How to Decide Where to Elope

One of the first questions we get from couples is: "Where should we elope?"

And honestly? There's no wrong answer. But there is a right answer for you and it usually comes down to a few things that have nothing to do with what looks best on Instagram.

Here's how we'd walk you through it.

Start With What Matters to You.  Not What Looks Good

It's easy to fall down a Pinterest rabbit hole and suddenly feel like you need to elope in the Dolomites because every other photo you've seen was taken there. And look, the Dolomites are incredible. We've photographed there. But the best elopement locations aren't the most popular ones,  they're the ones that actually mean something to you.

Ask yourselves a few questions:

• Is there a place you've traveled together that changed things for you?

• Do you want mountains, desert, forest, water or some combination?

• Are you chasing a specific feeling? Quiet and intimate? Grand and wild?

• Is there somewhere you've always said, "We need to go there"?

Sometimes the answer is a national park you've been dreaming about. Sometimes it's the trail where you had your first backpacking trip together. Both are equally valid.

Be Honest About Your Comfort Level

This is a big one, and it's worth being real about it.

Not every couple wants to hike five miles in their wedding clothes, and that's completely fine. Some of the most meaningful elopements we've been part of happened at a simple overlook with a short walk from the car, or an international experience in Chile (Patagonia),

Think about:

• How far are you willing to hike? A 20-minute trail and a 6-hour summit are very different days.

• How's your fitness level? No judgment here, just good planning.

• What's the terrain like? Scrambling over rocks in a wedding dress is doable, but you should know what you're getting into.

• Are you comfortable in remote areas? Some locations have no cell service, no restrooms, and no one else around for miles. For some couples, that's the dream. For others, it's stressful.

We always help our couples find the sweet spot between adventure and comfort. The goal is for you to feel present and relaxed, not exhausted or anxious.

Think About the Season

Where you elope and when you elope are connected. A location that's stunning in July might be completely inaccessible in October    or vice versa.

A few things to consider:

• Mountain locations like the Tetons or Colorado's high passes often have short windows. Snow can linger into June and return by September. Wildflower season is incredible but brief.

• Desert locations in Utah are best in spring and fall. Summer heat makes midday elopements tough.

• The Dolomites are gorgeous from late June through September, but shoulder seasons are quieter and still beautiful.

• Patagonia

• Montana offers long summer days with golden light that lasts forever    but fall colors are hard to beat.

If you have a specific date in mind, that might narrow your location. If you're flexible on dates, you can pick the place first and plan around the best time to be there.

Consider Who's Coming

Eloping doesn't always mean just the two of you. Some couples bring their parents, a few close friends, or their dog. (We love dogs)

The guest list affects the location in a few practical ways:

• Accessibility matters. If your mom is joining and she's not a hiker, you'll want somewhere she can comfortably get to.

• Permits and group size. Some locations require permits for groups over a certain size, and some don't allow gatherings at all.

• Logistics. More people means more coordination, lodging, travel, and timing. It's all doable, but it's worth thinking through early.

We help with all of this, by the way. It's part of what we do.

Know What You Want Your Day to Feel Like

This might be the most important piece. Close your eyes for a second and picture your elopement day    not the photos, not the outfit, just the feeling.

• Do you want to feel like you're the only two people in the world?

• Do you want to be surrounded by towering peaks that make you feel small in the best way?

• Do you want to wake up in a cozy cabin, get ready slowly, and walk outside to say your vows?

• Do you want an all-day adventure, sunrise hike, vows at the top, then dinner in town?

The feeling you're after will point you toward the right place. We've seen it happen over and over. When couples lead with how they want to feel, the location almost picks itself.

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

This is literally what we do. We've scouted locations across the Tetons, Utah, Montana, Colorado, the Dolomites, and more. We know which spots are worth the hike, which ones are overrun with tourists at certain times, and which hidden gems most people don't know about.

When you work with us, we'll send you a custom location guide based on where you're leaning. It includes specific spots, sample timelines, and everything you need to feel confident about your choice.

So if you're stuck between three places, or you have no idea where to start, reach out. We'll help you sort through it.

A Few of Our Favorite Elopement Locations

Just to give you some ideas:

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming    Dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and that iconic Teton skyline. It's one of our home bases and we know it inside and out.

Moab + Southern Utah    Red rock, wide open space, and some of the most unique landscapes in the country. Great for couples who want something different.

Glacier National Park, Montana    Remote, wild, and absolutely massive. If you want to feel like you're at the edge of the world, this is it.

The Dolomites, Italy    Sharp peaks, green valleys, and a sense of adventure that's hard to match. Perfect if you want to turn your elopement into a trip.

Colorado's San Juan Mountains    Less crowded than the Front Range, with incredible fall color and alpine meadows.

The Bottom Line

The best elopement location is the one that feels right for you. Not the one with the most likes. Not the one your friend did. The one that makes you both say, "Yeah. That's the place."

And once you know the place, we'll help you make it happen.