10 Romantic Elopement Destinations in the USA

Big wedding? Hard pass. These are the best elopement destinations in the US to run off, get married, and actually enjoy it.

Let’s skip the seating chart. And the awkward toasts. And your cousin’s plus-one who just discovered tequila. If you’re here, you’re probably thinking about trading the big wedding circus for something smaller, quieter, and wildly more beautiful. Good call. The USA happens to be full of elopement destinations that feel tailor-made for romance, places where the backdrop does most of the talking and the logistics don’t eat your soul.

I’ve spoken with elopement planners, national park staff, and newlyweds who’ve done it their way. This guide pulls together that research to help you find spots where the backdrop does most of the work and the logistics don’t eat your soul. Some are deep in the woods. Some sit on cliffs. A few are technically beaches, but no one’s blasting a Bluetooth speaker.

We’ll tell you where to go, when it’s not a mess, and which all-inclusive packages aren’t a total scam.

• Read More: 10 All-Inclusive Vacations With No Passport Needed

1. Big Sur, California

If your idea of romance includes standing on a cliff with the Pacific Ocean crashing below you while fog rolls in like a movie set: congrats, you’re a Big Sur couple. This stretch of California coastline is rugged, moody, and absolutely stunning. No cities, no cell service, just raw nature and a few scattered cabins that cost as much as your sanity is worth.

You won’t get full privacy—this is still California—but you can get something close. The Ventana Big Sur and Post Ranch Inn both offer all-inclusive elopement packages where the logistics vanish and the wine flows. If you’re planning something DIY, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Garrapata, or Pfeiffer Beach are your best public options. You’ll need a special use permit for any of these, which you can request through California State Parks Special Events.—expect about 4–6 weeks of processing time.

Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Winter brings landslides. Summer brings traffic that turns a 5-mile drive into a test of your relationship.

Great if: you want your vows to feel cinematic, windswept, and slightly existential.
Skip if: you hate winding roads, variable weather, or ceremonies that hinge on permit timelines.

• Read More: 10 Best Weekend Destinations in California

2. Sedona, Arizona

With those surreal red rock formations and eerie, almost spiritual quiet, Sedona is considered one of the best elopement destinations in the USA for couples who want nature to feel a little… charged. Think red rock spires, pale desert sky, and a kind of humming silence that makes you pause

Ceremonies here happen everywhere: on Cathedral Rock, at Bell Rock, or tucked into canyon overlooks that feel borrowed from a dream. These are public lands, so yes—you’ll need a special use permit from the Coconino National Forest for most locations. Fees are modest (around $50–100), and many local elopement planners bundle that into their packages.

Also, in Arizona, marriage licenses are issued by county. If you’re eloping in Sedona, you’ll likely go through Yavapai County. No waiting period, but both partners must be present to apply, and the license is valid for 12 months.

As of 2025, visitation in Sedona has climbed again, but local officials are pushing for sustainable tourism and trail preservation. That means some popular trails—like Cathedral Rock—now require shuttle access during peak seasons. Plan accordingly.

Couples who get it: those drawn to the surreal, the sacred, or just red rock silence.
Might pass: if you hate dust, crowds, or prefer your weddings with HVAC and cell reception.

3. Savannah, Georgia

The best ceremonies happen in one of the city’s 22 public squares, where permits aren’t required for small gatherings (under 20 people, no setup). That said, go early—these spaces are shared, and ghost tours, musicians, or marching bands might make a surprise appearance. If you prefer privacy, historic inns like The Gastonian and Hamilton-Turner Inn offer garden or parlor elopement packages, usually bundled with cake, champagne, and a night in a canopy bed that creaks just enough to be charming.

To legally marry in Georgia, you’ll need to apply in person at a probate court (closest is Chatham County). No waiting period if you’re a U.S. citizen. License is valid immediately and for six months.

Perfect for: couples with a gothic streak, literature majors, or anyone who owns a linen suit.
Less ideal if: you can’t handle heat or get nervous around strong Southern accents and open flames.

2025 note: As of this year, Savannah has added more pedestrian-only zones in the Historic District, which makes eloping in public squares more atmospheric—but also means planning for more walking and less parking.

4. Kauai, Hawaii

If the idea of hiking through a jungle or saying your vows on a hidden beach sounds better than tuxedos and chicken piccata, Kauai is your island. It’s lush, wildly green, and quieter than the other Hawaiian islands, which makes it one of the best elopement destinations in the US if you want a ceremony that feels like a secret.

