The Best Places to Elope in the Pacific Northwest

RUBY BEACH, WASHINGTON

The Pacific Northwest is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country - the top left corner of the US is jam packed with mountains, waterfalls, forests, coastal scenery, and more! Generally considered to include Washington, Oregon, and parts of Idaho and California, the PNW is the perfect elopement destination no matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for. 

In this guide, you’ll find the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest, and a few tips for planning your unique day!

HURRICANE HILL, WASHINGTON

Best Places to Elope in the PNW for Mountain Views

The PNW has some of the most incredible mountain views - with jagged peaks, snow capped summits, and trails filled with alpine lakes and wildflowers. Here are the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest for mountain landscapes!

North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park is less visited than Washington’s other parks, but it’s one of the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest! The incredible scenery, along with the relative remoteness of the park makes it a great place to explore on your elopement day. Check out the Heather Maple Pass Loop for a gorgeous hike, or the Washington Pass Overlook for an easily accessible spot!

Mount Hood, Oregon

Mount Hood is Oregon’s most prominent peak, offering miles of trails for hiking and skiing, and plenty to explore! As the second most climbed mountain in the world, this PNW elopement location is perfect for couples looking to adventure - whether that’s summiting the mountain or strolling along the wildflower meadows below.

HOH RAINFOREST, WASHINGTON

Best Places to Elope on the PNW Coast

The rugged coast of the PNW is jaw dropping, with rocky beaches, dramatic cliffs, and sea stacks poking through the water.

RUBY BEACH, WASHINGTON

Ruby Beach, Washington

On the Washington coast, remote beaches sprinkle the shoreline. You can spot tide pools by the sea stacks when the tide is low and explore the beaches lined by pine forests, with Ruby Beach being one of the most popular spots on the Washington coast!

Brookings, Oregon

The beaches in Washington are remote and rugged, while the ones in Oregon are usually bordered by cute beach towns! Brookings is located in the south of the state, close to several rocky beaches. One of my favorite spots is the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, famous for the stone bridges that connect the sea stacks!

RUBY BEACH, WASHINGTON

Best Places to Elope in the Forest in the PNW 

The magical pines, towering Redwoods, and dense wooded groves found all around make for some of the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest. Here are some of the most scenic backdrops!

Del Norte, California

In Northern California, just past its border with Oregon, you’ll find the incredible coastal Redwood trees, towering high above, reaching into the foggy mist that often rests close to the ocean. You can walk the trails through the trees, and end up on the rocky coast!

HURRICANE HILL, WASHINGTON

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park covers nearly all of the Olympic Peninsula on the west coast of Washington. You’ll find incredible, diverse scenery - including woodsy forests. Check out the Hoh Rainforest, a mossy, temperate rainforest, or the pine trees that line the mountain sides at Hurricane Ridge!

HURRICANE HILL, WASHINGTON

Best Places to Elope in the PNW Desert

The desert may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the PNW, but on the east side of Washington and Oregon, you’ll find some incredible, unique landscapes!

Alvord Desert, Washington

The Alvord Desert is one of the most remote, best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest. The desert is several hours of driving away from anywhere, which means you’ll enjoy some solitude on your elopement day! The desert is surrounded by mountains, and there’s even a hot spring.

Painted Hills, Oregon

In eastern Oregon you’ll find a landscape that looks like it came straight from Mars! The Painted Hills are formed by different colors of sediment, creating striped hills and brightly colored layers. You can walk along the hills and feel like you’ve been transported from the PNW to another planet!

Best Places to Elope Near Hot Springs in the PNW 

Did you know that the Pacific Northwest has natural hot springs all over? I can’t think of anything more relaxing than a sunset soak to end a day of adventures!

Cougar Hot Springs, Oregon

The Cougar Hot Springs in Oregon are one of the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest. Located in the national forest, there are several cascading pools of different temperatures, with clear blue water surrounded by pine trees.

