15 Elopement Destinations We Love

Once stigmatized, elopements are on the rise. These intimate ceremonies are even celebrated as a pressure- and hassle-free way to exchange vows. In 2022, a national survey conducted by Helzberg Diamonds found that 62% of couples said they were open to an elopement-style wedding. As in, one that is scaled back in terms of costs, planning, guest list and time spent on the big day.

An elopement is typically a very small gathering. Often the location for the exchange of vows is the star of the show. Whether at a national park, on a sandy beach or beside a glacier-fed lake, there are a lot of fantastic — and wildly photogenic — places for an elopement. Here are 15 of our top picks.

Couples considering an elopement in Bermuda can expect a magical and unforgettable experience. The small island boasts pink sand beaches, clear blue waters, a welcoming culture and ease of access, thanks in part to BermudAir. This new carrier launched in 2023 and now offers non-stop flights from five east coast cities. It also helps that English is the official language and legal hoops are minimal. A popular spot for nuptials is Astwood Cove Beach, a secluded beach encircled by steep cliffs. While in Bermuda, spend time horseback riding on the beach, snorkeling, cycling the Bermuda Railway Trail or sampling the island’s signature drinks, like the Dark ‘n’ Stormy.

National parks have become popular locations for elopements. Joshua Tree National Park in California, in particular, offers a spectacular setting for a small ceremony. This is especially true at the golden hour when dramatic rock formations, desert vistas and curious Joshua trees are bathed in a warm glow. According to elopement photographer Malachi Lewis of Shell Creek Photography, top locations in the park include Hidden Valley, Turkey Flats and Cap Rock. When the sun goes down and the stars light up the clear desert sky, get ready for a night of epic stargazing.

Hawaii is an idyllic destination for many couples, but it’s especially breathtaking for couples eager to exchange vows within a lush rainforest, on a pristine sandy beach or on a soaring cliff high above the Pacific Ocean. A year-round warm climate makes it viable to have an outdoor wedding at any time of year. “Eloping might not suit everyone,” said Kris Labang, owner of Hawaii Wedding Photography. “Those who lead active lifestyles or cherish nature [may fall for the idea of] an elopement in Hawaii.” Everyone has a favorite island for elopements, but top picks include Hawaii (the Big Island), Oahu and Kauai.

Iceland has become a popular destination for elopements given the relative ease in reaching this small island that sits at the confluence of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. Several airlines, including Icelandair, Delta and Play, offer direct flights to Reykjavik from the US. Then, of course, there’s the landscape, which includes black sand beaches, natural hot springs, picturesque waterfalls and lush green valleys. That’s not to mention the photogenic Icelandic horses and glacial lakes, like Jokulsarlon, which is one of Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoons. Some photographers, like Zakasa Photography, offer elopement guides to share what couples need to know about eloping in Iceland, including show-stopping locations.

With dozens of wedding chapels, it’s no wonder that Las Vegas is known as the Wedding Capital of the World. Many chapels, like the Little Vegas Chapel, offer all-inclusive wedding packages of all kinds, even Elvis weddings for those whose dream is to be married by The King. Las Vegas is also renowned for world-class dining, hotels, live music and nightlife, so it’s even a fun destination for a honeymoon. Outdoor lovers will love Las Vegas, too, thanks to its proximity to pristine natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park, which feature miles of hiking trails and wildly scenic vistas.

It’s not unusual for many couples to opt to elope on a cruise ship. Many cruise lines have taken notice, too, offering hassle-free wedding packages that make it easy for couples to say “I do” while on board. Ships that sail to the Caribbean, in particular, offer a wide variety of options, enabling couples to marry on the ship or at a scenic port of call. As a bonus, being on a cruise ship means there will be plenty of ways to have fun both before and after the wedding for the happy couple and guests. Disney Cruise Line is a top pick for its Fairy Tale Weddings package. For same-sex couples, look to Celebrity Cruises, which is able to perform legal same-sex weddings on their ships.

