Top States for Intimate Weddings and Elopements
Are you dreaming of saying “I do” surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, with only your closest loved ones by your side? If so, you’re not alone. Intimate weddings and elopements have become increasingly popular choices for couples seeking a more personal and authentic way to tie the knot. As an intimate wedding and elopement videographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the most stunning locations across the United States. Here, I unveil the top states for intimate weddings and elopements, each offering its own unique blend of romance, adventure, and natural beauty.
Couples choose to elope or have intimate weddings because they want an experience that feels authentic and true to their relationship. These states offer not only stunning natural beauty but also a sense of adventure and intimacy that’s perfect for couples seeking a wedding day that’s truly their own. Whether you’re exchanging vows atop a mountain peak or beside a tranquil alpine lake, these states promise a wedding experience that’s as unforgettable as your love story.
1. Utah:
Utah boasts a diverse array of landscapes, from majestic red rock formations to snow-capped mountains, making it an ideal playground for adventurous couples. Whether exchanging vows atop a scenic overlook in Zion National Park or under the iconic arches of Arches National Park, couples can immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Southwest.
Locations to look into: Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, Park City, Bonneville Salt Flats, Moab, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Pink Sand Dunes, and Utah’s Ski Resorts
2. Alaska:
For couples seeking a truly wild and untamed backdrop for their special day, Alaska delivers in spades. From glacier-carved fjords to towering mountain ranges, the Last Frontier offers endless opportunities for unforgettable elopements. Imagine exchanging vows beside a shimmering glacier or amidst a field of vibrant wildflowers, with only the sounds of nature as your witness.
Locations to look into: Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Homer.
3. Colorado:
With its picturesque mountain towns and sweeping alpine vistas, Colorado sets the stage for romance at every turn. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy ceremony in a rustic mountain lodge or a mountaintop elopement with panoramic views, the Centennial State offers endless possibilities for couples seeking an intimate mountain retreat.
Locations to look into: Rocky Mountain National Park, Maroon Bells, Telluride, Twin Lakes, Crested Butte, Vail, Estes Park.
4. Washington:
From the rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula to the lush forests of the Cascade Range, Washington state is a haven for nature-loving couples. Whether you’re exchanging vows beside a tranquil alpine lake or beneath the towering evergreens of a moss-covered forest, the Pacific Northwest offers a sense of serenity and tranquility that’s perfect for intimate weddings and elopements.
Locations to look into: Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, San Juan Islands, North Cascades
5. Oregon:
With its dramatic coastline, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls, Oregon is a paradise for couples seeking a nature-filled wedding experience. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a windswept cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean or amidst the lush foliage of a hidden forest grove, the Beaver State offers endless opportunities for romance and adventure. I personally love the southern coastal towns and scenic cliff sides of Brookings! (You can even go a little south an include the Redwoods in your day!)
Locations to look into: Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake National Park, Cannon Beach, Brookings, Samuel H. Boardman
6. Wyoming:
Home to iconic landmarks such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Wyoming offers a rugged yet majestic backdrop for couples seeking an intimate wedding or elopement. Whether you’re exchanging vows beside a lake or against the backdrop of towering granite peaks, the Cowboy State promises an unforgettable wedding experience. My personal favorite is to have a Jackson Hole experience, and get married in front of the Tetons!
Locations to look into: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole.
7. Arizona:
From the otherworldly landscapes of the Sonoran Desert to the towering red rock formations of Sedona, Arizona offers a sense of enchantment and wonder that’s perfect for couples seeking a unique and unforgettable wedding experience. Whether you’re exchanging vows beneath the starry desert sky or against the backdrop of a fiery sunset, the Grand Canyon State promises a wedding day filled with magic and romance.
Locations to look into: Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, Pinetop, Flagstaff
8. California:
From the rugged coastline of Big Sur to the vineyard-dotted hills of Napa Valley, California offers a diverse array of landscapes for couples to choose from. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a secluded beach at sunset or amidst the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, the Golden State promises a wedding day that’s as unique and unforgettable as your love story.
Locations to look into: Big Sur, Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, The Redwoods, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Half Moon Bay
9. Montana:
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Montana offers couples a rugged yet romantic backdrop for their intimate wedding or elopement. With its sweeping valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped peaks, the Treasure State is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re exchanging vows beneath the towering granite spires of Glacier National Park or beside the tranquil waters of a mountain lake, Montana promises a wedding experience that’s as breathtaking as its landscapes.
Locations to look into: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Flathead Lake
10. Idaho:
Idaho’s diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to pristine lakes, make it an enchanting destination for couples seeking an intimate wedding or elopement. Known as the Gem State, Idaho offers a treasure trove of natural beauty and romantic settings for couples to exchange their vows. Whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony beside the crystalline waters of Payette Lake in McCall or amidst the wildflower-strewn meadows of Sun Valley’s iconic Bald Mountain, Idaho promises a wedding experience that’s both serene and unforgettable.
Featured Locations: Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Sun Valley, Coeur d’Alene, McCall
11. Hawaii:
Hawaii’s lush landscapes, volcanic vistas, and idyllic beaches make it a dream destination for couples seeking a romantic and exotic setting for their intimate wedding or elopement. With its year-round warm weather and stunning natural beauty, the Aloha State offers a paradise-like backdrop for couples to exchange their vows. Whether you’re envisioning a barefoot ceremony on a secluded beach at sunset or amidst the tropical gardens of a luxury resort, Hawaii promises a wedding experience that’s both enchanting and unforgettable. When planning an intimate wedding or elopement in Hawaii – be advised there may be more restrictions. The land is very protects and often requires certain permits. It definitely is still a great option – we just want to make sure we are doing it legally!
Locations to look into: Oahu’s Lanikai Beach, Maui’s Haleakalā National Park, Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, Kauai’s Shipwreck Beach
In the end, the allure of destination intimate weddings and elopements lies not just in the stunning landscapes or exotic locales, but in the unparalleled experience they offer. These intimate celebrations allow couples to focus on what truly matters – their love and commitment to each other – without the distractions of a traditional wedding. From the thrill of exploring new destinations together to the quiet moments shared amidst nature’s beauty, every aspect of a destination wedding or elopement day is infused with a sense of adventure and romance that’s truly unmatched. And for those who wish to relive these magical moments time and time again, investing in a wedding videographer is undoubtedly worth it. A skilled videographer not only captures the sights and sounds of the day but also the emotions and intimate moments that make it truly unforgettable. Your vows and promises are worth being captured for all of time. Wedding films transform fleeting memories into timeless treasures, ensuring that your destination wedding or elopement lives on long after the day itself has passed!
Here is a video of an intimate wedding in Alaska followed by a video of an elopement day in Moab:
