Top 5 U.S. National Parks for your elopement day
The United States has some of the most beautiful and diverse lands in the world. If you and your partner LOVE nature and are looking to elope outdoors in 2025, you need to check out these 5 national parks for elopements.
Whether you want to elope closer to home or travel cross-country, every corner of the US has something to offer. Below are five incredible options depending on the type of scenery you envision for your elopement day.
Acadia National Park Elopements
For east coasters, Acadia National Park is one of the most convenient adventure elopement locations available. It’s a day’s drive from east coast metropolitan areas like New York city, Boston, Philly and DC. If you’re city people normally and really want to “get away” but stay on the east coast for your elopement, then Acadia is an amazing choice.
The small size of the park means you can see all of it in one day, and access diverse views with only short drives and small hikes.
I recommend Acadia National Park for your elopement day between the months of May and late October, especially in the fall when the leaves begin to change.
Pros of eloping in Acadia:
Very close to the major northeastern cities; especially beautiful in autumn; diverse views of the sea, mountains and thick forests; small and easy to get around; dog friendly
Cons:
The town of Bar Harbor essentially shuts down the end of October until Memorial Day weekend, so there is a bit of a limited window.
Also check out: Ultimate Guide for Planning an Acadia Elopement
Olympic National Park Elopements
Olympic National Park is one of my favorite elopement locations in the US. It has epic versions of most landscapes you can think of, and within just short drives of one another. There are just under 1 million acres of high alpine lakes, mountain summits, temperate rainforests and jagged coastlines. If you and your partner love the idea of seeing very different scenery all in one day, Olympic National Park cannot be beat.
August is the best month to elope in Olympic National Park due to dry(er) conditions and more stable weather patterns.
Pros of eloping in Olympic National Park:
Extremely diverse landscapes; variety of colors and topographies; many hiking trails where you can get away from crowds, close to metropolitan areas like Vancouver and Seattle.
Cons:
Limited season due to winter and rain; can be extremely busy
Also check out: Olympic National Park elopement
Zion National Park elopements
Eloping in Zion National Park feels like eloping on Mars. Imagine a mountain elopement, but in red! The slot canyons and overlook hikes mean you can access some incredible locations with minimal effort. For those willing to go the distance or be a little more adventurous, you can go off roading, rock climbing or canyoneering.
If you’re willing to hike a bit, you can see areas of the park fewer people tend to go. This is more private and allows you to really take in the landscape as well.
Because of its desert climate, it’s best to visit Zion in the spring or fall months. Summer is far too hot. Winter can be beautiful, but trails are not maintained and snowfall is common. Conditions in winter can be icy and dangerous without spikes and experience hiking on such terrain.
Pros:
Unique slot canyons and red mountains; lots of guided adventure tours available; great in the off months of spring and fall
Cons:
Too hot for a summer elopement; can be very busy at popular overlooks
Also read: Zion National Park - Overlook Trail Couple’s Photos
North Cascades & Mt. Baker elopements
In my opinion, the North Cascades and Mount Baker are the most underrated locations for elopements in the US. They give “Swiss Alps of the US '' vibes and have some of the most expansive wilderness areas for hiking of any national park. If you’re looking to really hike and not just look like you're hiking, the North Cascades are for you.
Pros:
Top tier hiking; beautiful alpine lakes, thick forests and impressive summits in every direction; fall in the Cascades is extremely colorful
Cons:
Limited season due to snowfall and high elevations; best in July and August and warmer Septembers; accommodation and things like hair and makeup services are limited here
You’ll also like: 5 Great Hiking Trails Near Mt. Baker for Your Elopement
Grand Tetons National Park elopements
The Tetons are an incredible place to elope. It’s got some of the best wildlife viewing around, and Jackson Hole is a really fun town to plan some more urban activities in. It also has a lot of national forest land to explore, which makes finding remote and private locations for a ceremony relatively easy. It’s also one of the few mountain areas in the US which is great for an elopement regardless of season. Winters are just as active as summers here!
Pros:
Doable for winter, summer, spring and fall elopements; tons of activities; Jackson Hole provides lots of amenities while being close to expansive national forest land; lots of wildlife; great for larger group elopements or intimate weddings
Cons:
Not many to note if the scenery is what you’re looking for!
Get inspired: Best Place to Elope in the Grand Tetons
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This blog was written, curated and researched by Mariah Arianna, copywriter for photographers and creatives.