The United States is home to diverse landscapes, making it a prime destination for an adventure elopement. Whether you’re dreaming of saying your vows in a desert, by a roaring waterfall, or atop a mountain, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. Here are some top USA destinations for an epic adventure elopement.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the U.S., offering stunning granite cliffs, ancient sequoias, and dramatic waterfalls. For couples who love the outdoors, Yosemite is a dream destination. You can say “I do” in a meadow surrounded by wildflowers, at the base of Bridalveil Falls, or even at the summit of Half Dome if you’re up for a challenging hike. Yosemite’s vast wilderness provides countless opportunities for exploration and adventure on your special day.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The park’s remote and wild beauty makes it an ideal location for an adventure elopement. Imagine exchanging vows with the stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes like Lake McDonald or Many Glacier. After your ceremony, you can explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, paddle across a serene lake, or even take a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road for breathtaking views.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is a paradise for adventurers, with its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and stunning desert landscapes. Whether you want to elope on the edge of a cliff overlooking Zion Canyon or in the mroe secluded Kolob Cayons, Zion offers a variety of dramatic locations for your ceremony. For couples who love hiking, Zion’s famous Angels Landing or The Narrows hikes provide an epic way to celebrate your union amidst some of the park’s most iconic scenery.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui offers a mix of lush tropical landscapes, stunning beaches, and volcanic terrain, making it a perfect destination for an adventure elopement. You can exchange vows on a black sand beach, amidst a bamboo forest, or even atop Haleakala, a dormant volcano offering breathtaking sunrise views. After your ceremony, explore the island’s many natural wonders, from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to hiking through lush valleys and along coastal trails.
Grand Tetons, Wyoming
The Grand Tetons are a striking mountain range that rises dramatically above Jackson Hole in Wyoming. This area is perfect for couples seeking a wild, rugged, and awe-inspiring setting for their elopement. Imagine saying your vows with the jagged peaks of the Tetons as your backdrop, perhaps by the serene waters of Jenny Lake or at the top of a scenic overlook. Afterwards, you can explore the park’s trails, go horseback riding, or even enjoy a wildlife safari to spot moose, bison and more!
Acadia National Park, Maine
Traveling out to the East Coast to continue our journey of the top USA destinations for an epic adventure elopement we move to Acadia National Park. Acadia, on the coast of Maine, offers a unique blend of rugged coastlines, dense forests, and granite peaks. For couples looking for an adventure elopement with a touch of East Coast charm, Acadia is the perfect choice. You can exchange vows on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, atop Cadillac Mountain, or by the tranquil waters of Jordan Pond. After your ceremony, explore the park’s hiking trails, enjoy a scenic drive along the Park Loop Road, or take a kayak out on the water.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is renowned for its stunning red rock formations, spiritual energy, and vibrant sunsets, making it a magical location for an elopement. The surreal landscape of towering red cliffs and vast desert vistas provides provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for your ceremony. Whether you choose to say your vows on a rocky overlook, in a hidden cayon, or even at one of Sedona’s famous vortex sites, your elopement will be filled with natural beauty and serenity. Afterward, explore Sedona’s numerous trails, take a jeep tour, or simply enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, offer a lush green paradise for nature-loving couples. The park’s mist-covered peaks, ancient forests, and cascading waterfalls create a romantic and serene setting for an elopement. You can exchange vows by a quiet stream, on a mountain overlook, or in a secluded meadow filled with wildflowers. After your ceremony, explore the park’s numerous hiking trails and mountain towns, discover hidden waterfalls, or take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and coastal redwoods make it one of the most romantic and awe-inspiring locations in the USA for an elopement. Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded beach with the Pacific Ocean stretching out before you for miles, or in a redwood grove where the trees soar to the sky. Big Sur offers endless opportunities for adventure, from hiking along the rugged coastline to exploring hidden waterfalls and enjoying breathtaking views from scenic overlooks.
Denali National Park, Alaska
For couples seeking an epic and remote elopement destination, Denali National Park in Alaska is hard to beat. Home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, the park offers a rugged and wild landscape of towering mountains, expansive tundras, and abundant wildlife. Imagine exchanging vows with the towering Denali as your backdrop, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. After your ceremony, embark on a scenic flightseeing tour in a helicopter, go wildlife spotting, or explore the park’s trails for a truly unforgettable adventure.
The White Mountains, New Hampshire
Going back to the east coast, The White Mountains in New Hampshire offer some of the most dramatic and rugged landscapes on the East Coast. For an adventure elopement, you can exchange vows on a mountain peak, with panoramic views, near a cascading waterfall, or by a serene alpine lake. The region is perfect for couples who love hiking with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, including the famous Mount Washington.
