Best Places to Elope | West Coast Elopement Photographer | How to Choose an Elopement Destination | East Coast Elopement Photographer

If you and your partner have already decided to elope instead of hosting a traditional wedding – congrats! For many couples, eloping provides relief from the stress of wedding planning and allows you to curate an incredible day that is just about you two. However, there’s still the overwhelming decision of WHERE to elope! With the entire world at your fingertips, it can be so hard to narrow it down. Fortunately, I’ve created a quiz to help you find your perfect spot! 

Click the link below to take my short quiz, and then continue on to read more about each destination! And if you’re looking for a photographer to hop on a flight and capture your perfect elopement, I’m your girl! 

Adventure Elopement Photography

I have been so fortunate to follow my couples to some absolutely amazing elopement locations, but there are some that just stand out as my favorites. Is your dream elopement location on this list? If not, let me know in the comments! I would love to travel to new elopement locations with my couples! 

My Top 10 Favorite Adventure Elopement Destinations:

1. Hawaii
Hawaii is one of my absolute favorite places on earth, and is definitely my favorite elopement location! If you’re looking to exchange your vows on a gorgeous beach with some stunning mountains in the background, Hawaii is the place for you! With so many islands to choose from, there’s something for everyone. And you don’t even have to go anywhere to have a dreamy tropical honeymoon afterward! 

How to Elope in Hawaii
Kauai, Hawaii Adventure Session

2. Upstate NY
The East Coast in the fall has a magic to it that can only be understood if you’ve witnessed it firsthand. When the leaves are at their peak colors, and you’re nestled in a lakeside cabin, it feels like you’re in a fairytale. If you want a dreamy autumn elopement away from the world, I highly suggest Upstate New York! 

3. Washington
If you want towering mountains and a moody, misty ambiance, Washington is the place to elope. I honestly can’t think of a more romantic elopement location than the old-growth forests and waterfalls that Washington is known for. While the weather here can be a bit unpredictable, I highly recommend it to couples who want some stunning photos and aren’t afraid of a little rain on their wedding day! 

How to Elope in Washington
Snoqualmie Pass | Washington Elopement

4. Arizona
For couples with more of a Southwest vibe or a love of all things desert, Arizona has some stunning elopement locations! From the Grand Canyon to the beauty of Sedona, this state has so much to offer! Plus, it’s a mecca for artists and New Agers so there’s so much to see while you’re there!

5. California
While all of California is absolutely gorgeous, I have a special place in my heart for elopements in Big Sur. If you’re looking for towering redwoods or oceanfront cliffs for your vows, this is the place to be! Whether you’re camping in the woods or staying at a luxury resort, there are some incredible spots in Big Sur for beautiful elopements.

How to Elope in Big Sur, California
Land’s End, California Engagement Session

6. Oregon Coast
Speaking of stunning cliffs, if you’re looking for a rocky coastline full of craggy bluffs and iconic offshore rock formations you need to check out the Oregon Coast! I absolutely love shooting here, whether for engagements or elopements – it’s such a beautiful place with the perfect laid-back West Coast vibes. 

Oregon Coast Engagement Session

7. Colorado
If you and your partner are looking for insane geological formations, look no further than Colorado! From the Paint Mines to Garden of the Gods, I’ve had the pleasure of shooting at some of the most incredible locations in Colorado over the past few years. The colors that fill these landscapes are absolutely unforgettable and perfect for an elopement backdrop!

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Elopement
Paint Mines, Colorado Couple’s Session
Boulder, Colorado | Engagement Session

8. Utah
Another great spot to check out for incredible geology is Utah. This state is home to some of the most stunning National Parks – including Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon. Or if you’re looking for more of a desert vibe then the Bonneville Salt Flats or Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park are great options! There are so many different elopement spots in Utah and they’re all absolutely gorgeous!

Zion National Park Elopement
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park | Utah Couples Photos

9. Montana
The last US spot on this list is Montana – home to two incredibly iconic National Parks – Yellowstone and Glacier! For couples looking for lush green beauty, abundant wildlife, and classic Americana, there’s nowhere better than this. 

Pooleridge, Montana Vow Renewal
Intimate Campervan Session: Montana

10. Paris
For couples looking for a city elopement rather than exchanging vows in nature, consider traveling internationally for your elopement to somewhere classic like Paris! Is there anything more romantic than exchanging vows under the Eiffel Tower? If you and your partner are looking to fly to Europe, make sure to invite me along! 

Destination Wedding Paris: Bridals

ARE YOU NEWLY ENGAGED AND LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR ELOPEMENT? I’D LOVE TO CHAT ABOUT HOW I CAN BE A PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY!