Where to Elope in 2026: 10 Dream Locations Worth Planning Ahead
A location-driven guide for couples planning intentional, experience-focused elopements in 2026 and beyond
Planning an elopement in 2026 means you’re already thinking intentionally — about your experience, your location, and how you want the day to feel. More couples are choosing to elope earlier in the planning process, and as a result, the best places to elope in 2026 are booking sooner than ever. Permits, lodging, and experienced elopement vendors are no longer last-minute decisions; they’re part of a thoughtful, well-paced plan.
This guide is designed to help you navigate where to elope in 2026 with clarity and confidence. Drawing from real travel experience, photographed locations, and bucket-list destinations that consistently offer meaningful elopement experiences, you’ll find a curated list of places that balance beauty, accessibility, and intentional planning. Whether you’re considering a national park, an international destination, or something a little more off the radar, this resource will help you understand what makes specific locations stand out — and why planning early matters.
If you’re looking for practical guidance, realistic expectations, and insight into the best places to elope in 2026, you’re in the right place. Use this guide as a starting point, then take your time exploring what aligns most with you and the experience you want to create.
Index
- Let’s Start Planning Your 2026 Elopement
- Why 2026 Is the Year to Plan Your Elopement
- What Makes a Location One of the Best Places to Elope in 2026
- Big Sur, California
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- The Dolomites, Italy
- Southern Utah Desert (Zion, Capitol Reef, Moab)
- Mallorca, Spain
- The Scottish Highlands
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Patagonia (Chile & Argentina)
- Iceland’s South Coast
- How to Choose the Right Elopement Location for You
- Planning Ahead: Why 2026 Dates Are Booking Early
Why 2026 Is a Key Year for Elopement Planning
If you’re recently engaged or thinking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for intentional weddings and elopements. Couples are prioritizing meaningful experiences, flexible timelines, and locations that feel personal rather than performative. With that shift comes one crucial reality: the best places to elope in 2026 are already seeing increased demand.
Permits, accommodations, seasonal access, and experienced elopement vendors are booking earlier than ever — especially for destination elopements and national parks. Planning gives you more flexibility, fewer compromises, and the ability to build an elopement experience that actually feels like you.
What Makes the Best Places to Elope in 2026 Stand Out
When we talk about the best places to elope in 2026, we’re not just talking about pretty views. These locations stand out because they offer:
- Accessibility with intention (not just convenience)
- Seasonal flexibility and diverse landscapes
- Permit systems that support small, respectful ceremonies
- Strong infrastructure for travel-based elopements
- A balance of iconic scenery and quieter, lesser-known options
Below are 10 dream locations — a mix of places I’ve personally traveled and photographed, along with bucket-list destinations that consistently offer incredible elopement experiences.
1. Big Sur, California
Big Sur remains one of the most iconic elopement destinations in the U.S., and for good reason. Dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, foggy coastlines, and ocean views all within a short distance make it incredibly versatile.
For 2026, Big Sur remains ideal for couples wanting a scenic elopement without committing to extensive hiking or international travel. Sunrise weekday ceremonies are especially valuable here due to permit limitations and visitor traffic.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026: Year-round accessibility, varied landscapes, and easy pairing with a California coast road trip.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier is a standout for couples drawn to alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and true wilderness energy. While the season is shorter, the payoff is unmatched.
With permit requirements and limited summer access, Glacier is a location where early planning is essential, making it a strong contender for couples planning for 2026.
Learn more about park regulations directly from the National Park Service here.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026: Epic scenery, structured permit systems, and unmatched mountain views.
3. The Dolomites, Italy
For couples considering an international elopement, the Dolomites offer dramatic limestone peaks, alpine meadows, and charming mountain towns. It’s ideal for multi-day elopements that blend hiking, fine food, and slow travel.
Planning for 2026 allows time to navigate legal requirements or opt for a symbolic ceremony paired with intentional travel.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026: European elegance meets adventure, with strong infrastructure for destination elopements.
4. Southern Utah Desert (Zion, Capitol Reef, Moab)
Southern Utah offers some of the most diverse desert landscapes in the U.S. — towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, mesas, and wide-open skies.
This region works exceptionally well for couples seeking warmer-weather options, accessible trails, and the ability to move between locations over multiple days.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026:
High visual impact, flexible ceremony options, and incredible light year-round.
5. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is quickly becoming a favorite for couples seeking a Mediterranean elopement without the crowds of mainland Europe. From coastal cliffs to mountain villages, it offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
For 2026, Mallorca stands out as a location that balances accessibility, beauty, and intimacy — especially in shoulder seasons.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026: Coastlines, culture, and privacy with strong international travel access.
6. The Scottish Highlands
Moody, expansive, and deeply atmospheric, the Scottish Highlands are perfect for couples who want their elopement to feel grounded and elemental.
Scotland’s flexible ceremony laws make it one of the easiest international destinations for legal elopements — a considerable advantage when planning ahead.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026: Legal flexibility, dramatic landscapes, and minimal guest expectations.
7. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic offers rainforests, mountains, waterfalls, and rugged coastline — all within one park. It’s ideal for couples who want variety without extensive travel.
Because access and weather vary widely, working with an experienced planner-photographer is especially helpful here.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026: Multiple ecosystems, accessible adventure, and strong permit systems.
8. Patagonia (Chile & Argentina)
For couples dreaming big, Patagonia is the definition of an adventure elopement. Think towering peaks, glaciers, wind-swept plains, and truly remote experiences.
Planning for 2026 allows time for logistics, travel planning, and weather strategy — all essential for this region.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026: Unmatched scale, intentional travel, and once-in-a-lifetime scenery.
9. Iceland’s South Coast
Iceland continues to attract couples who want cinematic landscapes with relatively simple travel logistics. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and volcanic terrain make it endlessly varied.
Eloping here in 2026 benefits from early accommodation planning and thoughtful timing to avoid peak tourism.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026: High-impact scenery with strong infrastructure for elopements.
10. New Mexico (Mountains, Desert, and Everything Between)
Often overlooked, New Mexico offers quiet beauty, dramatic landscapes, and fewer permit restrictions than many western states. From alpine forests to desert mesas, it’s ideal for couples seeking something different without going entirely off-grid.
Why it’s one of the best places to elope in 2026: Lower crowds, flexible planning, and deeply meaningful landscapes.
How to Choose the Right Elopement Location for You
The best places to elope in 2026 aren’t about trends — they’re about alignment. Consider:
- How you want the day to feel (quiet, adventurous, slow, bold)
- Your comfort with travel and logistics
- Seasonal preferences
- Permit timelines and guest considerations
A well-planned elopement should feel supportive, not stressful — and location plays a massive role in that.
Eloping in 2026: Why the Best Elopement Locations Are Booking Early
More couples are choosing weekday ceremonies, multi-day experiences, and destination elopements. That means photographers, planners, lodging, and permits are filling earlier than they used to.
If you’re considering any of the best places to elope in 2026, starting the planning process now gives you:
- Better date flexibility
- More location options
- Access to experienced vendors
- A calmer, more intentional experience overall
Let’s Start Planning Your 2026 Elopement
If you’re dreaming about one of these locations — or still exploring what feels right — I’d love to help you plan an elopement that feels grounded, intentional, and deeply personal.
From location scouting and permits to photography and timeline planning, I work with couples who want more than just beautiful photos — they want an experience that feels true to them.
Some of the images featured in this blog are not my own, but I have proper permission to use them here.