The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York are a beautiful and less-crowded alternative to National Parks, offering a vast wilderness, serene lakes, and stunning mountain views. An elopement here could take place on the shores of Lake Placid, at the summit of one of the High Peaks, or in a secluded forest. The Adirondacks offer year-round adventure opportunities, from hiking and canoeing in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
The Shenandoah Valley, located between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, is a scenic and historic region perfect for an elopement. The rolling hills, vineyards, and charming small towns offer a picturesque backdrop for your ceremony. You can exchange vows at a scenic overlook, in a vineyard, or by a mountain stream. The region is also known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding and exploring nearby caverns.
The Outer Banks, North Carolina
For couples who love the ocean, the Outer Banks in North Carolina offer a unique and adventurous coastal elopement destination. The long stretches of sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and historic lighthouses create a romantic and tranquil setting. Consider saying your vows at sunrise on the beach, by a windswept dune, or near one of the areas iconic lighthouses. After your ceremony, explore the coastline, try your hand at surfing, or take a scenic flight over the islands.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires in western Massachusetts are known for their rolling hills, charming small towns, and vibrant arts scene. An elopement in the Berkshires could take place in a beautiful meadow, by a serene lake, or in a historic estate garden. The region offers many rich opportunities for outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, and explore hidden waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for an adventurous East Coast elopement in the USA.
The Catskills, New York
The Catskills Mountains in New York offer a mix of rugged terrain, picturesque villages, and tranquil rivers, making them an excellent choice for an adventure elopement. You can exchange vows on a mountain summit, by a cascading waterfall, or in a secluded forest. The Catskills are known for their outdoor activities including hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking so you’ll have plenty of ways to celebrate your union in the great outdoors.
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
Michigan is a contender for the top USA destinations for an epic adventure elopement. Michigan has so many things to offer when it comes to adventurous elopements. Right on the coast of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has expansive ocean-like lake views along with huge rolling sand dunes. You could have a sunrise ceremony on top of a towering sand dune, drive along the coast in the forested hills, visit the city of Traverse City with many cute little shops, and end the day at one of the many vineyards along Grand Traverse Bay and sunset photos at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island, located just off the coast of Savannah, Georgia is a charming and laid-back destination for a beach elopement. The island’s stunning sunsets make it an idyllic spot for exchanging vows. After your ceremony, you can explore the island by bike, take a dolphin tour, or simply relax by the ocean.
Although these locations are fantastic options for top USA destinations for an epic adventure elopement, there are so many more out there. You don’t have to travel across the world to see some of the most epic scenery, there are plenty of options within the United States.
Tips for Planning Your Adventure Elopement in the USA
Permits and Regulations:
Many of these destinations are in National Parks or protected areas, so be sure to check if you need any special permits or permissions for your ceremony and/or photography/videography. Especially if you plan on have a larger group of friends and family attend as well.
Timing and Weather:
Adventure elopements often involve outdoor activities, so it’s crucial to consider the best time of year for weather conditions at your chosen destination.
Photography and Videography
Capturing the epic scenery of your elopement is key. Consider hiring a professional photographer who specializes in adventure elopements to ensure your day is beautifully documented. Also, consider the regulations and laws that are required if you were to bring an outside photographer or videographer into a different country. If you are looking for a photographer who will help you plan your elopement day, we can help! We are Erika and Stephen, a photographer and videographer team located in Michigan. We help couples to plan and execute their elopement day from start to finish. To learn more visit us on our website!
Safety:
If your elopement involves activities like hiking, climbing, or kayaking, make sure you have the necessary gear and skills, or hire a guide to ensure your safety. We highly recommend making sure you are already skilled in an activity. DO NOT make this the first time you are attempting certain activities in the wild and especially backcountry. Also, do your research on the safety of the area you will be in.
Personal Touches:
While the scenery is a big part of an adventure elopement, don’t forget to incorporate personal touches that reflect your relationship, whether it’s a special song, meaningful vows, or a unique ritual. Be sure you are following “Leave No Trace” principles and following local regulations and not doing things or bringing things in that may be prohibited in that location. It’s also a great idea to hire photographer or videographer that are certified in “Leave No Trace” principles.
An adventure elopement is about more than just the ceremony. It’s about creating a day that reflects your love for each other and your shared sense of adventure. With these stunning destinations as your backdrop, it’ll be easy to find YOUR top USA Destination for YOUR Epic Adventure Elopement!
LEAVE A COMMENT
Comments