Your Complete Guide to Finding the Elopement Location of Your Dreams
If you’re here, that means you’ve made one of the most exciting decisions of your life – you’re eloping! Congratulations!! Whether you’ve always dreamed of an intimate ceremony just the two of you, or you simply want to celebrate your love without the stress of a big traditional wedding, eloping is one of the most beautiful and meaningful ways to say “I do.”
But here’s the thing: one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your elopement is choosing your location. And with so many gorgeous options out there, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. Don’t worry though! That’s exactly why I’m here. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to think about when choosing the perfect elopement location, so you can feel confident and excited, not stressed, as you plan your dream day.
So grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive in!
Why Your Elopement Location Matters So Much
Your location sets the entire tone for your wedding day. It influences your photos, your experience, your timeline, your vendors, and most importantly – how your day feels. The artwork that will hang on your walls, the album you’ll flip through for decades to come, the memories you’ll carry with you for the rest of your lives – all of it will be shaped by where you choose to say “I do.”
So while it might be tempting to just pick somewhere that looks pretty on Pinterest, I always encourage my couples to go deeper than that. The best elopement locations are the ones that feel meaningful, intentional, and true to you as a couple. That’s what creates images, and memories that are truly timeless.
Step 1 – Start With a Brainstorm
Before you start researching specific locations, sit down together and dream a little! This is one of my favorite parts of the planning process, and it’s so important to do before you fall in love with a specific spot. Here are a few questions to get the discussion started:
What does your dream elopement day look like?
Close your eyes and picture it. Where are you? What does the scenery look like? What time of day is it? How does it feel?
Is there a place that is meaningful to both of you?
Maybe it’s where you had your first date, a city you’ve always dreamed of visiting together, or a landscape that speaks to both of your souls. A location with personal significance will always add an extra layer of meaning to your day.
What kind of environment excites you both?
Are you outdoor adventurers who love hiking and wide open spaces? Are you drawn to the romance of historic architecture and gardens? Do you love the energy of a city, or do you crave total peace and quiet in nature? There are no wrong answers here – just honest ones!
Step 2 – Choose Your Type of Scenery
Once you’ve brainstormed together, it’s time to narrow down the type of scenery you want for your elopement. This is one of the most important factors, because your backdrop will set the tone for your entire day and for your wedding photography. Think about what you want to see on your walls and in your album for years to come!
Here are some of the most popular elopement scenery types to consider:
Mountains & Overlooks – If you enjoy breathtaking scenery, clean mountain air, and feeling like you’re on top of the world, a mountain elopement may be calling your name. The Southeast is home to some absolutely stunning mountain scenery, from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the peaks of North Georgia and Tennessee. Golden hour on a mountain overlook is one of the most breathtaking things I’ve ever had the privilege of photographing.
Gardens & Historic Estates – Do you dream of timeless elegance, romance, and Southern charm? Then a garden or historic estate elopement will be absolutely magical. There is something so special about exchanging vows surrounded by manicured gardens, cascading fountains, and beautiful architecture. These locations tend to be especially stunning for photography, offering gorgeous light, texture, and detail at every turn.
Forests & Waterfalls – If you enjoy being immersed in nature, a lush forest or waterfall setting may be just what you’re looking for. The sound of rushing water, the filtered golden light through the trees, the feeling of true seclusion – it creates such an intimate and romantic atmosphere for an elopement.
Lakesides & Rivers – Calm water, soft reflections, and peaceful scenery make lakeside and riverside elopements truly beautiful. Whether it’s a sunrise ceremony on a still lake or a golden hour celebration along a winding river, the water adds such a gorgeous and serene element to your day.
Historic Downtowns & Urban Settings – For the couple who loves architecture, character, and a little city energy, a downtown elopement in a city with beautiful historic bones can be absolutely stunning. Think cobblestone streets, grand staircases, stunning facades, and all the warmth and charm of Southern cities like Atlanta, Augusta, or Savannah.
Step 3 – Consider These Important Practical Factors
Once you have a feel for the type of scenery you love, it’s time to get a little more practical. These factors will help you narrow your list down even further and ensure your chosen location actually works for your specific day!
Indoors or Outdoors?
Do you want an outdoor elopement, an indoor ceremony, or a private venue that offers both? Outdoor elopements are stunning but require a weather backup plan. If you’re set on being outdoors, I always recommend having a flexible mindset and a photographer who is willing to pivot and make the most of whatever the day brings. Rain can actually create some of the most beautiful and memorable images!
Ease of Access
Think about how accessible your location needs to be. Are you and your guests (if you’re including any) able to hike a mile or two to reach a stunning overlook? Or do you need something that is easy to access for everyone involved? This is especially important if elderly family members or friends will be joining you for the ceremony.
