Top 15 Mountain Elopement Locations

Are you equally obsessed with mountains? The way you feel so small and humbled when standing in their magnificent presence. The cool, crisp mountain air that fills your lungs. The shear beauty of standing on the edge of an epic mountain peak after hiking to the top and experiencing a world class view. There’s no landscape in the world that makes you feel more alive. Then you are in the right place! We both are equally obsessed with experiencing a mountain elopement!

I’ve put together a list of the 15 best mountain elopement locations for you in the world. Whether you want to stay in the US or explore internationally, these are the places you must consider if you want an exciting mountain elopement.

Table of Contents

• North Cascades
• Mt. Rainier
• San Juan Mountains
• Glacier National Park
• The Tetons
• Crested Butte
• Alaska
• Medicine Bow
• Sierra Nevadas
• Switzerland
• Dolomites
• New Zealand
• Patagonia
• Scotland
• Iceland

How to Plan a mountain elopement

Before I get into the best mountain elopement locations, let’s quickly talk about the best steps to plan your mountain elopement.

Steps to Plan Your Mountain Elopement

1. Envision your elopement experience: I want you to imagine what your perfect day looks like. Are you hiking a harder trail to get to an epic location? Do you want a mountain location with access to more restaurants, hotels, and other amenities? Are you wanting to experience a US state or country you’ve never been to before? Having some direction for you perfect day will help!
2. Find your mountain elopement photographer (that’s me!): Seriously this should be done right away once you have a general idea for your dream elopement day. You don’t need to have a specific location or even a date chosen yet. I help you find that perfect spot and guide you for the perfect time to elope with my expertise and knowledge.
3. Decide on the perfect location: I’ll take the time to hear about your dream day and everything you want to experience. I’ll put together a completely customize in depth list of locations for you. Together we will choose which locations excite you and include them in your day.
4. Choose your date: Then we can narrow down your date for the perfect time to elope in your chosen location.
5. Apply for permits: Depending on the location of your elopement, we might need permits to make it legal. Don’t worry though, I’ll help you get everything we need.
6. Book your trip: Yay it’s becoming official! You get to book your trip. I’ll help you as much as you need in finding the perfect place to stay and other legalities especially if it’s overseas.
7. Get your marriage license: If you’re legally getting married on your elopement then we must be sure to apply for your marriage license and pick it up at the correct location so we can make it all legal.
8. Have the most incredible mountain elopement experience!: The day or days are here! We get to run around in the mountains and live the elopement experience you’ve been dreaming of!

Here are all of my favorite mountain elopement locations in the world for you to consider:

1. North Cascades

If you’re looking for a true mountain adventure than look no further than the North Cascades located in Washington. The mountain peaks here are some of the most iconic mountains you’ll find in the US. The hikes will take your breath away with so many incredible views. It’s home to some of the most pristine alpine lakes, waterfalls, and hikes.

The best part is it’s one of the lesser visited national parks. That means you’ll have less crowds around on your elopement. If you’re truly looking to have a mountain adventure for your elopement and go on some epic hikes, then you need to consider North Cascades National Park for your mountain elopement!

2. Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier is perhaps one of the most iconic peaks in all of the US. Located near Seattle, Washington, Mt. Rainier is the perfect location for couples looking for a mountain elopement adventure that’s easily accessible. The park has endless amounts of trails for you to explore. Whether you want a much simpler hike or you are looking for an off the beaten path trail, there’s something for everyone.

Mt. Rainier has some of the most pristine alpine lakes, forests, and a fire tower that you can explore. There’s a reason Mt. Rainier National Park is highly visited and is so iconic. If you’re a couple looking for a mountain elopement with long hikes or easily accessible then you’ll love Mt. Rainier.

3. San Juan Mountains

The San Juan Moutains offer some of the most breathtaking and rugged landscapes in the US. If you’re looking for an off the beaten path experience with alpine lakes and wildflowers that will leave you in awe, then this is it. The San Juans have some of the most beautiful hikes in the US. It’s the perfect place to explore with your partner as you commit yourselves to one another.

Imagine saying “I do” in a field of wildflowers with majestic mountain peaks as your backdrop! Ummm YES PLEASE!!! The San Juan Mountains are located in southwestern Colorado, the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts! Let’s start planning your epic mountain elopement!

4. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a mountain lovers paradise. You can drive The Going to The Sun Road and experience epic mountain views the whole way if you don’t like hiking. It also offers more rugged mountain hikes for those looking for more adventure. Either way you are guaranteed to have some of the best mountain views you will ever find.

The wildlife in the park is also incredible and the wildflower blooms here are breathtaking. There’s a reason this is the most popular national park in the US. That also comes with a price tag. You are more likely to have more crowds for your elopement and see other couples eloping in the park. However if that doesn’t bother you than definitely go for it. There’s so much to experience in the park for your day!

5. The Tetons

Grand Teton National Park honestly feels like the wild west. Bison, elk, moose, foxes, horses, and more can all be found within the park. Mormon Row features two rustic barns with the Tetons as their backdrop. These are quite arguably some of the most iconic peaks in the world. Whether you’re looking to tackle a mountain hike up to one of the many alpine lakes in the park or find a beautiful location in the valley, your mountain elopement will be breathtaking here.

Jackson Hole is also located close to the park and offers tons of restaurant, hotel, wineries, and more to include into your elopement for a more elevated experience. Horseback riding is also widely offered in the park along with white water rafting and more. This is the perfect place for the outdoor lovers and couples who love the idea of having more amenities nearby.

6. Crested Butte

Crested Butte is known as the wildflower capital of the US. It’s one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado. From off roading along mountain passes, alpine lakes, epic mountain hikes, and more, Crested Butte is paradise for outdoorsy couples dreaming of an adventurous elopement. The mountains have been deemed the Swiss Alps of the US as well.

With its small town charm you won’t have the crowds like you get in popular locations like Aspen. But don’t let that fool you as Crested Butte is hands down one of the most breathtaking mountain locations in all of Colorado.

7. Alaska

Alaska is known to be the last frontier. It’s wild, rugged, and full of epic mountain locations. From Denali National Park to Hatcher’s Pass, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to take a helicopter to mountain peaks and glaciers, stroll through the meadows, or adventure on an epic mountain hike Alaska won’t disappoint.

Aside from the mountains in Alaska, you can explore beautiful glaciers that will make for an unforgettable elopement experience and incredible photos.

8. Medicine Bow National Forest

Do you love rugged mountain terrains in a place that’s less crowded? Medicine Bow National Forest is home to some of the most breathtaking alpine lakes and mountain peaks in Wyoming. The wildflower bloom is gorgeous as well. This location is further away from towns and is definitely for couples seeking an off the beaten path experience and wanting to completely be immersed in nature. See for yourself why I included this lesser known location into my top list.

9. Sierra Nevadas

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are California’s crown jewel. The mountain range spans a large part of the state including Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is easily one of the most incredible national parks in the US. The sunrises and sunsets just hit different here. It’s an incredible place for an adventure elopement. The only downside is you must expect crowds with how popular the park is.

However the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range spans much further than Yosemite and there’s so many wilderness areas to explore. You’ll find some of the most jaw dropping alpine lakes and rugged mountain peaks in these backcountry locations. This is the perfect elopement experience for couple’s wanting to immerse themselves in nature.

10. Switzerland

Arguably home to the most beautiful mountains and alpine lakes in the entire world. Switzerland’s mountain ranges will leave you day dreaming about them for the rest of your lives (I’m not joking they are that incredible). The turquoise blue waters of the Swiss alps lakes will leave you speechless. There’s an endless amount of hikes to choose from here.

Switzerland is also well known for its mountain huts. Which makes it even more perfect for couples wanting to spend extra time in the mountains on their elopement to capture both sunrise and sunset. Stay in a cozy mountain hut where you can have a hot meal and warm bed close to your sunrise location. It’s the perfect experience! There’s so many stunning hikes to choose from in Switzerland and I can help you find that perfect location.

11. The Dolomites

Are you dreaming of eloping to one of the most romantic places on earth? The Italian Dolomites are just that! Sweeping green valleys, turquoise blue alpine lakes, and the most grand and dramatic mountain peaks you will find. The Dolomites are perfect for couples that want to explore scenic mountains and also have access to a variety of amenities like restaurants, hotels, gondolas, and more.

