What Are The Best Places To Elope in the U.S. in 2025?

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Are you looking for the best places to elope? Planning a traditional wedding is stressful, so some couples choose to elope. Some couples dream of eloping rather than formal weddings and we can see why.  Since it’s a private and intimate moment shared between the two, they also want their ceremony to be private. 

Elopements provide freedom, adventure and an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the best places to elope for you to use for inspiration when planning your elopement. 

Where Should You Elope?

If you’re looking for the perfect destination to elope, consider these beautiful and romantic locations.

1. Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is an epic place to tie the knot. High Point Overlook is a hidden gem that provides privacy for your nuptials with an amazing view of red rock and sandstone rock formations and Pikes Peak. Plus, it’s free! American Mother’s Chapel is also available at the park if you want to elope in a church yet still be surrounded by nature. 

2. Lake Powell, Utah 

Lake Powell in Utah is one of the most gorgeous, scenic lakes in the U.S. The weather is dependable and the red rock desert country provides a unique landscape that’s perfect for an elopement. The cliffside photo ops and the clay canyons make stunning backdrops for wedding photos. The cliffs at golden hour are something you want on your bucket list. A cliffside elopement sounds like a dream! 

3. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

This national park has the most beautiful pine trees and is the tallest mountain in the Pacific Northwest. Immerse yourself in nature at Mount Rainier with your significant other and exchange vows in this gorgeous park. There are many reasons to visit and elope in Mount Rainier National Park, with its wildflower meadows, alpine lakes and fire lookouts. Sunrise Point is a gorgeous location at an elevation of 6,400 feet that offers views of valleys and volcanoes in the Cascade Range. 

4. San Francisco, California 

San Francisco City Hall gives all the gorgeous architectural vibes you’d expect in a grand building. It’s definitely not your average courthouse with its rotunda, grand staircase and elaborate features. It costs $100 to get married at the City Hall or you can look into one of their elopement packages that include flowers, photography and an officiant. You can also tie the knot at the San Francisco Botanical Garden or Palace of Fine Arts for a unique elopement. 

5. Central Park, New York City

Central Park is an iconic venue for a wedding, whether it’s an elopement or a traditional ceremony. There are many places to choose from in Central Park to have your nuptials. You can tie the knot in a private gazebo in Wagner Cove or the historic Bow Bridge for a more populated elopement. There’s a Treehouse for Dreaming, also known as Dene Summerhouse, that offers stunning views of the city in an intimate setting. 

6. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is possibly the most well-known place to elope. Where you choose the famous Little White Chapel or a more subtle location, a Vegas elopement can be super fun and memorable. You can celebrate by taking a chance in a casino — maybe you’ll win enough to pay for your honeymoon!

7. Big Sur, California

Big Sur is a beautiful destination on the California coastline. You can choose between a private venue, such as a lodge in the redwoods, or public land, surrounded by the gorgeous wilderness. Either way will ensure your photos look straight out of a magazine. Book a getaway car and drive along Highway 1 to enjoy the stunning views after your ceremony.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a great alternative to Las Vegas if you want a fun but less stereotypical location for your elopement. There are countless locations that offer elopement packages, from hotels in the French Quarter to picturesque parks. No matter where you choose to have have the ceremony, you can celebrate with a night out on the town.

9. Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capitol is an underrated destination for an elopement. The city is full of beautiful parks, historic monuments and amazing architecture to provide the backdrop for your photos. You could consider tying the knot during cherry blossom season for an enchanting atmospher — if you’re willing to face the tourist crowds.

10. Stowe, Vermont

If you love a mountain getaway, Stowe, Vermont is the perfect destination for your elopement. The small town of Stowe is known for its scenic mountain views, especially during the fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange. Vermont is also a great choice for a winter elopement, as you can hit the ski slopes and enjoy the snowy vibes.

What to Know Before Eloping

Before settling on the perfect destination, be sure to research its marriage laws. Some states have a waiting period for obtaining a marriage license, and others my require witnesses.

Keep in mind that modern elopements aren’t always what you see in the movies. You don’t have to be running away or getting married in secret to elope.

Most couples still invite family and close friends to their elopement, but it’s usually a much smaller guest list than a typical wedding. Instead of going all out on a reception, you may choose to book an AirBnB in your dream location where you and your immediate family can celebrate an intimate ceremony.

It’s also a great option if you want to combine your wedding and your honeymoon. Mini moons are a popular trend, where couples go on a short trip after their wedding. A mini moon can allow you to save up money before booking a big honeymoon, but still kick off your marriage with a fun getaway. If you plan a destination elopement, you can save time and money by having a mini moon (or honeymoon) in that same place.

Which Destination Will You Choose?

Elopement is about you and your bride or groom, not the guests. You can focus all your attention on one another and allow it to be your day–not about anyone else. Elopements can allow you to get jaw-dropping photos and experience an adventure as you embark on your journey as a married couple. 

Originally Published 2/26/2023 – Updated 3/28/2025