Top 26 Places to Elope in 2026: The Ultimate Adventure Elopement Guide
If you're dreaming of an intentional, meaningful, experience-first wedding day, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years ever for adventure elopements. Couples are ditching the stress of big weddings and choosing locations that feel like them: wild, cinematic, and unforgettable.
Whether you want moody cliffs, sunny desert landscapes, dramatic mountains, or international bucket-list moments, this guide breaks down the 26 best places to elope in 2026. I’ve included insider tips, best seasons, and why each spot is perfect for an epic “just us” wedding day.
How to Choose the Best Elopement Destination for 2026
As you look through this list, ask yourself:
Do we want mountains, desert, forest, beach, or something international?
Do we want a challenging adventure or something easy and accessible?
Do we want warm weather, snow, or lush greenery?
How much time do we want to spend traveling?
Do we want to invite a few people or keep it just us two?
And then ask the most important question:
Where do we feel most alive together?
Your location should feel like a reflection of the energy, pace, and vibe you want for your marriage.
Let’s dive in.
The Top 26 Places to Elope in 2026
Best mountain elopement locations
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Best for: Iconic granite cliffs, golden hour glow, jaw-dropping vistas
Why elope here: Yosemite’s valley and epic viewpoints are the definition of cinematic. With easy-to-access views and endless hiking options, you can craft anything from a laid-back sunrise ceremony to a full-day adventure
Best season: May - October
Bonus tip: Permit applications open early, apply ASAP
2. the north cascades, washington
Best for: Alpine lakes, rugged peaks, wildflower meadows
Why elope here: This is one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the U.S., and yet somehow still underrated.
Best season: MID July - September (this season is super short, you’ll have company, but I know some secret spots)
Bonus tip: Some trails require a long drive. But the drives are like so pretty. Promise its worth every mile.
3. Colorado Rockies (Telluride + Rocky Mountain NP)
Best for: Accessible alpine views, elk herds, iconic peaks, High alpine lakes, snowy summits.
Why elope here: You get dramatic mountain backdrops without a strenuous hike.
Best season: October - April, but stunning year round
Bonus tip: Permit slots some of the hardest to snag. You need to apply a year in advance for your top choice & date
4. glacier National Park, montana
Best for: Turquoise lakes, glaciers, sweeping mountain passes
Why elope here: Glacier’s landscapes are some of the most beautiful on the continent & Going to the Sun Road is one of the best drives we’ve ever done
Best season: July - September
Bonus tip: Glacier is super remote, plan on a road trip as the nearest (small) airport is a few hours away
5. grand teton national park, wyoming
Best for: Sharp peaks, wildlife, alpine lakes
Why elope here: The Tetons provide one of the most iconic mountain skylines in the U.S. and Jackson hole is an experience in itself right outside the park
Best season: June - September
Bonus tip: You need to book a horseback ride through the national park
6. Mt Rainier national park, washington
Best for: alpine wildflowers, dramatic glaciers, crisp mountain mornings, and trails that feel straight out of a Patagonia catalog.
Why elope here: Rainier is equal parts rugged and dreamy. Think sunrise alpenglow, meadows exploding with colorful wildflowers, and epic overlooks you can hike or drive to.
Best season: July - September
Bonus tip: Stay in one of the vintage A-frames or fire-lit cabins outside Ashford. They give big “romantic retreat after hiking all day” energy and make your getting-ready footage so aesthetic. And pro-tip: Rainier often has clouds hugging the mountain in the morning, so plan your summit-view portraits for late afternoon when the peak usually pops out to say hi.
best coastal elopement locations
7. Big Sur, California
Best for: Coastal cliffs, redwoods, dramatic fog
Why elope here: Nowhere blends rugged coastline + ancient forests quite like Big Sur. Intimate, moody, and wildly romantic
Best season: Late April - October
Bonus tip: Choose a weekday to avoid crowds on Highway 1
8. the oregon coast, oregon (duh)
Best for: Moody beaches, tide pools, dramatic rock formations
Why elope here: Fog, cliffs, and cinematic landscapes create the ideal PNW coastal elopement.
Best season: October - April
Bonus tip: pick the northern coast for iconic Canon beach (don’t skip s’mores and a beach campfire to end the night). Or for more privacy & seclusion, choose the southern coast (we’ve got an epic pizza rec for ya)
9. acadia national park, maine
Best for: Sunrise ceremonies, rocky coastline, fall foliage
Why elope here: Live out your Nancy Meyers fantasy, #coastalgrandma is still a thing. Its not just a trend when its a lifestyle. Think ocean cliffs, forest trails, and iconic & charming New England vibes.
Best season: June & September/October (summers are too busy IMHO)
Bonus tip: while you can’t have your ceremony there, get up early during your trip and be the first people to watch the sunrise in the entire US on Cadillac Mountain
best desert elopement locations
10. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Best for: Desert boho vibes, starry skies, easy access from LA
Why elope here: Joshua Tree has surreal landscapes, incredible Airnbs for getting ready, and endless golden desert backdrops.
Best season: October - April
Bonus tip: Add a sound bath or private chef dinner at your Airbnb.
11. zion national park, utah
Best for: Perfect if you want those bold, iconic desert landscapes with a hint of adventure, but still want to be close to chic boutique stays, good food, and a slow, grounded elopement day.
Why elope here: Zion’s desert glow is unmatched, especially at sunrise.
Best season: March - May & October - November
Bonus tip: Shuttles run seasonally, so plan around them.
12. Arches national park, utah
Best for: Unique sandstone arches + red desert light
Why elope here: The landscapes feel surreal and ancient.
Best season: March - May & October - November
Bonus tip: Go early, sunrise is the sweet spot. And when you’re done adventuring in the park, we’ll show you our favorite spot in the world with banh mi nachos.