The Dolomites are a very popular location in the summer months so expect to have people around unless your up early for sunrise and out late for sunset. However don’t let that scare you away because this place is truly paradise for you romantic lovers who are seeking adventure.

12. New Zealand

New Zealand’s southern alps will leave you forever in awe. The raw and rugged beauty that can be seen throughout New Zealand’s mountain ranges is hard to describe. It’s something you have to truly experience and see in person to fully understand just how magnificent it truly is. From Mt. Cook National Park, Tongariro National Park, Milford Sound, and many more locations, New Zealand offers so many incredible locations to explore.

You can find anything in New Zealand from an off the beaten path experience, to iconic locations, or places like Queenstown that offer tons of luxurious amenities. New Zealand is a nature lovers paradise and truly one of the most romantic places on earth. From the moment you first experience New Zealand, trust me when I say, you will forever be in love with this country!

Pro tip: New Zealand has opposite seasons as the US. New Zealand’s summer is December-February. Which makes it the perfect place to explore during the US winters.

13. Patagonia

Patagonia needs no introduction. These famous mountain peaks are the logo from one of the most well known adventure brands. Patagonia is made up from two different countries, Chile and Argentina. The famous locations here include Torres Del Paine (Chile), Tierra Del Fuego (Argentina), and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina). You won’t find more iconic peaks in the world then Patagonia. The parks have some of the world’s most breathtaking views.

The weather can be wild and dramatic as well. Which is why the landscape is so epic. This is the ultimate adventure lovers paradise. You will be dreaming of this place for the rest of your life.

Pro tip: Patagonia’s summer is December through February which makes it the perfect time to escape the US for a summer mountain elopement.

14. Scotland

You may be thinking Scotland for mountains? But let me tell you Scotland’s Highlands are some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. From the Isle of Skye, Glencoe, Torridon, and more, Scotland won’t disappoint. Whether you want to hike to famous locations like Old Man of Storr or hike deep into one of the many mountain locations, Scotland will constantly have you in awe.

The weather can be quite dramatic and unpredictable here so make sure to fully embrace the experience. Scotland’s moody weather has directly impacted why this country is so incredible. That same moody weather will also make for elopement photos that will be incredibly unique and begging to be hung all over your walls.

15. Iceland

No list would be finished without Iceland. Iceland has some of the most dramatic landscapes in the entire world. From mountains rising out of black dune beaches like above, to epic glacier experiences, breathtaking waterfalls, and off roading into the highlands, Iceland is a nature lovers paradise. There’s so many locations to visit that will leave you speechless.

The weather can be extremely dramatic as well which can make for once in a lifetime photo and life experiences. There’s so much jam packed into this small country that you will be busy from sunrise to sunset exploring everyday. The lupine blooms are world class in the summer. Another unique feature of Iceland is their summer solstice. The sun never fully sets in late June and you can experience golden hour for multiple hours during the night!

How incredible does that sound!

Which location speaks to you?

Every mountain location on this list offers something completely unique. Each location will give you a different experience and different backdrop. However one thing is guaranteed, you are going to have the most EPIC mountain elopement experience! You will be oohhhing and aahhhing over your photos every time you stop to look at them hanging on your walls or flipping through your album.

You don’t need to have a specific location picked out or a date to start planning your elopement. I can help you narrow down the options and finalize the perfect location. Be sure to fill out my contact form below or send me an inquiry here.

Meet Your Mountain Elopement Photographer

Hey friends I’m Marcus, your expert mountain elopement photographer. I’ve traveled all over the world hiking and exploring the mountains. I’m a little obsessed like you! There’s no place in the world that gets me more excited and makes me feel more alive than the mountains! Finding epic mountain hikes with million dollar views or breathtaking alpine lakes is my passion. I’ve helped many couples plan their dream elopement and I want to do the same for you.

Are you ready to have the mountain elopement of your dreams?

If you’re ready for an epic and unforgettable mountain elopement experience then fill out my contact form below or send me an inquiry here.

Want to read more blogs? Check these out: How to Elope in New Zealand, How to Elope in Iceland, How to Elope in Scotland, How to Elope in Yosemite National Park, and How to Elope in Glacier National Park