DESTINATION ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER // ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT

“Where’s the best place to elope?” A question I frequently get asked and one you may be pondering yourself right now. The best place FOR YOU as a couple is one that speaks to you, is exciting, feels comfortable, and will bring you joy when you look back on it years from now. That can be cascading waterfalls, expansive gardens, tropical oases, or rugged mountains. Maybe culture and architecture is a priority over outdoor adventuring. Or perhaps you already have a time of year in mind and restrictions on how far you want to travel. There are so many factors  – so consider this your destination inspiration. I’ve compiled this list of unique and jaw dropping elopement destinations, with a little bit of everything for everyone. Let’s kickstart your imagination of, “Where is the best place for YOU to elope?”

1. Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Location: Ubud, Bali

Best Time: February – April

Weather: 80°s

Features: Rainforest, rice paddies, and markets

Imagine saying your vows amongst sloping rice paddies as the morning sun peeks through the surrounding rainforest. Lush, spiritual, and vibrant — Ubud is located in the heart of Bali. You can look over the temples and paddies while you enjoy lunch at a nearby cafe, as most restaurants overlook the expansive rice terraces. You can spend the afternoon at the Ubud art market where vendors sell jewelry, rattan bags, textiles, and other hand crafted goods. Luckily there is no shortage of ridiculously beautiful villas to stay at; often having open floor plans marrying the outdoors and indoors (not to mention private pools are a staple).

3. White Sands National Park

Location: White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Best Time: September – November

Weather: 70°s

Features: Sand dunes

If black sands aren’t your vibe, then how about glistening snow white sand dunes? The White Sand Dunes National Park is a gem in New Mexico, quite literally, as the sand is mainly made up of the mineral gypsum. If you’re ready to be transported to another universe go in late September to catch the cottonwoods changing colors. The yellow leaves against the white dunes looks as though it’s been plucked from a dream world. Only a 1.5 hour drive from El Paso, Texas and you can’t go wrong spending sunrise or sunset at the park.

5. Karpathos Greek Island

Location: Karpathos, Greece

Best Time: March/April or September/October

Weather: 70°s

Features: Coastal village and beaches

There will forever be something special about Greece (thanks to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.. kidding.. kind of). The Island of Karpathos is relatively calm Compared to its bustling counterparts, Crete and Mykonos. A quick flight from Athens will land you in one of the most picturesque islands Greece has to offer. Wander around the cobblestone streets of Karpathos, an amphitheater of colorful homes overlooking the soft beaches. Dip your toes in the crystal clear water and enjoy as the island blooms in the spring or the serenity as tourists leave in the fall. Post nuptial dolmas, anyone?

6. Botanic Gardens of Mallorca

Location: Mallorca, Spain

Best Time: June – August

Weather: 60°s

Features: Coast, architecture, and gardens

Although the surrounding Mediterranean Sea is showstopping, this Spanish Island has made it onto the list for it’s showstopping botanic gardens, exquisite architecture, and citrus farms. There are countless botanic gardens boasting biodiversity you could normally only get on a worldwide trip. Meanwhile the architecture is rich with historical meaning and infused with the vibrant culture. Imagine wandering around this city on your elopement day searching for the perfect spot — the perfect moment — to say, “I do”.

7. The Dolomites

Location: Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy

Best Time: June – August

Weather: 60°s

Features: Mountains and nightlife

Prettier than a postcard, these extraordinary limestone mountains rise above this town in Italy. The Dolomites is perfect for mountain lovers that are looking to travel out of the United States and experience Europe in a unique fashion. This valley is surrounded by impressively high peaks. Everywhere you turn in this area you will find a backdrop from your elopement that will not disappoint. You can spend the day hiking up to Lake Sorapis, an intensely turquoise alpine lake, then relax in the evening at one of the popular bars in town. An absolute summer dream only a two hour drive from Venice.

8. Switzerland of America

Location: Ouray, Colorado

Best Time: June or Late September

Weather: 60°s

Features: Mountains, wildflowers, and fall foliage

The mountain town of Ouray, Colorado is referred to as the Switzerland of America, because of the natural rock amphitheater of the San Juan Mountains that surround it. I dare you to Google-search Ouray and not fall in love. This area has everything to offer for your elopement day: hot springs, waterfalls, hiking, 4×4 trails, skiing, & general amazement at how freaking beautiful it is. Visit in late spring to catch the color parade of alpine flowers or during mid fall to peep the aspens turning gold. This area is unlike anywhere else in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and has something for every level of adventurer!

10. Bond Falls 

Location: Haight Township, MI

Best Time: Late September

Weather: 70°s

Features: Waterfalls, forest, and fall foliage

Compared to the 8,858 ft wide Iguazu Falls, the 100ft wide Bond Falls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula seems very modest — however, it’s magical in its own right. This waterfall cascades down volcanic rock into a dense forest. Although spring is a great time to see these falls flowing high, the autumn foliage simply cannot be beat. The leaf peeping here is out of this world! This is a great location for couples looking for privacy, accessibility, and lush forests. Imagine unwinding in a cozy cabin with some warm cider —  the perfect way to end a fall elopement day.

Okay WOW. I know – I put this list together, but still!! What a wide and wild world to live in! You are lucky enough to have countless show stopping places to choose from when it comes to planning an adventure elopement and this list only scratches the surface. Do you feel like you’re any closer to answering, “Where is the best place for YOU to elope?” If you’re feeling inspired and want to talk logistics or feel even more torn on where’s the right place and need some guidance – I’m here for you! 2022 is already starting to sneak up on us, so let’s get planning for the perfect elopement now! I cannot wait to capture the beginning of the wildest adventure of your life together.

Please note that not all images in this post are mine; however, I have the permission to use them for the informational purposes of this blog.