Rocky Canyon Hot Springs, Idaho

The three tiered Rocky Canyon Hot Springs are close to Boise, Idaho, and offer hillside pools with views of the river! It’s a gorgeous place to relax, and the perfect place to spend your elopement day.

RUBY BEACH, WASHINGTON

Best Places for Waterfall Elopements in the PNW 

The waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest range from small streams to cascading falls - and they make some of the best elopement backdrops!

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge has the highest concentration of waterfalls in the country, making it one of the best places to elope in the Pacific Northwest. The gorge borders Washington and Oregon, but the south side is more scenic, with more falls to see. Check out easily accessible places like Horsetail or Wahclella Falls, or hike a little to reach Punchbowl Falls or Oneonta Gorge.

Palouse Falls, Washington

Palouse Falls is located in the desert region of eastern Washington, with a huge waterfall plunging over the rocky landscape. It’s easily accessible, but crowded - so be prepared to navigate around other visitors if you elope here!

RUBY BEACH, WASHINGTON

Tips for Eloping in the Pacific Northwest

Eloping comes with some extra logistics - and here are some tips to make your elopement in the PNW absolutely perfect!

Be Prepared for Any Weather

The weather in the Pacific Northwest is infamously unpredictable - especially during the rainy season, which is pretty much any time that isn’t summer. October to June, you can expect rain most days in many parts of the PNW - but it’s often interrupted by sunshine, and rarely pours harder than a light drizzle. No matter when you elope, be prepared with rain gear and extra socks! If you’re hiking, trails are often muddy after long periods of rain. The good news is that the overcast weather makes for great photos, and it’s all part of the adventure!

Research Elopement Permits

Many elopement locations in the PNW (and everywhere else) require a permit to have a ceremony. The rules vary depending on the location, so after you’ve decided where you’ll elope, do some research and figure out if you’ll need a permit!

Hire a PNW Elopement Photographer

As an elopement photographer, along with documenting the best day of your life, I provide each of my coupoles with a customized list of the best places to elope! Some couples are looking for long hikes, others want a more relaxed day - some want hot springs, others want mountains. Contact me, and let’s talk about what you’re dreaming of for your day!

RUBY BEACH, WASHINGTON

Page, Arizona Elopement Guide - How to Elope in Page

A small town with BIG scenery and plenty to explore, Page is the perfect elopement location for any desert-loving couple who wants to elope amongst the slot canyons, plunging gorges, and rocky formations carved by centuries of river erosion. This Page, Arizona elopement guide will tell you all about how to elope in this unique town!

Getting There

Page is right on the northern border of the state, close to Utah. If you're flying in, you can land in the Page Municipal Airport and be right in town! But, The Phoenix International Airport is bigger and offers more flights, and is usually a cheaper option - it’s a four hour drive from Phoenix to Page, but you can plan to explore a little along the way as you head to your elopement location.

The Best Time to Elope in Page, Arizona

Before you set an elopement date, take a look at a weather report! Page is in the desert, which means the weather can get extreme. Here’s a graph of weather averages throughout the year.

Winter in Page, Arizona

As you can see, winters are definitely chilly! While daytime temperatures can be mild, mornings and evenings are much colder. This can be a great time for a Page, Arizona elopement because you’ll likely see a lot less people out and about. Just be prepared with layers, and be ready for some snow.

Spring in Page, Arizona

Page doesn’t have much of a rainy season, which means spring is a great time to elope! The weather is comfortable and not too hot, and it’s much less busy than the summer. Eloping in early spring gives you the most privacy, so you’ll be able to find a quiet spot to read your vows! Mornings and evenings can still be chilly, so bring layers.

Summer in Page, Arizona

Summer is definitely the most popular time to visit Page, so be prepared to run into some crowds. The weather can get really toasty during the day, so I wouldn't recommend this time of year if you plan to hike. But, if you want to elope by the water, the weather is perfect for a dip in the lake!

Fall in Page, Arizona

Fall is another great time for a Page, Arizona elopement. The weather cools down and gets much more mild, and the crowds get much smaller. This time of year is perfect for hiking and exploring outdoors!

