A couple stand on a cliff during a hazy pink sunset in Yosemite national park with El Capitan in the background

While there are many great national parks for an October elopement across the United States, these 5 are the most ideal. The optimal mix of scenery, fall foliage and mild weather is hard to beat.

In this blog, I break down average temps for each park, where to stay and generally what to expect.

Best East Coast national park for an October elopement: Acadia National Park

The main pro of eloping in Acadia national park in October is the fall foliage. The colors peak during this month. Weather is crisp and cool, with sunny days. Many people travel to the area to witness the changing leaves, so unlike the other locations, Acadia is still quite busy in October.

Average October weather in Acadia

With the arrival of fall comes the infamous east coast fall color spectacle. Hues of crimson, gold and orange peak in October. Temperatures are an average of 40-60°F, making the days pleasant but not hot. Days are often dry and sunny.

Main scenic points in Acadia for an elopement:

Otter Cliffs
Sand Beach
Cadillac Mountain

Main cities to stay in Acadia for an elopement:

Bar Harbor
Southwest Harbor
Ellsworth

Best mountain national parks for an October elopement: Grand Tetons & Yosemite

Grand Tetons

By autumn, the Tetons have begun to slow down. There are far fewer tourists in the area as it is now the shoulder season. It’s not uncommon to see a sprinkle of snow on the peaks and higher elevation areas. The contrast looks beautiful with the rusty fall colors in the valleys.

Average October weather in the Tetons

Temperatures are much cooler, dropping at times below freezing at night. Expect daytime temperatures between 40-50°F. You’ll want to layer up for this area and be prepared for a number of conditions!

Main scenic points in the Tetons for an elopement:

The Grand Teton peak, visible from many areas
Jackson Lake & Jenny Lake
Snake River Overlook

Main cities to stay in nearby for an elopement:

Teton Village
Jackson
Moran

Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous parks in the United States, and for good reason. Here, you’ll find thundering waterfalls, towering sequoias and vast meadows weaving through granite cliffs. Some of the country’s most iconic viewpoints are in Yosemite. By October, the crowds finally start to trickle out, making it a more relaxing experience for elopements.

Average October weather in Yosemite

Temperatures range a lot in October. Lows can drop near freezing, while during the day it’s not uncommon to reach 60°F or more. Fall foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to the area and days are dry. Rain and even snow is still possible though, so be prepared.

Main scenic points in Yosemite for an elopement:

Half Dome
The Valley, home to views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall

Main cities to stay in Yosemite for an elopement:

Yosemite Valley
Wawona
El Portal

Best desert national parks for an October elopement: Zion National Park & Bryce Canyon

Zion

Zion is a maze of red rock sandstone and slot canyons. In fall, a pop of fall foliage adds even more color to the red walls, with blue skies contrasting the warm earth tones. October brings a relief from the desert heat, as well as far fewer crowds.

Average October weather in Zion

Although daytime temps can reach 75°F, nights can plummet near freezing. Don’t let the desert landscape catch you off guard once the sun goes down. Be prepared for a range of temperatures. Skies are usually very clear and dry, but the occasional snow or rain can blow through this time of year.

Main scenic points in Zion for an elopement:

The Narrows
Angels Landing
Emerald Pools
Zion Canyon

Main cities to stay in near Zion for an elopement:

St. George
Springdale

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is famous for its “hoodoo” spires, a distinctive rock formation that feels like you’re on Mars. The park is a high elevation plateau, so October can be very cold at night and cool during the day.

Average October weather in Bryce Canyon

Night temperatures can drop to 25°F while days are in the comfortable 55°F range. The dry and clear weather is great for elopements, as you have excellent visibility across the landscape. It’s an ideal time for hiking, far outside the months of searing summer heat.

Main scenic points in Bryce Canyon for an elopement:

Bryce Amphitheater
Sunset Point & Sunrise Point
Bryce Canyon Rim Trail
Navajo Loop Trail

Main cities to stay in near Bryce Canyon for an elopement:

Tropic
Bryce Canyon City

Need help planning your elopement in one of these US national parks? Let’s talk about it!

I travel the entire US helping adventurous couples plan elopements in our impressive national parks. If you’re dreaming of exploring one of these places in October, just reach out. I may already be there on your date!

See my travel schedule