For couples seeking rustic elegance, natural beauty and a place to disconnect from the outside world, Jackson Hole is a fantastic destination for an elopement. An elopement looks great in every season too, whether among spring’s wildflowers or in front of winter’s snow-covered peaks. Caroline McCarley of Knoxville eloped at The Wedding Tree in Jackson Hole in August 2023. In considering an elopement, she said, “It was really about creating a day that was about the two of us." As a bonus, this small Wyoming town that’s minutes from Grand Teton National Park has an airport that welcomes non-stop flights from a dozen US cities, including Seattle and Chicago.

Alabama is a great choice for elopements because it has so few hoops to jump through in order to legally marry in the state. All couples need to do is complete, notarize and submit a marriage certificate. Of course, when you want a lovely, intimate ceremony, there’s Gulf Shores. This beautiful, year-round destination shines with white sandy beaches, warm waters, delicious seafood and coastal vibes. Thanks to its position on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores enjoys exquisite sunrises and vibrant sunsets, both of which would offer idyllic backdrops for a ceremony.

You don’t need to escape to a sandy beach or the mountains for a picture-perfect elopement. In fact, urban locales, like Portland, Oregon, wow with stunning backdrops, like the Leach Botanical Garden and Cathedral Park, which is located underneath the dramatic columns of the St. Johns Bridge. “Stunning city parks and a massive forest within city limits make it so easy to elope in nature,” said Katy Weaver, a Portland-based wedding photographer. In town, the “City of Roses” shines with a vibrant culinary scene, a serious craft beer game and an inclusivity that makes Portland welcoming for all couples.

In Washington, North Cascades National Park is one of the more remote national parks, allowing couples an intimate ceremony. It’s also one of the most breathtaking national parks, wowing with photogenic scenery that includes pristine alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, tumbling waterfalls and rugged mountain peaks. For couples eager for a connection with nature on their elopement day, this is the place. There are lots of locations in the park that are picture-perfect, too. Top spots include Artist Point and Washington Pass Overlook, according to Mollie Adams, an adventure wedding photographer who owns her own company called Between the Pine.

Coastal Oregon offers a diverse, natural landscape for outdoor-loving couples eager to elope among rugged cliffs, wide beaches and curious sea caves. More than 360 miles of scenic coastline offer plenty of locations for an intimate wedding, like the iconic 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach and the sand dunes of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Even better, it’s a cinch to elope in Oregon thanks to relaxed marriage laws. The misty coastline is dotted with romantic inns and quaint bed-and-breakfasts, making the Oregon Coast the perfect spot for a honeymoon, too. Plan to kayak, hike or go tidepooling on the beaches at low tide.

For outdoor lovers, Colorado is a fantastic choice for an elopement, if only because it has such a diversity of landscapes. Couples can exchange vows atop sandstone canyons in Grand Junction, on the stunning sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, or with never-ending mountains as the backdrop in Breckenridge. So much wide-open wilderness space makes Colorado a huge draw for couples seeking an intimate ceremony in a stunning, natural setting. Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? We, The Light Photography maps out the best locations for a private elopement ceremony in Colorado, including meadows, mountain peaks, scenic overlooks and waterfalls.

For couples seeking an elopement in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a wonderful choice thanks to tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, like El Morro in Old San Juan, and stunning ocean waters. It’s an exotic setting that’s easy to get to from the United States, and even better, no passport is required. Puerto Rico is also an LGBTQ-friendly destination that recognizes and celebrates LGBTQ+ weddings and elopements at venues across the island. Two off-shore municipalities, Vieques and Culebra, are especially popular for intimate, outdoor ceremonies with powdery white sand beaches, sparkling waters and vibrantly colored sunsets.

It’s not hard to sell Big Sur as an elopement destination. It’s where the mountains meet the sea, and for many, it’s a setting that’s nothing short of spectacular. Natural landscapes steal the show along this stretch of California’s central coast, which runs between Carmel and San Simeon, and can be easily accessed by way of Highway 1. Towering redwood forests, dramatic cliffs, ocean views and sandy beaches all call to couples eager to exchange their vows. That’s not to mention the spectacular sunsets to be relished from Pfeiffer Beach or Garrapata State Park, which is a top pick of elopement photographer Melissa Ergo for its rocky coastline and dramatic views. NOTE: A portion of Highway 1 in Big Sur is currently closed due to a landslide. Travelers can check road conditions and alternate routes using Caltrans Quick Map or by calling 1-800-427-7623.