13. sedona, arizona
Best for: Red rock energy, vortexes, spiritual vibes you’ll for sure feel
Why elope here: Sedona blends adventure with serenity which is perfect for couples wanting a meaningful ceremony experience.
Best season: October - May
Bonus tip: We know a spot you can get tatoos with ink infused with dirt from the spiritual vortex’s around town, an iconic and 100% unique way to commemorate this experience.
14. grand canyon national park, arizona
Best for: Bold horizons, cinematic sunsets, and feeling tiny in the best possible way.
Why elope here: the landscape is so f*cking iconic, from horseshoe bend to slot canyons, this place deserves a full day of exploration and time to soak it all in
Best season: October - April
Bonus tip: You need to get up for sunrise, last time we were here in the early morning, we had 8 whole minutes to ourselves in the busiest viewpoints in the whole park
most underrated elopement locations
15. death valley National Park, California
Best for: Modern-desert minimalism, unique textures, warm winter elopements
Why elope here: It’s one of the best warm-weather winter elopement spots in the U.S. Salt flats, dunes, painted mountains, and insanely minimal crowds.
Best season: November - March
Bonus tip: Sunrise at Zabriskie Point = magic.
16. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Best for: Minimalist dunes, starry skies, your own private mountain view
Why elope here: It looks like Morocco + Colorado had a baby. Soft light, rolling sand, and privacy make it a dream cinematic elopement location.
Best season: May - June or September - October
Bonus tip: choose a dress with flowy fabric, it gets windy!
17. saguaro National Park, arizona
Best for: Giant cacti forests, gorgeous desert sunsets
Why elope here: Iconic towering saguaros, warm colors, and a super accessible national park for guests (or you if you wanna keep it chill)
Best season: November - April
Bonus tip: Tucson has amazing boutique, spa-like hotels for your stay. Don’t forget to schedule that couples massage post elopement adventures.
Best forest elopement locations
18. The Redwoods National & state Parks, California
Best for: Enchanted forests, quiet, ancient trees
Why elope here: There’s quite literally nothing more grounding than saying your vows among towering 2,000-year-old redwoods.
Best season: year round, baby
Bonus tip: Pair with a coastal adventure (I know an INSANE sunset spot a short drive from the park)
19. columbia river gorge/mt hood, oregon
Best for: Couples who want moody Pacific Northwest drama with lush forests, waterfalls, misty mornings, and mountain-top golden hours. Perfect for those who wants variety without driving hours between locations.
Why elope here: It’s high-impact scenery with low fuss. You can hit a waterfall, a lakeside ceremony, and a sunset viewpoint all in one day.
Best season: March - November
Bonus tip: There are over 90 waterfalls in this region, its the spot for that kind of elopement
20. Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Oregon
Best for: moss-covered everything, cozy twilight vibes, moody PNW magic, and feeling like you stepped into a movie set
Why elope here: The Hoh is enchanted. Towering green cathedrals, soft forest floors, dripping moss, and soft light filtering through ancient trees. It’s intimate, cinematic, and incredibly photogenic year-round.
Best season: May - October
Bonus tip:
21. Kauai, Hawaii
Best for: lush tropical valleys, helicopter-movie-scene coastlines, warm ocean breezes, and barefoot luxury.
Why elope here: Kauai is the wild, untouched island with dramatic cliffs, secret beaches, misty jungles, and golden sunsets. It’s romantic, adventurous, and luxe without trying.
Best season: April - June & September - November
Bonus tip: Plan your ceremony for sunrise, not just for the glow, but because Kaua’i’s afternoon showers are basically a personality trait. Then have a private chef cook a post-elopement brunch at your villa before a nap and heading back out for your afternoon/evening Jeep adventure
Best international elopement locations
22. iceland
Best for: Waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers
Why elope here: Iceland is basically a playground of natural wonders. Eloping here feels like stepping into another planet.
Best season: October - April
Bonus tip: Add a sound bath or private chef dinner at your Airbnb.
23. greece
Best for: Whitewashed villages, blue sea views, cliffside sunsets
Why elope here: Santorini, Milos, and Crete offer luxury meets adventure, but don’t sleep on the mainland either!
Best season: May - October
Bonus tip: Charter a private sail around the island for a lux evening
24. PERU
Best for: Andes mountains, ancient ruins, sacred landscapes
Why elope here: Imagine saying your vows in the Sacred Valley or overlooking the mountains near Cusco.
Best season: May - September
Bonus tip: Hire a private guide to take you to the most special spots, and we’ll hook you up with the coolest accommodations in the sacred valley, complete with both a hot tub AND alpacas at your doorstep.
25. ireland
Best for: Moody cliffs, rolling green countryside
Why elope here: Rugged, romantic, and wildly cinematic.
Best season: May - September
Bonus tip: Cliffs of Moher, castles, ancient ruins only a 6 1/2 hour plane ride from NYC
26. scotland
Best for: Foggy highlands, castles, lochs
Why elope here: Scotland gives “storybook elopement” energy in the most magical way
Best season: May - September
Bonus tip: The Isle of Skye is my pick for top elopement destination of 2026
Final Thoughts: Your 2026 Adventure Elopement Starts Here
Choosing where to elope is more than picking a pretty backdrop. It's designing an experience that feels aligned with who you are as a couple.
Whether you’re drawn to deserts, coastlines, mountains, or international bucket-list destinations, 2026 is wide open with endless possibilities for crafting a wedding day that’s meaningful, cinematic, and insanely fun.
If you want help planning your dream elopement or want a photo + video team that will give you timeless photos & video, mixing candid (real, moments that showcase who you are as a couple) with editorial (we’re gonna make you look so cool, like you just stepped out of a magazine), who also act as your elopement creative directors and location experts…
Its time to say hello ⤵️
