Once you and your partner have made the decision to elope, choosing a destination is one of the first steps in the preparation process. It can be difficult to choose a location that would provide you with the most memorable experience when there are so many possibilities.
The most romantic places to elope typically offer a breathtaking natural backdrop. These locations occasionally have historical and cultural significance for the region. Beaches, recreational areas, state parks, and national parks make for charming, private elopement venues.
The best 17 places to elope in the US as a student, including additional American territories, are shown below. Every place has something distinctive and enduring to give.
What is an Elopement?
Elopements are small, private weddings that a couple arranges for themselves in lieu of a large, demanding wedding day.
They prioritize the couple’s wishes and place more emphasis on the ceremony than on the general hoopla that surrounds a typical wedding day.
Elopements are planned by couples in order to avoid conflict with their families and have a “just them” wedding day.
Elopements don’t have to involve “just the couple and no one else”; in fact, the majority of elopements involve close family and friends, with a maximum of 20 guests. The concept remains the same after 20 people, but the wedding is now referred to as intimate.
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Why Should You Plan an Elopement in the US?
Lovely weather
Yes, the US is well renowned for having pleasant weather year-round. This is a terrific gateway location for an elopement because you can pretty much always enjoy the stunning beaches and the warmth of central Florida.
Therefore, if you’re unsure of where to elope, the US is a wonderful location that will let you say your vows in a warm, lovely setting.
Amazing historical events
As stunning as the United States’ scenery is its history. Timucuan, Miccosukee, and Seminole art, architecture, and culture coexist with exiles from Cuba and Haiti, European explorers, and liberated slaves.
You can see how traveling to the United States is like traveling back in time and learning something new every day.
Beautiful nature
The United States is most commonly associated with its beaches. And sure, US’ beaches are magnificent and lovely, and you can definitely get married on the beach there. But there is so much more available than just beaches!
The Everglades, Florida Keys, Sarasota’s Myakka River Park, and Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park all offer hiking opportunities and showcase wonderful fauna and tropical vegetation.
What are the Best Places To Elope In the US as a Student?
- 1. Acadia National Park, Maine
- 2. Arches National Park, Utah
- 3. Beachview Club Hotel Jekyll Island, Georgia
- 4. Big Sur, California
- 5. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Idaho
- 6. Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Louisiana
- 7. Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
- 8. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
- 9. Cathedral Ledge State Park, New Hampshire
- 10. Cedar Crest Lodge, Kansas
- 11. Columbus-Belmont State Park, Kentucky
- 12. Crook Point, Oregon
- 13. Devereaux Shields House, Mississippi
- 14. Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort, Florida
- 15. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
- 16. Glacier National Park, Montana
- 17. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, which covers over 49,000 acres, offers a wide variety of sights to see, including miles of headlands and mountains, including the highest on the Atlantic coast; winding “carriage roads” that take visitors to Cadillac Mountain, which rises to a height of 1,530 feet and offers a breathtaking vantage point for sunrises; and several bodies of water, including Jordan Pond, Somes Sound, and Eagle Lake.
The presence of lodging and vendors in the region makes use of the area’s diverse flora and fauna.
The peak season for visitors to the park is from May to October; however, from November to April, all amenities and roads are closed. Elopements and other private ceremonies are permitted with a $50 permission fee.
2. Arches National Park, Utah
The Arches National Park is well known throughout the world for having more than 2,000 natural stone arches, which is the highest density.
With an elevation range of 4,085 feet to 5,653 feet, the entire park offers spectacular views of the sun setting and rising.
The Delicate Arch and the Double Arch are two well-known rock formations; the latter is made up of two enormous arches that have combined, serving as a metaphor for love and dedication.
Spring and October are the ideal seasons for elopements in Arches National Park. However, given that summer and winter are characterized by severe weather, that is also when it is at its busiest.
Only specific areas of the park, like the aforementioned arches, are available for weddings.
3. Beachview Club Hotel Jekyll Island, Georgia
The Beachview Club Hotel is tucked away on Jekyll Island and behind a row of old-growth live oaks, making it one of Georgia’s least populated beachfronts.
You can explore the Jekyll Island Historic District with your visitors, unwind on the beach, play golf, visit a fishing pier, go on a dolphin tour, ride a bike, or ride a horse around the island.
