You’ve decided to elope—now what? 

You want your elopement to be an unforgettable experience, filled with fun and adventure in a place that makes you feel alive. But when it comes to finding the best elopement location, you may find yourself staring at a map wondering, “Where the hell do I even start?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you. 

This is the first step in planning the elopement of your dreams. While it’s exciting to envision beautiful locations, it can also feel stressful and overwhelming. No matter what type of scenery or destination appeals to you, this guide will help you narrow down your options and cover all the logistical considerations necessary to find your ideal elopement location.

Start with the feeling you want first, not geography.

Before you start Googling “Best Places to Elope,” take a moment to give yourself permission to dream big first. Your location should feel like it was made for you. A place that sparks joy and makes you feel alive. Start with the feeling you want for your elopement day. Is it cozy and woodsy? Epic and mountainous? Moody and coastal? We’re building your vibe first rather than searching for specific spots right away. 

Tuning into the experience you’re chasing will help you find the best elopement location that fits your vision instead of relying solely on a list of trendy places. Once you have a clear idea of the vibe you want for your elopement, we can start narrowing down which locations will bring that feeling to life.

Consider seasonality and weather

When dreaming up your elopement, you’re probably picturing perfect weather, but it’s important to remember that Mother Nature has her own plans. This subject might not be the sexiest topic, but it is super important. Weather, accessibility, and scenery can change significantly depending on when you choose to elope. 

Let’s start by exploring the seasons:

• Spring: You can expect rushing waterfalls, vegetation and flowers start to bloom, higher-altitude locations may be inaccessible due to snow. On the other hand, desert locations are often at their best during this time. 

• Summer: This season brings blooming wildflowers and warmer temperatures, along with access to higher elevations that may have been snowed in earlier in the year. 

• Fall: The air turns crisp, temperatures begin to cool, and the trees burst with colors. 

Another key consideration when planning an elopement is the shoulder seasons. Don’t overlook these transitional times of the year. While peak seasons are popular for good reason, shoulder seasons—such as late spring or early fall—can be an elopement’s secret weapon, depending on your chosen location. During these in-between months, you can enjoy beautiful weather without the heavy summer crowds. There’s often better availability for lodging and vendors, leading to locations that feel more remote and untouched. It’s the perfect combination of beautiful weather and increased privacy. 

My biggest piece of advice for your elopement is this: roll with the punches especially when it comes to the weather. I understand you want everything to go perfectly, but the truth is that the weather is one of the few things we can’t control. What we can do is prepare for it and embrace whatever the day brings. Eloping isn’t about perfection; it’s about adventure and being fully present in your experience. So don’t stress! We will adjust if we need to, and we will make the day incredible, even if the forecast has other ideas. 

At the end of the day, your elopement is about the two of you and the experience that you’re creating together. You’re not just rolling with the punches; you’re making it a part of your story.

Accessibility, privacy, and guests

Another important thing to consider is how easy (or not-so-easy) it is to get there and who’s coming with you.

If it’s just the two of you, your options are wide open. You can chase the mountaintop view, hike through the woods, off-road to a remote location, or even fly in by helicopter. But if you’re inviting guests, especially friends or family with limited mobility, you’ll want to be intentional about the logistics. Think about how far they’re willing to travel, what kind of terrain they’re comfortable with, and how involved you want them to be in your day.

Some locations are better for intimate groups, while others are best kept for just the two of you. Certain public lands even have strict guest limits or require permits based on group size.

And then there’s the question of privacy. If you’re dreaming of a quiet, intimate moment, you’ll want spots that are tucked away from crowds. Don’t worry, I’ve got the inside scoop on hidden gems so you can enjoy the privacy you crave.
Bottom line: Your elopement should feel like you, whether that means a remote adventure for two or a cozy ceremony with your closest crew. We’ll find the perfect balance of accessibility, privacy, and presence so you can feel fully immersed in the experience without distractions.

Consider the legalities and permits

When it comes to the legal side of eloping, this depends entirely on where you decide to say your vows, but don’t stress. I’ve got you!

Some locations require a special use permit, especially if you’re eloping on public lands like national parks, national forests, or state-managed areas. These permits are important to ensure your ceremony is legal and respectful of the land. The rules can get oddly specific, but we’ll have this all taken care of before your elopement. 

The next step is obtaining your marriage license. The details can vary depending on the state or county, but I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do for your specific location.

Most U.S. States require you to have an officiant and two witnesses to sign your marriage license. A very few states, like Colorado, allow couples to self-solemnize, which is a fancy way to say they can marry themselves without witnesses or an officiant.

Depending on where you decide to elope, I can help you with knowing the legalities and regulations of legally getting married outdoors. 

There are also other options for getting married without the legal part if you decide to save it for another day.

Since I’m ordained with American Marriage Ministries, I’d be happy to sign your paperwork if you let me know ahead of time as well.

Think about what you want to do on your elopement day

When considering how to find the best elopement location, it’s important to think about the activities you want to incorporate into your elopement day. Your elopement location isn’t just about where you want to stand, it’s about what you want to experience. Your elopement can be a full-on adventure day that feels like the ultimate celebration of your relationship.

Ask yourself: What kind of day would make you say, “This is so us!“

• Jeep to a remote overlook?

• Kayak across a peaceful alpine lake?

• Share a delicious meal made by a private chef?

• Share a luxury picnic set up in a meadow?

• Take a helicopter to a glacier or a desert canyon?

Thinking about activities you want to include can help narrow down how to find the best elopement location. For example, if you want to spend the afternoon exploring waterfalls, we’ll look at places with access to waterfalls. If you’re dreaming of stargazing, we’ll need somewhere dark and remote enough for a clear night sky away from light pollution.
The best elopement days aren’t rushed—they’re built around what makes you happiest. Whether that’s adrenaline, quiet connection, or a little of both, we’ll find a place that fits not just your ceremony, but your whole experience.

So, where do you go from here?

Choosing your elopement location is just the beginning of planning a bitchin’ experience. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you have a few ideas or no clue where to start, I’m here to help you turn that dream into a real, unforgettable experience.

I specialize in helping couples like you find the perfect spot. Not just a pretty place, but somewhere that makes you feel alive. If you’re ready to start narrowing it down, let’s connect.

Let’s get the adventure started.