Eloping has become a popular choice for couples looking for a more intimate and personal way to tie the knot. And with so many stunning locations and unique wedding destinations across the US, there are plenty of unique adventure elopement locations places to choose from and travelling photographers (like me) who are already packed for the flight or drive.
Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on a secluded beach, in a picturesque mountain setting, or in a charming cityscape, there’s a perfect spot out there for you (that I want to explore with you)!
From the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest to the sun-drenched shores of the Florida Keys, the US offers a diverse range of landscapes and settings for your ideal elopement or intimate wedding.
So why not think outside the box and consider one of these unique, breathtaking places to elope in the US for your special day?
Joshua Tree National Park Elopement Setting and Flair
*Adventure elopement image taken by Eliza G Photography in Joshua Tree National Park
Moving from the coastal wonders of Big Sur to the mystical allure of Joshua Tree National Park.
Unique Landscape
Joshua Tree’s desert panoramas, otherworldly rock formations, and famous Joshua Trees provide a distinctive venue for an elopement and base for monochromatic color schemes or bold decor.
Iconic Elements:
- Enchanting Joshua Trees
- Stunning desert sunsets
- Dreamlike boulder formations
Whimsical and Romantic
The park intertwines a wild, rugged beauty with a hint of whimsy, making it an incomparable setting for your special day! The lovely Joshua Trees add to this whether they are full and bushy, or other times spindly and open in their shape.
Capture the Magic
Imagine tying the knot surrounded by this surreal, expansive desert. Ready for a mesmerizing Joshua Tree elopement experience yet?
Unique Touches Ideas:
- A private sound bath session for relaxation and unique photos.
- A guided meditation at one of the park’s spiritual vortex sites.
Creative Wedding Tips:
- Use the park’s unique rock formations as a backdrop for a bohemian-style altar.
- Provide guests with fun, desert-themed wedding favors, like mini cacti or local, handmade pottery.
Fun Wedding History:
Joshua Tree has a rich history of attracting creative souls, from musicians to artists. Its unique landscape has been a backdrop for countless photo shoots and music videos, making it a perfect choice for a wedding that’s both unique and iconic!
Glacier National Park Elopement Tranquility and Scenery
*iPhone image taken in 2024 by my bestie Morgan
Shift from the desert allure of Joshua Tree to the breathtaking tranquility of Glacier National Park in Montana for a peaceful escape. Glacier National Park offers a serene haven with its crystal-clear lakes and majestic mountain peaks.
Scenic Highlights:
- Azure alpine lakes
- Verdant alpine meadows
- Towering snow-capped peaks
Perfect for Nature Peace Seekers
Its unspoiled landscapes provide the perfect setting for a calm and intimate elopement surrounding by scenery that almost looks fake.
Unique Outdoor Touches:
- A boat ride on Lake McDonald for stunning water reflections in your photos.
- A horse-drawn sleigh ride in winter for a magical, snowy elopement to the mountains.
Creative Wedding Tips for Glacier National Park:
- Incorporate local flora into your bouquet and decor to highlight the park’s natural beauty.
- Host a cozy, outdoor reception with a campfire, s’mores, and hot chocolate (bonus points for mountain pies)!
Fun Wedding History:
Glacier National Park’s historic lodges, built in the early 1900s, have hosted countless weddings and romantic getaways. Imagine exchanging vows in a place where love stories have been unfolding for over a century!
Sedona’s Red Rock Elopement Spectacle
*image from Unsplash
Transition from Glacier’s icy elegance to the warm, mesmerizing red rocks of Sedona, Arizona.
Awe-Inspiring Backdrop
Sedona’s stunning red rock formations offer a spectacular setting for a unique elopement ceremony.
Key Features of Sedona:
- Striking red sandstone cliffs
- Spiritual vortex sites
- Vibrant desert landscapes
Unique Desert Atmosphere
The radiant red rocks and mystical vibe create a genuinely extraordinary and unique elopement location.