Choosing an Elopement Location

There are so many gorgeous places for your Page, Arizona elopement - but here are a few of my favorites!

Lake Powell

Extending across Arizona and Utah, Lake Powell is one of the most iconic places in Page! It’s a reservoir where you can swim, water ski, cliff jump, hike, camp, take a boat tour through the canyon walls, and more. There are tons of resorts surrounding the lake, so you’ll find plenty to do when you elope!

Horseshoe Bend

I’m a little biased because I got married here! But Horseshoe Bend is a gorgeous spot in Page, where the Colorado River carved out a horseshoe shaped rock wall. This place has become really popular - so to avoid the crowds that gather at the cliff, you can take a plane ride over the canyon for some incredible views! Or, see the canyon from below with a rafting tour.

Alstrom Point

Alstrom Point is an overlook, offering some of the best views of Lake Powell! It’s a great place for off road adventures if you want to take the bumpy drive up to Alstrom Point, but you can also rent a houseboat for a unique elopement experience. Spend a few days on the lake, with views of this spot from below - you can even hop off the boat to explore a little!

Buckskin Gulch

This one is close to Page, and a great opportunity to explore a slot canyon! At over 20 miles long, Buckskin Gulch is the longest and deepest canyon in the Southwest - but don’t worry, there are plenty of shorter trails if you don’t want to go too far. The red sandstone and the unique curves of the rock walls make for a gorgeous walk!

Getting Legally Married in Page, Arizona

To get legally married during your Page, Arizona elopement, here’s what you’ll need! 

Marriage License

You can get your marriage license anywhere in the state, but Page is in Coconino County, so the closest place to get your paperwork is the Flagstaff county clerk’s office. You’ll both need to go in person, so plan ahead if you’re making travel plans! The license is $83 (this can vary if you go to a different office), and you’ll need an ID. You’ll get your marriage license right away, and it’s valid for one year!

Officiant

An officiant has to sign the marriage license. You can hire an elopement officiant to perform the ceremony, or have a friend or family member marry you! Getting ordained is quick, easy, and free on ULC.org, so if there’s someone you trust to officiate, this can be a fun way to include them in your ceremony. 

Witnesses

You need two witnesses to sign as well, but the only requirement is that they are over 18 - which means if you aren’t inviting any guests, you can ask any adult you see throughout the day! Your vendors can sign as witnesses, or you can ask someone at your elopement location.

Make Your Bookings

For your page, Arizona elopement, it’s best to make bookings as early as possible! Accommodations can get booked pretty fast, and vendors fill their calendars early.

Accomodations

For somewhere to stay during your elopement, there are plenty of options around Lake Powell! With resorts and hotels all around, you can find something with incredible views. But, for the best views, rent a houseboat! You can stay right on the lake, with gorgeous scenery, plenty of privacy, and a home away from home. 

Vendors

Elopement vendors are the key to a perfect elopement day! They’ll be there to help ensure everything goes according to plan, and take all the pressure of elopement planning off of you. Page is a small town, so you’ll likely be hiring vendors from outside the city - but don’t worry, one thing that nearly all elopement vendors have in common is that they love to travel! Here are some of my favorites.

Hair + Makeup: 

Heylo Beauty

Florist: 

Moelleux Events

Photographer: 

Yours truly!

Ready to Elope in Page, Arizona?

Your wedding day should be about the experience - it’s not just exchanging rings, it’s about spending time together doing something you love, and celebrating the beginning of your marriage! My mission is to make sure every couple has a stress free elopement day that reflects who they are as a couple - so if you’re ready for your Page, Arizona elopement, let’s start planning! Contact me, and we’ll talk about how to make your adventure happen.

Oahu Elopement Guide - How to Get Married on Oahu

The third largest island of Hawaii is Oahu - known for its connection to the culture of the Native Hawaiian people and the diversity of its landscape, from the hustle and bustle of the city to the quiet surf towns. An Oahu elopement is perfect for any couple who wants to combine ocean side relaxation with all the adventures the island has to offer!

