Nina Bashaw

Oct 15 min read

Top 15 Places to Elope in the USA: Dreamy Destinations for Your Perfect Day from your Sarasota Wedding Photographer

If you're dreaming of an intimate and adventurous wedding, eloping is an incredible way to exchange vows without the stress of planning a large event. The USA is home to some of the most breathtaking elopement destinations that offer everything from serene beaches to majestic mountains. Whether you’re looking for a romantic desert landscape or a lush forest setting, there’s a spot perfect for your love story. As a Sarasota wedding photographer who’s captured elopements across various locations, I’m excited to share my top 15 places to elope in the USA!

1. Yosemite National Park, California

With its towering cliffs, waterfalls, and serene meadows, Yosemite offers couples a stunning, natural backdrop for an intimate elopement. Imagine exchanging vows at sunrise with El Capitan or Half Dome in the distance. It's a nature lover’s paradise and will make for beautiful wedding photos! Especially when you hire me as your weddding photographer. :)

2. Big Sur, California

If dramatic coastlines and rugged cliffs are more your style, Big Sur is the perfect elopement spot. The Pacific Ocean crashing against the rocks below makes for unforgettable scenery, especially for couples looking for an epic sunset ceremony. It's a tream destination for wedding photographers too!

3. Zion National Park, Utah

For adventurous couples, Zion National Park offers breathtaking red rock formations, winding canyons, and scenic vistas. It’s a popular spot for couples who want a mix of nature and adventure, with stunning backdrops for photos. Believe me as a Sarasota wedding photographer who often shoots at the beach, this is a dream location if you want a more rugged vibe to your wedding.

4. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona’s iconic red rocks and spiritual energy make it one of the most unique places to elope in the USA. The desert landscape, combined with the vibrant colors at sunset, creates a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for a one-of-a-kind ceremony. I have spent a few days in Sedona and I can't wait to go back, and it's on by bucket list of places to shoot a wedding!

5. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

For couples who want a quiet, peaceful elopement surrounded by misty mountains and dense forests, the Great Smoky Mountains are ideal. It’s a gorgeous location in all seasons, but fall, with its vibrant colors, is particularly stunning. Bring me along to capture it all an you will be so happy you chose me as your Sarasot wedding photographer!

6. Maui, Hawaii

Maui’s tropical beauty makes it a dreamy destination for elopements. Whether you choose to get married on one of its pristine beaches or at the top of a volcano, the island offers endless opportunities for adventure and romance. I mean how could you not love this location, it's so iconic! Top 15 Places to Elope in the USA: Dreamy Destinations for Your Perfect Day from your Sarasota Wedding Photographer

Top 15 Places to Elope in the USA: Dreamy Destinations for Your Perfect Day from your Sarasota Wedding Photographer Nina Bashaw — Top 15 Places to Elope in the USA Sarasota Wedding Photographer Nina Bashaw

7. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

With its crystal-clear waters and pine-covered mountains, Lake Tahoe is a perfect blend of mountain and lake views. Whether you opt for a lakeside ceremony or a mountaintop elopement, the natural beauty of Tahoe won’t disappoint.

8. Savannah, Georgia

Known for its historic charm and Southern hospitality, Savannah is a perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic, timeless elopement. The city’s oak trees draped with Spanish moss make for incredibly scenic wedding photos.

9. Key West, Florida

For beach-loving couples, Key West offers warm tropical breezes, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. This laid-back island is perfect for couples who want a relaxed, intimate ceremony without the crowds of more popular destinations. As a Sarasota wedding photographer I love making the drive for my bide and groom for the wedding in Key West!

10. Acadia National Park, Maine

For those who want a rugged, coastal vibe with stunning fall foliage, Acadia National Park in Maine is the perfect place to elope. The mix of mountains, forests, and ocean views offers endless options for breathtaking photos and outdoor adventure. Top 15 Places to Elope in the USA: Dreamy Destinations for Your Perfect Day from your Sarasota Wedding Photographer

11. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park’s jaw-dropping scenery, with its pristine lakes, towering mountains, and wildlife, is a perfect elopement destination for couples seeking a secluded and serene atmosphere. It’s ideal for adventurous couples who love hiking and the outdoors.

12. Charleston, South Carolina

With its cobblestone streets, historic mansions, and charming waterfront, Charleston provides a picturesque setting for a Southern elopement. The city’s charm, paired with its beautiful plantations and gardens, offers a romantic, timeless backdrop.

13. New York City, New York

For couples who want an urban adventure, there’s no place quite like New York City. Whether you want a quiet elopement in Central Park or a chic ceremony overlooking the skyline, NYC offers endless possibilities for a glamorous, edgy, and modern elopement. I personally think fall in NYC is the best time to get married! Plus it gives me an excuse to leave Sarasota for some reall fall weather! I will travel just for an excuse to wear a sweater.

14. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The stunning peaks of the Rocky Mountains make for an unforgettable elopement destination. Whether you’re getting married in a quiet meadow or on a mountaintop, this park offers an incredible backdrop for adventure-seeking couples. Top 15 Places to Elope in the USA: Dreamy Destinations for Your Perfect Day from your Sarasota Wedding Photographer

15. Siesta Key, Florida

As a Sarasota wedding photographer, I can’t overlook the beauty of Siesta Key. Known for its powdery white sand and vibrant sunsets, this idyllic beach location is perfect for couples looking for a tropical paradise without leaving the mainland. It’s an intimate, romantic setting that guarantees breathtaking wedding photos.

Tips from a Sarasota Wedding Photographer

Eloping gives you the freedom to design a wedding day that’s uniquely yours, free from the constraints of a traditional ceremony. The USA offers a variety of stunning elopement locations, from beaches to mountains and everything in between. Whether you choose to tie the knot on the rugged coastlines of Big Sur, in the lush forests of the Smoky Mountains, or on the sun-soaked beaches of Siesta Key, the options are endless.

As a Sarasota wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing beautiful elopements in a variety of breathtaking settings. If you’re looking for a photographer who can help you plan and document your perfect day in one of these incredible destinations, I’d love to be a part of your journey. Wherever you choose to elope, it’s about celebrating your love in a way that feels meaningful and unforgettable to you!