiring with me feel free to pick my brain on some epic locations for you to consider, click here!
Once you’ve narrowed down what kind of scenery you envision for your elopement day/ potentially 2-3 locations you’d love, you’ll sit down and plan out a realistic budget for your elopement. Remember while you may save money eloping compared to having a traditional wedding, it will still cost money to travel where you need to, have the vendors of your dreams, and also have a perfect day focused around you two. The cost will always vary from couple to couple, because each couple might have a different vision of a perfect day.
HERE ARE THE FIVE BEST PLACES TO ELOPE
I will tell you some of my favorite locations that would make for an amazing elopement, all very different. Click here to inquire with me as your photographer for your elopement day! Here are my top five locations with endless adventure and never ending scenery!
1. Central Park, NYC
2. Moab, Utah
3. Big Sur, California
4. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
5. Oahu, Hawaii
While I listed some of my top favorite locations, maybe you want more information on them as well as some photos to see what draws you in a little more!
Places to elope in Central Park, New York City
Not only am I going to tell you information about the weather to help you better decide the perfect time for you to elope in NYC, but I’ll share some helpful information as well! Eloping in NYC is pretty simple actual! New York City elopements are perfect for the couples who love city life, and all the urban settings. Central Park is located between the upper West and upper East side of Manhattan.
If you’re having less than 20 guests, you don’t ever need a permit to elope in Central Park. However, if you do plan to have a gathering of more than 20 guests you will need a permit. Click the link here below to find out how to get that permit! https://nyceventpermits.nyc.gov/parks/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fParks%2f
You will also need to obtain a marriage license at least 24 hours before the ceremony, which you can obtain from the New York City clerks office, Click here for more information on obtaining a marriage license- marriage-license
Here are FREE locations in Central Park to elope
- Cherry Hill Fountain is a water fountain in New York City’s Central Park. It is located just to the west of Bethesda Fountain, enclosed in a circular plaza in Cherry Hill.
- Harlem Meer is a lake at the northeast corner of New York City’s Central Park. It lies west of Fifth Avenue, south of 110th Street, and north of the Conservatory Garden, close to the Harlem and East Harlem neighborhoods of Manhattan.
- Shakespeare Garden Four-acre garden resembling an English countryside with flowers & plants from Shakespeare’s works.
- Gapstow Bridge Ornamental arched bridge over the Pond, with views of Central Park South buildings & Wollman Rink.
- Bow Bridge, cast-iron bridge crossing over the lake
PLUS SO MUCH MORE!
One big tip when planning a Central Park elopement
Always google search events going on in the park. If you want something a little more intimate always check this, that way there are no events going on the day of your elopement.
After you’ve tied the knot, you two and your photographer can roam the city finding the most epic spots to capture some amazing photos of you two in your wedding attire, From the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Pebble Beach, maybe some of you two getting on the subway if you’re up for it!
When to go:
Something to keep in mind for your elopement in New York City is the Weather. New York experiences all seasons.
If you’re hoping for snow fall, it’s best to go around December- to early March! If you love fall and you’d like to be there when the leaves are changing, you should plan your elopement towards the end of October. Summer would be June to September!
Here some photos of these beautiful locations in New York City to draw you in!
Best Places to Elope in Moab, Utah
The first thing you should know about eloping in Moab, is most locations do require a permit. Even if you aren’t having any guests NEVER skip on obtaining a permit. If you need help obtaining a permit, most elopement photographers *Like myself* can help you with that! If you’re considering me for your elopement click here so I can learn all about you and your significant other and get as excited as you for your elopement day! Lastly, make sure to obtain your marriage license as well.
Moab is a city in eastern Utah; known for its stunning red rock landscapes.
When to go:
The best time of year to go would be Spring or fall, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking! However, if your biggest concern is going when there’s more privacy I’d recommend Winter time.
Here are some amazing location options for your elopement in Moab, Utah:
- Arches National park, is such a beautiful location with unbeatable views. To obtain a permit click here: https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/weddings.htm The red rocked arches make for a stunning background on your elopement day.
