Elopements aren’t just about skipping a big guest list—they’re about creating a wedding that’s truly yours. Imagine exchanging vows with the mountains behind you in Colorado, at the edge of a desert sunset in Arizona, or by the ocean in Oregon with only the waves and your partner as witnesses (and your closest loved ones). That’s the kind of beauty elopements offer. If you’re dreaming of an intimate, stylish wedding, I’d love to help capture every moment of your day. Reach out to me here. As someone who has photographed a lot of couples in some of the Best US Elopement Locations, I know how to make the experience feel effortless, joyful, and unforgettable, while also capturing those raw, heartfelt moments that make your day yours.

What Makes a Great Elopement Location

When choosing a spot, couples often look for:

Breathtaking views: Mountains, lakes, beaches, deserts—choose what speaks to you.

Accessibility: Some spots are more remote; consider travel, hiking, or parking logistics.

Permit requirements: Many national parks and public lands require a permit for weddings, sometimes if you have a low guest count you may avoid permit fees.

The time of year: Wildflowers, autumn leaves, snow, or desert sunsets can dramatically affect your photos.

Luckily, the U.S. is full of stunning locations. Here’s my guide to a few states with some of the most beautiful, intimate, and stylish spots, plus tips on permits, cost, and timing.

Colorado Elopement Locations

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Why it’s special: Picture alpine lakes, towering peaks, and fields of wildflowers—the ultimate backdrop for your vows.

Permit & Cost: Special Use Permit $300, plus park entrance fees.

Season: Late June–September for wildflowers; fall for golden foliage.

Pro tip: Sunrise ceremonies are magical and less crowded. I’d love to photograph your day with those soft morning lights reflecting off the lakes. Reach out to me here.

2. Telluride & San Juan Mountains

Why it’s special: Remote and dramatic alpine landscapes perfect for adventurous couples.

Permit & Cost: Marriage license fee is about $35, $50–$300 for ceremony permits; and you can even rent out resorts cost starting at 5K and goes up from there.

Season: Summer to early fall; winter roads may be closed.

Tip: I can help you scout spots that are both scenic and photogenic a day or so before, so your photos feel effortless and we have an idea of locations before the official day.

3. Maroon Bells (Aspen)

Why it’s special: Iconic mirrored lakes and towering peaks.

Tip: Timed vehicle reservations required in peak season. There’s even a specific ceremony spot for up to 50 people and it’s a $200 fee.

4. Dunton Hot Springs (Luxury Option)

Why it’s special: Restored ghost-town resort with hot springs—intimate, romantic, and completely unique.

Cost: Reach out for exact pricing, whether you want to elope outside or you want to rent out the luxury resort they have for exact pricing.

Tip: Ideal for couples who want luxury, privacy, and stunning views!

Washington Elopement Locations

1. Mount Rainier National Park

Why it’s special: Glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildflowers beyond what you can imagine!

Permit & Cost: $25 Special Use Permit + $250 management fee may apply. Plus entrance fees if you have guests.

Season: Late July–September for wildflowers.

Tip: Early morning ceremonies capture the softest light—I’ll make sure your photos feel natural and intimate.

2. North Cascades National Park

Why it’s special: Alpine lakes and jagged peaks create dramatic, unforgettable backdrops.

Permit & Cost: $50 application fee and could go up based on guest count.

3. Olympic National Park

Why it’s special: Rainforest moss, alpine peaks, and rugged coastlines.

Season: Summer is best for alpine access; winter is magical for rainforest vibes, Fall is of course beautiful too.

Tip: Pick locations that balance adventure with accessibility so you enjoy your day stress-free, without having to worry about too much driving/ hiking if you don’t want to. 

Permit & Cost: With less than 5 guests total there’s no fee, more than that would start at $50 and go up based on guest count.

4. Snoqualmie Falls / Salish Lodge (Venue)

Why it’s special: Iconic waterfall with luxury lodging.

Cost: $3k–$10k+ packages, this is what it shows online for the lodge, definitely reach out for a better price quote. For the falls itself with no venue it’s $0-35 for a permit fee.

Oregon Elopement Locations

1. Cannon Beach / Haystack Rock

Why it’s special: Misty coastline, iconic sea stacks, and magical sunsets.

Permit & Cost: Check city/state rules but online it says less than 50 guests doesnt require a permit.

Season: Summer–early fall.

