Where to elope in the US
When trying to decide where to elope in the US, the first question is what are your priorities? That will help you narrow down your choices. If you want to go somewhere beautiful and magical, that is going to be one set of answers. If you want something simple and affordable, that’s another set of answers.
The most simple elopement would be to just head down to the courthouse and make your marriage official. It seems like couples are treating elopements like the kick-off to their honey moon.
What a great way to say “I do,” head off on a vacation together. Is there somewhere you’ve always wanted to go? Chances are that’s a great candidate for an elopement because it will be a memorable experience.
choose for beauty
The most dramatic landscapes for your elopement might just be a beach, mountain-top, or desert landscape. We’re a little partial to the West Coast, so here are a few of our favorite destinations.
- Yosemite National Park, California
- Sequoia National Park, California
- Big Sur, California
- Lake Tahoe, California
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Sedona, Arizona
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Hood River, Oregon
- Colorado mountain towns (Aspen, Crested Butte, Telluride, Winter Park, Vail)
When choosing where to elope in the US, if I haven’t already stressed it enough, focus on your experience. They key to wedding and elopement photography in general is to first have a great experience and the rest will follow. Whether you choose Estes Park or somewhere unheard of, beauty will tell a story.
You’ll have great pictures if you’re making amazing memories.
choose for simplicity
What do you really need to get married? You found your person and you’re not interested in a big wedding, let’s get specific. Maybe all you need is a marriage license?
Maybe you simply need an officiant. Do you still want a dress and to get your hair done? I think a photographer seems like a fun idea. Wedding bands are likely.
Make a list of what you need or want and see if that leads you in any sort of direction.
For example, here is a list of the states where you can self-solemnize your own marriage include:
- California
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Maine
- Nevada
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin
in summary: where to elope in the US
All of my wedding planning advice is you-centric. So when choosing where to elope in the US I suggest you start by figuring out your priorities. (Download the handy free guide below to get started.)
You’ll want to figure out what an elopement looks like to you. Is it getting married in the most beautiful landscape? Is it going to one of your favorite locations that you’ve been 100 times before? Or do you just want to go somewhere where it’s simple and easy to tie the knot, zero stress?
Let me know what you decide!
Here are a few other articles you might enjoy:
- Tips to plan a remote wedding in a wilderness location
- Can you get married on a mountain?
- Less common tips for your destination wedding in the mountains
- 3 Simple Steps for Planning a National Park wedding
- 5 Ways to Prepare for the National Park elopement photography
- How to Price Photography
Check out more of our wedding photography advice for brides here.
FREE comprehensive e-guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.
Based in Evergreen, CO we travel throughout the state as Colorado adventure wedding photographers and videographers. Let us help you make your wedding an adventure! It would be an honor to capture your love.
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