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BEST STATES TO ELOPE
IN THE USA
So you want to elope?
You've finally decided to do what you and your significant other truly want to do and are planning an elopement. Now that you don't have to spend $10,000+ on a venue, there are so many choices all around the USA to pick! How in the world are you going to choose with so many options!
Welcome to my "Best Places to Elope in the USA" guide! Below there will be a few ideas and inspiration to help you narrow down the best location to choose in the USA! If you'd like to know more about my elopement photography, make sure to read through and contact me so I can help you plan your perfect adventure elopement!
First, here are some things to consider!
So you want to elope?
A few things to consider:
1. What kind of adventure elopement do you want to have?
There are many types of elopements out there. Some couples love to spend all day hiking to get to their destination. Many couples prefer to simply drive to an epic location and not have to hike too much to get epic views! Others plan ceremonies with their families and friends to join. All of this should be taken into mind when planning your elopement! Will this location be easy to get to if we have family? Do I want to spend all day hiking or would I rather save my energy and find something close by?
2. What kind of location do you like for your elopement?
Are you someone who prefers beach or forest? Do you like cold or hot weather? Do you want something moody or bright? Knowing what kind of landscape you want as a backdrop before looking at locations is important! This will help influence your decision and narrow it down so it's much easier to choose a specific location to have your adventure elopement!
3. What will you be wearing for your adventure elopement?
Fashion is important when it comes to picking somewhere to elope! Understanding the relationship between your attire and the landscape will produce much better results in the long run. For example, if you'd like to elope in Iceland or Hawaii that has lot's of black lava rock and dark greens, find something that will contrast the landscape such as a long light colored flowy dress. Want to match the landscape? Maybe try a black dress with a long cape! Avoid clashing your location of choice with your dress for the best results!
NOW WE'VE DISCUSSED THAT
WHERE ARE THE BEST LOCATIONS TO ELOPE IN THE USA?
Finding a location for your elopement in Washington is easy with how many diverse locations there are! My favorites being Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park
With all of the untouched land in Washington and being as far North as it is, there are many locations especially if you'd like to elope in forests, on top of mountains or on moody beaches. Olympic National Park has plenty of forest if you prefer the forest look but also has some of the most unique looking beaches in the United States. Imagine walking on a black stone beach with towering rocks all around you. If you need a visual, check out this engagement session I photographed in Olympic National Park.
If moody and misty beaches aren't exactly your cup of tea, Washington has some of the most beautiful mountains I've ever seen. If you want a "Italian Dolomites" or "Banff" look but in the USA, the North Cascades will be your best choice! With towering mountains and emerald lakes, there is a great variety of beauty all throughout the park. If you'd like to see more from the North Cascades National Park, check out my recent North Cascades engagement session I photographed! If you'd like to elope here or see more from my Washington elopement photography, don't hesitate to contact me!
II. HAWAII
With how many Hawaiian islands there are, Hawaii makes the list of the best places to elope!
Although it's not apart of the mainland United States, Hawaii still makes my list of the best places to elope in the USA. Being a more expensive option (due to flights and other factors), the diverse landscapes makes it a great choice for an eloping couple. The most popular island Oahu offers some incredible views with green tropical mountains and blue water. Obtaining a permit for a lot of the locations on this island is a bit tough and with the amount of tourists, it may not be your first choice of Hawaiian islands. If you'd like to see some inspiration from Oahu for your elopement, click here to view a recent engagement session I photographed
My favorite Hawaiian island is definitely the Big Island. It's the biggest island of the Hawaiian chain and has the least amount of tourists. This island offers active volcanoes, dried lava fields, incredible black sand beaches and grassy cliffs. It's all around a great idea if you're wanting to elope somewhere unique! If you're considering eloping in Hawaii, check out my Hawaii elopement photographer home page to get started on planning your perfect Hawaii elopement!
III. CALIFORNIA
When you think of the best places to elope, California might not be the first place to come to mind but with locations like Big Sur, the Redwoods, Yosemite and Point Reyes, I beg to differ!
California has almost every biome all tucked into one state. With the Pacific Ocean being as close as it is, California has some incredible cliffside locations such as Big Sur and Point Reyes. Near the Bay Area, these locations are for the adventurous bride who want epic cliffs and crashing waves. Big Sur has more rugged rocky cliffs where as Point Reyes resembles Ireland with grassy rolling cliffs. There are lot's of hidden spots that most tourists are not aware which makes these locations optimal for eloping! Check out this recent Big Sur engagement session I photographed there! If you'd like views like this for your elopement, contact me and let's plan your epic adventure elopement!
Yosemite National Park is one of my favorite national parks in the USA. There is nothing quite like seeing a deep valley with constant flowing waterfalls all over. Whether you elope in the winter or the summer, there are gorgeous locations to elope at in Yosemite. Click here to see more from this engagement session to help you make your decision for your elopement! If you'd like to elope in Yosemite and want photos like this, or if you're considering eloping in California, check out my California elopement photographer homepage or contact me so we can plan your perfect California elopement!
IV. ARIZONA
When people think of Arizona, I think most people think of the boring brown desert. Having lived here for most of my life, that may be true but there are some hidden gems all over Arizona
Arizona is as hot as everyone says it is! Trust me. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad place to elope! Places like Sedona have blown up in popularity due to it's gorgeous red rock mountains and controllable climate! Arizona is home to many unique landscapes that would be perfect for an elopement
Page, Arizona is one of my favorite places to document elopements. With the various unique landscapes such as Horseshoe bend, Antelope Canyon, Amangiri, Lake Powell, and even some lava rock it is easy to fall in love with Northern Arizona and want those landscapes for your elopement.
Another great places to take elopement photos are the sand dunes on the border of California and Arizona. Now I wouldn't necessarily recommend actually getting married at the sand dunes but taking photos there is definitely a great idea for an epic and minimal backdrop. If you're considering eloping in Arizona, check out my Arizona elopement photographer home page to get started on planning your perfect desert elopement!