Unique Places to Elope – That Aren’t National Parks!

So, you want to tie the knot, and you’re dreaming of an intimate, meaningful, stress free day that’s all about the two of you. You’re ditching the long guest list, the pressure, the endless Pinterest board – you want to elope! You’ve seen those jaw-dropping shots in Zion and Glacier, but the truth is that sometimes, what you don’t see in the photos at national parks are the crowds, and maybe having an audience and waiting in line for the photo spot doesn’t sound quite like your dream day. But, good news: some of the most magical, unique places to elope aren’t national parks at all!

If you want to ditch the crowded trails and permit applications, there are tons of other beautiful, serene, and downright incredible places to say “I do.” This guide will tell you about some unique places to elope, that aren’t national parks!

Why Skip the National Parks?

Don’t get me wrong – I love national parks! They can be the perfect elopement location for some couples, and I’m definitely not hating on national park elopements. But, they can also come with some baggage (and I’m not just talking about your hiking packs) like:

• Crowded (hello, photo bombers!)
• Strict with where you can have your ceremony
• Strict with where you can take photos
• Competitive when it comes to permit applications and getting the spot you want
• Hard to personalize
• Not super dog friendly – some parks allow dogs, but the rules are strict

If you’re craving a little more privacy and flexibility, it never hurts to explore some other options. Here are some of the best places to elope that aren’t national parks, but still pack that “wow” factor, minus the crowds!

Unique Places to Elope

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens are one of my favorite alternatives. They’re a perfect mix of nature and curated beauty! The lush greens, manicured displays, and easy-to-wander-down pathways make for the perfect place to elope. Sometimes, you might be able to rent the entire place for your elopement, which can be nice, especially if you have some guests joining you! You get a gorgeous location, and it’s totally private. It’s kind of like an in between option – it’s not a big, traditional wedding venue, but it’s also not a remote elopement location off a trail somewhere.

Beaches

Whether you’re dreaming of a barefoot-in-the-sand kind of beach (like the ones in Florida or Southern California) or a moody, rocky beach (like in Oregon or Maine), beaches offer a natural romance that’s hard to beat! You can exchange vows on a cliff as the ocean waves crash below you, have a picnic in the sand, hop in the water, or even all of the above.

State Parks

State parks – they’re kind of the underrated little cousin of national parks, because they’re usually smaller and lesser known than the national parks. That’s what makes them so special! They can have some incredible views, like waterfalls, lakes, red rock canyons, and more, but with less chaos and fewer crowds than national parks! They’re usually much more dog friendly, and have easier permit processes.

National Forests

If you want the stunning views of a national park, without the crowds and red tape, national forests are the way to go! Most national parks are surrounded by national forest land, so you can get a lot of those same vistas. National forests are less developed, so you’re less likely to find toilets, visitor’s centers, and the amenities of a national park, but that’s part of the appeal. They’re a lot less crowded, with fewer restrictions. 

A Backyard

The biggest perk of eloping on private property is the privacy it gives you, and planning a backyard elopement can be super meaningful! If it’s your childhood home or a family cabin, just imagine how magical it would be to start your marriage in the same place where you had backyard barbecues, bonfires, and late night talks under the stars. A backyard wedding is personal, budget friendly, and completely customizable. You can string up some twinkle lights, set up an arbor, and invite your closest people!

BLM Land

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land is an often underrated, lesser known option for unique places to elope. There’s a lot more of it on the west coast than out east, but similar to national forests, it’s less developed, with less restrictions. But, the scenery is gorgeous! 

A Cabin or Airbnb

Another option is renting a cabin or Airbnb for your elopement. There are plenty of scenic properties with gorgeous views right outside the door, so these can be perfect for a cozy elopement weekend! You’ve got everything all in one place, and if you find one close to a park you want to explore, it’s the perfect home base.

Tips for Finding Unique Places to Elope

Here are some tips for finding the perfect location, and for deciding where you’ll tie the knot!

Fewer Rules… Not No Rules!

National parks tend to be the most strict when it comes to permits, location restrictions, and guest limits. However, that doesn’t mean that these other unique places to elope are just a walk-in-and-do-whatever-you-want situation. There are often still some rules, and you may still need to get a wedding permit. It all depends on the location, so always make sure to check with park rangers, or whoever is in charge, about what you need to do. Don’t worry, as an elopement photographer, part of my job is helping you find all of this info and making sure you have everything squared away!

Start With Your Values

When you’re trying to narrow down your options, it can be helpful to start by figuring out what your values are when it comes to your elopement location. What’s most important to you? Do you want total privacy? An epic view? A place that will be easy for your family to get to? Somewhere your dog is allowed? Figure out your priorities, and it will make it easier to figure out the rest!

Consider the Season, and What You Want to Do

The time of year is always important when choosing an elopement location, since it can really affect how things go. For example, the mountains in Colorado are a totally different experience in January than they are in June! A backyard elopement might be perfect in the spring, but the dirt roads in the national forest could still be covered in snow at that same time. So, think about when you want to elope, what you want to do on your elopement day, and whether the date or the location is more of a priority!

Make Your Own Rules!

You can make your own rules, because there aren’t any. You can get married however you want to, so do whatever feels right, whatever feels fun, and whatever would make this day perfect! The ones on this list aren’t the only unique places to elope – you can get creative and tie the knot on a boat, a rooftop terrace, a local park… the options are endless.

Need Help Finding Unique Places to Elope?

The best place to elope isn’t the one with the best view or the one that’s hardest to get to – it’s the place where you and your partner feel most like yourselves. That could be a mountaintop at dawn or your grandma’s backyard. What matters most is the love that you’re celebrating, and the adventure you’re starting together!

As an elopement photographer, I’m here to help you bring that vision to life. I eloped too, so I’ve been where you are – and I’m here to help you through it all. I’m a little addicted to location scouting, which means that after I get to know you a little and find out what your dream wedding day looks like, I’ll send you a personalized list of recommendations for unique places to elope! 
If you’re ready to say “hell yes” to your one of a kind elopement experience, contact me!