- Canyon lands National Park is a stunning location with great ceremony location options, such as Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.
Here are some photos in Moab, that will make your jaw drop!
Beautiful Places to Elope in Big Sur, California
The Big Sur coast line is a very ICONIC location, located alone highway one about 150 miles south of Sanfran! Great for sightseeing, and one of the best places to elope in the United States!
Pfeiffer Beach and Bixby Bridge don’t require permits. The best time of year to elope in these locations would be Fall time from September to November, and if you’re early birds that’s even better because sunrise would be the perfect time to beat any crowds! Big Sur is located along Scenic Highway One approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles.
The cons to eloping in one of these locations could be based around the time of day or the time of year you choose to get eloped. During rainy season it could be flooded, and it can be extremely windy as well. That’s why it’s always important to make sure you look into the best time of year to elope here.
When to go:
While I did mention when would be the best time to go based on the crowds, the weather is typically amazing year round! With December being the coldest month the high is typically high 60’s, and July and August being the hottest with highs being in the 80’s.
Things to know When Eloping in Big Sur:
Big Sur is one of the top places couples get married at! There are state parks like Redwoods and Garrapatta you can also get married at, however most state parks do have a permit you’d have to obtain. Also, with locations like these you may need to pre-select a ceremony location. These are still however, some good locations to look into if Big Sur is the area for you.
Here are some photos to see the beautiful views from these locations!
Epic places to Elope in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, United States
If you love incredible views of the mountains, look no further The Tetons are an epic location that you will fall in love with! A permit is required, click here for more information! https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/weddings.htm
Mormon Row is a beautiful location. It’s a historic site with wide open views of the mountains. If privacy is important to you on your elopement day, I’d recommend eloping during sunrise or close to sunset. Click here to inquire with me about being your elopement photographer, I’d love to help you plan your special day!
When to go:
September and October is the best time of year to elope here if privacy is high on your list, because it’s not as busy, and you’ll get those beautiful fall colors. The Tetons is located just North of Jackson, Wyoming.
Here are some activities to check out on your elopement day!
- Horseback riding – horseback-riding
- canoeing, kayaking, and they also have motorboat rentals https://www.gtlc.com/activities/kayak-canoe-motorboat-rentals
Check out some INSANELY beautiful photos of The Grand Tetons below!
Amazing Places to Elope in Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii in general is one of those places that ALWAYS lives up to its hype, you’ll surely fall in love with the palm trees, rocky shore lines, and the clear blue waters. It makes you feel like it’s out of the country, but it’s not which makes it one of the best places to elope in the United States! In Oahu is where you’ll find Honolulu, Waikiki, and if you’re a Jurassic Park fan like myself there’s also some tours for that as well. When eloping in Hawaii, you actually don’t need a witness which means you don’t need to stress about bringing along a friend. You will need a marriage license and a an officiant!
When to go:
The other great thing about eloping here is the weather is amazing year round! However, if you’re hoping for less crowds April- June is the perfect time to go!
Locations to consider when eloping in Hawaii:
- Ka’ena Point State Park – This is a beautiful spot on the North Shore. Perfect for hiking, sightseeing and of course ELOPING!
- Crouching Lion (Kahana Bay) – This location is one of the most beautiful on the island, it requires some hiking so make sure you’re up for that and it’s worth it!
Here are some activities to check out in Oahu:
- Helicopter tour – https://www.viator.com/tours/Oahu/Isle-Sights-Unseen-45-Min-Helicopter-Tour/d672-28456P2
- Zip lining tour – https://www.viator.com/tours/Oahu/Zipline-Tour-On-Oahus-North-Shore/d672-12849P1
- Kayaking tour – https://www.viator.com/tours/Oahu/Kayaking-Tour-of-Kailua-Bay-with-Lunch/d672-5140_W0018
Here are some photos of Oahu, Hawaii!
