Where to Elope: Jaw Dropping Backdrops for Your Destination Elopement

Where to Elope: Jaw Dropping Backdrops for Your Destination Elopement

You are sure an adventurous wedding day is the plan for you, but the most important question to ask is, “Where to elope?” I’m here to help by breaking down the most incredible, jaw dropping backdrops for your destination elopement. The abundant amount of elopement backdrop options can quickly become overwhelming. But, fear not! This list includes resources and real experiences from adventures in the best destinations to help you choose where to elope. Alright, let’s adventure, shall we?

Mollie’s top picks: where to elope with the best backdrops

1. Mountain overlook

2. Fire lookout

3. Desert or canyon floor

4. Deep forest

5. Cabin

6. Waterfall

7. Alpine lake

8. Rugged coastline and beach

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Everything you need to know about these destination elopement backdrops:

Just imagine: the sky has become a cotton candy pink, the pine trees are filtering golden rays of sunlight, and you are saying your vows to the love of your life as the sun slips behind snow-capped peaks around you...Doesn’t sound like the worst elopement location, right?! With three national parks and a handful of national forests in Washington alone, we are sure to find the perfect mountain overlook location for your elopement. 

• Best time of year: 

All year | My personal top picks are summer (because the mountain is fully accessible and there are wildflowers in bloom) and fall (because of the color change in the trees).

• How to adventure:

Hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, and the list truly goes on and on

• Where to elope: my favorite mountain overlooks

Mount Rainier | Grand Tetons | North Cascades | Alabama Hills 

• See real destination elopements:

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Fun fact: fire lookout hikes are hands down my favorite hikes in the Pacific Northwest! Why, you may ask? Well, not to go total nerd-mode on you, but fire lookouts were built back in the early 1900s throughout the West to help the National Forest Service spot forest fires early on. This means at every fire lookout, you are guaranteed an epic viewpoint as far as the eye can see! So, obviously, a historic fire lookout is high on my list of recommendations for where to elope. These fire lookouts make for one adventurous dressing room while you get ready for your own mountain elopement. And, it gets even better! You can even stay the night in some of the fire lookouts. Backpacking elopement anyone?! 

• Best time of year: 

Summer and fall

• How to adventure: 

Hiking, camping in the fire lookout (you can reserve some others are first-come-first-serve)

• Where to elope: my favorite fire lookout

My absolute, hands-down favorite fire lookout is in the North Cascades. But, it’s a secret! I only share this location’s details with my couples, so send me a message if your curiosity has peaked!

• See real destination elopements:

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I’m definitely biased towards pine trees (obviously), but a desert or canyon floor is an incredible elopement destination. From slot canyons, overlooks and petrified rocks, the wild West is an amazing option when choosing where to elope. The rugged landscape and the rich, orange canyon walls make an incredible backdrop for an elopement. Before you rule out the desert when deciding where to elope, click through some real desert elopements below!

• Best time of year: 

Spring and fall | The temperatures during summer and winter can reach extremes.

• How to adventure:

Climbing, hiking and camping 

• Where to elope: my favorite deserts and canyons for destination elopements

Snow Canyon State Park | Waimea Canyon | Zion National Park | Valley of Fire State Park

• See real destination elopements:

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There is nothing quite like a forest floor covered with ferns while pine trees create a canopy above. Imagine exchanging your vows amongst rich green forest with total Jurassic Park feels (sans the dinosaurs). During the rainy months in the Pacific Northwest or on Kauai, the forest floor is the perfect escape from the elements.

