Choosing a place for your elopement may seem intimidating, but just know we are here for you every step of the way, wherever this adventure takes us.
Each elopement is extremely different from the next, unlike traditional weddings. Each has its own personality. One location that is right for one couple may be horrible for the other. My biggest advice when selecting your elopement location is not to select it based on the beautiful photos you see on peoples websites and instagrams. Pick your elopement location based on how you want your elopement to feel, what type of experience you wish to have, what you want to see, taste and do.
When you are searching the web and plenty of blogs and pages on “the best places to elope” you will see a lot of places coming up over and over again, rightfully earning their spot onto everyone’s list. You may see some on one website, but not on other photographers pages. These lists do not validate the beauty and experience of each National Park or location. Just like every elopement is different, every elopement photographer is different. My list focuses on the areas that I know, the areas I connect with the most and the areas that I believe can offer a couple an incredible experience. These are by no means the only places to elope either, but I hope they inspire you in planning your day.
Your elopement location may or may not require a permit. It is best to never assume the answer but always reach out directly to the land management’s permit office to see. Special Use Permits are typically the permit needed for a couple to get married on public land. These permits can range from free to $500 – just depending on the area, how many people and other factors.
Secondly, once you have selected an elopement location you need to start preparing to legally get married at this location. This means checking the state laws and requirements for a marriage certificate and legally becoming married. Most states have very similar requirements, but it’s good to know the exact regulations. We are both ordained and can officiate your ceremony for you or be your witnesses. In some states you can self-solemnize (you act as your own officiant), elope with just one witness or sometimes you need two.
Outside of making sure you have your permit and wedding certificate, you need to plan your stay, travel and of course pack for the proper weather and activities! Eloping should be stress free and fun and we do everything we can to help you get that experience!
Big Sur is a stunning area of state parks and land lining the coast with rocky cliffs. You are bound to see seals in the coves. You can elope here on an overlook, on the beach shore or in the forest. Big Sur is for sure the place to elope if you want to disconnect from everything else since service is very limited, but if you want to be in service you can check out staying in the Monterey or Carmel area. As a bonus, Monterey has some fantastic whale watching tours year round!
Why Elope in Big Sur: This is a great place to relax, explore and have an epic beach elopement. There are many places to glamp, camp or stay in a resort. If you are eloping and bringing along the family this is for sure a location you want to consider! Many of the trails are easy and the area would be enjoyable for anyone.
Weather in Big Sur is for sure hit or miss. It is on the California coast so you can expect fog on and off throughout most days, but then again you can expect sunshine at any time lol. The height of season in the area is typically April to October, but September to November being probably the best time to go. I would avoid December-February due to potential mud slides.
In Big Sur you can camp, hike, take a sail boat ride, go whale watching, surf, ride a motor cycle or convertible down hwy 1.
How to get to Big Sur: You will need to rent a car to get here. You can fly into the San Jose airport, but the closest airport is a very small airport in Monterey.
Some places to stay in Big Sur that we love: Post Ranch Inn, Ventana or these cute unique little cabins
Why Elope in Big Sur: This is a great place to relax, explore and have an epic beach elopement. There are many places to glamp, camp or stay in a resort. If you are eloping and bringing along the family this is for sure a location you want to consider! Many of the trails are easy and the area would be enjoyable for anyone.
Weather in Big Sur is for sure hit or miss. It is on the California coast so you can expect fog on and off throughout most days, but then again you can expect sunshine at any time lol. The height of season in the area is typically April to October, but September to November being probably the best time to go. I would avoid December-February due to potential mud slides.
In Big Sur you can camp, hike, take a sail boat ride, go whale watching, surf, ride a motor cycle or convertible down hwy 1.
How to get to Big Sur: You will need to rent a car to get here. You can fly into the San Jose airport, but the closest airport is a very small airport in Monterey.
Some places to stay in Big Sur that we love: Post Ranch Inn, Ventana or these cute unique little cabins
Why Elope in Big Sur: This is a great place to relax, explore and have an epic beach elopement. There are many places to glamp, camp or stay in a resort. If you are eloping and bringing along the family this is for sure a location you want to consider! Many of the trails are easy and the area would be enjoyable for anyone.
Weather in Big Sur is for sure hit or miss. It is on the California coast so you can expect fog on and off throughout most days, but then again you can expect sunshine at any time lol. The height of season in the area is typically April to October, but September to November being probably the best time to go. I would avoid December-February due to potential mud slides.
In Big Sur you can camp, hike, take a sail boat ride, go whale watching, surf, ride a motor cycle or convertible down hwy 1.
How to get to Big Sur: You will need to rent a car to get here. You can fly into the San Jose airport, but the closest airport is a very small airport in Monterey.
Some places to stay in Big Sur that we love: Post Ranch Inn, Ventana or these cute unique little cabins
Iceland is by far one of the hottest (no pun intended, it’s def not hot here) to elope. There are so many beautiful places to access here without much effort, and then those places where you may not see another soul that will leave you in awe. Though Iceland is known as a great place to elope in the summer, do not rule out the winter for a snow globe experience and the chance to see the northern lights on your elopement night.
Ah! I don’t know about you, but basically everything I follow on Instagram are Norwary travel accounts lol. If you’re looking for a dreamy place to get away in the summer to say I do, check this place out! From beautiful little towns, big mountains, lakes, ocean and the Nordic Circle you are bound to find a little nook perfect to elope.
Italy has so much to offer and a diverse range of things to do within the country, but we’re skipping right to the Dolomites. This area has gained a lot of popularity over the years and for good reason. Those lake and mountains views are basically those of a fairytale. Here you can hike, climb, take a cable car, hangout with alpacas, snow shoe or ski and so much more.
This little special nook in Chile is almost like a wild adventurous story book. With glaciers, lakes, trails, climbing and whale watching, it is not for the faint of heart, but those who truly want to get close with nature. The mountain views are unlike any others, making it perfect for a just you two elopement experience you will never forget.
This is only 35 of the most beautiful places on this planet, and there are millions. The biggest thing is to not get overwhelmed. Do not pick a place based on photos, think about these things too:
Here are the locations you can for sure find us based on current bookings + dates available, but always reach out even if you do not see your location on here!
We are your adventure elopement team here to help you have the best elopement day ever! We believe eloping is a one of a kind experience you get to share with your partner that is bound in connection and reflection in marriage. Having an adventure wedding allows the possibility of real experiences to happen outside of the stress and boundaries of a traditional wedding. It is a day curated to your love story and authentic to the first steps you want to have as a married couple. We are here with you every step of the way and capture beautiful images to look back on forever.