The term ‘elopement’ has changed its definition over time, but essentially means, ‘a small destination wedding.’ More accurately, the term includes a couple conducting a small wedding ceremony without the headaches and overheads of a traditional wedding, usually in an undisclosed location.

Recent statistics have indicated the rising interest in elopements and in this article we will cover 10 of the most picturesque national parks, regularly chosen as elopement destinations.

For more information, please start with our other guides:

• How to Become an Elopement Photographer
• How to Plan the Perfect Elopement, According to an Elopement Photographer
• Elopement Photographer Pricing: The Complete Guide

Yosemite National Park, California

If you’re aims are awe-inspiring views and unforgettable landscapes, then you can’t do better than Yosemite National Park. From the endless granite cliff faces, waterfall and ancient forests, the park has endless possibilities for a small wedding ceremony and elopement location.

Some of the more standout features in the park include the dramatic cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan, along with the scenic backdrop of Bridalveil Fall. One spot that is commonly used for elopement ceremonies is Tunnel View, which provides one of the best backdrops to the previously mentioned landmarks. Yosemite Valley is also a go to point, which offers views of rolling meadows, surrounded by huge granite cliff faces.

The added benefits of Yosemite are the wealth of activities available. There are many hiking routes for all fitness levels, along with horseback riding and rock climbing for the more adventurous. As scenic locations go, it’s hard to find a better backdrop for your wedding photos!

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is not only one of the most famous landmarks in the world, but also ideal as an elopement location, offering stunning views. One ideal location in the park for an elopement wedding is South Rim, which offers stunning views of the whole Canyon. With so much space to choose from, you’re literally spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic viewpoints. Within South Rim, there are common elopement spots including Bright Angel Point, Mather Point, and Yavapai Point.

Many elopement couples opt for an extended vacation in the area. This means that you can take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer such as River rafting, mule rides, and hiking. Nature lovers will love this area of the world, not only for its beautiful, natural scenery, but also for the many intimate settings on offer.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

For those who prefer wilder views of the outback, you can’t go wrong with the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. The main draws here are the breathtaking peaks, range of wildlife, rugged terrain and alpine lakes.

There are plenty of secluded elopement spots throughout the park, such as Trail Ridge Road, providing fantastic mountain view points. There’s also plenty of opportunity to take in the views of local wildlife in areas such as the Alpine Ridge Trail. This area provides rugged viewpoints of the alpine tundra and surrounding mountainous peaks.

As with the other national parks, there’s plenty of opportunity for outdoor pursuits such as hiking through the mountain trails.

Summer and fall are the busiest times at the park, but if you want to avoid the crowds and have a wintry backdrop, then November through to April are ideal months to plan a visit.

Zion National Park, Utah

The Zion National Park is known for its steep falling red cliffs, forest trails, and stunning waterfalls. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive leads to the main forest trails, with plenty of opportunity to explore this wild landscape.

One popular spot for elopement ceremonies is Angels Landing, which offers a great backdrop to the surrounding valleys and overhanging cliffs. For those who want a more intimate setting, the Watchman Trail and The Narrows are common spots for elopement ceremonies. Both locations are ideal for those who want a natural setting with unique views.

Acadia National Park, Maine

For those who prefer a more coastal destination, Acadia National Park, Maine offers a rugged coastline next to large pine forests and rocky beaches. Depending on the time of year, there is opportunity to sightsee the varied wildlife such as bears, moose, and visiting whales.

As far as ideal elopements spots go, there are many to choose from such as Jordan Pond, which is surrounded by picturesque pine forests and mountain scenery. If you prefer a more elevated location, then check out Cadillac Mountain, the eastern seaboard’s highest peak. From this point you will easily see the full expanse of the Atlantic Ocean and some of the accompanying islands around the area. Sand Beach has a coastal setting, with secluded areas for an intimate ceremony.

Glacier National Park, Montana

If huge rocky mountains, alpine meadows, and mirror-like lakes are your thing, then Glacier National Park could be your ideal elopement destination. The park reaches up to the Canadian border, and is probably the nearest we will get to seeing a glacial landscape year-round.

While there are plenty of highlight spots on offer, the Highline Trail is a popular destination for an elopement, providing panoramic viewpoints. Grinnell Glacier Trail is also a common spot to shortlist, along with the Hidden Lake Overlook if you need a more intimate setting.

Guided horseback tours or boat trips are available before and after the ceremony. With plenty more opportunities to take in the lovely scenery and wildlife, along with taking part in various outdoor activities.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Yellowstone National Park has something for everybody at all times of the year. Not only is the park a haven for many species of wildlife, but it also provides its most famous features in the form of geothermal geysers. Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin are great locations, as is the Grand Prismatic Spring, the biggest hot spring in the US.

As a common destination for elopements, there’s plenty of help at hand from Park Rangers, who are happy to help you plan your special day.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

For those wanting a more sunny destination, Joshua Tree National Park offers desert landscapes, with flora and fauna including cacti and its name included Joshua trees. The desert landscapes look great in the daytime, and equally amazing at night, providing a clear, star covered sky.

Views include the Colorado and Mojave desert, along with the Coachella Valley, with plenty of opportunity to hike the trails.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

If you are looking for a unique backdrop and landscape, Bryce Canyon National Park provides otherworldly red, rocky backdrops and old world trails. Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point are commonly chosen for elopement spots, with the summer months being ideal times to visit.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Rolling landscapes leading to vast mountain ranges are the takeaway features from the Grand Teton National Park. The park covers 485 square miles, and will fit the needs of those who want a more wild and get away from it all elopement experience.

The Teton Range is a commonly visited, back to basics landscape, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.