Unique Touches:
- A hot air balloon ride for breathtaking aerial views.
- A wellness retreat experience to relax before your big day.
Creative Wedding Tips for a Sedona Wedding:
- Use the vibrant red rocks as a natural backdrop for a stunning, minimalistic ceremony setup.
- Plan a sunrise ceremony to capture the magical light and cooler temperatures.
Fun Wedding History:
Sedona has long been considered a place of spiritual renewal and healing. Couples have been drawn to its mystical energy for decades, making it a beloved spot for weddings that are both beautiful and deeply meaningful.
Salt Flats, Utah Elopement Destination
*image by Eliza G Photography
Salt Flats Elopement Magic
The Salt Flats in Utah offer a surreal and otherworldly backdrop for a unique elopement experience.
Breathtaking Landscape
The vast, white expanse of the Salt Flats creates an ethereal and minimalist setting.
Iconic Elements:
- Endless, reflective salt plains
- Crystal-clear horizons
- Dramatic, open skies
Unique Atmosphere
The stark beauty of the Salt Flats is perfect for couples looking for a modern and unconventional wedding location.
Unique Touches:
- A sunset photo shoot capturing the stunning reflections on the salt surface.
- A vintage car ride across the flats for a stylish entrance.
Creative Wedding Tips:
- Use mirrored and metallic decor to enhance the reflective beauty of the Salt Flats.
- Provide guests with parasols and sunglasses to enjoy the unique environment comfortably.
- Use pops of color or create a monochromatic color scheme to match the simplistic vibe.
Fun Wedding History:
The Salt Flats have been a popular location for high-speed car racing and world records, giving your wedding a touch of history and adventure. Imagine saying “I do” in a place known for breaking records and pushing boundaries!
Imperial Sand Dunes Elopement Adventure
*image by Eliza G Photography
The Imperial Sand Dunes in California offer a dramatic and adventurous setting for an unforgettable elopement.
Sweeping Dunes
The vast, rolling sand dunes create a breathtaking and dynamic backdrop.
Iconic Elements:
- Endless, golden sand dunes
- Stark, open skies
- Unique desert flora
Adventurous Spirit
The ever-changing landscape of the Imperial Sand Dunes is perfect for couples looking for an adventurous and unique wedding location.
Unique Touches:
- A dune buggy ride to your ceremony location for a fun and exciting entrance.
- A sunset photo shoot capturing the dramatic shadows and golden light.
Creative Wedding Tips:
- Use bohemian and desert-themed decor to enhance the natural beauty of the dunes.
- Provide guests with scarves and hats to enjoy the desert experience comfortably.
Fun Wedding History:
The Imperial Sand Dunes have been a popular filming location for movies and commercials, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to your wedding. Imagine exchanging vows in a place that has been the backdrop for countless iconic scenes!
Folly Beach, Charleston, SC Elopement Destination
*image by Eliza G Photography
Folly Beach Elopement Serenity
Folly Beach in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a charming and serene setting for a beach elopement.
Coastal Charm
The gentle waves and soft sands of Folly Beach create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere.
Iconic Elements:
- Pristine sandy beaches
- Historic piers and lighthouses
- Warm, inviting waters
Laid-Back Elegance
The easygoing vibe of Folly Beach is perfect for a laid-back and elegant beach wedding.
Unique Touches:
- A beach bonfire with a seafood feast to celebrate your nuptials.
- A paddleboard or kayak adventure for fun and memorable photos.
Creative Wedding Tips:
- Use driftwood and seashells in your decor for a natural, beachy feel.
- Plan a morning ceremony to enjoy the calm and quiet of the beach before the crowds arrive.
Fun Wedding History:
Folly Beach has been a beloved vacation spot for generations, known for its charming, laid-back atmosphere. Imagine celebrating your love in a place where countless families have made cherished memories!