Also, you can invite up to 15 people for their Island Getaway package for $3,700.
You and your spouse will be accommodated on the beach with this package, along with floral arrangements in your wedding colors, an officiant, an on-site wedding organizer, and more.
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4. Big Sur, California
The Big Sur is a hilly area of the Central Coast of California, which has been hailed as “the longest and most picturesque stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States.”
It is a well-liked tourist location that provides outdoor activities including hiking and camping.
Big Sur is a lengthy mountain range, therefore there are many noteworthy sights you can consider for your elopement.
Garrapata, Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer Big Sur, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns are a few examples of state parks that make wonderful locations for your “I do.”
5. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Idaho
Mountain biking, disc golf, and hiking are among the year-round recreational activities available at the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, or just Bogus Basin, which is well-known among skiers.
With a summit elevation of more than 7,000 feet, it is situated in southwest Idaho’s Boise County.
Visitors are invited to take a walk along the paths to reconnect with nature or take part in one of their free neighborhood events.
6. Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Louisiana
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel has a colorful past as both a monastery and a high-society ballroom.
They have two options for a private ceremony: exchanging vows on a corner balcony overlooking Bourbon Street or on an iron balcony with a view of the Saint Louis Cathedral.
A liaison, an officiant, wedding flowers, a two-tiered wedding cake, a bottle of Champagne for the toast, and ceremony chairs are all included in their elopement package. The pair receives a one-night stay in an opulent Balcony Loft Suite when choosing any package.
7. Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
In Saratoga, Wyoming, there are 30,000 acres of ranch land that make up the Brush Creek Ranch. They offer an all-inclusive ceremony that may include but is not limited to the location and seating, fine dining, lodging for each guest, and two excursions and activities each day.
Even a horse-drawn carriage is available for the newlyweds’ entrance and departure.
In conclusion, Brush Creek Ranch is the pinnacle of lavish Western-style nuptials.
8. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef National Park spans more than 240,000 acres of arid terrain and is situated in south-central Utah.
It is made up of domes, cliffs, canyons, and bridges and is located in the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long geologic monocline.
Travelers can engage in a variety of activities, either independently or with a ranger’s guidance, such as hiking, camping, biking, backpacking, riding horses, rock climbing, and picking fruit from orchards.
Although Capitol Reef National Park is open all year, May through September sees the majority of its visitors. This time of year offers better weather for outdoor activities. Wedding licenses cost $50 to purchase.
9. Cathedral Ledge State Park, New Hampshire
In Bartlett, New Hampshire, there is a state park called Cathedral Ledge. The White Mountains and the Saco River Valley can both be seen magnificently from the 700-foot ledge.
The park, which is well-liked by rock and ice climbers, may be reached through a mile-long vehicle road or the hiking trails in Echo Lake State Park.
Those interested in learning more about the park’s wedding and elopement options can call them at 603-356-2672.
10. Cedar Crest Lodge, Kansas
The Cedar Crest Lodge, named the “Best Place to Elope in Kansas” in 2017, offers a breathtaking panorama of the horizon.
The 100-year-old Pecan Grove, the West Patio, the North Lawn, and the Fireside in the Lodge are all permitted locations for elopements; these settings all make the most of the natural beauty around them and are perfect for ceremonies at dusk.
Their two-night stay in a Country Meadow or Wine Country room, a full breakfast and dinner each day of your stay, champagne, an officiant, and a wedding cake are all included in their elopement package.
Prices start at $1,019 and vary depending on the day and the company’s attendance.
11. Columbus-Belmont State Park, Kentucky
The Mississippi River borders the Columbus-Belmont State Park, which was regarded as a key area during the American Civil War. To honor the events that occurred during the war in Belmont, Missouri, and Columbus, Kentucky, the state park was created.
Due to the public accessibility of the museums and trails, this location is excellent for couples who enjoy history and wish to learn more about US history in particular.
12. Crook Point, Oregon
Crook Point is a remote resort near Brookings, Oregon, perched atop a 60-foot ridge with a view of the Pacific. Thus, the venue offers views of miles of shoreline.
Three private beaches are available, and Crook Point’s staff will assist you in scheduling your ceremony to avoid the tides. After the wedding, you can host a clifftop reception with the sound of the surf on Burnt Hill Overlook or Arch Rock Lawn.
