Best Destinations for a Spring Elopement
Many elopements these days take place in mountainous locations chasing those big high elevation vistas. So naturally Summer and Fall have become the most popular seasons for eloping. Which makes total sense as if you want those vistas the snowpack needs to have melted to grant you access. But those months, especially the summer, can be incredibly busy for the parks. By contrast in spring the mountain passes are closed unless you’re up for some snowshoeing but does that mean you can’t have an epic adventure eloping in spring? Absolutely not. There are plenty of incredible locations that are perfect for a spring elopement. Frankly some of them can be downright deadly in summer so spring is a great time to go. Depending on if you’re eloping in March, April, May, or June will also affect which location might be best for your adventure.
what locations are best for springtime elopements and micro weddings?
Dividing them up into broad categories it would be the deserts, the foothills, and the coast. Each area has its pros and cons for a spring wedding but all of them can make for an incredible experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
deserts
In spring the deserts of the western US have mild daytime temperatures that are far, far, more enjoyable than the summer months' scorching heat. You can enjoy the desert vistas; sand dunes, dry lake beds, slot canyons, and rock formations in relative comfort. Depending on the location you might even get to see the desert in bloom in the spring time which can make for near magical elopement photos. The downside? Spring is often the peak season for national and state parks in the desert so you probably won’t be alone on your elopement. But there are workarounds. Plan to visit popular locations at sunrise or sunset to avoid the big crowds, or simply choose a destination off the beaten path. Mid march to May is often the best time for elopements in the desert.
Think : Death valley, Mojave, Joshua Tree, Zion, Valley of fire.
Foot Hills
Springtime may be too early for getting up into the mountains, but they can still star in your elopement photos. Snow covered mountains may not be good for hiking through but they certainly make a far prettier backdrop than the bare stone of summer. Not only that but the foothills often have sine incredible scenery of their own. Look at locations like the Alabama hills for example. Stunning rock formations that you can spend days climbing over and getting incredible shots and all the while the eastern Sierra tower majestically in the background. I’m also going to include Yosemite in this list. While the high country is snowed in, the valley is open year round. Spring is one of the best times to see the valley’s incredible waterfalls without all the crowds of summer. What’s the downside? Being near the mountains often means you are still at some elevation and temperatures can be low, especially for early morning shoots. Early May to mid June will usually get you the best temps and the most wildflowers in bloom.
Think: Alabama Hills, Yosemite, Inyo National Forest, Grand Teton.
Coasts
The western coastline of the US has a wide variety of landscapes from Coastal cliffs to moving sand dunes and even old growth redwoods right up to the water's edge. From California to Washington this coastline shifts from one incredible landscape to another. When you think of visiting the coast, you’re probably thinking summer would be the better time to go, but so does everyone else. Locations like Big Sur can be an absolute nightmare in the summertime and it can be hard to have an incredible elopement experience when you’re struggling to find parking. So elope to the coast this spring and enjoy the lush coastal redwoods and crashing waves without the crowd. Now there is one downside to spring coastal weddings, and that is the chance of rain. There isn’t a whole lot you can do to plan around the rain, but you can roll with it. Some of the best wedding photos I have taken have been of couples laughing in the rain. Just bring an umbrella! For the coasts you’ll want to pick the month that has the least rain for the region you are eloping to.
Think: Big Sur, Coastal Redwoods, Olympic National Park, Oregon Coast.
My favorite destinations for Springtime Elopements
Deserts
Death Valley National Park
Located in southeastern California, this unique and stunning location is perfect for spring elopements. With its otherworldly landscapes, this park offers a variety of stunning backdrops for a wedding ceremony and breathtaking photo opportunities. One of the most iconic features of Death Valley is its sand dunes. The park features several large dunes, including the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, which offer stunning views at sunrise and sunset. These dunes make for a dramatic ceremony location with the soft sand beneath your feet and rolling dunes in the background. Death Valley is also home to colorful canyons, such as Golden Canyon and Mosaic Canyon, which offer fun hikes and beautiful backdrops for elopement photos. These canyons are known for their striated rock formations and vibrant colors, which change throughout the day as the light shifts. Another must-see feature of Death Valley is the Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. This vast expanse of salt flats offers a surreal and otherworldly landscape that is perfect for dramatic photos. The vastness of the salt flats creates a feeling of awe and wonder that is unmatched in any other location.