Zion National Park Elopement Location and Features
*iPhone image from a short hike in Zion National Park in 2020 🙂
Zion National Park is a treasure trove for those seeking an intimate and awe-inspiring elopement destination. Its vibrant red cliffs and lush valleys create a stunning backdrop perfect for unforgettable vows.
Key Features:
- Towering sandstone cliffs
- Serene rivers and gorgeous canyons
- Scenic views around every corner
This enchanting location provides varying landscapes for an elopement experience that is nothing short of magical and exceptionally unique!
Why Choose Zion National Park?
Elegance and adventure combined, Zion offers something extraordinary for every couple.
Unique Touches:
- Stargazing under the clear desert sky, one of the best places in the US for night photography.
- A horse-drawn carriage ride through the park for a romantic, vintage feel.
Creative Wedding Tips:
- Incorporate elements of the park’s natural beauty into your decor, such as sandstone-inspired centerpieces and bouquets filled with local wildflowers.
- Plan a post-ceremony picnic by the Virgin River, complete with a charcuterie board and local wines.
Fun Wedding History:
Did you know that Zion National Park has been a sought-after spot for adventurous weddings since the 1930s? Couples have been drawn to its stunning landscapes and natural beauty for nearly a century, making it a timeless choice for an elopement!
Big Sur Elopement Charm
*image from Unsplash
Transition from Zion’s rugged adventure to the serene coastline of Big Sur, California.
Captivating Landscape
Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views create a picturesque environment for an elopement.
Iconic Backdrops:
- Breathtaking Pacific Ocean views
- Majestic redwood forests
- Iconic Bixby Creek Bridge
Timeless Elegance
The charm of Big Sur lies in its ability to blend tranquility with grandeur, making it perfect for an intimate, unforgettable ceremony. Ready to embrace the stunning beauty of Big Sur’s natural landscape?
Unique Touches:
- A picnic on the beach with local gourmet treats.
- A private helicopter tour for stunning aerial photos.
Creative Wedding Tips:
- Host a sunset bonfire on the beach with s’mores and acoustic music to celebrate your union.
- Incorporate coastal elements into your decor, such as driftwood centerpieces and seashell accents.
Fun Wedding History:
The expansive stretch of coastline known as Big Sur has long been a haven for artists and free spirits. Since the 1960s, its dramatic landscapes have inspired countless couples to celebrate their love in this stunning location. Imagine joining the legacy of love stories that have been written here!
Unique Traits of Zion National Park, Big Sur, Joshua Tree, Glacier National Park, Sedona, Salt Flats, Chocolate Mountains, and Folly Beach for Elopements
Each of these stunning US elopement locations offers distinctive features that make them ideal for a memorable place to elope.
- Joshua Tree: Whimsical Joshua trees and surreal rock formations
- Glacier National Park: Glacial lakes and tranquil alpine scenery
- Sedona: Vibrant red rock landscapes and spiritual vortex sites
- Salt Flats: Otherworldly reflective plains and minimalist beauty
- Imperial Sand Dunes: Vast, rolling sand dunes
- Folly Beach: Pristine beaches and laid-back coastal charm
- Zion National Park: Towering sandstone cliffs and adventurous hiking trails
- Big Sur: Dramatic coastal views and serene redwood forests
Ready for an Adventurous Elopement?
Choosing the perfect location for your elopement (or even an adventure couples session) is the first step in creating a memorable experience. Whether you are drawn to the red rocks of Sedona or the towering trees of Big Sur, make sure to consider the season and weather when setting a date.
Hiring a passionate, adventurous, and experienced photographer will ensure that every special moment is captured beautifully, authentically, and poetically.
Before finalizing your plans, be sure to research any regulations or permits required for elopements in your chosen location. It’s also important to book travel and accommodations well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. Pack clothing and details accordingly for your activities and the weather conditions to make sure you are comfortable throughout the day!
By planning thoughtfully and taking care of all the details in advance, you can ensure that your adventurous elopement is stress-free and unforgettable. If you’re ready to start planning your special day, book an elopement photographer like me for memories and photos that will last a lifetime and beyond!
