Top 10 National Parks for an Epic Elopement
Planning an elopement means saying no to tradition and YES to adventure, intimacy, and landscapes that leave you speechless. National parks are the ultimate backdrop for that—you get natural beauty that’s impossible to recreate and a vibe that’s completely your own. With so many options, where do you start? I’ve narrowed it down to 10 parks that are perfect for saying “I do” with epic views and all the romance!
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon, watching the sun light up the layers of orange, red, and gold… there’s nothing like it. Whether you exchange vows at the popular South Rim or venture to the quieter North Rim, the canyon’s vastness will leave you in awe. Bonus: sunrise ceremonies here are breathtakingly peaceful and give you those golden tones photographers (me!) live for.
Joshua tree national park, California
This desert feels like stepping into another world with its funky Joshua trees, sprawling boulders, and warm, golden light. Imagine the sun dipping below the horizon as you say your vows, turning the sky into a painting of pinks and purples. Plus, the stargazing here is next level—end your night with a first dance under the Milky Way.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Picture this: endless dunes of pristine white sand, glowing in soft hues as the sun sets. White Sands is perfect for couples who want something unique, intimate, and minimalist. Bring a blanket and champagne, and you’ve got an elopement that feels like a dream.
Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Death Valley may sound intense, but its beauty is unreal. From the colorful Artist’s Palette to the vast, otherworldly salt flats of Badwater Basin, this park offers some of the most striking and unique landscapes in the country. Bonus: winter elopements here are comfortably warm.
Redwoods National and State Parks, California
The Redwoods are pure magic. Towering trees, soft forest light, and the earthy smell of the woods create a peaceful and romantic vibe. If you’re looking for a fairy tale setting, this is it.
Yosemite National Park, California
It doesn’t get more iconic than Yosemite. With dramatic granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, roaring waterfalls, and meadows that stretch on forever, Yosemite delivers the drama and beauty in every season. Bonus: elopements here are incredible year-round, but spring waterfalls or fall colors? Chef’s kiss.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Want variety? Olympic has it all: misty rainforests, rugged coastlines, and snow-capped mountains. You can say your vows on the beach at sunrise and hike to a mountain overlook for sunset photos—all in one park.
PS: This is where I had my own elopement and trust me- it is M A G I C!
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier is majestic. From the wildflower meadows in summer to snow-covered peaks in winter, this park is stunning year-round. The iconic mountain towering in the background of your ceremony? Absolutely unforgettable.
Arches National Park, Utah
Natural stone arches, fiery red rock formations, and a sense of rugged adventure make Arches a perfect spot for couples who want bold and cinematic photos. The Delicate Arch at sunset? Unreal.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
This park feels like the Grand Canyon’s quieter, moodier cousin. Vast canyons, towering mesas, and the stunning Island in the Sky overlook make it a breathtaking place for an intimate ceremony.
Each of these parks offers something unique, and I’m here to help you pick the one that feels like your place. Whether you’re drawn to towering cliffs, sandy dunes, or quiet forests, there’s a park calling your name.
READY TO GET HITCHED IN ONE OF THESE STUNNING PARKS?
