You may be wondering where to elope? When you choose to elope, either just the 2 of you, with your dog, or with an intimate gathering of your Best Peeps: your location options tend to open up. One of my favorite things is to connect couples with a location that feels like the right adventure for them. This could mean exploring a new place together, or visiting a favorite location that you already love. It can be a n y t h i n g – it doesn’t have to be a long hike to be special or beautiful. Check out my helpful guides and maps below for inspiration and information on where to elope.
About these Guides
Each one of my elopement guides below has information and color photos you need to begin planning your elopement. I’ve been there and I’ve researched all the permit rules. Use these as a starting point to plan your elopement, and get in touch with me to go deeper. So, these planning tools are key if you’re interested in eloping in the wild, but have never been there. I’ve spent hours researching and scouting every spot so you don’t have to.
A note about hiking elopements.
Eloping is for EVERYONE.
You don’t have to be an outdoorsy person, or an extreme backpacker to have an incredible elopement day in the great outdoors. Most of my adventure elopement photography takes place on elopements with hikes less than 4 miles in length, many even with a mile or less. I’ve also got some incredible locations for those with special accessibility needs such as wheelchairs.
You don’t have to hike to have an incredible elopement experience.
Where to Elope in Colorado
With 4 National Parks, 8 National Monuments and 11 National Forests in Colorado, few states have more opportunity for epic vistas and mountain immersion than Colorado. I’ve been all over and am constantly exploring new areas. Check out my 13 Colorado location guides, and inquire to make each map interactive & start dreaming of your Colorado elopement.
The Ultimate Colorado Elopement Guide
See my map and guide on where to elope in Colorado. This ultimate guide has pointers on the where, when, and how to elope in Colorado. Color photos and a master map of sub-regions within this vast state are included.
Where to Elope in Hawaii Locations
The Hawaiian Islands are well known as paradise. Boasting 2 National parks and some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, there are epicly stunning locations to elope in Hawaii. I’ve been to Hawaii, Maui & Kauai and have dedicated 3 guides to help you elope on these incredible tropical islands. Inquire to make each map interactive & start dreaming of your Hawaii elopement.
Respecting Hawaii
I’ve taken Hawaii’s #PonoPledge out of respect for the islands, their people and culture. This goes beyond the norm of Leave No Trace, and it’s so important. Consider taking the pledge when traveling to Hawaii.
The Ultimate Hawaii Elopement Guide
Can’t decide which Hawaiian island is for you? Check out my map and guide on where to elope in Hawaii. This ultimate guide breaks down the pros and cons of eloping on each island: Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai. Pointers on the where, when, and how to elope in Hawaii are included, with an overview of permit rules, color photos and a master map of the islands are included.
Based in the West
I live nomadically on the road in a 38′ 5th wheel camper. Everything is always breaking and it looks like the 90s in here. Every year I travel across the USA shooting amazing elopements along the way. The desert is my winter home. Routinely servicing Utah, California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and more!
Where to Elope in Arizona Locations
You’re absolutely spoiled for choice when you choose to elope in the desert southwest state of Arizona. As well as being the perfect option for staying warm while eloping in winter months, the diversity of these landscapes is unmatched! Definitely plan to elope on a weekday in the desert southwest.
Utah Elopement Locations
Utah is a state with no comparison. I personally think it could be the most diverse state of all, with a huge variety of landscapes to delight anyone. The climate in Southern Utah is warm, making it a great winter elopement destination. Parks like Zion, Bryce and Arches are unforgettable and iconic, but there are tons of locations outside of them that offer solitude, rocky mountains, hiking, hot springs, waterfalls, jeeping, and lakes. Northern Utah is a fantastic choice for a summer elopement and the opportunities for adventure are endless!
Utah Elopement Locations – Master Guide
Check out my map and guide on where to elope in Utah. This ultimate guide goes over the 5 national parks, many state parks and national forests. From the high Uintas wilderness in the northwest, to the hot springs and waterfalls of the central mountains, the salt flats and red rock deserts that Utah is known for. You will find your perfect spot in Utah!
The Ultimate List of California Locations
California has so much to offer a couple looking for an epic place to elope. Yosemite is the most well known, but there are so many other incredible locations in this huge state. From the western coast, to the desert south, the Sierras in the middle, and the redwoods to the north, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in California.
The Ultimate California Elopement Locations Guide
Check out my map and guide on where to elope in California. Boasting 9 National Parks (the most of any state!), there are so many incredible locations to elope in California that I had to make a master guide. The map has almost 100 pins of locations with big views, easy access, dramatic hikes or unique landscapes. This guide also covers San Francisco & the golden gate bridge, San Diego, Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, Big Sur, and so many more!
More Desert Southwest Elopement Locations
So, what if you scrap the wedding?
You know you don’t want the ballroom, the center of attention nerves, the judging relatives, the poofy traditions that just don’t feel right to you. So when you leave all of that behind, it can feel like you’re staring at a blank page.
That’s where I come in. I help couples uncover a blueprint of their dream elopement. Then we make it real! The where, the how, the what and even who to hire– is included. Get started with these location guides and see what calls to you!
Destination Elopement Locations
If you want to get married on your honeymoon, planning couldn’t be easier! Select an international elopement location that makes you excited and will check something off your bucket list. These destinations are by no means comprehensive. These are the locations I’ve already been to – but Alaska, Japan, Scotland, Greece and Kenya are at the top of my bucket list. What’s on yours?
If you don’t know where to elope, please reach out! I love connecting people with an ideal place. So, tell me about your wishes and hesitations, preferences and everything in between. I have a huge directory of custom built maps for every western state, National Park and local gem I’ve ever been to. Because I truly want to share these amazing places with more people! So, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
I love National Parks, so I Leave No Trace.
It’s so important to leave the earth better than we found it. I’m prepared and committed to being a steward of the outdoors. Responsibly bringing people into the magical places I’ve found is my favorite thing. I’ve created dozens of detailed maps to connect you with your perfect adventure. Steve Irwin is a personal hero of mine, and I live my life to make him proud.