Elopements cost between $1,250 and $3,000 for 20 guests. The venue rental included in this package is for two hours. As you invite more people and keep the place rented for longer, the cost rises.
For instance, a four-person “intimate elopement” package costs $9,750.
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13. Devereaux Shields House, Mississippi
In Natchez City, Mississippi, there is a bed and breakfast called The Devereaux Shields House. It takes pleasure in having welcomed guests for more than ten years and being the definition of Southern hospitality.
Devereaux Shields House offers elopement packages for $595 that include a wedding officiant, wedding flowers, a cake, bubbly, and an engraved brick for their garden walk.
Additionally, they let you customize the package by adding extras like extra guests or a carriage trip through the city. Please be aware that a two-night stay at the house is necessary and is not included in the base rate.
14. Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort, Florida
The Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort, which is close to Miami Beach, provides numerous alternatives and setups for your elopement. The ceremony could take place on the beach itself, outside under the stars on a terrace, etc. On-site dining options at the resort include a variety of cuisines.
There are also luxurious honeymoon suites available for you to spend one or two nights in.
The resort has a dedicated wedding team on staff that can assist you in realizing your dreams, from the theme to the location.
In addition to providing catering and venue services, they also let you create your own cocktails and locate the ideal dessert to present at your reception.
15. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
There are many different types of landforms and water bodies in the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, including lakes, rivers, fjords, coastlines, glaciers, and mountains.
All of these are accessible through guided kayak tours or Alaskan cruises. The ecosystem’s vegetation and wildlife are also beautiful to view, and include humpback whales, harbor seals, and mountain goats.
From May through September, the national park is fully operational and its peak season is from June to August. You can have a private elopement against a snow-covered backdrop of lakes and mountains for a $50 permission charge.
16. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park, often known as the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem,” spans more than 1 million acres of land and water, including portions of two mountain ranges, more than 130 lakes, at least 1,000 different species of plants, and hundreds of different animal species. It is situated exactly where the United States and Canada meet.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile paved route that passes through every type of landscape the national park has to offer—forests, glacial lakes, valleys, and alpine tundras—is one of its most well-known attractions.
Between early July and early October, when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open, there is a spike in tourism. A special use permit application is $125.
17. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona
The high desert environment of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area covers over 1,254,000 acres. The region features two small airports, four campgrounds, five marinas, and concessions for renting houseboats and other fishing-related gear. Lake Powell is one of the area’s main draws.
The Horseshoe Bend, an entrenched meander so named for its shape, is one of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area’s most well-known features. The sight is accessible to guests after a 1.5-mile hike.
This location is well-liked for elopements because of the Colorado River in the background. The $100 processing fee for a special use permit application is not refundable.
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What is the best time for an elopement in the United States?
Florida’s coldest months are December and January, with lows as low as 10°C (49°F), yet they can sometimes get extremely warm.
Winter temperatures of 24°C (77°F) are not unheard of! Beginning towards the end of February, beachgoers begin to seek out the sun.
So if you want to elope to Florida and avoid the crowds, winter is the perfect time to go because you may hike unhindered and won’t see as many visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado. Fortunately, eloping is simple almost everywhere in the US! Colorado, however, makes it the simplest to elope because you can solemnize your own marriage there without an officiant or witnesses.
Technically, you can elope for less than the price of dinner and a movie if you pay the $30 to $60 your local courthouse charges for a marriage license, have a licensed officiant sign the document, and that’s it.
New York is one. New York is the perfect location for a hasty wedding because there is no residence requirement and a 24-hour waiting time. Although there are countless options for locations, if you’re in a rush, you’ll probably get married at the Office of the City Clerk.
If you want a low-key event, civil ceremonies are a great choice. Although a trip to the courthouse is necessary, the procedure is rather simple. Just be sure to bring your marriage license and identification.
Conclusion
Why the new fascination with eloping? Elopements are private affairs, so you can devote all of your attention to the two of you rather than providing for a large audience (not to mention avoiding the expenses associated with a large wedding).
Some couples prefer the concept of having only the two of them at the ceremony, along with an officiant and a photographer; other times, they’ll invite their parents, siblings, closest friends, or even a pet.