• Best time of year: 

All year | The deep, lush landscape will always be there no matter what season it is

• How to adventure: 

Hiking, camping and mountain biking 

• Where to elope: my favorite forests for elopements

Snoqualmie National Forest | Kauai Rainforest | The Redwoods 

• See real destination elopements:

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Okay, I will admit it, I am a total sucker for a good cabin. There is something so special to me about a mountain cabin with a wood-burning fireplace, a Pendleton blanket to curl up with and waking up to the sound of pines moving in the breeze. Cabins create a unique backdrop for an elopement and, of course, a great place to get ready and rest your head after a day full of adventuring for your elopement! Even if you choose to elope somewhere like a waterfall, canyon or mountain overlook, a cabin is the perfect homebase for your adventure.

• Best time of year: 

All year 

• How to adventure: 

A cabin is the perfect spot for making coffee, morning walks, hot tubbing, prepping for adventure and resting after you return from your adventure. Cabins are also great ways to include friends and family in your elopement. Click here for a guide to including friends and family in the adventure. 

• Where to elope: my list of the best cabins for elopements in the country

I created a blog post that links to the best Airbnbs all over the country that are perfect locations to elope. From cabins in the mountains to unique abodes in the high desert, click here to explore my list of the best Aribnbs to book for your elopement.

• See real destination elopements: 

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There is something special and intimate about saying vows next to a waterfall as mist swirls around you. Not to mention, the contrast of a waterfall, the forest greens, and your elopement attire is an epic combination! The Pacific Northwest is known for rain, so it is no surprise that the PNW also has stunning waterfalls tucked away throughout its mountain ranges. Also, if you’re thinking of a more tropical vibe when deciding where to elope, you could exchange vows at the base of a waterfall in Kauai.

• Best time of year: 

Summer and fall | The waterfalls can be inaccessible or frozen over during the winter, and the falls can be roaring and unsafe to get to the base of during spring. However, the waterfalls in Kauai are accessible during winter!

• How to adventure: 

Hiking, exploring the swimming holes near the waterfall, and even fish (if allowed on the river)

• Where to elope: the best waterfall elopement backdrops

Columbia River Gorge | Snoqualmie National Forest | Waimea Canyon | Kauai

• See real destination elopements:

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Welcome to nature’s very own mirror! Alpine lakes create stunning reflections of its incredible surroundings. Just imagine a giant snow-capped mountain being mirrored by an alpine lake below as you tie the knot. And, some Washington alpine lakes are very easy to access, meaning you won’t have to travel far for the picturesque elopement backdrop (which is important to consider when deciding where to elope).

• Best time of year: 

Spring, summer and fall 

• How to adventure: 

Hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing

• Where to elope: the best alpine lakes for elopements

Ross Lake | Mirror Lake

• See real destination elopements:

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Here it is! My final destination for my list of the best places to elope: the beach! The beach may be the last location on my list, but it definitely is the grandest! Imagine watching the sun dip below the horizon as the waves lap up against your legs. A rugged coastline or beach at sunset is a magical destination elopement location. 

• Best time of year: 

Access the best all year | I personally love spring and summer in Washington, and the beaches in Kauai are bomb all year long

• Ways to adventure: 

Camp on the beach, long walks (lol), watch the sunrise with coffee and watch the sunset with wine

• Where to elope on the beach: my favorite coastlines for your elopement 

Oregon Coast near the Redwoods | Kauai’s beaches | Washington’s beaches

• See real destination elopements:

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Are you ready to decide where to elope?

No matter where you choose to elope, your destination elopement location should represent you and your love’s personalities and story. So, if you love the outdoors, but aren’t big on hiking, a drive-up mountain overlook is a perfect option! If you love spending time at the beach, then let’s find the best coastline for you to tie the knot on! If you love summiting mountains together, then let’s adventure to an alpine lake deep in the peaks of Washington! Wherever you want to elope, adventure is out there and waiting for your elopement. Contact me if you have questions about where to elope, and I’d love to help you choose the perfect elopement destination for you.

Ready to explore more elopements, weddings and adventures? Wander away below!

Between the Pine is an adventure elopement and wedding photography brand created by Mollie Adams. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Mollie travels with her camera in hand to document “I dos” in epic landscapes including Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.