This guide will tell you everything you need to know to get married on Oahu, and plan the incredible elopement day of your dreams.

The Best Time to Elope on Oahu

There’s really no bad time for an Oahu elopement - it’s said to have the best weather of all the islands, and each season has something different to offer!

Winter on Oahu

December through February are the “coldest” months of the year on Oahu - if lows of 65 and highs in the mid 80s can be considered cold. Winter is more rainy, especially on the east side of the island, but the rain showers are usually brief, interrupting the sunshine only for a few minutes at a time. The best waves for surfing usually happen from December to mid February, so if you want to spend some time on the waves, eloping in the winter may be perfect for you! You’ll even get the chance to see some humpback whales that spend time near Oahu’s shores this time of year.

As people in the northern hemisphere flock to Oahu to avoid the cold weather back home, this is one of the busiest times of year, so if you get married on Oahu in the winter, you may have a harder time finding some privacy.

Spring on Oahu

Spring is the best time to elope on Oahu, as it is significantly less busy than winter or summer, and the weather is warm, but not too hot! The rain settles down by the end of February, and most days are sunny. You’ll save some money eloping in this off season, but watch out for late April, as many Japanese visitors come to Hawaii to celebrate “Golden Week,” which encompasses 15 different holidays!

Summer on Oahu

Summers are very busy on Oahu, as local kids are out of school, and families travel to the island for summer vacations. The warmest weather happens this time of year, and highs can get up into the 90s - which may be too hot to do too much hiking, but is perfect if you want to cool off in the water!

Fall on Oahu

Starting in September, Oahu becomes significantly less crowded! This can be a great time to elope, as the temperatures are a little less scorching, and you’ll have an easier time finding some solitude for your ceremony. Rainy days become more frequent starting in October, so be sure to bring an umbrella! 

The Best Places to Get Married on Oahu

There are countless beautiful places to elope in Oahu, but here are just a few ideas to get you inspired!

Ka’Ena State Park

On the westernmost tip of Oahu is Ka’Ena State Park, a remote and rugged coastline park. You can hike through volcanic rocks and tide pools, spot dolphins on the horizon, and explore the famous Kaneana sea cave!

Manoa Falls

A 1.7 mile hike winds through the tropical rainforest, and ends at Manoa Falls - a 150 foot waterfall that descends into a pool of water. It’s one of the best places to get married on Oahu, as the trail is close to Honolulu, and relatively easy to hike - though it can get muddy when it rains! 

Makapu’u Lookout

The Makapu’u Lookout is easily accessible, located right off the highway. It offers a sea cliff that you can walk right up to, with sweeping views of the ocean below you - as well as the opportunity to take a trail to the Makapu’u Point lighthouse. This is one of the best places to get married on Oahu for couples eloping with guests and looking for a spot that isn’t too hard to reach!

Getting Legally Married in Oahu

To ensure you’re legally married after your elopement, here are some things to know about Hawaii’s marriage laws! 

Marriage License

Your marriage license needs to be obtained in the state your ceremony is taking place in, so you’ll need a Hawaiian marriage license to elope in Oahu. Luckily, you can apply online! After the application is completed and the $65 application fee is paid, you will have to go to a license agent in person (within one year of submitting the application) - so if you’re traveling from out of state for your Oahu elopement, be sure to fly in early enough to do this.

Officiant

You need an officiant to sign your marriage license, but if you have a friend or family member who you trust to perform your ceremony, they can get ordained for just $10! You can also hire an elopement officiant to join you for the adventure.

Witnesses

Unlike most states, Hawaii doesn’t require witnesses! So your Oahu elopement can be truly private, and all you need is someone to officiate.

Planning Your Oahu Elopement

Eloping is all about the adventure - and there’s plenty of adventures to be had on Oahu! Here are just a few of the things you can do!