Joshua Tree National Park
Located in southern California, this park features a variety of landscapes, from rugged rock formations to the iconic Joshua trees that give the park its name. Spring is one of the best times to elope in Joshua Tree with the mild weather and blooming wildflowers. Despite being a desert the park is home to a variety of wildflowers, including desert dandelions, lupine, and verbena. The colorful blooms provide a stunning contrast against the park's rocky terrain, creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere for an elopement ceremony. The park is home to massive boulder formations, towering monoliths, and rocky hillsides that offer breathtaking views. The contrasting textures and colors of the rocks create a unique and dramatic backdrop for an wedding ceremony. Of course, no visit to Joshua Tree is complete without experiencing the iconic Joshua trees themselves. These unusual trees, which are actually a type of yucca, are found throughout the park and are a symbol of the region.
Check out my Joshua Tree Guide
Zion National Park
Spring is when the park's landscapes are at their most vibrant. Located in southern Utah, Zion National Park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and stunning waterfalls. The park's main attraction, Zion Canyon, is a must-see for any eloping couple. The canyon walls tower over 2,000 feet above the canyon floor and are a vibrant shade of red and orange. The canyon is also home to several waterfalls, including the stunning Emerald Pools, which are fed by a series of cascading falls. One of the most popular hikes is Angels Landing, a challenging but rewarding hike that offers panoramic views of the park from the summit. Being so popular if you want to include it in your plans for the big day make sure to have your wedding on a weekday and hit the trail as early as possible. For couples interested in the Narrows, they usually remain closed till mid may due to high water levels so plan for a late spring elopement to take advantage of them. The Narrows is known for its towering canyon walls and crystal-clear water, making it a truly unique and unforgettable location for wedding photos.
Arizona
Arizona is a popular destination for springtime elopers looking to avoid the summer heat. Home to a variety of national parks and natural wonders, Arizona offers a myriad awe inspiring backdrops for your wedding day. No write up about Arizona would be complete without the Grand Canyon. This world wonder with its mind boggling size, towering cliffs and breathtaking views of the canyon below makes for a unique wedding destination. Just be prepared for some serious hiking if you want to reach the bottom. Another stunning option for a spring elopement is Antelope Canyon. This slot canyon is known for its stunning colors and unique rock formations, look into getting a private tour of the canyon. For those looking for a more secluded and intimate location for their wedding adventure, Sedona is a stunning option. This charming town is surrounded by towering red rock formations and is home to a variety of stunning locations for a ceremony, including Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. Don’t forget the other parks; Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. Both offer stunning landscapes with towering cacti in Saguaro National Park and stunning petrified wood in Petrified Forest National Park.
FootHills
Alabama Hills
If you're planning a spring elopement and are looking for a destination that offers breathtaking scenery and a truly unforgettable experience, the Alabama Hills is the perfect choice. With its dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations, this stunning location is sure to provide a magical backdrop for your special day. The Alabama Hills are a breathtaking and unique landscape located in the Eastern Sierra region of California, providing the perfect backdrop for a springtime elopement. This destination is known for its spectacular rock formations, which offer a dramatic and otherworldly backdrop for your special day.
One of the most iconic locations for an Alabama Hills elopement is the Mobius Arch. This natural arch creates a frame for the surrounding mountains and is a truly unforgettable location for a ceremony. The Lone Pine Peak, which towers over the Alabama Hills, is another popular location for elopements, providing a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
Hiking in the Alabama Hills is also a popular activity, with several trails offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The Alabama Hills Trail is a popular option, with sweeping views of the valley and unique rock formations along the way. The Whitney Portal Trailhead is another great option, offering breathtaking views of Mount Whitney and the surrounding mountains.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite National Park is a stunning destination in any season, but springtime brings a unique and beautiful experience to this already breathtaking landscape. With snowmelt feeding the waterfalls and the trees starting to bloom, Yosemite in spring is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike. While the high-country may be closed until almost the end of spring, the iconic Yosemite Valley really hits it’s stride in spring. In spring, the waterfalls are at their most powerful, providing a breathtaking spectacle that is not to be missed. Some of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Yosemite Valley include Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Vernal Fall. For more adventurous couples, Yosemite in spring also offers a range of hiking and rock climbing opportunities.