Privacy
How much privacy matters to you? Some popular locations – especially parks and public spaces – can be quite busy, particularly on weekends and during peak seasons like spring and fall. If total privacy and seclusion is important to you, a private venue, a weekday ceremony, or a lesser-known location might be a much better fit. I always love helping my couples find those hidden gem spots that feel completely their own!
Guest Count
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t include a small handful of your favorite people! However, your guest count will influence which locations are available to you. Some locations limit the number of guests allowed for elopements – so it’s important to factor this in early when narrowing down your options. Are you envisioning just the two of you, the officiant, and your photographer? Or are you including a small circle of close family and friends?
Weather & Season
The time of year you plan to elope has a big impact on which locations will look and feel their best. Think about the climate of the region you’re considering and whether it aligns with your ideal elopement atmosphere. In the Southeast, spring and fall are generally the most beautiful and comfortable seasons for outdoor elopements – mild temperatures, gorgeous scenery, and stunning light. Summer can be very warm and humid in many parts of the South, so if you’re planning a summer elopement, I’d strongly recommend scheduling your ceremony for early morning or golden hour in the evening.
Also be mindful of the specific quirks of your chosen location. Does it receive a lot of rain during certain months? Is it particularly crowded during peak tourist seasons? A little research goes a long way!
Permits & Requirements
This one is so important and so easy to overlook! Many beautiful elopement locations – including state parks, national parks, historic sites, and private venues – require permits, reservation fees, or advance booking for wedding ceremonies. Some locations have specific rules about what you can bring in (flowers, arbors, confetti, etc.) and how many guests are allowed. I always recommend researching the specific requirements for your chosen location well in advance and reaching out directly to confirm. The last thing you want is a surprise on your wedding day!
Step 4 – Think About Your Photography
As your elopement photographer, I want to gently remind you of something that I feel very strongly about: your location will have a significant impact on your wedding photography, and your wedding photographs are what you will have long after your elopement day is over. They are the artwork that will hang on your walls, the album you will share with your children and grandchildren, and the memories that will stay with you for the rest of your lives.
So when choosing your location, think about what you want in those images! What kind of light, color, and scenery do you want to see in your photographs? What backdrop makes your heart sing when you imagine it?
Light is one of the most important factors I consider when helping my couples plan their elopement timeline. The time of day you schedule your ceremony will significantly affect the quality and feel of your images. Golden hour – the hour or so before sunset – is my absolute favorite time to photograph elopements. The light is warm, soft, and absolutely dreamy. I always love being part of the timeline conversation so I can help guide my couples toward the most beautiful light possible!
Step 5 – Trust Your Gut (and Your Photographer!)
At the end of the day, the best elopement location is the one that feels right for you. Not the one that is the most popular, not the one that looks the best on social media, and not the one that someone else told you was the “right” choice. The best location is the one that makes your heart feel full when you imagine yourself there – the one that speaks to who you are as a couple.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, that’s completely normal! Choosing a location is a big decision, and it’s okay to need a little guidance. That’s exactly what I’m here for. As your photographer, I love helping my couples navigate the location decision and find a spot that is perfectly tailored to their vision, their personalities, and their love story. Don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to help you brainstorm!
A Few Final Things to Keep in Mind
Start early.
Popular elopement locations, especially private venues and parks with limited permit availability, can book up quickly, particularly during peak seasons. I’d recommend beginning your location research as early as possible so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Be flexible.
Sometimes the most magical elopement moments happen when things don’t go exactly according to plan. A little rain, an unexpected detour, a change of scenery – these things often lead to the most beautiful and authentic images. Go into your elopement day with an open heart and a spirit of adventure!
Get your marriage license sorted in advance.
Whatever location you choose, don’t forget the paperwork! Marriage license requirements vary by state and county, so be sure to research the specific requirements for where you plan to elope well ahead of your wedding day.
Communicate with your photographer.
Once you’ve chosen your location, share every detail with your photographer so they can help you plan a timeline that makes the most of the light, the scenery, and your day. The more I know about your vision, the better I can serve you and create images that truly reflect the beauty of your special day.
Let’s Plan Your Dream Elopement Together!
I truly hope this guide has helped you feel a little more confident and excited as you begin the process of choosing your perfect elopement location. Remember – there is no “right” or “wrong” answer here. The most important thing is that your location feels meaningful, beautiful, and completely true to the two of you.
I would be so honored to be part of your elopement journey! If you’d like to chat about locations, ask questions, or learn more about my elopement photography services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to help every step of the way.
Feel free to contact me.