Go Hiking

Of course, one of the best things to do in Oahu is to go hiking! Some of the best places are a little off the beaten path, and you know what they say - the harder the hike, the better the view.

Fly in a Helicopter

Imagine experiencing Oahu from a helicopter on your elopement day. With helicopter tours, you can see the incredible scenery from a totally different perspective, and land in different places - no hiking required.

Take a Jeep Tour

A 4x4 is a great way to explore some places that are less traveled. Whether you take a Jeep tour, or you rent a vehicle yourself, you can cover miles of scenery in just a few hours!

Oahu Elopement Packages

You’ll need a photographer to capture all the amazing memories you’ll make during your Oahu elopement. I’ll do all that and more, giving you all the best elopement tips, finding places to stay, helping with permits, and being your new adventure buddy! 

Contact me to learn more about Oahu elopement packages, and let’s start planning your once in a lifetime adventure.

Arches National Park Elopement

The Arches National Park is probably one of my favorite places on earth for an elopement. Kealani and Thomas decided to have an intimate ceremony underneath the sandstone arches. Let’s get into it!

About The Arches National Park

Just north of Moab, Utah, is Arches National Park - named for the more than 2,000 sandstone arches formed by centuries of erosion. With trails that wander through the towering pinnacles, rock bridges, and unique red rock formations, there’s plenty to explore in this vast desert landscape.

Arches National Park also contains a variety of other geological formations. Massive sandstone fins, balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires tower above as you explore the park’s hiking trails.

If you’ve decided to skip the traditional wedding and tie the knot with nature as your backdrop, an Arches National Park elopement is perfect for any adventurous couple!

Their Wedding Day

I am definitely a huge advocate of skipping the big wedding and eloping somewhere epic with your closest family and friends. Elopement days take away all the fluff of a traditional wedding day and break a wedding down to what truly matters—you two. Kealani and Thomas’s Arches National Park elopement absolutely embodied that. Their day was simple and beautiful. They got married in a private area of the park, and one of the groomsmen tossed sand from the cavern in lieu of flowers in celebration! Leaving No Trace in this park was super important to both of us and this just shows how you can get creative with using what’s already in abundance.

Although Thomas was sick on their special day he was an absolute trooper and all smiles the whole time. Really, anything can happen on your special day - rarely do things go 100% as planned. I am here to be your partner and roll with the punches. To make sure Thomas did not push himself too much, we settled on cutting the day short .

One of my favorite moments from their elopement was their romantic first dance at Sand Dunes Arch. There was not a soul in site, and it was completely breathtaking!

Are you wanting to have your own Arches National Park elopement? I can totally help you! I have written a guide all about how to elope at this beautiful park and you can find it right HERE.

Sedona Elopement Guide - How to Elope in Sedona, Arizona

While Sedona is best known for its red rock landscape and hiking trails, it’s also thought to hold a lot of spiritual power. The town holds several energy vortexes, which are areas of concentrated energy that are thought to encourage healing, reflection, and meditation. Whether or not you buy into the idea of energy vortexes, you can’t deny that the inviting atmosphere of the town, the stunning scenery, and incredible sunrises and sunsets that reflect off the red rock make Sedona the perfect place to recharge. 

For any couple who feels like a traditional wedding might not be for them, a Sedona elopement is an amazing alternative! You can have a wedding day that truly reflects who you are, spent exploring the scenery and taking in the gorgeous views. To learn how to elope in Sedona, keep reading this guide! 

Getting There

If you’re traveling across state lines for your Sedona elopement, and it’s farther than road trip distance away, you can take a flight into the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The airport is two hours south of Sedona, so once you land you’ll need to rent a car - which will come in handy when you explore!

Setting an Elopement Date

When you start planning your Sedona elopement, one of the first things you’ll need to do is set a date!

Weather in Sedona

Sedona is a desert landscape, which means the weather can get pretty hot! It’s important to be prepared and decide which season is best for your elopement. Below is a graph of Sedona’s weather averages:

As you can see, summers can be very toasty! Eloping in the summer may not be ideal for most couples - though mornings and evenings can be pleasant. 

