The Best Places for Queer & Allied Couples to Elope: A Photographer’s Guide to Unforgettable Locations that are LGBTQIA+ Friendly 🏳️‍🌈

Eloping offers freedom, intimacy, and adventure and choosing the right location can make all the difference. Whether you’re dreaming of dramatic landscapes or quiet hidden gems, here are some of the best places to elope in the U.S. and beyond.✨

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Top U.S. Elopement Destinations

1. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

• Why it’s magical: Towering peaks, wildflower meadows, and misty forests.
  
• Best time to elope: July–September.
  
• Tip: Opt for a sunrise ceremony at Sunrise Point for dramatic lighting and solitude.
  

2. Olympic National Park, Washington

• Why it’s magical: Misty rainforests, wild coastline, and snow-capped peaks all in one park.
  
• Best time to elope: July–September for the driest weather.
  
• Tip: Exchange vows in the Hoh Rain Forest for a lush, enchanted ceremony surrounded by moss and mist.
  

3. Big Sur, California

• Why it’s magical: Rugged cliffs, ocean views, and misty cypress groves.
  
• Best time to elope: September–November for moody coastal magic.
  
• Tip: Consider Garrapata State Park for stunning views and more privacy.
  

4. Joshua Tree National Park, California

• Why it’s magical: Dreamy desert landscapes, starry skies, and modern bohemian vibes.
  
• Best time to elope: March–May or October–November for mild weather.
  
• Tip: Plan a golden-hour ceremony among the Joshua trees, then stargaze under the Milky Way.💫
  

5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

• Why it’s magical: Crystal-clear lakes, soaring peaks, and alpine wildflowers offer breathtaking mountain views in every direction.
  
• Best time to elope: June–September, when high-altitude meadows burst into bloom and trails are open.
  
• Tip: Stay in nearby Boulder for an easy blend of mountain serenity and a vibrant, LGBTQ+ friendly downtown to celebrate afterward.
  

6. Yosemite National Park, California

• Why it’s magical: Majestic waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and iconic granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome create a setting worthy of a lifetime promise.
  
• Best time to elope: May–June or September–October for mild weather and fewer tourists.
  
• Tip: Opt for a weekday sunrise ceremony in Yosemite Valley for golden light and get the closest to having solitude.
  

7. Acadia National Park, Maine

• Why it’s magical: Rugged coastlines, evergreen forests, and pink granite peaks make Acadia a breathtaking mix of ocean and mountain beauty.
  
• Best time to elope:September–October, when fall colors set the park ablaze and the crowds thin out.
  
• Tip: Say your vows atop Cadillac Mountain at sunrise (this is one of the first places in the U.S. to see the morning light).

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Dreamy International Elopement Spots

1. Isle of Skye, Scotland

• Why it’s magical: Dramatic cliffs, medieval ruins, and moody skies.
  
• Best time to elope: May–September.
  
• Tip: Quiraing or the Fairy Glen offers stunning landscapes with fewer tourists.
  

2. Barcelona, Spain

• Why it’s magical: Vibrant architecture, golden beaches, and a blend of historic charm and modern romance.
  
• Best time to elope: May–June or September–October.
  
• Tip: Exchange vows at sunrise in Park Güell or enjoy an intimate rooftop celebration overlooking the Sagrada Família.
  

3. Reykjavik & Icelandic Highlands

• Why it’s magical: Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and volcanoes.
  
• Best time to elope: June–August for accessibility; winter for the Northern Lights.
  
• Tip: Consider Skógafoss or Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon for dramatic scenery.
  

4. Banff National Park, Canada

• Why it’s magical: Glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains.
  
• Best time to elope: June–September.
  
• Tip: Moraine Lake is iconic, but you can also try Peyto Lake for a quieter experience.
  

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Bonus Tips for Eloping Anywhere

• Permits: Many national parks require permits for ceremonies and photography—check in advance or if you’re a client of mine I will take care of all of this for you!
  
• Accessibility: Consider how remote you want your location to be. Do you want a hike-in spot or something more easily reached? Let’s chat more and design a day perfect for you and your wants & needs!
  
• Weather: Always have a backup plan, especially in unpredictable mountain or coastal locations.
  
• Leave No Trace: Respect the land. Stay on trails, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Want more tips? Check out my Leave No Trace blog!