Check out my Yosemite elopement Guide
Grand Teton
Grand Teton National Park is a stunning location that offers couples breathtaking views, natural beauty, and a sense of adventure for their elopement. Spring is one of the best times to visit Grand Teton, as the weather is mild, the snow is melting, and the wildlife is abundant. Located in northwestern Wyoming, and just outside Jackson Hole, the park boasts breathtaking mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The iconic feature of the park is the Teton Range, a towering mountain range that dominates the skyline and really makes your wedding photos pop. In late spring, the snow begins to melt, and the mountains become more accessible for adventurous couples. You can hike up to Inspiration Point, where you will have a panoramic view of the valley and the Teton Range. The trail to Taggart Lake is another popular option for couples who love the outdoors, offering a peaceful hike with stunning views of the mountains, wildflowers, and wildlife. It's important to keep in mind that springtime in the park can bring unpredictable weather, with occasional snowstorms, rain, and wind. But with the right gear and preparation, the weather should not be a concern, and it can make for some unique and beautiful elopement photos.
Inyo National Forest
Spring elopements in Inyo National Forest offer a perfect blend of adventure, beauty, and romance. This time of year the landscape really starts coming alive with blooming wildflowers and flowing waterfalls. Located in Eastern California, it is a magical destination for couples looking for a serene and adventurous place to elope. There are no shortage of incredible locations here perfect for elopement photography. Convict Lake lake looks like it straight out of the Swiss alps and is a picturesque location with calm waters, surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. In late spring, the snow begins to melt, and more trails become accessible for couples who love the outdoors. Check out Lake Ellery at the eastern entrance to Yosemite, as well as the trails around Mono Lake and Bishop Creek also offer stunning views of the wildflowers and mountains. Inyo National forest is where I personally camp and vacation to several times a year so it’s a personal favorite.
Coasts
Big Sur
Located in Central California, the Big Sur area is a breathtaking destination for couples looking for a romantic wedding setting. Spring is a perfect time to visit with the weather mild and the crowds thinner than during the summer months. The coastline of Big Sur is one of the most stunning backdrops for a wedding. You have to see Pfeiffer Beach, with its famous purple sand and massive rock formations, is a popular spot for elopements and small weddings. Hike through redwoods and sit atop the rocky cliffs famous around the world.. The area receives some rain during the spring, but it's usually light, and it can add some drama to the photos. It's important to keep in mind that Big Sur is prone to fog, which can create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere, but it can also limit the visibility.
Coastal Redwoods
A majestic and awe-inspiring location in the far reaches of Northern California. Couples looking to elope to this magical setting won’t be disappointed. The towering trees, with their moss-covered trunks and branches, create a fairy tale-like atmosphere that is perfect for intimate and romantic weddings. The Redwood National and State Parks offer several locations for elopements and small weddings. One of the most popular spots is Fern Canyon, a lush and narrow canyon with towering walls covered in ferns and moss. Another of my favorites is the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a serene and peaceful location with a loop trail that takes you through some of the oldest and tallest redwoods in the park. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and mountain lions, which always makes the day a bit more exciting. The redwoods are a protected area, and there are restrictions on where and when photography is allowed, so it's best to plan ahead and work with a professional. If you're looking for a location that is truly out of this world, then the coastal redwoods are the perfect choice.
Check out my Redwood guide
Olympic National Park
Located in the Northwest of Washington, Olympic is a natural wonderland of rugged coastline, sea stacks, driftwood, lush ferns and moss covered trees. Springtime is one of the best seasons to visit the park, with milder temperatures, lighter rain and fewer crowds. In the park you’ll find a range of locations for elopements and small weddings. From Rialto Beach with its tide pools and stone arches to the Hoh Rainforest, a lush and mystical location with old-growth trees, and moss-covered logs there are an array of enchanting landscapes for your wedding. The misty forests and foggy coasts create a peaceful and romantic setting that is a joy for me to create in. Overall, elopements in the Olympic National Park in the spring offer a natural wonderland and a unique and unforgettable experience.
Check out my Olympic National Park Guide
Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is another stunning destination for couples looking to tie the knot in a picturesque location. The rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and charming coastal towns are the perfect setting for your romantic springtime weddings. The Oregon Coast offers several locations for destination weddings, From the many spectacular beaches like Neptune’s Beach or Cannon Beach, to the cliff top vistas like Natural Bridges and of course the countless miles of trails through the forests. The area is also home to a range of wildlife, including sea lions, whales, and otters. The Oregon Coast is a popular destination for weddings and elopements, so it's best to plan ahead and book your vendors early.