The weather in Sedona is best in spring and fall, when temperatures are more mild. It’s perfect hiking weather, and you may get to spot some desert wildflowers in the spring, and fall colors in autumn.

Winters in Sedona are chilly, but usually not too extreme. There is the occasional dusting of snow, but daytime temperatures are usually pretty comfortable. This is the least popular time to visit Sedona, so it may be a good way to avoid crowds! And the red rocks dusted with white snow can look so beautiful!

Avoiding Crowds

And speaking of avoiding crowds, this is something you’ll want to consider for your elopement! You probably don’t want a bunch of strangers around as you say your vows, and exploring nature is always better when you can enjoy the peace and quiet - so here are some tips for avoiding crowds.

The first thing you can do is elope during the off season - which is winter! Most travellers head farther south for warmer weather, so Sedona tends to be pretty empty. Summers are more popular, but less so than spring or fall. Eloping right before or right after peak season can help ensure good weather, but less crowds!

Another tip I always give my couples is to plan your elopement for a weekday. Weekends are always busier, so if you elope midweek, you’ll avoid a lot of crowds!

My favorite way to avoid crowds when you elope is to plan a sunrise ceremony. Sedona’s sunrises are unbeatable - when the light pours over the desert, reflecting shades of red, you’ll forget that you woke up before the crack of dawn! And, you’re likely to get your ceremony location all to yourself.

Where To Stay

There are tons of options when choosing where to stay for your wedding day in Sedona! Some of my favorite options are;

L’auberge

This stunning Airbnb

Junipine Resort

What To Eat

The Hudson

I always recommend checking out The Hudson while you’re in Sedona. The Hudson explains their restaurant as “Chef Jeff Storcz pairs sophisticated comfort food with genuine hospitality in a relaxed urban atmosphere at an exceptional value. The menu combines the very best simple, yet hearty, dishes ranging from chopped salads to juicy burgers, and truly great fish, chicken, ribs and steak.” It’s a great place to eat for a delicious meal with a great atmosphere. But make sure you grab a reservation! This place can be super busy—even on a weekday!

Mariposa

If you’re looking for an upscale experience—look no further than Mariposa! Mariposa describes their restaurant as “Mariposa’s stunning architecture and unique menu of South American-inspired cuisine delivers an entirely new fine dining experience in Sedona, Ariz. Perched atop a scenic bluff, floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive outdoor patio deliver panoramic views of Sedona’s majestic red rocks from every table. The 6,500 square-foot restaurant serves as a reflection of Dahl’s style with a 1,000-lb door handcrafted from African and South American stone and two dramatic glass-enclosed wine vaults that house more than 600 bottles of wine, including many South American varieties. At the heart of the restaurant, Chef Dahl uses a wood-fired grill and wood-burning oven to create handmade empanadas, ceviches, grilled chorizos, fresh fish dishes, mole and house-made chimichurri sauces inspired by her travels to Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.” It’s seriously fancy AF over there. Perfect for a romantic experience to celebrate your wedding day!

Best Places to Elope in Sedona

There are countless stunning locations where you can elope in Sedona - you can find all of my favorites in this blog post, but here are a few ideas!

Merry Go Round Rock

I love this spot so much it has its own blog post! There’s no hiking required to get to Merry Go Round Rock - just a little bit of off roading, and this is one of the few spots that’s managed to stay pretty secluded in Sedona. The views are insane, the location is private, and you don’t have to hike! What more could you want?

Cathedral Rock

You’ll need to do some work to get to Cathedral Rock. While the trail is only 1.2 miles long, it’s pretty steep and requires some rock scrambling. The views are jaw dropping - which is why this is one of the most popular spots in Sedona! I definitely recommend sunrise for this one, because any other time of day can get pretty crowded.

Lovers Knoll

This easily accessible viewpoint offers 360 degree views, and is a great spot for couples eloping with guests! It’s just a short walk from the parking area (a pull off from Red Rock Loop), and you’ll be greeted with incredible views of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks - including Cathedral Rock!