Tip: If you want to miss crowds, weekdays/ sunrise would be a good time.

2. Columbia River Gorge / Multnomah Falls

Why it’s special: Waterfalls, river canyons, and lush greenery.

Permit: Reach out for exact pricing!

3. Smith Rock State Park

Why it’s special: Dramatic high desert cliffs, perfect for adventurous elopements.

Season: Summer–early fall.

Cost: Reach out on their website, as it says permits usually would apply for weddings/ elopements.

4. Mount Hood / Trillium Lake

Why it’s special: Alpine lake reflections and snow-capped peaks.

Cost/ Permit: Online shows less than 75 guests may not require a permit/ fee so definitely reach out to be sure.

Arizona Elopement Locations

1. Sedona Red Rocks

Why it’s special: Red sandstone formations, desert sunsets, and epic light.

Permit & Cost: Check online as it says it requires a permit and a reservation.

Season: Spring & fall.

2. Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend

Why it’s special: Slot canyon light beams and river overlook views.

Tip: Guided tours required; weddings limited—planning ahead is key. With this location they don’t allow photography in specific spots anymore due to preserving the location, so reach out for more info and to see where you can have an elopement there.

Cost/ Permits: This location requires a little more, a permit fee, processing fee, and Navajo Nation sales tax 6% as seen online, so definitely inquire for more information.

3. Grand Canyon National Park

Why it’s special: Sunrise or sunset rim ceremonies are unforgettable.

Permit & Cost: Special Use Permit required; fees vary.

California Elopement Locations

1. Yosemite National Park

Why it’s special: Iconic waterfalls, cliffs, and Half Dome views.

Permit & Cost: $150 Special Use Permit + $35 entrance fee to the park.

Season: Late spring for waterfalls; summer is busy; fall quieter.

Tip: Aim for early morning as well to miss crowds.

2. Joshua Tree National Park

Why it’s special: Minimalist desert landscapes, boulders, and unique light, beautiful joshua trees.

Permit & Cost: $120 permit ceremony cost, and you also need to select the location you’d like for your ceremony as well.

3. Big Sur / Coastal Cliffs & Ventana

Why it’s special: Dramatic cliffs, ocean views.

Cost: $200-400 or more for a permit, There are also resorts near if you’d prefer a venue setting.

4. Napa Valley Vineyards

Why it’s special: Intimate vineyard with customizable packages based on the location you’d prefer for your ceremony

Cost: varies by location, therefore inquire for more info.

Tips for Planning Your Perfect U.S. Elopement

Permits & Timing: Apply early for park permits—some require months of notice.

Budgeting: Expect $50–$300 for permits; venue packages $1.5k–$30k+.

Seasonal Planning: Sunrise or weekday ceremonies reduce crowds; consider foliage, weather, and accessibility.

Hire a Photographer Who Knows the Area: I can help you find the best spots, timing, and light so your photos feel effortless and authentic.

How to Make Your Elopement Stylish

Eloping doesn’t mean sacrificing style. In fact, it’s the opposite. When you elope, there are no limits to how creative and personal you can get. Here are a few ways to make your elopement truly stylish:

Location that speaks to you: Choose a backdrop that reflects your personalities, whether it’s rugged mountains, a quiet desert, a blooming garden, or a charming city rooftop. Your surroundings will set the tone for your day.

Your own unique attire: Say goodbye to cookie-cutter wedding outfits. Go with a flowing gown, a colorful suit, or something totally unexpected — the goal is to feel like you no matter what.

Decor, your way: Go minimal with just a simple bouquet, or go all out with floral arches, draped ceremony backdrops, and statement décor pieces — just make sure your location allows it.

Personal touches: Incorporate elements that are meaningful to you as a couple — favorite flowers, family heirlooms, or even a little music playlist to set the mood.

Mix laid-back and luxe: Your elopement can be as relaxed or as extra as you want. A casual picnic setup can feel just as stylish as a dramatic floral arrangement with breathtaking views.

At the end of the day, a stylish elopement isn’t about following trends — it’s about curating a day that feels authentically yours while creating moments that look as beautiful as they feel.

Final Thoughts from a wedding and elopement photographer in the US

Your elopement is about more than a location—it’s about your love story. Whether you’re dreaming of mountain sunrises, desert sunsets, or ocean cliff ceremonies, I’d be honored to capture your intimate, stylish wedding and document moments you’ll hold on to. Reach out to me here!