Places to plan your Wedding or Elopement in the U.S. that make for breathtaking photos
Today’s blog is one of my favorites. As someone who is an avid traveler, I am always looking for those dreamy scenic locations to visit. One of the benefits of deciding to have an Elopement or Intimate Wedding is that you have more flexibility choosing a place! I have put together a list of iconic locations across the U.S. that are becoming increasingly popular to plan your elopement.
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Zion National Park holds a special place in many adventurous couples' hearts. It's noble spirit, and breathtaking scenery makes every photograph worth it to plan an elopement here. The park is massive, and there are a ton of different areas to have a ceremony and take photos without too many tourists, depending on where you want to have it. Zion's overwhelming with beauty no matter what angle you look.
ZION MARRIAGE LOCATION DETAILS AND FEES
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Rocky Mountain National Park is a lovely place to plan an elopement. Almost everywhere in the park is a picturesque backdrop. From deep woods, alpine vistas, open meadows, rivers to breathtaking mountains, Colorado’s famous park has it all. There are several restricted guidelines you have to follow before you go. Once you and your photographer figure out which approved location to have the ceremony site, you’ll need to apply for a permit.
RMNP PERMITS, RULES, REGULATIONS
OREGON COAST
Oregon’s iconic coastline is becoming increasingly popular to plan an elopement or intimate wedding. Although most likely you won’t need a permit, if it’s under 50 people, it’s good to check to make sure, depending on where you decide to elope. You’ll need to make sure you have an Oregon Marriage Licence, and once you choose a location plan with your photographer around the tide chart. Lighting can be harsh on the beach during the daytime, so it’s also best to plan around sunrise or sunset. Due to Cannon Beach’s popularity, consider planning on an off day (Monday-Thursday) or be open to other locations that are more intimate.
CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK CITY
One of the most iconic parks visited all year round, and it is no question why Central Park is popular to have an elopement or intimate wedding. Central Park's classic appeal and historic structures are perfect for that dreamy romantic outdoor backdrop couples want. Not to mention, New York City is full of never-ending energy, things to do, and places to see.
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Located in Yucca Valley between the Mojave and Colorado desert, Joshua Tree National Park is perfect for having a spiritual, boho-style Southern California elopement or intimate wedding. Joshua Tree is known for its transcendent energy and surreal geologic features; more and more couples are planning their elopement here. Outside the park, a few towns/attractions to see or stay in are Pioneertown and Palm Springs. If you decide to do elope in the park, there are several permits you’ll need beforehand.
PAGE, ARIZONA (HORSESHOE BEND AND ANTELOPE CANYON)
Page is a small town located in Navajo Nation and home to the famous iconic sites of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyons. The sites are a short distance from each other, and you can plan on taking photos at both locations. If you are planning your elopement ceremony in Horseshoe Bend, the best time is closer to sunrise. It is a popular tourist destination and can get crowded in the afternoon. Antelope Canyon can be more quiet and intimate for your ceremony. You and your photographer will also have to contact a tour guide company and reserve a time slot. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are unique sacred places, and both are scenically impressive. Photographers from all over the world dream of photographing both locations.
NAVAJO NATION SPECIAL USE PERMIT
MARFA, TEXAS
Marfa, known for its minimalist art, is a small desert city located in west Texas. The stylish town is full of wild romance; Tall prairie grasses, blue skies, and old western Texas-style buildings surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert make for epic backdrops for elopements and intimate weddings. Depending on where you decide to have your ceremony, it is best to look into any permits that you might need outside of a
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Yosemite National Park is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains located in Northern California. Surrounded by granite cliffs and Sequoia trees, the ever-impressive views are loved by many for elopements and intimate weddings. The Valley provides iconic scenic views from ground level up. For the more adventurous, Glacier Point is easily accessible at 8,000 feet overlooking The Valley from above. Couples looking for more of an adventure, Taft Point is about a mile hike out with breathtaking views. No matter where you plan your elopement, it’s hard not to fall in love with Yosemite.
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, EAST COAST
The Blue Ridge Mountains, a part of the Appalachian, stretches from southern Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, all the way into Tennessee and Georgia. Also known as the Great Smoky Mountains, it is iconic for its scenic layered blue backdrops. There are several locations along The Blue Ridge Mountains to have an elopement or intimate ceremony. Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, has epic views all along Skyline Drive. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you are planning an elopement in North Carolina or Tennessee. In between the two iconic National Parks is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs from Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina. Depending on the location you want to elope in, you will have to get a marriage license according to the State.
THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
MOAB, UTAH
Moab is a city in Southwestern Utah known for its breathtaking scenery. It is surrounded by national and state parks, let alone an awe-inspiring hip town to hang out. Many famous old western films took place in the Moab area. This destination is perfect if you have always loved and envisioned an elopement or intimate wedding with an old western movie style backdrop. There are a few fantastic locations to look into; Arches National Park is one of the main attractions in Moab. Its impressive arched-shaped rock formations and bohemian vibes make it perfect for an elopement setting. Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are nearby with just as remarkable iconic scenery. Anywhere you decide to plan an elopement or intimate wedding in Moab will be more than worth it.
DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK WEDDING PERMIT
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Located south of Seattle, Washington, lies the iconic, majestic Mount Rainier National Park. Endless fields of Evergreen trees, rivers, and lakes, it is a perfect place to plan an elopement with breathtaking views. The Pacific Northwest is also known for its romantic misty overcast weather. It has become increasingly popular for an elopement or intimate wedding. Trendy A-line cabins are available nearby on Airbnb, making it a cozy place for couples to lodge. With the beautiful city of Seattle nearby, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the city as well as an adventure elopement.
WASHINGTON STATE MARRIAGE LICENCE