The Legal Stuff

Your Sedona elopement is all about adventures and having a blast - but to make sure you’re legally married, you’ll need to squeeze some not-so-fun paperwork in there. Don’t worry, this is everything you need to know to get legally married in Sedona! 

Marriage License

You can get your marriage license at any county clerk’s office in the state of Arizona. Coconino county is the closest, and you will need to appear in person. Both of you need to be there with a photo ID and $83 for the licensing fee - so if you’re traveling from out of state, make sure to arrive in Sedona early enough to do this! You’ll get your marriage license, and there’s no waiting period - which means you can get married right away! It does expire after one year, and will need to be returned within 10 days of your elopement ceremony.

Officiant

You’ll need an officiant to sign your marriage license. This can be a professional officiant, or even a friend or family member. If there’s someone you trust to perform your ceremony, they can get ordained online at ULC.org! I am also a licensed officiant, if you’d rather it be just the two of you sharing your vows to one another!

Witnesses

You’ll also need two witnesses to sign the marriage license - but if you weren’t planning on inviting guests, this doesn’t mean your plans are foiled! The only requirement is that your witnesses be over 18, so you can ask your vendors to sign, or any two people you run into throughout the day. Everyone is always excited to help out!

Planning Your Elopement

Make sure you celebrate your elopement to the fullest - it’s not just a ceremony, it’s an experience! There are no limits to what you can do during your Sedona elopement, so plan something that would make this the best day ever. Here are a few ideas!

Hike

There are countless trails to explore in Sedona, so if hiking’s your thing, you can hike to your ceremony spot!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Imagine floating above the red rock landscape in a hot air balloon! For a completely unique elopement day experience, check out Sedona’s hot air balloon tours.

Jeep Tour

You can explore more in a Jeep than you can on foot! Taking a Jeep tour through the backroads is a great way to see all that Sedona has to offer. Offroad Adventures is a great way to see some of the hidden gems down roads less traveled! You can also rent your own Jeep through Barlows or rent one through me! I have my own four door Jeep Wrangler, ready to use for your off roading adventure.

Sedona Elopement Packages

As an elopement photographer, my goal is to make sure every couple has a stress free day, and a wedding day that actually feels right to you. From location recommendations to building a timeline, I’ll be there every step of the way! If you’re ready to elope in Sedona, contact me to take a look at my Sedona elopement packages!

How to Elope in Colorado

Mountains, deserts, lakes, hot springs… I could go on forever, but Colorado is known for its incredible scenery and natural beauty. This, along with the fact that it’s one of the few states where you can get married without an officiant, draws eloping couples from all over to Colorado! If you’re looking for adventure, and you want to get married without the pressure, without the expectations, and without the huge party, eloping in Colorado might be perfect for you! Keep reading this guide to learn all about how to elope in Colorado.

Setting an Elopement Date

One of the first things you’ll need to do to elope in Colorado is set a date! Before you start flipping through your planner, here are some things you should know.

Weather in Colorado

Colorado experiences all four seasons, and the weather can often be harsh! It’s important to be prepared when you’re deciding when to elope.

Winters get very cold, and Colorado’s mountains are a popular skiing destination. Temperatures often fall below freezing, even in the desert.

Spring brings warmer weather, and can be great for hiking in lower elevation areas. Wildflowers bloom as the snow melts, creating gorgeous views! But, snow can stick around in the mountains into the middle of summer, so if you’re hoping for higher elevation hikes, they may still be inaccessible this time of year.

Summer is the best time to elope in Colorado if you want to go hiking. The trails are mostly snow free, and the weather is warm, though rain showers are common in the mountains. 

Fall can provide an opportunity to spot the autumn colors, and can be a great time to go hiking after the busy summer season is over! Snow can start to accumulate early, so September or early October is best. 