The North Shore is where most people dream of eloping: Tunnels Beach with its emerald cliffs, Hanalei Bay for those golden-hour shots, and the Wailua River if you want waterfalls in the background. If you’re planning a beach or park ceremony, you’ll need a Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources permit (yes, even for two people). Most local planners include this in their packages.

To marry legally in Hawaii, apply online for your Hawaii marriage license and then meet with an agent in person on the island. No waiting period, no residency requirement, and the license is valid for 30 days.

Kauai can be rainy—especially in winter (Nov–Mar)—so bring backup footwear if your ceremony involves a trail. As of early 2025, visitor caps are still in place for parts of the Nā Pali Coast and Hā‘ena State Park, so book access early if your plan involves remote scenery.

Works well for: low-key romantics, hikers in linen, people whose dream wedding soundtrack is waves and wind.
Less suited to: anyone who panics when plans shift, or hates the idea of rain-frizz in their wedding photos.

• Read More: 5 Best Hawaiian Islands to Visit for First-Timers

5. Telluride, Colorado

Towering peaks, actual quiet, and an old mining town that somehow isn’t obnoxious about it. This place works year-round—snow in winter, wildflowers in summer—and either version makes for a wedding photo people might actually want to see.

You’ve got options: San Sophia Overlook (accessed by gondola, naturally) is the classic choice, but Alta Lakes gives you the “lake plus alpine plus absolute silence” trifecta. Most public spots fall under San Miguel County, so check in about permitting if you’re doing anything beyond just showing up with rings.

Colorado doesn’t require witnesses, officiants, or even other people—you can literally marry yourselves here. But you do need a marriage license from the county clerk.

Late spring through early fall is ideal. Summer brings wildflowers and perfect trail conditions. Recently the town also expanded its elopement planning registry, which now includes bilingual vendors and Indigenous-led outdoor services for more inclusive options.

Great pick for: introverts with hiking boots, couples who’d rather skip the toast and summit something.
Less ideal for: altitude-sensitive guests, or anyone who thinks a gondola is too much “effort.”

6. Marfa, Texas

Marfa is for couples who hate the word “whimsical” but still want their elopement to feel like an art installation. A tiny desert town with minimalist architecture, strange light, and exactly one traffic light, Marfa offers a kind of off-grid romance that doesn’t try too hard.

There are no formal elopement packages here. That’s kind of the point. This is a DIY destination: bring your vision, your paperwork, and someone legally allowed to marry you. The Presidio County Clerk handles marriage licenses—no waiting period, no witnesses required, and no residency restrictions. Easy.

Popular ceremony spots? The high desert outside of town. The Prada Marfa installation (if you’re okay with the occasional tourist gawking). Or the open fields behind El Cosmico, where you can rent a trailer, teepee, or safari tent and hold the smallest wedding imaginable under the West Texas sky.

2025 note: Because of rising visitor interest, Marfa’s city council is currently reviewing permit guidelines for events on public land, especially near art installations. For now, the best bet is to elope on private property or book a stay at a venue that welcomes ceremonies.

Ideal for: creative introverts, desert minimalists, people who hate the word “whimsical” but kind of want to get married in a ghost town.
Maybe skip if: you need things to be easy, air-conditioned, or open past 8 p.m.

7. Hudson Valley, New York

Some couples want nature. Others want good wine, reliable linens, and a fire pit that doesn’t require assembling. Hudson Valley splits the difference—rolling hills, actual forests, but also boutique inns with espresso machines that work. If your ideal elopement destination involves running away from New York City without giving up your standards, this is your two-hour escape hatch.

The region has a full menu of venues that specialize in small weddings. Hasbrouck House and Foxfire Mountain House both offer seasonal elopement packages that include the ceremony, dinner for two, and enough rustic-chic charm to impress your most design-minded friend.

Marriage licenses are issued at the town or city clerk level—New York State’s official site has a long list of info available. There’s a 24-hour waiting period after you apply, so plan accordingly. The license is good for 60 days.

As a general rule, spring and fall are peak wedding seasons here, especially in leaf-peeping October, which also means traffic, booked-out venues, and lots of very aggressive Subaru drivers. Weekdays are your friend. 

Perfect match: couples who want to trade vows in a barn that’s never met a cow.
Skip if: you need predictable weather or flinch at phrases like “artisanal welcome basket.”