Avoiding Crowds

Colorado parks are busiest in the summer, because the good weather and open trails bring people outdoors! The least crowded time to elope would be winter (as long as you aren’t near any ski resorts), but late spring and early fall will be less busy than summer, and you still have a good chance of catching optimal weather!

One tip I always give my couples is to elope on a weekday. Tying the knot while most people are at work will give you a little more privacy! You can also plan your ceremony for sunrise - getting the scenery to yourself will be worth waking up for!

Choosing an Elopement Location

There are countless beautiful places to elope in Colorado, but here are just a few ideas to get you inspired!

Rocky Mountain National Park

This is Colorado’s most popular national park, offering incredible views of the mountains. You can choose from long backpacking trails or easily accessible overlooks, and everything in between. There’s wildlife around every corner, so you may even have some four legged witnesses for your ceremony!

Garden of the Gods

This unique park has hiking trails that wind through the red rock formations, with views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains in the distance. You’ll have views of the towering sandstone pillars around every turn!

Great Sand Dunes National Park

The tallest sand dunes in North America can be found here! This desert landscape made up of rolling dunes is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and if you climb up one of the sand dunes, you’ll definitely feel the burn in your calves, but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the desert.

The Legal Stuff

To ensure you’re legally married and that your elopement doesn’t get busted by park rangers, there’s a little bit of paperwork you’ll need to do! 

Park Permits

Many of the parks in Colorado will require you to have a permit. The rules vary from park to park, so after you’ve chosen a location for your ceremony, make sure to do some research and find out if you’ll need to get a permit!

Marriage License

You’ll need to get your marriage license in Colorado, which can be done at any county clerk’s office in the state. You’ll need your photo ID, and once you fill out some paperwork, you get your marriage license! You can use your marriage license right away, but it does expire after 35 days. Some counties, like El Paso, will allow you to apply online.

Officiant

Couples who elope in Colorado can self solemnize, which means an officiant isn’t required! The marriage license will still have a place for an officiant if you choose. If you’re bringing your fur baby along, they can even stamp their paw print and marry you! Just pack an ink pad, and prepare a few words, since the dog probably won’t have much to say.

Witnesses

Many couples choose to elope in Colorado because the state doesn’t require witnesses, making it easy for couples who want to elope without guests!

Planning Your Elopement

Eloping is all about the adventure - and there’s plenty of adventures to be had in Colorado! The sky’s the limit when it comes to your elopement day, so plan something amazing that will make this the best day ever. Here are just a few of the things you can do!

Go Hiking

Some of the most beautiful spots are off the beaten path, and hiking can lead you to some incredible scenery! Imagine your elopement ceremony on top of a mountain, with snow capped peaks surrounding you.

Star Gazing

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the best places to see the stars. You can camp on a sand dune, and sleep under the starry night sky! There are plenty of amazing, remote places in Colorado perfect for stargazing.

Take a Jeep Tour

One of the best ways to explore Colorado is with a Jeep tour! Whether you have a guide, or you rent a 4x4 and hit the trails yourself, this is a great way to cover miles of scenery in just one day. 

Make Your Bookings

You’ll need a place to stay for your elopement - after a day of adventures, you’ll want somewhere to come back to! You’ll also need to book your elopement vendors.

Click HERE to check out where you can book this cute little A frame!

Accomodations

You can find everything in Colorado, from luxury resorts to rugged campgrounds. Be sure to book your lodging early so that you can stay close to your elopement location! Check out these unique stays at the Strawberry Hot Springs, or these cozy log cabins, or search Airbnb for your home away from home. With a quick search on Airbnb I found these adorable stays! Click HERE + HERE to check them out!

Vendors

A lot of elopement vendors fill their calendars early on, so be sure to book your favorites as soon as possible! This will make a huge difference in your day, and take the stress and pressure off of you. As an elopement photographer, my goal is to make sure everyone has the wedding day they deserve - which means from finding a location, recommending places to stay, and helping with permits and logistics, I’ll guide you through the entire thing. If you’re ready to start planning a day that’s unique and totally made for you, contact me!