8. Olympic Peninsula, Washington

If your Pinterest board is full of moss, fog, and trees taller than your future, you’re probably already halfway to the Olympic Peninsula. This corner of Washington state feels untouched, and eloping here is less about a performance and more about a mood.

There are three standout ceremony settings: Hoh Rain Forest for full fairytale, Ruby Beach for sea stacks and drama, and Hurricane Ridge if you want elevation with views. All are part of Olympic National Park, which means you’ll need a special use permit for weddings. The park has tightened enforcement, especially for events at popular photo spots—apply early and expect a $50–100 fee.

Washington marriage licenses can be obtained through any county, but Clallam County is the most common choice if you’re staying on the Peninsula. No residency required, but there’s a 3-day waiting period and the license is valid for 60 days.

Weather-wise, don’t fight the forecast—embrace it. Even in July, there’s mist. But that’s part of the charm.

Couples who thrive here: nature lovers, introverts, those who have a playlist called “Melancholy Wedding Vibes.”
Couples who probably shouldn’t: anyone banking on golden hour or dry socks.

9. Amangiri, Utah

This is not a budget elopement. Amangiri is where you go when your entire aesthetic is “quiet luxury meets lunar surface” and your idea of wedding decor is sculpted concrete and canyon shadows. It’s isolated, impeccably designed, and somehow manages to feel both ancient and alien—like the desert built it, not architects.

The Amangiri resort offers custom elopement experiences that include private helicopter landings, slot canyon ceremonies, and dinners staged in places you didn’t think tables could go. There are no off-the-shelf packages here. You’ll work with a planner—usually on-site—to shape something fully tailored. The resort is located near Lake Powell, just outside of Big Water, Utah.

Utah makes marriage licenses straightforward: apply in person at any Utah county clerk’s office. No waiting period, valid immediately, and only one witness is required. Kane County is closest to Amangiri.

Built for: design obsessives, introverts with AMEX Platinum, and people who want their elopement to feel like a Vogue editorial.
Not ideal for: anyone who says “vibe” more than once per sentence or thinks Utah is too quiet.

10. Acadia National Park, Maine

With granite cliffs, crashing waves, pine forests, Acadia is one of the most romantic elopement destinations for couples who want a wild coastline without flying to the Pacific.

The park requires a Special Use Permit for any wedding ceremony, even for just two people. It costs $50 and can be requested up to a year in advance. As of 2025, rangers have begun limiting ceremonies at Otter Cliffs during peak visitor months due to erosion risk, so consider alternate sites like Jordan Pond or Cadillac Mountain, where you can (legally) be the first people in the U.S. to watch the sunrise.

Marriage licenses in Maine are easy: apply at any town office, no waiting period, and valid for 90 days. Bar Harbor is the closest major town, and plenty of local photographers and planners know the park’s logistics well enough to help you avoid getting side-eyed by a ranger mid-ceremony.

This one’s for: East Coast romantics, couples who want the drama of Big Sur without the jet lag, and anyone who doesn’t mind windblown hair in every photo.
Maybe not if: you’re allergic to crowds, cold mornings, or weddings that start at 5 a.m.

• Read More: 10 Best East Coast National Parks to Visit in the USA

Final Thoughts on the Best Elopement Destinations

So, should you elope? Probably. If any part of you wants out of the wedding-industrial complex, go with it. Elopement doesn’t mean half-baked or last-minute, it means intentional, focused, and a lot less time pretending to care about chair covers.

And if you’re narrowing it down, here’s the shortlist: Big Sur on the West Coast for cliffside drama and no-fuss permits, Acadia National Park on the East Coast for rugged coastline and misty Maine mornings, and Sedona in the Southwest for red rock surrealism with a side of desert silence. All three are budget-friendly, residency-flexible, and come with scenery that doesn’t need a filter.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to elope in a national park?
Yes. Most national and state parks require a special use permit for ceremonies, even small ones. Costs range from $50 to $300 depending on the location.

Are elopement packages worth it?
If you hate logistics and don’t have a Type-A friend on standby, yes. The best elopement destinations usually have local vendors who offer streamlined packages with officiants, photographers, permits, and sometimes lodging.

What’s the cheapest way to elope?
Skip the formal venue. Get married on public land (with a permit), bring your own photographer, and rent a cool Airbnb. Do dinner after. You’re good.

Where can I legally elope in the US without residency?
Every US state allows non-residents to marry, but the rules vary. Some require a waiting period or in-person license pickup, and also witnesses rule are slightly different. Always check direcly the county clerk’s website before you go.

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